zig-systems-programming

---
name: zig-systems-programming
description: Use this skill when authoring low-level systems software with explicit allocations, comptime execution, and no hidden control flow using Zig.
---
# Zig Systems Programming & Memory Safety

## When to use
Use this skill when you need to authoring low-level systems software with explicit allocations, comptime execution, and no hidden control flow using Zig.

## Prerequisites
- Working knowledge of relevant programming language or database fundamentals.
- Access to testing environment or local runtime instance.

## Step-by-step workflow
1. **Analyze operational requirements**: Review performance boundaries, data integrity constraints, and query patterns.
2. **Design schema / interface**: Define explicit data contracts, types, or indexes supporting planned operations.
3. **Implement core routines**: Construct declarative, type-safe, or parameterized queries and functions.
4. **Validate performance**: Verify execution metrics using profilers, EXPLAIN plans, or benchmark test suites.
5. **Implement defensive controls**: Enforce timeout boundaries, connection pooling limits, and transaction safety.

## Commands / code examples
```zig
const std = @import("std");

pub fn main() !void {
    var gpa = std.heap.GeneralPurposeAllocator(.{}){};
    defer _ = gpa.deinit();
    const allocator = gpa.allocator();

    const buffer = try allocator.alloc(u8, 1024);
    defer allocator.free(buffer);

    @memset(buffer, 0xAA);
    std.debug.print("Allocated and initialized {d} bytes\n", .{buffer.len});
}
```

## Common mistakes & pitfalls
- Overlooking indexing strategies on foreign keys and frequently queried filter columns.
- Running unparameterized dynamic queries, creating severe SQL injection vulnerabilities.
- Holding open long-running database transactions during slow external network calls.

## Verification checklist
- [ ] Schema contracts and type signatures are strictly enforced.
- [ ] Queries are fully parameterized against injection vulnerabilities.
- [ ] Profiling or execution plans show optimal resource consumption.
- [ ] Error handling safely releases locks and rolls back aborted transactions.

## Related skills
- postgresql-query-optimization-explain
- sql-anti-patterns-remediation
- acid-transactions-isolation-levels
- secure-code-review-static-analysis-sast