Algernon

Algernon is a small, self-contained web server and lightweight application server written in Go. It serves content from files and directories, and can also run dynamic request handlers using embedded Lua (optionally Teal).

Key Features

• Single executable with no external runtime dependencies
• Built-in Lua scripting for request handlers plus optional Teal type checking
• File-based conventions for serving content (for example index.lua, index.md, templates)
• Built-in rendering for Markdown and template formats (including Pongo2 and Amber)
• Supports HTTP/2 and optional HTTP/3 (QUIC), plus TLS support
• Database backends including Redis (default), SQLite, PostgreSQL, and MySQL/MariaDB
• Users, permissions, and configurable access control for paths
• Auto-refresh for fast local development using Server-Sent Events
• Plugin system via JSON-RPC to integrate external programs

Use Cases

• Hosting small to medium websites where Markdown and templates are preferred
• Building lightweight web apps that use Lua handlers with Redis/SQL backends
• Rapid prototyping with live reload and minimal configuration

Limitations and Considerations

• The built-in Lua runtime (gopher-lua) does not support dynamic native module loading via package.loadlib
• Auto-refresh file watching is limited to Linux and macOS in current implementations

Algernon is well-suited for developers who want a compact Go-based server that can serve static content and run dynamic logic with embedded scripting. Its broad built-in feature set makes it useful for quickly shipping small web applications with minimal setup.