chore: bump version to 0.1.12

Implements WISH-013 mutable state primitives. Ref<T> is a mutable container
using existing module call syntax. Supported across interpreter, JS, and C backends.

Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 4.6 <noreply@anthropic.com>

Cargo.lock

@@ -776,7 +776,7 @@ dependencies = [
 
 [[package]]
 name = "lux"
-version = "0.1.7"
+version = "0.1.11"
 dependencies = [
  "glob",
  "lsp-server",

Cargo.toml

@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 [package]
 name = "lux"
-version = "0.1.8"
+version = "0.1.12"
 edition = "2021"
 description = "A functional programming language with first-class effects, schema evolution, and behavioral types"
 license = "MIT"

flake.nix

@@ -44,7 +44,7 @@
             printf "\n"
             printf "  \033[1;35m╦  ╦ ╦╦ ╦\033[0m\n"
             printf "  \033[1;35m║  ║ ║╔╣\033[0m\n"
-            printf "  \033[1;35m╩═╝╚═╝╩ ╩\033[0m  v0.1.8\n"
+            printf "  \033[1;35m╩═╝╚═╝╩ ╩\033[0m  v0.1.12\n"
             printf "\n"
             printf "  Functional language with first-class effects\n"
             printf "\n"
@@ -62,7 +62,7 @@
 
         packages.default = pkgs.rustPlatform.buildRustPackage {
           pname = "lux";
-          version = "0.1.8";
+          version = "0.1.12";
           src = ./.;
           cargoLock.lockFile = ./Cargo.lock;
 
@@ -79,7 +79,7 @@
           };
         in muslPkgs.rustPlatform.buildRustPackage {
           pname = "lux";
-          version = "0.1.8";
+          version = "0.1.12";
           src = ./.;
           cargoLock.lockFile = ./Cargo.lock;
 

src/ast.rs

@@ -221,6 +221,10 @@ pub enum Declaration {
     Trait(TraitDecl),
     /// Trait implementation: impl Trait for Type { ... }
     Impl(ImplDecl),
+    /// Extern function declaration (FFI): extern fn name(params): ReturnType
+    ExternFn(ExternFnDecl),
+    /// Extern let declaration (FFI): extern let name: Type
+    ExternLet(ExternLetDecl),
 }
 
 /// Function declaration
@@ -428,6 +432,34 @@ pub struct ImplMethod {
     pub span: Span,
 }
 
+/// Extern function declaration (FFI)
+#[derive(Debug, Clone)]
+pub struct ExternFnDecl {
+    pub visibility: Visibility,
+    /// Documentation comment
+    pub doc: Option<String>,
+    pub name: Ident,
+    pub type_params: Vec<Ident>,
+    pub params: Vec<Parameter>,
+    pub return_type: TypeExpr,
+    /// Optional JS name override: extern fn foo(...): T = "jsFoo"
+    pub js_name: Option<String>,
+    pub span: Span,
+}
+
+/// Extern let declaration (FFI)
+#[derive(Debug, Clone)]
+pub struct ExternLetDecl {
+    pub visibility: Visibility,
+    /// Documentation comment
+    pub doc: Option<String>,
+    pub name: Ident,
+    pub typ: TypeExpr,
+    /// Optional JS name override: extern let foo: T = "window.foo"
+    pub js_name: Option<String>,
+    pub span: Span,
+}
+
 /// Type expressions
 #[derive(Debug, Clone, PartialEq, Eq)]
 pub enum TypeExpr {

src/codegen/c_backend.rs

@@ -3285,6 +3285,9 @@ impl CBackend {
                         if module_name.name == "Map" {
                             return self.emit_map_operation(&field.name, args);
                         }
+                        if module_name.name == "Ref" {
+                            return self.emit_ref_operation(&field.name, args);
+                        }
                         // Int module
                         if module_name.name == "Int" && field.name == "toString" {
                             let arg = self.emit_expr(&args[0])?;
@@ -3701,6 +3704,11 @@ impl CBackend {
                     return self.emit_map_operation(&operation.name, args);
                 }
 
+                // Ref module
+                if effect.name == "Ref" {
+                    return self.emit_ref_operation(&operation.name, args);
+                }
+
                 // Built-in Console effect
                 if effect.name == "Console" {
                     if operation.name == "print" {
@@ -5185,6 +5193,42 @@ impl CBackend {
         }
     }
 
