What is MatchBox?

MatchBox is an independent Rust implementation of the BoxLang language and runtime. It brings BoxLang to native binaries, browser and server-side WebAssembly, and embedded targets without requiring a JVM for its core runtime.

BoxLang is a software productivity platform for building, modernizing, and running applications, with developers and AI agents working together. MatchBox is a pillar of that platform for workloads that need a portable runtime or a target beyond the JVM.

A runtime for more places

MatchBox includes a compiler, bytecode virtual machine, command-line tools, and target-specific runners. Depending on the build and host, it can run .bxs scripts, package native applications, compile for JavaScript/WebAssembly in the browser, produce experimental WASI modules and components, build ESP32 applications, and serve web applications.

The same language does not mean identical host APIs. Each target has its own capabilities and constraints; review compatibility and target differences before relying on JVM libraries or platform-specific features.

How it fits with BoxLang

The runtimes share language concepts, while their libraries and host APIs differ. Use the JVM for Java-centric applications and MatchBox for its native, browser and embedded targets. See the compatibility overview for guidance.

Choose a next step

• Install MatchBox.
• Build your first application.
• Learn about Agentic Development or BoxLang AI.
• Browse the deployment targets.