Nixi Framework

Lua 5.2+ HTMX Powered Zero JavaScript MIT License

A high-performance Lua web framework that ships zero-byte logic to the client using HTMX. Build reactive web applications without writing client-side JavaScript.

            Latest Updates (2026-04-14)
            Static Site Generation - Build to `dist/` with `nixi build` - pre-rendered HTML/CSS for any static host
HTML Components - Native Lua DSL: table, tableFromData, img, figure, gallery, form, select, nav
Config File - nixi.lua for project settings, themes, build options
Theme API - Nixi.style.applyTheme() for full theme support
Documentation - Complete docs in docs/ folder with guides, API, examples
Standalone Mode - No LuaSocket or LuaFileSystem needed
UI Component library (Button, Input, Card, Modal, Toast)
Theme system (Tokyo Night, Dracula, etc.)

          

Why Nixi?

Zero Build Step

Just run lua server.lua. No npm, no bundlers, no complex setup.

High Performance

Direct HTML generation without virtual DOM overhead.

File-Based Routing

Next.js-style routing with routes/ directory auto-discovery.

Native CSS DSL

Define styles in pure Lua with Nixi.style.rule().

HTMX Powered

Seamless AJAX, WebSockets, and Server-Sent Events with HTMX.

Static Site Builder

Deploy to Vercel, Cloudflare, Netlify with nixi build. Pre-rendered HTML/CSS.

Type-Safe

LuaLS annotations provide excellent IDE support and type checking.

UI Components

Pre-built components: Button, Input, Select, Card, Modal, Toast, and more.

Nix Support

nix develop . for instant, reproducible environments.

Live Reload

Automatic file watching with lua server.lua --watch.

Standalone Mode

Works without external dependencies on NixOS and other systems.

Quick Start

# Clone the repository
git clone https://github.com/ijadux2/nixi.git
cd nixi

# Run with Nix (recommended)
nix run

# Or build and run
nix build
./result/bin/nixi new myapp
cd myapp
lua server.lua

Visit http://127.0.0.1:3000 to see your app!

Core Philosophy

Nixi embraces the philosophy of server-centric architecture. Instead of pushing complex JavaScript to the client, Nixi keeps all your business logic on the server where it's secure, maintainable, and easy to debug.