Clx – Compile Lua to Native Executables Through C++20

In plain words

Clx is an ahead-of-time compiler that converts standard Lua code into C++20, which is then compiled into standalone native executables using GCC, Clang, or MSVC. Designed for developers seeking performance improvements over traditional Lua interpreters, it uses modern C++ as a portable compiler backend. Recent updates include improved value representation, full int64 support, and better arithmetic optimization. The compiled output typically runs significantly faster than Lua interpreters and can exceed LuaJIT performance on computation-heavy tasks.

written from the facts on this page · September 2026

From the sources

A cross-platform ahead-of-time Lua compiler and runtime, using C++20 backend - samyeyo/clx

clx is a cross-platform ahead-of-time Lua compiler and runtime that generates standalone native executables through modern C++ toolchains. clx is not trying to be the fastest Lua implementation in every workload. git clone https://github.com/samyeyo/clx.git cd clx ./build.sh install # or build.bat install on Windows clx examples/hello/hello.lua ./hello Hello clx ! What makes clx useful Just write Lua. clx targets Lua 5.5, so your code works like ordinary Lua. Fast native speed — your scripts are compiled to native machine code. Standalone binaries — no interpreter or extra runtime to install alongside your program. Small outputs — size-friendly builds can create very compact executables.…from github.com

In the maker’s words, at launch

Hi HN, clx is an ahead-of-time compiler for standard Lua that generates C++20 and produces standalone native executables through GCC, Clang or MSVC. The project started as an experiment to see whether modern C++ could be used as a portable compiler backend instead of LLVM or direct machine code generation. The…

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