Tov Turns TypeScript-Like Code Into C for Coding Agents

Tov is an experimental language that uses TypeScript-style syntax, emits C, and asks Clang to produce a native executable. Creator Richie McIlroy, who also created the open-source screen recorder Cap, designed the language around coding agents and structured compiler feedback. Early, project-reported benchmarks show Tov outperforming Rust, Bun, or both in several selected workloads.

The agent-oriented design matters because compiler diagnostics include machine-applicable edits. Developers can run tov check --json to receive a diagnostic code, an explanation, and the source span needed for a proposed fix. Edits classified as safe can be applied automatically by agent tooling.

A Compiler Loop Built for Agents

A typical automated workflow has four steps:

1. The agent generates or modifies Tov source code.
2. It runs tov check --json.
3. It reads the compiler’s structured diagnostics and suggested edits.
4. It applies safe fixes, runs the check again, and proceeds to tests.

The safe classification supports mechanical repairs to source code. Tests and review remain necessary for application behavior, security, and business logic that the type checker cannot validate.

Familiar Syntax, Tighter Semantics

Tov retains familiar TypeScript syntax and supports selected APIs associated with Bun and Node, including Bun.serve, fetch, node:fs, and async/await. npm dependencies can be bundled into the executable and run through JavaScriptCore, subject to Tov’s current runtime limitations.