---
name: "flua"
section: "1"
platform: "freebsd"
package: "base"
version: "16.0-CURRENT-20261027-61c70dc16a79"
release: "FreeBSD 16.0-CURRENT (2026-10-27)"
platforms: ["freebsd"]
url: "https://new.carta.tech/flua"
---

# flua(1)

Lua interpreter for the FreeBSD base system

## NAME

**flua** – Lua interpreter for the FreeBSD base system

## SYNOPSIS

**flua** \[**-EWiv**\] \[**-e** *string*\] \[**-l** *module*\] \[**-l** *g=module*\] \[*script* \[*args*\]\] \[**--**\] \[**-**\]

## DESCRIPTION

**flua** is a minimal Lua interpreter integrated into the FreeBSD base system. It is derived from Lua 5.4 with modifications to suit the needs of FreeBSD build infrastructure and system tooling. **flua** is intended for internal use within the base system and is *not* designed for general-purpose scripting or use by third-party applications.

Unlike full Lua installations provided by the Ports Collection, **flua** has a reduced feature set and is limited to meeting the requirements of base system environments such as the bootloader.

## USAGE

**flua** is typically invoked internally by FreeBSD base system tools and build scripts. While it accepts Lua source files and arguments in a standard fashion, its limited environment and module support make it unsuitable for general scripting use.

## INCLUDED MODULES

**flua** includes a subset of functionality from a small number of standard Lua modules as well as bespoke modules necessary for the base system:

- lfs (LuaFileSystem) – file attribute and directory manipulation

- lposix - basic POSIX system calls

- [freebsd.kenv(3lua)](/freebsd.kenv/3lua.md)

- [freebsd.sys.linker(3lua)](/freebsd.sys.linker/3lua.md)

- [hash(3lua)](/hash/3lua.md)

- [jail(3lua)](/jail/3lua.md)

## NOTES

**flua** should not be used as a replacement for [lua(1)](/lua/1.md) from the Ports Collection (e.g., *lang/lua54*) as it may be modified or updated to a newer Lua version in the future without retaining backwards compatibility.

## SEE ALSO

[freebsd.kenv(3lua)](/freebsd.kenv/3lua.md), [freebsd.sys.linker(3lua)](/freebsd.sys.linker/3lua.md), [hash(3lua)](/hash/3lua.md), [jail(3lua)](/jail/3lua.md), [style.lua(9)](/style.lua/9.md)

## HISTORY

**flua** first appeared in FreeBSD 14.0.