elixir

Functional language runtime on Erlang VM

TLDR

Run Elixir script

$ elixir [script.exs]

Evaluate expression

$ elixir -e "[IO.puts \"Hello\"]"

Start with shell

$ elixir -S iex

Run with Mix project

$ elixir -S mix run

Start named node

$ elixir --name [node@host] -S iex

Set environment

$ MIX_ENV=prod elixir -S mix phx.server

SYNOPSIS

elixir [options] [script] [args]

elixir runs Elixir code and scripts. It's the primary command for executing Elixir programs, supporting both script files (.exs) and compiled modules.The command starts the Erlang VM with Elixir loaded. Options control distributed computing settings, code loading, and execution mode. Combined with `-S mix`, it runs Mix tasks.Elixir's interactive shell (IEx) can be started using `elixir -S iex` for development and debugging.

PARAMETERS

SCRIPT

Elixir script file to run.

-e CODE

Evaluate code string.

-r FILE

Require file before execution.

-S SCRIPT

Run Erlang/Elixir script.

--name NAME

Set distributed node name.

--sname NAME

Set short node name.

--cookie COOKIE

Set Erlang distribution cookie.

--no-halt

Do not exit after the script finishes; keep the VM running.

--erl SWITCHES

Pass switches through to the underlying erl command.

--rpc-eval NODE CODE

Evaluate code on a remote running node.

-v, --version

Print the Elixir and Erlang/OTP versions.

--help

Display help information.

INSTALL

sudo apt install elixir

sudo dnf install elixir

sudo pacman -S elixir

sudo apk add elixir

sudo zypper install elixir

brew install elixir

CAVEATS

Requires Erlang/OTP installed. Startup time includes BEAM VM boot. Scripts have .exs extension by convention. Distributed features need network configuration.

HISTORY

Elixir was created by José Valim and released in 2011, running on the Erlang BEAM VM. It brought modern syntax and tooling to the Erlang ecosystem while maintaining compatibility.

RESOURCES

Source code · Homepage · Documentation