FAQ — coding.red

Question 1

What is Red?

Accepted Answer

Red is a full-stack programming language that compiles to a single native binary with zero runtime dependencies. It is homoiconic (code is data), supports both high-level scripting and low-level systems programming via Red/System, and can target Windows, Linux, and macOS from a single source file.

Question 2

How do I install Red?

Accepted Answer

Download the single Red executable from red-lang.org. There is no installer, no package manager, and no dependencies. Drop it in your PATH and you are ready to write and compile Red programs.

Question 3

What does a minimal Red program look like?

Accepted Answer

Every Red program starts with a header block: Red []. After that you write your code. The simplest program is: Red [] print "Hello, Red!" — save it as hello.red and run it with: red hello.red

Question 4

How do I compile to a native binary?

Accepted Answer

Use the compile function: red compile hello.red. Red will produce a standalone executable for your current platform. To cross-compile, use compile/target with 'Windows, 'Linux, or 'macOS.

Question 5

What does homoiconic mean?

Accepted Answer

Homoiconic means the source code of the program is represented using the same data structures the language itself manipulates. In Red, code is a block of values — the same block type you use for data. This makes metaprogramming, macros, and dialects natural rather than bolted on.

Question 6

What is a dialect?

Accepted Answer

A dialect is a domain-specific language built inside Red using Red's own parse engine. Dialects look like Red code but have their own grammar and semantics. Red ships with several built-in dialects: the Draw dialect for 2D graphics, the VID dialect for UI layout, and the Parse dialect for pattern matching.

Question 7

Is Red the same as REBOL?

Accepted Answer

No. Red was inspired by REBOL but is an independent language. Key differences: Red compiles to native binaries (REBOL is interpreted), Red includes Red/System for low-level programming, and Red is open source under the BSD license.

Question 8

What is Red/System?

Accepted Answer

Red/System is a C-level systems programming dialect embedded inside Red. It gives you direct memory access, pointer arithmetic, and the ability to call C libraries — all from within a Red source file. You use it when you need performance or OS-level access.

Question 9

Where is the Red community?

Accepted Answer

The main community spaces are the Red Discord server, the GitHub repository at github.com/red/red, and the Gitter chat. coding.red is a community-run hub for tutorials and resources.

Question 10

How can I contribute to coding.red?

Accepted Answer

coding.red is open to contributors. You can write tutorials, improve the docs, report issues, or help with the site itself. Reach out on Discord or open an issue on GitHub.

Question 11

What license is Red released under?

Accepted Answer

The Red compiler and toolchain are released under the BSD 3-Clause license. The Red standard library is under the Boost Software License. Both are permissive and allow commercial use.

Frequently asked questions.