Jai (programming language)
| Jai | |
|---|---|
| Paradigm | Imperative |
| Designed by | Jonathan Blow |
| Developer | Thekla, Inc. |
| Preview release | 0.2.026 (Beta)
/ 21 February 2026 |
| Typing discipline | Static, strong |
| OS | cross-platform |
| License | Proprietary (planned open-source release) |
| Influenced by | |
| C, C++ | |
| Influenced | |
| Odin, Zig | |
Jai is a high-level, statically typed, compiled programming language being developed by American video game designer Jonathan Blow and his company Thekla, Inc. Designed primarily as an alternative to C++ for game development, Jai emphasizes performance, compile-time metaprogramming, and simplicity.
Development began in 2014. As of 24th February 2026, the compiler remains in a closed beta release, and is expected to remain in closed, invite-only beta until soon after the release of Blow's next game.
Whilst not yet released, Jai has had an influence on other programming languages that have released during its development phase such as Odin and Zig.