PureScript

Name: PureScript
Author: The PureScript contributors

A strongly typed functional programming language with a compiler that produces readable JavaScript.

Open source (MIT)By The PureScript contributors

Free Open sourceWindows macOS Linux Command line

Official websitepurescript.org

Download pagegithub.com

Compare PureScript with another product

Read the PureScript documentation

1 more way to get PureScript

Homebrewbrew install purescript

Alternatives

GleamGleam is a typed functional language that compiles to JavaScript and the Erlang VM, with a bundled build tool and package manager, but a younger community.
ElmElm is a typed functional language for web front ends with very helpful compiler errors, but it targets only front ends and makes JavaScript interop harder.
OCamlOCaml is a strongly typed functional language with a native compiler and long-term support releases, though it does not compile to readable JavaScript by default.
GHCThe Glasgow Haskell Compiler, the standard open-source compiler and interactive environment for Haskell.
TypeScriptTypeScript adds gradual typing to ordinary JavaScript with a much larger ecosystem, giving up PureScript's purely functional style and Haskell-like type classes.
HaskellHaskell offers the same style of strong static typing and purity, but compiles to native code rather than JavaScript, so it does not target browsers directly.

See all alternatives

About PureScript

PureScript is a functional programming language that compiles to readable JavaScript and can reuse existing JavaScript code. Its type system includes algebraic data types with pattern matching, row polymorphism and extensible records, higher kinded types, type classes with functional dependencies and higher-rank polymorphism.

Precompiled compiler binaries are available for macOS, Linux and Windows, or it can be installed with npm. Spago is the recommended build tool, and the Pursuit package database hosts searchable library documentation. It suits developers who want strong static types for web applications, web servers and other JavaScript targets.

Strengths

Expressive type system with row polymorphism and type classes
Compiles to readable JavaScript with easy interop
Editor support with instant rebuilds
Searchable library documentation on Pursuit

Limitations

Smaller ecosystem than mainstream JavaScript or TypeScript
Functional style has a learning curve for newcomers

Details

Pricing: FreeFree and open source under the MIT licence.
License: MIT
Developer: The PureScript contributors
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, Command line
How it runs: Downloadable app
Account: Not required
Works offline: Yes
Best suited for: Developers who want Haskell-style typed functional programming for JavaScript targets
Categories: Developer tools
Last verified: October 2, 2026
Added: October 2, 2026
Sources: purescript.org

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