https://github.com/kairolang/kairo
Control everything. Compromise nothing.
https://github.com/kairolang/kairo
c compiler cpp helix helix-lang kairo language llvm programing-language programming-language python rust toolchain xmake
Last synced: about 5 hours ago
JSON representation
Control everything. Compromise nothing.
- Host: GitHub
- URL: https://github.com/kairolang/kairo
- Owner: kairolang
- License: other
- Created: 2024-01-16T23:12:26.000Z (about 2 years ago)
- Default Branch: main
- Last Pushed: 2026-04-12T02:28:38.000Z (3 days ago)
- Last Synced: 2026-04-12T03:24:37.682Z (3 days ago)
- Topics: c, compiler, cpp, helix, helix-lang, kairo, language, llvm, programing-language, programming-language, python, rust, toolchain, xmake
- Language: C++
- Homepage: https://www.kairolang.org/
- Size: 156 MB
- Stars: 365
- Watchers: 7
- Forks: 3
- Open Issues: 3
-
Metadata Files:
- Readme: README.md
- Contributing: CONTRIBUTING.md
- License: LICENSE.txt
- Cla: CLA.md
Awesome Lists containing this project
README
# Kairo Programming Language (formerly Helix)
---
Kairo is a **statically typed compiled language**, built for systems programming and high-performance applications. Designed with native bi-directional C++ interoperability in mind. Kairo aims to combine the power and control of low-level languages with the safety and clarity of high-level design.
### The goals of Kairo:
- 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.
### Current Status:
The **Stage 0 compiler** (written in C++) is functional and can compile Kairo, you can downlaod it from the [release page](https://github.com/kairolang/kairo/releases), currently very unstable, and riddled with bugs. Development of the **Stage 1 compiler**, written in Kairo itself, is in progress.
> [!WARNING]
> Documentation is a work in progress, it doesn't refelct what Stage 0 can compile or do; since most of the code emaples are for stage 1's syntax - and yes, the discriptions are mostly written using AI (LLMs). We will be redoing it incrementally, until stage 1 is stable; We would appreciate any contributions, feedback, or suggestions you may have!
>
> You can find the source on [GitHub](https://github.com/kairolang/kairo-site), and the website is at [helix-lang.com](https://www.helix-lang.com). In the meantime if you'd want some reference of kairo code that compiles on stage 0 take a look [here](https://github.com/kairolang/kairo/tree/canary/kairo-0.1.1%2Bbc.251007/Compiler)
### Why Kairo?
##### Think of programming languages like making coffee.
- **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.
- **Kairo** 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.
### Design Rationale:
- 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 **Kairo**.
Kairo is built to slot directly into C **and** C++ ecosystems, offering a fresh syntax and features, without abandoning decades of code.
### Getting Started:
**Download a release:** grab a prebuilt binary from the [releases page](https://github.com/kairolang/kairo/releases).
**Build from source:** see [BUILD.md](BUILD.md) - covers the quick install script, manual setup, PATH configuration, the VSCode extension, and debugging.
**Code reference:** since the docs are still catching up, the [Compiler directory](https://github.com/kairolang/kairo/tree/canary/kairo-0.1.1%2Bbc.251007/Compiler) has working Stage 0 examples.
### License:
Kairo is licensed under the Attribution 4.0 International License. See the [LICENSE](https://github.com/kairolang/kairo/blob/main/license) for more details.
### Acknowledgements:
We want to thank all our contributors pushing Kairo forward.