+    fn emit_ref_operation(&mut self, op: &str, args: &[Expr]) -> Result<String, CGenError> {
+        match op {
+            "new" => {
+                let val = self.emit_expr(&args[0])?;
+                let boxed = self.box_value(&val, None);
+                let temp = format!("_ref_new_{}", self.fresh_name());
+                self.writeln(&format!("void** {} = (void**)malloc(sizeof(void*));", temp));
+                self.writeln(&format!("*{} = {};", temp, boxed));
+                Ok(temp)
+            }
+            "get" => {
+                let r = self.emit_expr(&args[0])?;
+                Ok(format!("(*({}))  /* Ref.get */", r))
+            }
+            "set" => {
+                let r = self.emit_expr(&args[0])?;
+                let val = self.emit_expr(&args[1])?;
+                let boxed = self.box_value(&val, None);
+                self.writeln(&format!("*{} = {};", r, boxed));
+                Ok("0 /* Unit */".to_string())
+            }
+            "update" => {
+                let r = self.emit_expr(&args[0])?;
+                let f = self.emit_expr(&args[1])?;
+                let temp = format!("_ref_upd_{}", self.fresh_name());
+                self.writeln(&format!("void* {} = ((void*(*)(void*)){})(*({}));", temp, f, r));
+                self.writeln(&format!("*{} = {};", r, temp));
+                Ok("0 /* Unit */".to_string())
+            }
+            _ => Err(CGenError {
+                message: format!("Unsupported Ref operation: {}", op),
+                span: None,
+            }),
+        }
+    }
+
     fn emit_expr_with_substitution(&mut self, expr: &Expr, from: &str, to: &str) -> Result<String, CGenError> {
         // Simple substitution - in a real implementation, this would be more sophisticated
         match expr {

src/codegen/js_backend.rs

@@ -71,6 +71,10 @@ pub struct JsBackend {
     var_substitutions: HashMap<String, String>,
     /// Effects actually used in the program (for tree-shaking runtime)
     used_effects: HashSet<String>,
+    /// Extern function names mapped to their JS names
+    extern_fns: HashMap<String, String>,
+    /// Extern let names mapped to their JS names
+    extern_lets: HashMap<String, String>,
 }
 
 impl JsBackend {
@@ -93,6 +97,8 @@ impl JsBackend {
             has_handlers: false,
             var_substitutions: HashMap::new(),
             used_effects: HashSet::new(),
+            extern_fns: HashMap::new(),
+            extern_lets: HashMap::new(),
         }
     }
 
@@ -112,6 +118,21 @@ impl JsBackend {
                 Declaration::Type(t) => {
                     self.collect_type(t)?;
                 }
+                Declaration::ExternFn(ext) => {
+                    let js_name = ext
+                        .js_name
+                        .clone()
+                        .unwrap_or_else(|| ext.name.name.clone());
+                    self.extern_fns.insert(ext.name.name.clone(), js_name);
+                    self.functions.insert(ext.name.name.clone());
+                }
+                Declaration::ExternLet(ext) => {
+                    let js_name = ext
+                        .js_name
+                        .clone()
+                        .unwrap_or_else(|| ext.name.name.clone());
+                    self.extern_lets.insert(ext.name.name.clone(), js_name);
+                }
                 _ => {}
             }
         }
@@ -1086,6 +1107,9 @@ impl JsBackend {
                 } else if self.functions.contains(&ident.name) {
                     // Function reference (used as value)
                     Ok(self.mangle_name(&ident.name))
+                } else if let Some(js_name) = self.extern_lets.get(&ident.name) {
+                    // Extern let: use JS name directly (no mangling)
+                    Ok(js_name.clone())
                 } else {
                     Ok(self.escape_js_keyword(&ident.name))
                 }
@@ -1218,6 +1242,9 @@ impl JsBackend {
                         if module_name.name == "Map" {
                             return self.emit_map_operation(&field.name, args);
                         }
+                        if module_name.name == "Ref" {
+                            return self.emit_ref_operation(&field.name, args);
+                        }
                     }
                 }
 
@@ -1364,6 +1391,11 @@ impl JsBackend {
                     return self.emit_map_operation(&operation.name, args);
                 }
 
