Your First Application

Your first MatchBox application

This walkthrough uses the MatchBox CLI and a single BoxLang script. If MatchBox is not installed yet, start with Installation.

Write a script

Create hello.bxs:

function greet(name) {
    return "Hello, #name#!";
}

println(greet("world"));

Run it

matchbox hello.bxs

Expected output:

Hello, world!

MatchBox parses, compiles, and executes the file. The .bxs extension is used for BoxLang scripts.

Build a standalone native executable

matchbox --target native hello.bxs
./hello

On Windows, run hello.exe. The output is specific to its operating system and architecture. The executable includes the MatchBox runner, so the destination does not need Java or a separate MatchBox install. Native Fusion or host integrations may introduce their own platform requirements.

Compile portable bytecode

matchbox --build hello.bxs
matchbox hello.bxb

A .bxb file contains compiled bytecode, not a standalone runtime. Its destination still needs a compatible MatchBox runner. Keep compiler and runtime versions aligned.

To omit embedded source text:

matchbox --build --strip-source hello.bxs

Errors retain file and line information, but removing source reduces diagnostic context. It is not encryption or intellectual-property protection.

Explore interactively

Start the REPL by running matchbox without a filename:

numbers = [1, 2, 3];
println(arrayMap(numbers, (n) => n * 2));

Continue with language essentials, browse the CLI reference, or choose a deployment target.