Simple and Readable Code
Jik is statically typed, but keeps common programs concise with type inference, optional annotations, and straightforward syntax.
Jik
Clear, concise code for efficient native programs.
Region-based memory
Control lifetimes without managing every allocation
Functions can place returned data directly in a caller-selected region. Temporary strings and collections are freed together when the function returns, and compiler checks prevent references from outliving their data.
- Caller-controlled result lifetimes
- Bulk reclamation without garbage collection
- Compiler-checked references between regions
What Jik Is Built For
Practical Language Features
Vectors, dictionaries, options, variants, error handling, a standard library, and a growing package ecosystem support real programs.
Region-Based Memory
Composite values are allocated into regions that determine their lifetime, while compiler checks prevent references across regions with incompatible lifetimes.
Predictable C Output
Jik uses a source-to-C compilation model, producing predictable generated C that can be inspected, debugged, and built with existing toolchains.
Documentation
- Language overview Tour of syntax, types, modules, memory management, error handling, and other things.
- Memory management Region allocation, local regions, explicit allocation targets, and returning composite values.
- Standard library The Jik standard library reference.
- Official packages Packages for Jik, including setup instructions and import examples.
- Examples Complete example programs from the repository.
News
Published
More region ergonomics in Jik v0.1.0-alpha.23
Allocate in a function's implicit region with @, return composite literals more naturally, and write diagnostics to standard error.
Status
Jik is actively developed and is available as a series of 0.1.0 alpha releases. Some language and library interfaces may still change. Current development focuses on compiler correctness, language ergonomics, and standard library growth.
Join the Jik community
Ask questions, share projects, and discuss the language with other Jik users.