What Coding Language Does Roblox Use? Luau (2026)

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Roblox uses Luau, a fast, beginner-friendly scripting language derived from Lua 5.1 that Roblox developed and open-sourced; you write it inside Roblox Studio to make games interactive.

Key facts at a glance

Luau is pronounced roughly loo-ow and is based on the Lua language.
Roblox open-sourced Luau in November 2021 so other developers could use and improve it.
Luau adds optional type checking, better performance and clearer errors compared with standard Lua.
You write Luau scripts in Roblox Studio, which is free to download.
Skills transfer: learning Luau teaches ideas used in Lua, Python and other languages.

What programming language is Roblox written in?

Two different questions hide here. Players and creators usually mean the language used to script games, which is Luau. The Roblox platform itself, including the engine and servers, is built mostly with lower-level languages such as C++, while creators never need to learn those to make a game. If you want to build something in Roblox, Luau is the only language you need to start.

What is Luau?

Luau is a scripting language created by Roblox, derived from Lua 5.1 and developed by an internal team with open-source contributors. It keeps the simple, readable syntax that made Lua popular in games, then adds features Roblox needed: a gradual type system, speed improvements and safer sandboxing for running code from millions of creators. The type checker is optional, so beginners can ignore it at first and adopt it later in larger projects.

Is Luau the same as Lua?

They are close relatives. Most basic Lua code works in Luau, which means tutorials for Lua are a useful starting point. Luau differs in details such as type annotations, some added syntax conveniences and the Roblox-specific libraries available inside Studio. If you learn Luau, you also learn the foundations of Lua, which is used in many other games and tools.

Is Luau easy to learn?

Many beginners find it one of the gentlest first languages. The syntax uses plain words such as if, then, for and function instead of heavy punctuation. You also see results quickly, because a few lines can make a part move, change color or give a player points. Like any language, mastering larger systems such as data saving, networking and game architecture takes practice and patience.

How do I start coding in Roblox?

Download Roblox Studio from the official Roblox site and sign in.
Create a new baseplate place and insert a Part.
Add a Script to the part from the Explorer panel.
Write a short script, such as changing the part’s color when touched.
Press Play to test, check the Output window for errors, and repeat.

Our guides on making a game and making your first game walk through the surrounding steps.

What can you build with Luau?

Interactive objects such as doors, buttons and moving platforms.
Game systems like leaderboards, inventories and checkpoints.
User interfaces for menus, shops and health bars.
Multiplayer logic that connects players and servers.
Tools and plugins that speed up development.

What are the first concepts to learn?

Start with variables, which store values; conditions, which choose between actions; loops, which repeat work; and functions, which package steps into reusable blocks. Then learn events, because most Roblox scripting responds to something happening, such as a player touching a part or joining the game. After that, study the difference between server scripts and local scripts, which run on different machines and have different permissions.

Do I need to pay or have a powerful computer?

No. Studio is free, and Luau runs inside it. A modest computer handles small projects, though larger worlds with many models and effects benefit from more memory and a better graphics card. Publishing a game costs nothing, and creators only earn Robux when players buy things.

Can kids learn to code with Roblox?

Yes, and many coding programs for children use it. Parents should remember that Studio and publishing involve online features. Set up parental controls, keep chat restricted and review any collaboration with other developers. Learning with a parent or teacher makes early scripting easier and safer.

Where can I learn Luau?

The official Roblox Creator Documentation includes tutorials, an API reference and sample projects. Community resources include video series, forums and interactive lessons. Prefer official documentation when a tutorial and the docs disagree, since the API is updated regularly. Avoid downloading free scripts or models from unknown sources without reading them, because they can contain harmful code.

Key terms explained

Script: A file of code that tells Roblox what to do.
Roblox Studio: The free app used to build and script Roblox games.
Type checking: A feature that catches mistakes by checking the kind of value each variable holds.
Open source: Software whose code is publicly available to read and improve.

How does Luau compare with other beginner languages?

Compared with Python, Luau is more specialised: it is built for game scripting, so you spend less time on general programming tasks and more on game behavior. Compared with JavaScript, its syntax is simpler and has fewer surprises. Compared with block-based tools such as Scratch, Luau is text-based, so it feels closer to professional programming. Many young developers move from block coding to Luau, and later to Python or C-style languages, carrying the same ideas of variables, loops and functions.

Common beginner mistakes

Putting a script in the wrong place, so it never runs.
Mixing up server scripts and local scripts and expecting both to change everything.
Ignoring the Output window, where errors and warnings appear.
Copying free models with hidden scripts without reading them.
Trying to build a huge game first instead of one small mechanic.

What jobs and skills can come from learning Luau?

Many professional studios hire developers who build Roblox experiences, and top creators have earned large sums through the Developer Exchange program. Even if you never pursue that route, Luau teaches logic, debugging and problem-solving. These transfer well to other languages and to careers in software, game design and technology.

Frequently asked questions