# Luau
URL: https://wwadd.dev/tools/luau · Official site: https://create.roblox.com/docs/luau
Kind: Gradually typed scripting language derived from Lua · License: Open source · Last verified: 2026-09-30

A language derived from Lua 5.1 with optional type checking, used for gameplay scripting in Roblox. Its language implementation is open source independently of the Roblox platform.

Reach for it when:
- Roblox gameplay and reusable modules
- Projects embedding a sandboxed scripting language

Worth knowing: Roblox APIs belong to the platform, not the standalone language runtime. Existing Lua libraries may need adaptation to Luau and Roblox’s execution environment.