FLUA(1)

🐚 FLUA(1) — Lua interpreter for the FreeBSD base system ✨

okay so you opened the FLUA(1) page from the General Commands Manual, and it's literally the tiny Lua interpreter living inside the FreeBSD base system. no cap. 🫶

🌸 NAME

flua — Lua interpreter for the FreeBSD base system 💖

✨ SYNOPSIS

here's the exact fit, bestie:

       flua [-EWiv] [-e string] [-l module] [-l g=module] [script [args]] [--]
            [-]

that's -E, -W, -i, -v, -e with string, -l with module, -l with g=module, then script [args], --, and -. the page doesn't spell out extra flag meanings here, so I'm not inventing any — the synopsis is the receipt. 💅

🦋 DESCRIPTION

flua is a minimal Lua interpreter integrated into the FreeBSD base system. it's derived from Lua 5.4 with modifications to suit the needs of FreeBSD build infrastructure and system tooling. the whole vibe is internal use within the base system: flua is not designed for general-purpose scripting or use by third-party applications. periodt.

unlike full Lua installations provided by the Ports Collection, flua has a reduced feature set and is limited to meeting the requirements of base system environments such as the bootloader. it's giving "small, focused, built for the house," not "general-purpose scripting icon." 💀

🌈 USAGE

flua is typically invoked internally by FreeBSD base system tools and build scripts. while it accepts Lua source files and arguments in a standard fashion, its limited environment and module support make it unsuitable for general scripting use. so like… it can take the standard shape, but it's not your general scripting bestie. 🙈

🎀 INCLUDED MODULES

flua includes a subset of functionality from a small number of standard Lua modules as well as bespoke modules necessary for the base system. the lineup:

• lfs (LuaFileSystem) — file attribute and directory manipulation 🍓
• lposix — basic POSIX system calls 🧚
• freebsd.kenv(3lua) 🌸
• freebsd.sys.linker(3lua) 💜
• hash(3lua) ⭐
• jail(3lua) 👑

💅 NOTES

bestie, listen: flua should not be used as a replacement for lua(1) from the Ports Collection (e.g., lang/lua54), because it may be modified or updated to a newer Lua version in the future without retaining backwards compatibility.

🫶 SEE ALSO

• freebsd.kenv(3lua)
• freebsd.sys.linker(3lua)
• hash(3lua)
• jail(3lua)
• style.lua(9)

🔥 HISTORY

flua first appeared in FreeBSD 14.0. iconic. 👑

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cute sign-off: this page's footer says Debian • April 28, 2025 • FLUA(1). mwah 💋