Question 1

How do I compile a Typed Lua file to plain Lua?

Accepted Answer

Use the tlc command-line compiler with options like -o for output file name, e.g., 'tlc -o myfile.lua myfile.tl'. The README lists all compiler options for customization, such as enabling strict mode with -s.

Question 2

Typed Lua vs tl – which is better for type checking in Lua?

Accepted Answer

tl is actively maintained and recommended in the Typed Lua README as the successor. Typed Lua is deprecated, so tl is preferable for new projects due to ongoing updates, better community, and likely more features.

Question 3

Does Typed Lua work with Lua 5.4?

Accepted Answer

It requires Lua >=5.1, so it might run on Lua 5.4, but without active maintenance, compatibility isn't guaranteed. Check the repository for any patches or use tl for modern Lua version support.

Question 4

Can I add types to an existing Lua project with Typed Lua?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Typed Lua supports gradual typing – you can start by adding annotations to parts of your code. The runtime loader allows mixing .tl and .lua files, making integration straightforward without rewriting everything.

Question 5

What are the performance impacts of using Typed Lua?

Accepted Answer

Since Typed Lua compiles to plain Lua, runtime performance is similar to standard Lua. The overhead is minimal, mainly during compilation for type checking, which doesn't affect execution speed.

Question 6

How to handle type errors in strict mode?

Accepted Answer

Enable strict mode with the -s flag during compilation, which enforces stricter type checks. Errors will be reported at compile-time, and you must fix them before generating Lua code, improving code safety.

Typed Lua

What is Typed Lua?

Overview

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Pros & Cons

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Frequently Asked Questions