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Zig is a programming language that falls into the category of systems programming. It was designed to address some of the limitations faced by existing languages, especially those working closely with hardware. Within the systems programming landscape, C and Rust are the standout options, with C being recognized for its power and historical significance, while Rust was created to solve many of C’s memory safety issues.
Zig presents itself as a middle ground for developers who are interested in systems programming but feel daunted by Rust’s complexity or cautious of C’s safety shortcomings. For new programmers weighing their options, Zig can serve as an approachable alternative that encapsulates both safety and performance.