Polylua

Polylua is a term used for several independent projects that aim to integrate Lua scripting with multiple host environments, enabling polyglot or cross-language scripting. Rather than a single standardized language, polylua refers to a set of tools and libraries that connect Lua to other programming ecosystems, each with its own design goals and scope.

Most polylua projects provide a bridge or embedding layer that lets Lua scripts run inside applications written in languages such as C, C++, Java, or .NET. They typically offer bindings to host APIs, data marshaling between Lua and the host, and support for sandboxing, error handling, and debugging. Some focus on embedding Lua in game engines or servers.

Implementation approaches vary: some deliver a thin binding layer that exposes host APIs to Lua, others embed a Lua interpreter directly and extend it with native modules. Features may include cross-language function calls, coroutine compatibility, module loading, and packaging of Lua code for reuse across environments. Performance and security considerations guide the choice of a polylua solution.

The polylua ecosystem is small and fragmented, with several projects having limited maintenance or documentation. Users are advised to assess compatibility with their host language, community support, licensing, and long-term viability before adopting a polylua solution.

See also Lua, LuaJIT, embedding scripting, cross-language integration.