Small, fast, embeddable scripting language (PUC-Rio, 1993). Single core data structure (the table) doubles as record, array, hash, namespace, object, and module — radical simplicity.
Key facts
Year / origin: 1993, PUC-Rio (Brazil).
Paradigm: imperative + functional + prototype-OO via tables and metatables.
Typing: dynamic, weak-ish.
Implementations: reference VM is tiny (~280 KB); LuaJIT is among the fastest dynamic-language JITs.
Used as embedded scripting layer (Redis, Nginx, World of Warcraft, Roblox).