LuaRocks
luarocks.org
What it is
LuaRocks is a package manager for Lua, with LuaRocks.org hosting rocks and rockspecs for Lua modules. Its command line uses manifests to find packages, choose a version and platform match, and install the corresponding files locally. Rocks carry version dependency information, which LuaRocks uses to install dependencies and load the appropriate module version. Package collections can be organized through the root manifest, per-user manifests, or custom manifests; development versions are kept in a separate manifest and are not installed by default. LuaRocks supports offline installation and platforms including Linux, macOS, Windows, Unix, FreeBSD, and Cygwin. Module authors can register and upload a rockspec, then publish rock files for a version; the current release supports the `luarocks upload` command. The application is described as pure Lua with no library dependencies, though its current release uses helper tools. LuaRocks is free, with a listed price of free.
Spec sheet
- Purpose
- LuaRocks is a package manager for Lua, and LuaRocks.org hosts rocks and rockspecs for Lua modules.Read 8 Oct 2026 · luarocks.org
- Platforms
- The download instructions cover Unix systems, macOS, and Windows; Unix examples include Linux and BSDs.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Free plan
- YesRead 21 Sep 2026 · luarocks.org
- Security
- A 2019 security incident page says LuaRocks.org packages did not have signing and verification at the time of that incident.Read 8 Oct 2026 · luarocks.org
- Support
- The official site links to its GitHub issue tracker for reporting issues.Read 8 Oct 2026 · luarocks.org
- Alternate sources
- The documentation lists an HTTP mirror and GitHub manifest backups that can be used as fallback package servers.Read 8 Oct 2026 · luarocks.org
- Compatibility
- LuaRocks.org provides manifest files for all Lua versions and for Lua 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, and 5.4.Read 8 Oct 2026 · luarocks.org
- Custom manifests
- Users can create custom manifests, which can be open to contributions or closed to manifest admins.Read 8 Oct 2026 · luarocks.org
- Dependencies
- LuaRocks is a pure Lua application with no library dependencies, though its current release uses helper tools.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Dependency handling
- Rocks include version dependency information, which LuaRocks uses to install dependencies and load the appropriate module version.Read 8 Oct 2026 · luarocks.org
- Dependency resolution
- YesRead 21 Sep 2026 · luarocks.org
- Development releases
- Development versions are placed in a separate development manifest so they are not installed by default.Read 8 Oct 2026 · luarocks.org
- Development versions
- Development versions are kept in a development manifest so they are not installed by default.Read 8 Oct 2026 · luarocks.org
- Implementation
- LuaRocks is described as a pure Lua application with no library dependencies; its current release uses helper tools.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Install packages
- LuaRocks downloads package manifests, selects a version and platform match, and installs the corresponding rock or rockspec locally.Read 8 Oct 2026 · luarocks.org
- Installation platforms
- The download guide links installation instructions for Unix systems including Linux and BSDs, macOS, and Windows.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Integration
- The LuaRocks.org HTTP API is used by the luarocks upload command to publish rocks.Read 8 Oct 2026 · luarocks.org
- Lua compatibility
- The documentation lists manifests for all modules and separate compatibility manifests for Lua 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, and 5.4.Read 8 Oct 2026 · luarocks.org
- Mirrors
- The documentation lists an HTTP mirror and daily GitHub backups of stable and development manifest data as fallback servers.Read 8 Oct 2026 · luarocks.org
- Module publishing
- Anyone can register and upload a Lua module by uploading a .rockspec.Read 8 Oct 2026 · luarocks.org
- Offline installation
- YesRead 21 Sep 2026 · luarocks.org
- Package discovery
- The LuaRocks CLI uses manifests to discover and install packages.Read 8 Oct 2026 · luarocks.org
- Package format
- A rock is a zip file containing the rockspec and all files needed to install a module.Read 8 Oct 2026 · luarocks.org
- Package formats
- A rock is a zip file containing its rockspec and the files needed to install a module; rocks can be built for specific platforms.Read 8 Oct 2026 · luarocks.org
- Publishing
- Anyone can register and upload a Lua module by uploading a rockspec, then upload rock files for a specific version.Read 8 Oct 2026 · luarocks.org
- Repositories
- LuaRocks supports the root manifest, per-user manifests, and custom manifests for organizing module collections.Read 8 Oct 2026 · luarocks.org
- Security information
- The official pages reviewed do not state a security certification or compliance standard.Read 8 Oct 2026 · luarocks.org
- Site implementation
- LuaRocks.org says the site is written in MoonScript using the Lapis framework.Read 8 Oct 2026 · luarocks.org
- Supported platforms
- Linux,macOS,Windows,Unix,FreeBSD,CygwinRead 21 Sep 2026 · luarocks.org
- Upload command
- The current LuaRocks release supports publishing modules to LuaRocks.org with the `luarocks upload` command.Read 8 Oct 2026 · luarocks.org
Plans and prices
LuaRocks Free Free package manager and module hosting service Read 8 Oct 2026 · luarocks.org
Strong points and limits
Strong points
- Resolves and installs package dependencies.
- Supports offline installation.
- Development versions stay out of default installs.
- Supports Linux, macOS, Windows, Unix, FreeBSD, and Cygwin.
- Free at free.
Limits
- The current release uses helper tools.
- Free trial is not offered.
Who it suits
Lua developers who want to install modules, manage package collections, or publish modules can use LuaRocks. Its platform support and offline installation may also suit developers working across different systems or without a network connection.
Verdict
LuaRocks combines Lua module installation, dependency handling, and publishing in a free package manager. Its manifests, platform coverage, and offline installation support are useful details to weigh when choosing a package workflow.
Where Specifiction places it
- Package Managers#23 of 938.5
- Package Registries#7 of 288.7
