bb

Build Clojure project

$ bb [script.clj]

$ bb repl

$ bb -e ["(println (+ 1 2 3))"]

$ bb tasks

bb [options] [file] [args]

bb (Babashka) is a native Clojure interpreter for scripting. It provides fast startup times and can run Clojure scripts without JVM overhead, making it suitable for shell scripting and task automation.
The tool enables using Clojure for tasks typically handled by bash or Python scripts.

-e, --eval expr

Evaluate expression

Run file

Call main function in namespace

Start REPL

Start nREPL server

Set classpath

Create standalone script

bb.edn

Project configuration file for tasks, dependencies, and classpath settings.

- Fast startup (milliseconds)
- Most of Clojure core
- Common libraries included
- Task runner (bb.edn)
- Pod system for native bindings
- Compatible with Clojure syntax
- Shell out capabilities

Define tasks in bb.edn:

$ {:tasks
 {test {:doc "Run tests"
        :task (shell "clojure -M:test")}}}

Not full Clojure (some features missing). Not as fast as compiled code. Limited Java interop. Some libraries don't work. Pods add complexity.

Babashka was created by Michiel Borkent in 2019 to enable fast Clojure scripting without JVM startup overhead.

clojure(1), lein(1), janet(1)