Install Lua on Windows

What Lua is

Lua is a light, fast scripting language. It is used to automate tasks, to script apps and tools, and to build your own programs.

Step 1: Download the Lua binaries

Open the LuaBinaries page on SourceForge and download the Windows build for your system (for example Lua 5.4, 64-bit, "Tools Executables").

Step 2: Extract the archive

Extract the zip file to a folder such as C:\lua. You will find these files:

• lua54.dll. The Lua runtime library.
• lua54.exe. Runs Lua scripts. (Some builds name it lua.exe.)
• luac54.exe. The Lua compiler.
• wlua54.exe. A wrapper to run scripts without a console window.

  

Step 3: Add Lua to the PATH

1. Search for environment variables in the Start menu.

   

2. Open Edit the system environment variables and click Environment Variables.

   

3. Select Path, click Edit, then New, and add C:\lua.

   

4. Click OK in all windows.

Step 4: Check the install

Open a new Command Prompt:

lua -v

If your file is called lua54.exe, copy it to lua.exe or type lua54 -v.

Run a script

Create hello.lua:

print("Hello, Lua!")

Run it:

lua hello.lua

Why Lua

• Automate repeated tasks and workflows.
• Write scripts and mods for apps and tools that support Lua.
• Build your own small programs.
• Use a large library of packages (for example with LuaRocks).

Quick recap

• Download the LuaBinaries and extract them to C:\lua.
• Add the folder to the PATH.
• Check with lua -v.