# Zero An experimental programming language for agents to query and edit program graphs. - Findings24: - Website: - Pricing: Freemium - Categories: AI Developer Tools, Developer Tools ## What is Zero? Zero, also called Zerolang, is an experimental programming language designed for humans working with coding agents. Its compiler-owned graph is the program database: agents inspect semantic structure and submit checked edits, while humans describe desired outcomes and review the results. The workflow puts compiler checks into the editing process. Readable `.0` projections remain available for human review and occasional manual changes. Zero is intended for exploration in a safe environment; its documentation warns users to expect breaking changes and avoid production systems. ## What can Zero do? ### Semantic graph queries Agents use \`zero query\` to inspect symbols, calls, types, effects, node IDs, and graph hashes, giving them structured program information for subsequent edits. ### Guarded graph patches \`zero patch\` targets semantic nodes and fields. Graph hashes and expected values guard edits, while shape, type, stale-state, and repository metadata checks reject invalid changes before they reach the store. ### Bidirectional text projections \`zero export\` produces readable source projections. Intentional edits to files such as \`src/main.0\` can be imported back into the graph with \`zero import\`; \`zero verify-projection\` checks projection consistency. ### Check, test, and run commands The command-line workflow includes \`zero check\`, \`zero test\`, and \`zero run\`. Package commands use the current directory by default, and run commands can pass arguments to the program. ### Build artifact generation \`zero build\` supports executable, object, and LLVM IR outputs. The guide demonstrates choosing a target and output path for a Linux musl x64 executable. ## Use Cases ### Explore an agent-authored program Ask an agent to build Hello World, initialize a package, add a main function and output operation, then run it. This provides a small starting point for learning the graph workflow. ### Iterate on application requests Use conversational requests such as building a CRM API, adding authentication, or fixing a failing route to direct an agent's work through graph queries and checked patches. ### Review changes in readable form Export a \`.0\` projection when a human needs source-like text for review. CI can also use projection verification as a gate for detecting drift. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How do I get started? Install with \`curl -fsSL https://zerolang.ai/install.sh \| bash\`, add \`$HOME/.zero/bin\` to your PATH, and confirm with \`zero --version\`. Install the agent bootstrap skill with \`npx skills add vercel-labs/zerolang\`. ### Should agents edit the .0 files directly? Agents should normally use \`zero query\` and \`zero patch\`. Humans can occasionally edit projections, but should run \`zero import\` before checking or running the program. ### Is Zero ready for production use? Zero is experimental. Its website advises expecting breaking changes and running it in a safe environment, away from production systems. ## Quick Facts - **Category**: Programming language - **Primary users**: Humans working with coding agents - **Status**: Experimental - **Program store**: zero.graph - **Command-line tool**: zero - **Website**: https://zerolang.ai