# Using Lua on Ruachost servers

> Lua is available on Ruachost shared hosting. How to check it's installed, run a Lua script, and get Lua on a Managed VPS.

Source: https://helpcenter.ruachost.com/developers/guides/using-lua-on-ruachost-com-servers/

Lua is a lightweight scripting language, often used for automation and for extending other software. It's installed on Ruachost shared hosting, and it can be added to a Managed VPS.

## Shared hosting

Lua is installed by default. To check, connect to your account with SSH and run:

```bash
lua -v
```

To run a script:

```bash
lua myscript.lua
```

You can also make a script executable and run it directly by adding a shebang line at the top:

```lua
#!/usr/bin/env lua
print("Hello from Lua")
```

Then run `chmod +x myscript.lua` and `./myscript.lua`. See [Using the shebang](https://helpcenter.ruachost.com/developers/linux/using-the-shebang/).

You can also run Lua scripts on a schedule with cron. See [Setting up cron jobs in cPanel](https://helpcenter.ruachost.com/cpanel/advanced/setting-up-cron-jobs-in-cpanel/).

## Managed VPS

If Lua isn't installed on your Managed VPS, [open a support ticket](https://helpcenter.ruachost.com/getting-started/client-area/how-can-i-open-a-support-ticket/) and ask us to install it.

## More information

For the language reference and guides, see the [official Lua documentation](https://www.lua.org/docs.html).