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zig-cinterop

Configure Zig and C interop with @cImport, translate-c, and extern structs.

Updated Aug 27, 2026
Search Tags:#zig#c#ffi#abi#translate-c#cinterop#extern-struct
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/awfixers-stuff/opencode-config --skill zig-cinterop-awfixers-stuff
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: zig-cinterop
Source: https://github.com/awfixers-stuff/opencode-config/tree/main/skills/zig-cinterop
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/awfixers-stuff/opencode-config --skill zig-cinterop-awfixers-stuff

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

This skill removes the complexity of integrating Zig and C code by guiding developers to call C from Zig, export Zig to C, and ensure memory layout and ABI compatibility so functions and data cross the language boundary safely and predictably.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Calling C from Zig: Use @cImport and @cInclude patterns, map C types to Zig equivalents, and handle nullability and variadic functions when invoking C APIs.
  • Exporting Zig to C and mixed builds: Produce C-callable Zig functions and symbols, generate compatible headers manually, and configure build.zig and zig cc for linking Zig static libraries into C consumers.
  • Struct and ABI compatibility: Translate headers with translate-c for inspection, use extern struct and packed struct to match C layouts, and handle opaque types and pointer conversions for FFI safety.
  • Use case: Integrate a native C library into a Zig application, or expose Zig utility functions to an existing C codebase while preserving ABI correctness.

Quick Start

Use the zig-cinterop skill to demonstrate calling a C function from Zig using @cImport, translate a header with translate-c, and produce matching extern structs and build.zig instructions.

Frequently Asked Questions about zig-cinterop

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I call C functions from Zig using @cImport and @cInclude?▼

Calling C functions from Zig involves using @cImport and @cInclude to import headers, then mapping C types to Zig equivalents and managing nullability or variadic arguments for ABI-safe execution.

What is the best way to export Zig functions to C?▼

Exporting Zig functions to C requires defining C-callable symbols and manually generating compatible headers, then configuring build.zig and using zig cc to link the Zig static library into C consumers.

How do I match C struct layouts in Zig for FFI safety?▼

To match C struct layouts in Zig, use extern struct and packed struct definitions to ensure ABI compatibility, and handle opaque types and pointer conversions carefully when crossing the FFI boundary.

Can I use translate-c to inspect C headers before integrating them into Zig?▼

Yes, you can use the translate-c tool to inspect C headers and translate them into Zig code, allowing you to verify type mappings and struct layouts before fully committing to the integration.

How do I configure build.zig for mixed C and Zig projects?▼

Configuring build.zig for mixed C and Zig projects involves setting up linker options and build steps to compile both languages, ensuring proper symbol resolution when linking Zig static libraries into C consumers.

Why does my Zig code fail to link with an existing C codebase?▼

Linking failures between Zig and C typically occur due to mismatched ABI struct layouts or missing linker configurations in build.zig, requiring extern struct definitions and proper static library linkage using zig cc.

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