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LuaRocks
What it is
LuaRocks is a package manager for Lua, while LuaRocks.org hosts rocks and rockspecs for Lua modules. The command-line tool reads package manifests, selects a version for the requested platform and installs the matching package locally. Rocks carry version requirements that LuaRocks uses to resolve dependencies and load the appropriate module version. Collections can be organized with the root manifest, per-user manifests or custom manifests; custom collections may be open to contributions or limited to their administrators. Development releases use a separate manifest and are not installed by default. The documentation lists manifests for Lua modules generally and compatibility manifests for Lua 5.1, 5.2, 5.3 and 5.4. LuaRocks supports Linux, macOS, Windows, Unix, FreeBSD and Cygwin, and supports offline installation. Module authors can register and publish a rockspec, then upload rock files for a version; the current release supports publishing with the `luarocks upload` command. LuaRocks is free. Its site describes the application as written in Lua without library dependencies, though the current release uses helper tools.
For and against
For
- Supports dependency resolution and offline installation.
- Manifests cover Lua 5.1 through 5.4.
- Custom manifests can organize module collections.
- Free package manager and module hosting.
Against
- Current release uses helper tools.
- No security certification or compliance standard is stated.
The verdict
LuaRocks combines local module installation with hosted package discovery and publishing. Its manifest options and compatibility coverage may suit Lua projects with varied environments.
Who it suits
Lua developers who want to install modules and manage their dependencies across supported systems may find LuaRocks useful. Module authors can also use it to publish rockspecs and rock files.
Plans and prices
LuaRocks
Free package manager and module hosting service
Read 8 Oct 2026 · luarocks.org
On the record
- Alternate sources
- The documentation lists an HTTP mirror and GitHub manifest backups that can be used as fallback package servers.luarocks.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Compatibility
- LuaRocks.org provides manifest files for all Lua versions and for Lua 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, and 5.4.luarocks.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Custom manifests
- Users can create custom manifests, which can be open to contributions or closed to manifest admins.luarocks.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Dependencies
- LuaRocks is a pure Lua application with no library dependencies, though its current release uses helper tools.github.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Dependency handling
- Rocks include version dependency information, which LuaRocks uses to install dependencies and load the appropriate module version.luarocks.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Dependency resolution
- Yesluarocks.org · read 21 Sep 2026
- Development releases
- Development versions are placed in a separate development manifest so they are not installed by default.luarocks.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Development versions
- Development versions are kept in a development manifest so they are not installed by default.luarocks.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Implementation
- LuaRocks is described as a pure Lua application with no library dependencies; its current release uses helper tools.github.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Installation platforms
- The download guide links installation instructions for Unix systems including Linux and BSDs, macOS, and Windows.github.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Install packages
- LuaRocks downloads package manifests, selects a version and platform match, and installs the corresponding rock or rockspec locally.luarocks.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Integration
- The LuaRocks.org HTTP API is used by the luarocks upload command to publish rocks.luarocks.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Lua compatibility
- The documentation lists manifests for all modules and separate compatibility manifests for Lua 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, and 5.4.luarocks.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Mirrors
- The documentation lists an HTTP mirror and daily GitHub backups of stable and development manifest data as fallback servers.luarocks.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Module publishing
- Anyone can register and upload a Lua module by uploading a .rockspec.luarocks.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Offline installation
- Yesluarocks.org · read 21 Sep 2026
- Package discovery
- The LuaRocks CLI uses manifests to discover and install packages.luarocks.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Package format
- A rock is a zip file containing the rockspec and all files needed to install a module.luarocks.org · read 8 Oct 2026
