Run a project

wax run uses the runtime, backend, preset, and other build intent declared by the selected wax.json target:

wax run
wax run --target command
wax run --preset release

It accepts one shot and standalone targets that produce native host executables. Embedded and WebAssembly targets need a host and should be built with wax build instead.

The default run tier is Instant. On macOS ARM64, Linux x64/ARM64, and Windows x64, Auto selects Native for Release runs and executes the image directly, without a separate C compiler or Node. Explicit backend, preset, and tier settings are respected. C and Debug runs still need an external compiler.

Place program arguments after -- so they cannot be mistaken for build options:

wax run -- input.txt --verbose

C runs build an executable under .wax_build/run/; direct Native runs need no executable. wax build exports the configured delivery artifact and currently requires a Clang-compatible compiler and platform linker. wax run returns the program exit status.

Save a Native run with wax run --record first-run.wxs, then open the file in Inspector. Choose a new filename for each run: existing recordings are preserved. Follow Your first investigation for an example from first run to changed route.