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Guide · Open source

How to use Zig: find the current source and downloads

Updated · written with AI from the project's own documentation and checked against our catalogue data

Zig is an open-source programming language and compiler toolchain that developers use to write and build software running close to the hardware. This guide is for readers who want to find the project's current home and understand what the ziglang/zig GitHub repository actually contains. After reading it, you will know where to get the active source, why this repo is only a pointer, and what to check next.

Zigziglang/zig · ★ 43.3k · MIT

Quick start

  1. 1Open the migration announcement. Follow the link in the README to the ziglang.org post about moving from GitHub to Codeberg.
  2. 2Find the active repository. Use the announcement to locate the project's current home on Codeberg, since this GitHub repo is not mirrored.
  3. 3Check whether the GitHub clone is current. If you run the listed clone command, remember the README says the copy may be out of date.
  4. 4Read the project's own documentation. Look for features and build instructions in the project's official pages, because this README does not include them.

What is Zig and who uses it?

Zig is an open-source programming language and compiler toolchain. Developers use it to write and build software that runs close to the hardware.

The project is MIT licensed and its language is listed as Zig.

  • Language: Zig
  • Licence: MIT
  • Typical use: low-level software that runs close to the hardware

Why this GitHub repository is not the place to start

The ziglang/zig repository on GitHub has moved to Codeberg. The README links to the project's migration announcement on ziglang.org rather than containing feature documentation.

The README also states that this repository is not mirrored, so it may be out of date. Do not rely on it for the latest code.

  • The README links to the migration announcement on ziglang.org
  • The README says the repository is not mirrored
  • The README does not describe features or installation steps

How to get the current Zig source

Start with the migration announcement linked in the README. It is the project's own pointer to where development now happens.

The item listing includes a clone command for this GitHub URL. Because the README warns that the repo is not mirrored and may be out of date, treat that clone as a historical copy and confirm the current location on the announcement page before you build anything.

git clone https://github.com/ziglang/zig

Use the README and project links to learn more

This README provides little detail about features, so the source material here does not describe Zig's syntax, standard library or build tooling. For those, follow the project's own links from the migration announcement.

If you are new to systems languages, comparing Zig with projects like Rust, Go, Odin or Nim can help you decide which fits your work. This page does not make claims about how they differ.

  • Read the migration announcement on ziglang.org
  • Compare with Rust, Go, Odin and Nim if you are choosing a language

What people use it for

  • Following the Zig language project as it develops
  • Finding the current Zig source code from its official migration notice
  • Locating the active repository on Codeberg to contribute

Frequently asked questions

Is Zig free and open source?

Yes. The project is listed under the MIT licence, and it is described as an open-source programming language and compiler toolchain.

Where is the current Zig source code?

The README says the project has moved to Codeberg. The migration announcement on ziglang.org is the linked pointer to the new location.

Why is the GitHub repo not up to date?

The README states the repository is not mirrored and may be out of date. Use the official announcement to find the active source.

Does this README explain how to install Zig?

No. The README only links to the migration announcement and does not list install steps or prerequisites.

What are alternatives to Zig?

The item lists Rust, Go, Odin and Nim as comparable projects. This page does not compare their features.

What is Zig used for?

Developers use Zig to write and build software that runs close to the hardware, according to the project summary.

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Our verdict

Zig is a good choice to follow if you want a low-level open-source language and toolchain, and this repo is the right first stop only to find the migration notice. Do not use this GitHub repository as your source of code or documentation, because it is not mirrored and may be out of date. If you need install steps or feature details now, look elsewhere in the project's official links.

Install options & downloads