GitHub - orielhaim/tszig: An experimental compiler that translates TypeScript into Zig

TSZIG is an experimental compiler project that aims to transform TypeScript code into readable Zig code. The goal is to explore what a TypeScript-to-Zig workflow could look like while keeping the generated output simple and understandable.

Why?

TypeScript offers a productive developer experience, while Zig focuses on simplicity, performance, and control. (Or in simpler terms - zig is faster 🙂)

Usage

You can use the CLI to check your code compatibility or build the final Zig files.

Installation

git clone https://github.com/orielhaim/tszig.git
cd tszig

bun install # or npm install (for the losers)

Commands

Build: Compile a directory of TypeScript files to Zig.

bun dev build ./test -o ./output

Check: Validate TypeScript files for Zig compatibility without generating output.

Example

Input (fibonacci.ts):

function fibonacci(n: number): number {
  if (n <= 1) return n;
  
  let a = 0;
  let b = 1;
  
  for (let i = 2; i <= n; i++) {
    const temp = a + b;
    a = b;
    b = temp;
  }
  
  return b;
}

Output (fibonacci.zig):

pub fn fibonacci(n: f64) f64 {
    if (n <= 1.0) return n;

    var a: f64 = 0.0;
    var b: f64 = 1.0;

    var i: f64 = 2.0;
    while (i <= n) : (i += 1.0) {
        const temp = a + b;
        a = b;
        b = temp;
    }

    return b;
}

Try it yourself

The repo includes a Test Suite directory that covers most of the supported TypeScript features.

bun dev build ./test -o ./output

Status

TSZIG is currently under active development and is considered experimental.

• ✅ Built and tested with TypeScript 6
• ✅ Compatible with Zig 0.16.0
• ⚠️ Not all TypeScript features are supported (e.g., complex Generics, JS built-ins)
• ⚠️ APIs and output format may change frequently

Goals

• Primitive types, functions, and control flow
• Classes with inheritance, abstract classes, and virtual dispatch
• Generics (functions and classes)
• Cross-module imports and multi-file compilation
• Comprehensive diagnostics for unsupported TypeScript patterns
• Standard library coverage (Math, string methods, Array utilities)
• Discriminated unions and advanced type narrowing

Contributing

Issues, ideas, feedback, and pull requests are welcome. (Obviously)

License

Apache License 2.0