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ADR 02: Build clj-zig as a Clojure library, not a new language

Date: 2026-06-16

Context

Combining Clojure and Zig could mean inventing a new Lisp or a Zig dialect, or building a library that bridges the two existing languages.

Decision

Build clj-zig as a Clojure library and boundary-contract system, not a new Lisp or Zig dialect.

Consequences

The value stays in Clojure-native authoring plus real Zig execution. Users keep both languages whole; nothing about either is weakened.

Alternatives

A new language unifying both was considered. It would let the syntax be purpose-built, but it would weaken both sides: not real Clojure, not real Zig, and a far larger surface to implement and learn.

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