Zig: Build System Reworked

In my experience, this (for now) is mostly aspirational. It's obviously a major goal, and there are clear milestones outlined on how to achieve it, but in practice the initial compile of an empty project or the excruciating pause when you `direnv allow` and ZLS needs to be (re)built are not what I'd describe as "terrific".

Re: Zig: Build System Reworked

#8

Post by portly » Sat, May 30, 2026, 10:32 AM UTC

After having used Zig for a couple of months now I am convinced it is a fantastic tool language. You just pick it up to hack some idea together freely. Every time I hit a wall, I find the creators have thought of it already and offers comfort. But nothing gets in your face how to use the programming language "correctly".

For me it is now the go-to "tinker in my garage" language.

Re: Zig: Build System Reworked

#9

Post by epolanski » Sat, May 30, 2026, 10:32 AM UTC

dmit wrote: post #7

epolanski wrote: post #5

This sounds like great news, Zig's compilation times are already terrific and this is going to only make them better.

> Zig's compilation times are already terrific In my experience, this (for now) is mostly aspirational. It's obviously a major goal, and there are clear milestones outlined on how to achieve it, but in practice the initial compile of an empty project or the excruciating pause when you `direnv allow` and ZLS needs to be (re)built are not what I'd describe as "terrific".

Maybe you're right, but how many other system programming languages toolchains give you sub 50ms recompilations across millions of LoC?

Re: Zig: Build System Reworked

#10

Post by dmit » Sat, May 30, 2026, 10:35 AM UTC

epolanski wrote: post #9

dmit wrote: post #7

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> Zig's compilation times are already terrific In my experience, this (for now) is mostly aspirational. It's obviously a major goal, and there are clear milestones outlined on how to achieve it, but in practice the initial compile of an empty project or the excruciating pause when you `direnv allow` and ZLS needs to be (re)built are not what I'd describe as "terrific".

Maybe you're right, but how many other system programming languages toolchains give you sub 50ms re compilations across millions of LoC?

I foresee a pjmlp comment in your near future. :)