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[07/26] The Torvik Wiki is currently in the process of being updated to reflect the latest changes that came with v1.1.0 of Torvik. As we're working to get it updated, please feel free to check out the docs or the readme, which are both always up to date in the meantime. If you don't see this notice on a wiki page, then it means it has been updated and is current. Thank you for you patience.
What is Torvik?
Torvik is a new self-hosting, compiled, general-purpose programming language with clean Norse-inspired syntax, automatic reference counting, and native performance via LLVM.
Is Torvik production-ready?
v1.0 is stable for learning, personal projects, and early experimentation. It is self-hosting and usable, but the ecosystem and some language features are still growing.
Does Torvik have a garbage collector?
No. It uses automatic reference counting (ARC) for deterministic memory management.
Why the unusual keywords (df, check, whilst, guard, etc.)?
The Norse-inspired keywords are a deliberate design choice for clarity, brevity, and distinctiveness.
Can I use Torvik for systems programming?
Yes — that is one of its main goals. It compiles to native binaries with no runtime VM.
How do I install Torvik?
See the Getting Started page or run the one-line installer from the README.
What is rune?
rune is the official project and build tool (rune new, rune run, rune build, etc.).
Does Torvik have package management yet?
Basic project management is available via rune. Full external dependency support (Rune Library) is planned for v1.1+.
Can I contribute to Torvik?
Absolutely! See the Contributing page.
When will feature X be added?
Check the Roadmap page for planned features and timelines.
Will there be Windows support?
Yes — full Windows support is a priority for v1.1+.
Is Torvik open source?
Yes, licensed under GNU AGPL-3.0 with a runtime exception (your programs are not affected).
How can I support the project?
- Star the repo
- Use it and share feedback
- Contribute code or documentation
- Support via GitHub Sponsors, Patreon, Buy Me a Coffee, etc.
Where can I ask questions?
Use GitHub Discussions, open an Issue, or check the community channels listed in the README.
Last updated: July 2026
This FAQ will grow as more people use Torvik. Feel free to suggest new questions!