Helix is a statically typed programming language, built for systems programming and high-performance applications. Designed with interoperability in mind. Helix aims to combine the power and control of low-level languages with the safety and clarity of high-level design.
- Safe, and productive programming language.
- Allow for low-level programming with fine-grained control.
- Seamless interoperability with C and C++ along with other native languages.
- Include a portable, well-structured standard library.
- Encourage clear, maintainable, and reviewable code through strong, expressive semantics.
- An alternative to C, C++, and Rust or work alongside them.
- C and C++ give you the beans, grinder, and espresso machine; and all the ingredients, but you dont have any instructions on how to make it, you have all the freedom but no guidance.
- Rust gives you some ingredients and some fancy equipment, but you are forced to follow strict recipes and you don't have enough creative freedom do what you would like. You can't experiment with the recipes and create your own variations easily.
- Helix gives you all that you need, with clear recipes and instructions, but also allows you to experiment and make your own recipes, without any restrictions.
- We liked the simplicity of Python's syntax but wanted more.
- We wanted the performance and control of C and C++.
- We admired Rust's safety features but, at times, found them cumbersome.
- We liked Rust's Meta-programming and Trait system.
- We liked Zig's approach to interoperability.
- We wanted a powerful module system.
- We wanted a robust standard library.
- We wanted a language that would work drop-in with any existing C or C++ codebases.
- We wanted all; without compromising on any front.
- So we created Helix.
Helix is built to slot directly into C and C++ ecosystems, offering a fresh syntax and features, without abandoning decades of code.
The Stage 0 compiler (written in C++) is functional and can compile Helix, currently very unstable, and riddled with bugs. Development of the Stage 1 compiler, written in Helix itself, is in progress.
Thanks to all contributors pushing Helix forward.
To get started with Helix, please refer to the Installation Guide and Learn.
Note
Documentation is a work in progress and most of whats there is written using AI (LLMs). It has many missing parts and inaccuracies. We are working on redoing it and would appreciate any contributions, feedback, or suggestions you may have! You can find the source on GitHub, and the website is hosted at helix-lang.com.