Lua __index metamethod

Syntax

local defaults = { active = true }
setmetatable(user, { __index = defaults })

Examples

local defaults = { active = true }
setmetatable(user, { __index = defaults })

Best practices

• Start with the smallest working example, then adapt it to your project.
• Use the language’s standard library and idioms before introducing extra dependencies.

At a glance

Purpose

Lightweight scripting and embedding

File extension

.lua

Runs in

Lua interpreter or a host application

Usually used with

Host APIs and Lua modules

Specifications & further reading

• Lua reference manuals

Related Lua documentation