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Second Life Creation

Getting Started with Scripting

Welcome to scripting in Second Life! Whether you’re new to programming or an experienced developer, you’ll find the tools and resources you need to bring your creations to life.

Choose Your Language

Section titled “Choose Your Language”

Second Life supports two scripting languages:

SLua (Second Life + Luau)

A modern scripting option based on Luau (A Lua variant). SLua brings contemporary language features to Second Life scripting.

  • Modern language features (maps, types, objects)
  • Familiar to millions of Luau/Lua developers
  • Active development and improvements
  • Better performance

LSL (Linden Scripting Language)

The classic scripting language for Second Life. LSL has been the foundation of scripted content since 2003, with a vast library of existing scripts and tutorials.

  • Extensive existing examples
  • Large community of scripters

What Can You Script?

Section titled “What Can You Script?”

Scripts control nearly every aspect of interactive content in Second Life:

  • Objects and Prims - Make objects move, change color, respond to touch
  • Avatars - Create attachments, HUDs, gestures, and animations
  • Environment - Control lighting, sound, and particles
  • Communication - Chat, instant messages, HTTP requests, and data storage
  • Physics - Apply forces, detect collisions, and simulate real-world behavior

Next Steps

Section titled “Next Steps”

Ready to start? Choose your path:

Need Help?

Section titled “Need Help?”
  • Visit the Second Life Forums for community support
  • Check out the scripting library for working examples
  • Review the complete language references for detailed documentation