How do I validate RemoteEvent data with t in Roblox?

Use t.wrap to encapsulate your RemoteEvent handler functions with type definitions like t.tuple or t.interface. This ensures incoming data matches expected types, preventing server errors from invalid inputs, as highlighted in the README's security focus.

t or roblox-ts for type checking in Roblox?

t is a runtime library for Lua, providing validation during execution, while roblox-ts is a TypeScript compiler with static types. Choose t if you need runtime safety in pure Lua; opt for roblox-ts for compile-time checks and modern tooling.

How to make optional fields in a table with t?

Use t.optional within t.interface definitions. For example, `t.interface({Name = t.string, Score = t.optional(t.number)})` allows the Score field to be nil or a number, as shown in the interface examples.

Does t integrate with Luau's type annotations?

t is compatible with Luau but doesn't leverage its static type features. You can use t for runtime validation independently, though it doesn't provide cross-tool synergy for development-time checks.

What's the performance cost of using t in a Roblox game?

Runtime checks add overhead, particularly for complex validations or high-frequency calls. Profile your game to assess impact, and consider limiting checks to critical paths like Remote events to balance safety and performance.

How to create a custom type checker for my Roblox classes with t?

Implement a function that returns a boolean and error message, then integrate it with t's composition functions. The README's Tips and Tricks section shows an example for OOP frameworks, but it requires manual setup for error handling.

t — Roblox Lua Type Checker

What is t?

t is a runtime type checker for Roblox Lua that allows developers to create type definitions and validate values against them. It helps catch type mismatch bugs, secure Remote objects from exploiter data, and ensure functions receive correct argument types in large systems.

Target Audience

Roblox developers building complex games or systems who need runtime type safety, especially those working with Remote events and functions where data validation is critical for security.

Value Proposition

Developers choose t for its Roblox-specific features, concise API that reduces code noise, and comprehensive type composition capabilities, making it a practical alternative to manual assertions for ensuring data integrity.

A Runtime Typechecker for Roblox

Use Cases

Best For

Validating arguments in Roblox RemoteFunctions and RemoteEvents
Ensuring data integrity in large-scale Roblox game systems
Creating structured interfaces for complex Lua tables
Securing server-side code against exploiter-sent bad data
Building type-safe APIs within Roblox experiences
Enforcing strict type constraints in Roblox Lua modules

Not Ideal For

Performance-critical Roblox experiences where runtime overhead must be minimized, such as real-time physics or rendering loops
Developers already using Luau's static type annotations or tools like roblox-ts that provide compile-time checking
Small scripts or rapid prototypes where manual assertions are sufficient and setup time is a concern

Pros & Cons

Pros

Roblox-Specific Type Support

Includes built-in validators for Roblox primitives like Instance, CFrame, and Vector3, as listed in the README, making it ideal for game data validation.

Concise and Minimal API

Named 't' to reduce code noise, with type definitions like `t.tuple(t.string, t.number)` keeping syntax clean and readable, as emphasized in the Philosophy section.

Flexible Type Composition

Supports unions, intersections, optional types, and interfaces, enabling complex validations such as nested interfaces shown in the README examples.

Seamless Function Integration

Offers t.wrap and t.strict utilities to easily add type checks to functions, reducing boilerplate compared to manual assertions, as demonstrated in the Function Wrapping section.

Cons

Runtime Performance Overhead

All validations occur at runtime, which can impact performance in games with tight budgets, especially for frequent Remote calls or complex type checks.

No Static Type Safety

Errors are only caught during execution, lacking the early bug detection of static type systems, which might be a downside for large-scale development.

Cumbersome Custom Type Error Handling

Creating custom type checkers requires manual error messaging, as shown in the Tips and Tricks section, adding complexity for advanced use cases.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is t?

Target Audience

Roblox developers building complex games or systems who need runtime type safety, especially those working with Remote events and functions where data validation is critical for security.

Value Proposition

Use Cases

Best For

Validating arguments in Roblox RemoteFunctions and RemoteEvents
Ensuring data integrity in large-scale Roblox game systems
Creating structured interfaces for complex Lua tables
Securing server-side code against exploiter-sent bad data
Building type-safe APIs within Roblox experiences
Enforcing strict type constraints in Roblox Lua modules

Not Ideal For

Performance-critical Roblox experiences where runtime overhead must be minimized, such as real-time physics or rendering loops
Developers already using Luau's static type annotations or tools like roblox-ts that provide compile-time checking
Small scripts or rapid prototypes where manual assertions are sufficient and setup time is a concern

Pros & Cons

Pros

Roblox-Specific Type Support

Includes built-in validators for Roblox primitives like Instance, CFrame, and Vector3, as listed in the README, making it ideal for game data validation.

Concise and Minimal API

Named 't' to reduce code noise, with type definitions like `t.tuple(t.string, t.number)` keeping syntax clean and readable, as emphasized in the Philosophy section.

Flexible Type Composition

Supports unions, intersections, optional types, and interfaces, enabling complex validations such as nested interfaces shown in the README examples.

Seamless Function Integration

Offers t.wrap and t.strict utilities to easily add type checks to functions, reducing boilerplate compared to manual assertions, as demonstrated in the Function Wrapping section.

Cons

Runtime Performance Overhead

All validations occur at runtime, which can impact performance in games with tight budgets, especially for frequent Remote calls or complex type checks.

No Static Type Safety

Errors are only caught during execution, lacking the early bug detection of static type systems, which might be a downside for large-scale development.

Cumbersome Custom Type Error Handling

Creating custom type checkers requires manual error messaging, as shown in the Tips and Tricks section, adding complexity for advanced use cases.

Frequently Asked Questions

t

What is t?

Overview

Use Cases

Best For

Not Ideal For

Pros & Cons

Pros

Cons

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Projects

Found a gem we're missing?

t

What is t?

Overview

Use Cases

Best For

Not Ideal For

Pros & Cons

Pros

Cons

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Projects

Found a gem we're missing?