# Croc

> small, lightweight, extension language in the vein of Lua or Squirrel

**Wikidata**: [Q6864985](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6864985)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/croc

## Summary
Croc is a small, lightweight extension programming language designed in the style of Lua or Squirrel. It was created in 2006 and initially known as MiniD before evolving into its current form.

## Key Facts
- Croc was created in 2006 and was initially known as MiniD
- The programming language is licensed under the zlib License
- Croc's latest version is MiniD 2, released on June 17, 2009
- It is classified as a scripting language, implementation of a programming language, and free and open-source software
- Croc is influenced by Squirrel, Lua, D, Io, ECMAScript, Python, and Q34010
- The project has a GitHub repository at https://github.com/JarrettBillingsley/Croc
- Croc is available at https://jarrettbillingsley.github.io/Croc/
- It is different from MinID (note the capitalization difference)

## FAQs
### Q: What programming languages influenced the design of Croc?
A: Croc was influenced by Squirrel, Lua, D, Io, ECMAScript, Python, and Q34010. These languages contributed various features and concepts to Croc's design philosophy.

### Q: Is Croc suitable for embedding in applications?
A: Yes, Croc was designed specifically as an extension language, making it lightweight and efficient for embedding in larger applications. Its simplicity allows for easy integration while providing powerful scripting capabilities.

### Q: How does Croc compare to Lua, a similar language?
A: Like Lua, Croc is a small, lightweight extension language designed for embedding. However, Croc incorporates concepts from multiple languages including Squirrel, D, and others, potentially offering different features or design approaches while maintaining the efficiency of similar embedded scripting languages.

### Q: Can Croc be used for commercial projects?
A: Yes, Croc is distributed under the zlib License, which allows for commercial use. This license is permissive and does not require modified versions to be released under the same terms.

## Why It Matters
Croc represents a viable alternative to established embedded scripting languages like Lua and Squirrel, offering developers a choice in lightweight scripting solutions. Its design as an extension language addresses the need for efficient, easy-to-integrate scripting capabilities in larger applications without the overhead of full-featured programming languages. By incorporating influences from multiple languages, Croc provides a unique blend of features that may appeal to developers looking for specific functionality not found in other embedded scripting languages. Its zlib licensing makes it accessible for both open-source and commercial applications, broadening its potential impact. In a field dominated by established players, Croc demonstrates continued innovation in the domain of lightweight, embeddable scripting languages.

## Notable For
- Being designed as a lightweight alternative to established scripting languages like Lua and Squirrel
- Its evolution from MiniD to Croc, showing project development over time
- Incorporating influences from multiple languages including Squirrel, Lua, D, Io, ECMAScript, Python, and Q34010
- Its zlib licensing, allowing for commercial use with minimal restrictions

## Body
### Overview
Croc is a small, lightweight extension programming language that follows in the tradition of languages like Lua and Squirrel. Initially developed under the name MiniD, the project has evolved while maintaining its core design principles of efficiency and embeddability.

### Development History
- Croc was created in 2006
- Initially known as MiniD
- Version 1.0 was released on August 1, 2007
- Version 2 (MiniD 2) was released on June 17, 2009
- The project later transitioned to the name Croc

### Technical Details
- Classified as a scripting language, implementation of a programming language, and free and open-source software
- Influenced by Squirrel, Lua, D, Io, ECMAScript, Python, and Q34010
- Available under the zlib License
- Different from MinID (note the capitalization difference)

### Distribution
- Primary website: https://jarrettbillingsley.github.io/Croc/
- Original website: http://www.dsource.org/projects/minid
- GitHub repository: https://github.com/JarrettBillingsley/Croc
- Subversion repository: http://svn.dsource.org/projects/minid
- Open Hub ID: croc-lang

### Licensing and Usage
- Licensed under zlib License, which permits commercial use
- Copyright status: copyrighted
- Microsoft Academic ID (discontinued): 2775854353

## References

1. [Source](http://www.dsource.org/forums/viewtopic.php?t=4676)
2. [Source](http://www.dsource.org/forums/viewtopic.php?t=2957)