# NekoVM

> application virtual machine and programming language

**Wikidata**: [Q3337877](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q3337877)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NekoVM)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/nekovm

## Summary
NekoVM is an application virtual machine and programming language developed by Motion Twin and Shiro Games, first released in 2005. It is designed to run on Windows, macOS, Linux, and BSD-based systems, and supports dynamic typing with object-oriented and functional programming paradigms.

## Key Facts
- **Developed by**: Motion Twin and Shiro Games
- **Inception**: 2005
- **Operating Systems**: Windows, macOS, Linux, BSD
- **Programming Paradigms**: Object-oriented, structured, prototype-based
- **Typing Discipline**: Dynamic typing
- **Latest Stable Version**: 2.2.0 (released on 2017-12-19)
- **License**: MIT License
- **File Extension**: `.neko`
- **Successor**: HashLink
- **Website**: [nekovm.org](https://nekovm.org)
- **Source Code**: [GitHub repository](https://github.com/HaxeFoundation/neko)

## FAQs
### Q: What is NekoVM used for?
A: NekoVM is an application virtual machine and programming language designed to run on multiple operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux, and BSD. It supports dynamic typing and object-oriented programming paradigms.

### Q: Who developed NekoVM?
A: NekoVM was developed by Motion Twin and Shiro Games, with the first version released in 2005.

### Q: What are the key features of NekoVM?
A: Key features include support for dynamic typing, object-oriented and functional programming paradigms, and compatibility with Windows, macOS, Linux, and BSD-based systems.

### Q: What is the latest stable version of NekoVM?
A: The latest stable version is 2.2.0, released on December 19, 2017.

### Q: Is NekoVM open-source?
A: Yes, NekoVM is open-source and licensed under the MIT License.

## Why It Matters
NekoVM plays a significant role in the programming language ecosystem by providing a lightweight, cross-platform virtual machine and language. Its development by Motion Twin and Shiro Games, along with its support for dynamic typing and multiple programming paradigms, makes it a versatile tool for developers. The project's open-source nature and compatibility with various operating systems contribute to its relevance in modern software development. NekoVM's successor, HashLink, further extends its legacy by addressing performance and compatibility issues.

## Notable For
- **Cross-Platform Support**: Runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, and BSD-based systems.
- **Dynamic Typing**: Supports dynamic typing, making it flexible for various programming needs.
- **Open-Source**: Licensed under the MIT License, encouraging community contributions.
- **Successor**: Led to the development of HashLink, addressing performance and compatibility improvements.
- **Legacy**: Established as a foundational project in the Haxe ecosystem.

## Body
### Overview
NekoVM is an application virtual machine and programming language developed by Motion Twin and Shiro Games. It was first released in 2005 and is designed to run on multiple operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux, and BSD-based systems. The project is open-source and licensed under the MIT License.

### Technical Details
- **Programming Paradigms**: NekoVM supports object-oriented, structured, and prototype-based programming paradigms.
- **Typing Discipline**: It uses dynamic typing, allowing for flexible and expressive code.
- **File Format**: The language uses the `.neko` file extension for its bytecode.
- **Versions**: The latest stable version is 2.2.0, released on December 19, 2017. Previous versions include 2.1.0, 2.0.0, and various 1.x releases.

### Development and Community
- **Developers**: Motion Twin and Shiro Games were involved in the development of NekoVM.
- **Source Code**: The project's source code is available on [GitHub](https://github.com/HaxeFoundation/neko).
- **Community**: The project has a mailing list archive available [here](https://web.archive.org/web/20131220072451/http://lists.motion-twin.com/pipermail/neko/).

### Successor
- **HashLink**: NekoVM's successor, HashLink, was developed to address performance and compatibility issues, further extending the project's legacy.

## Schema Markup
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "SoftwareApplication",
  "name": "NekoVM",
  "description": "Application virtual machine and programming language developed by Motion Twin and Shiro Games.",
  "url": "https://nekovm.org",
  "sameAs": [
    "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q15777",
    "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NekoVM"
  ],
  "applicationCategory": "ProgrammingLanguage",
  "operatingSystem": [
    "Windows",
    "macOS",
    "Linux",
    "BSD"
  ],
  "license": "MIT License",
  "datePublished": "2005",
  "softwareVersion": "2.2.0",
  "programmingModel": [
    "Object-oriented",
    "Structured",
    "Prototype-based"
  ],
  "typingDiscipline": "Dynamic typing"
}

## References

1. [Source](https://github.com/HaxeFoundation/neko/blob/master/LICENSE)
2. [neko: The Neko Virtual Machine](https://github.com/HaxeFoundation/neko/releases/tag/v2-2-0)
3. [Release 2.1.0. 2017](https://github.com/HaxeFoundation/neko/releases/tag/v2-1-0)
4. [Release 2.0.0. 2017](https://github.com/HaxeFoundation/neko/releases/tag/v2-0-0)
5. [Release 1.8.2. 2017](https://github.com/HaxeFoundation/neko/releases/tag/v1-8-2)
6. [Release 1.8.1. 2017](https://github.com/HaxeFoundation/neko/releases/tag/v1-8-1)
7. [Release 1.7.1. 2017](https://github.com/HaxeFoundation/neko/releases/tag/v1-7-1)
8. [Release 1.7.0. 2017](https://github.com/HaxeFoundation/neko/releases/tag/v1-7-0)
9. [Release 1.6.0. 2017](https://github.com/HaxeFoundation/neko/releases/tag/v1-6-0)
10. [Release 1.5.3. 2017](https://github.com/HaxeFoundation/neko/releases/tag/v1-5-3)
11. [Release 1.5.2. 2017](https://github.com/HaxeFoundation/neko/releases/tag/v1-5-2)
12. [Release 1.5.0. 2017](https://github.com/HaxeFoundation/neko/releases/tag/v1-5)
13. [Release 1.4.5. 2017](https://github.com/HaxeFoundation/neko/releases/tag/v1-4-5)
14. [Release 1.4.0. 2017](https://github.com/HaxeFoundation/neko/releases/tag/v1-4)
15. [Release 1.3.0. 2017](https://github.com/HaxeFoundation/neko/releases/tag/v1-3)
16. [Release 1.2.0. 2017](https://github.com/HaxeFoundation/neko/releases/tag/v1-2)
17. [Release 2.3.0. 2019](https://github.com/HaxeFoundation/neko/releases/tag/v2-3-0)
18. [Release 2.4.0. 2024](https://github.com/HaxeFoundation/neko/releases/tag/v2-4-0)
19. [Release 2.4.1. 2025](https://github.com/HaxeFoundation/neko/releases/tag/v2-4-1)
20. [Source](https://api.github.com/repos/HaxeFoundation/neko)
21. [Downloads - NekoVM](https://nekovm.org/download/)