Learn ZIG with Real Code Examples

Download the Zig compiler for your platform

Add Zig executable to system PATH

Verify installation using `zig version`

Set up project directories with src/ and build.zig

Test sample code with `zig run`

Download Zig compiler for your OS

Add Zig to PATH

Create project directories

Verify installation with `zig version`

Run sample code to test setup

build.zig - build script

src/*.zig - source files

tests/*.zig - test files

lib/ - optional libraries

bin/ - output executables

zig build - compile project

zig run src/main.zig - compile & run

zig test - run unit tests

zig fmt src/ - format source code

zig init-exe - create a new executable project

Unicode supported in strings

No language-specific limitations

Cross-platform localization possible

Works with multi-byte encodings

Compatible with C libraries internationally

Cross-platform compiler

Open-source and lightweight

Simple syntax for experienced programmers

Command-line usage

Community resources for learning

Primarily CLI applications

Minimal UI support

Integration with graphics libraries optional

Console output formatting

External libraries required for GUI

Variables explicitly defined

No hidden runtime state

Memory manually managed via pointers

Error handling via error unions

Optional types track nullable state

Slices, arrays, and structs

Pointers for low-level access

Manual memory allocation and deallocation

Optional and error types for safety

Direct C interop data handling