ZEN C

Modern Ergonomics.
Zero Overhead.
Pure C.

A strictly typed systems language that brings pattern matching, traits, and ownership semantics to the C ecosystem.

$ git clone https://github.com/z-libs/Zen-C.git

COPIED

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server.zc

import "std/net.zc"

def PORT = 8080;

fn main() {
    println "Listening on :{PORT}";
    
    let res = TcpListener::bind("0.0.0.0", PORT);
    
    guard res.is_ok() else {
        eprintln "Bind failed: {res.err}";
        return;
    }

    let listener = res.unwrap();
    defer listener.close();

    loop {
        let client = listener.accept();
        async handle_client(client);
    }
}

BUILT FOR: KERNEL DEV • GAME ENGINES • EMBEDDED SYSTEMS • HIGH-FREQUENCY TRADING

Native C Interop

100% ABI compatible. Includes C headers directly, supports raw function pointers, and compiles to standard C11/GNU C.

Resource Semantics

Move-by-default semantics and RAII (Drop trait) prevent double-free errors without the overhead of a garbage collector.

Metaprogramming

Execute code at compile-time with comptime, embed binary assets, and use smart attributes for optimization.

Pattern Matching

Destructure enums, match against ranges, and use guards for powerful control flow compared to switch statements.

Generics

Write reusable, type-safe code with zero runtime overhead using monomorphized generics and trait bounds.

Concurrency

Built-in async/await for high-performance I/O operations without complex callback hell.

Polyglot Architecture

Zen C adapts to your ecosystem. Link seamlessly with existing codebases.

CUDA

--cuda

Write GPU kernels with Zen syntax using launch and @global attributes.

@global
fn add(a: float*, b: float*) {
    let i = thread_id();
    a[i] += b[i];
}

C++

--cpp

Generate C++ compatible code to link against libraries. Instantiate templates in raw blocks.

raw {
    std::vector<int> get_vec() {
        return {1, 2, 3};
    }
}

Objective-C

--objc

Native macOS support. Mix [Object message] syntax within your systems code.

raw {
    id pool = [[NSPool alloc] init];
    [pool drain];
}

First-Class Tooling

LSP Support

Built-in Language Server provides Go-to-Definition, Hover, Completion, and Diagnostics.

Interactive REPL

Experiment instantly with zc repl. Features persistent history and benchmarking.

Portable Builds

Compile to APE (Actually Portable Executable) to run one binary on any OS.

Sustain the Project

Zen C is strictly Open Source and community-funded. Contributions via Open Collective ensure the longevity of the infrastructure.

View Open Collective →

Backer

$5/mo

Support daily maintenance.

✓ Badge on GitHub
✓ Discord Role

Sponsor

$100/mo

Fuel new features.

✓ All Backer rewards
✓ Early RFC access
✓ Logo in README

Enterprise

Contact

Tailored solutions.

✓ Priority Support
✓ Logo on Homepage

Start Compiling

CLONE git clone https://github.com/z-libs/Zen-C.git

BUILD make

INSTALL sudo make install

Or compile as APE: make ape