Home / Science

Science

Microsoft-backed F* language gains traction in global tech

WireByte Staff · August 2, 2026

Microsoft Research-backed F* language, a proof-oriented programming language, has gained popularity among developers. F* supports both functional and effectful programming, and its compiler can output OCaml, F#, C, or WebAssembly. The language is open-source and has seen active development. The EU has expressed interest in its potential for secure coding.

Key points

  • F*, a proof-oriented programming language, is backed by Microsoft Research and Inria, and is open-source on GitHub.
  • F* supports both purely functional and effectful programming, and its compiler can output OCaml, F#, C, or WebAssembly.
  • The language has seen active development and is gaining popularity among developers.
  • The EU has expressed interest in F*'s potential for secure coding and improving software safety.
  • F* is distributed under the Apache 2.0 license and has binaries available for Windows, Linux, and Mac OS X.

F* Gains Traction in Global Tech

Microsoft Research-backed F* language, a proof-oriented programming language, has gained popularity among developers. F* supports both functional and effectful programming, and its compiler can output OCaml, F#, C, or WebAssembly.

What is F*?

F* is a general-purpose proof-oriented programming language that combines the expressive power of dependent types with proof automation based on SMT solving and tactic-based interactive theorem proving. It is open-source on GitHub and has seen active development by Microsoft Research, Inria, and the community.

EU Expresses Interest

The EU has expressed interest in F*'s potential for secure coding and improving software safety. This interest highlights the language's potential to make a significant impact in the global tech industry.

Availability

F* is distributed under the Apache 2.0 license and has binaries available for Windows, Linux, and Mac OS X. Developers can also install F* from OPAM, Docker, Nix, or build it from sources.

Sources

WireByte Staff — Editorial Team

The WireByte editorial team synthesises technology news from multiple primary sources, verifies the facts, and links every source. Articles are produced with AI assistance and reviewed under our editorial policy.