LUA(1)LUA(1)NAME
lua - Lua interpreter
SYNOPSIS
lua [ options ] [ script [ args ] ]
DESCRIPTION
lua is the standalone Lua interpreter. It loads and executes Lua pro‐
grams, either in textual source form or in precompiled binary form.
(Precompiled binaries are output by luac, the Lua compiler.) lua can
be used as a batch interpreter and also interactively.
The given options are handled in order and then the Lua program in file
script is loaded and executed. The given args are available to script
as strings in a global table named arg. If no options or arguments are
given, then -v-i is assumed when the standard input is a terminal;
otherwise, - is assumed.
In interactive mode, lua prompts the user, reads lines from the stan‐
dard input, and executes them as they are read. If the line contains
an expression or list of expressions, then the line is evaluated and
the results are printed. If a line does not contain a complete state‐
ment, then a secondary prompt is displayed and lines are read until a
complete statement is formed or a syntax error is found.
At the very start, before even handling the command line, lua checks
the contents of the environment variables LUA_INIT_5_3 or LUA_INIT, in
that order. If the contents is of the form '@filename', then filename
is executed. Otherwise, the string is assumed to be a Lua statement
and is executed.
OPTIONS-e stat
execute statement stat.
-i enter interactive mode after executing script.
-l name
execute the equivalent of name=require('name') before executing
script.
-v show version information.
-E ignore environment variables.
-- stop handling options.
- stop handling options and execute the standard input as a file.
SEE ALSOluac(1)
The documentation at lua.org, especially section 7 of the reference
manual.
DIAGNOSTICS
Error messages should be self explanatory.
AUTHORS
R. Ierusalimschy, L. H. de Figueiredo, W. Celes
$Date: 2014/12/10 15:55:45 $ LUA(1)