+                // Special case: Ref module operations (not an effect)
+                if effect.name == "Ref" {
+                    return self.emit_ref_operation(&operation.name, args);
+                }
+
                 // Special case: Html module operations (not an effect)
                 if effect.name == "Html" {
                     return self.emit_html_operation(&operation.name, args);
@@ -1824,6 +1856,67 @@ impl JsBackend {
                 let func = self.emit_expr(&args[1])?;
                 Ok(format!("[...{}].sort({})", list, func))
             }
+            "find" => {
+                let list = self.emit_expr(&args[0])?;
+                let pred = self.emit_expr(&args[1])?;
+                Ok(format!(
+                    "((__l) => {{ const __r = __l.find({}); return __r !== undefined ? Lux.Some(__r) : Lux.None(); }})({})",
+                    pred, list
+                ))
+            }
+            "findIndex" => {
+                let list = self.emit_expr(&args[0])?;
+                let pred = self.emit_expr(&args[1])?;
+                Ok(format!(
+                    "((__l) => {{ const __i = __l.findIndex({}); return __i !== -1 ? Lux.Some(__i) : Lux.None(); }})({})",
+                    pred, list
+                ))
+            }
+            "any" => {
+                let list = self.emit_expr(&args[0])?;
+                let pred = self.emit_expr(&args[1])?;
+                Ok(format!("{}.some({})", list, pred))
+            }
+            "all" => {
+                let list = self.emit_expr(&args[0])?;
+                let pred = self.emit_expr(&args[1])?;
+                Ok(format!("{}.every({})", list, pred))
+            }
+            "zip" => {
+                let list1 = self.emit_expr(&args[0])?;
+                let list2 = self.emit_expr(&args[1])?;
+                Ok(format!(
+                    "((__a, __b) => __a.slice(0, Math.min(__a.length, __b.length)).map((__x, __i) => [__x, __b[__i]]))({})",
+                    format!("{}, {}", list1, list2)
+                ))
+            }
+            "flatten" => {
+                let list = self.emit_expr(&args[0])?;
+                Ok(format!("{}.flat()", list))
+            }
+            "contains" => {
+                let list = self.emit_expr(&args[0])?;
+                let elem = self.emit_expr(&args[1])?;
+                Ok(format!(
+                    "{}.some(__x => JSON.stringify(__x) === JSON.stringify({}))",
+                    list, elem
+                ))
+            }
+            "take" => {
+                let list = self.emit_expr(&args[0])?;
+                let n = self.emit_expr(&args[1])?;
+                Ok(format!("{}.slice(0, Math.max(0, {}))", list, n))
+            }
+            "drop" => {
+                let list = self.emit_expr(&args[0])?;
+                let n = self.emit_expr(&args[1])?;
+                Ok(format!("{}.slice(Math.max(0, {}))", list, n))
+            }
+            "forEach" => {
+                let list = self.emit_expr(&args[0])?;
+                let func = self.emit_expr(&args[1])?;
+                Ok(format!("({}.forEach({}), undefined)", list, func))
+            }
             _ => Err(JsGenError {
                 message: format!("Unknown List operation: {}", operation),
                 span: None,
@@ -2401,6 +2494,37 @@ impl JsBackend {
         }
     }
 
+    fn emit_ref_operation(
+        &mut self,
+        operation: &str,
+        args: &[Expr],
+    ) -> Result<String, JsGenError> {
+        match operation {
+            "new" => {
+                let val = self.emit_expr(&args[0])?;
+                Ok(format!("({{value: {}}})", val))
+            }
+            "get" => {
+                let r = self.emit_expr(&args[0])?;
+                Ok(format!("({}.value)", r))
+            }
+            "set" => {
+                let r = self.emit_expr(&args[0])?;
+                let val = self.emit_expr(&args[1])?;
+                Ok(format!("({}.value = {}, undefined)", r, val))
+            }
+            "update" => {
+                let r = self.emit_expr(&args[0])?;
+                let f = self.emit_expr(&args[1])?;
+                Ok(format!("({0}.value = {1}({0}.value), undefined)", r, f))
+            }
+            _ => Err(JsGenError {
+                message: format!("Unknown Ref operation: {}", operation),
+                span: None,
+            }),
+        }
+    }
+
     /// Emit Html module operations for type-safe HTML construction
     fn emit_html_operation(
         &mut self,
@@ -2723,6 +2847,10 @@ impl JsBackend {
 
     /// Mangle a Lux name to a valid JavaScript name
     fn mangle_name(&self, name: &str) -> String {
+        // Extern functions use their JS name directly (no mangling)
+        if let Some(js_name) = self.extern_fns.get(name) {
+            return js_name.clone();
+        }
         format!("{}_lux", name)
     }
 

src/formatter.rs

@@ -3,9 +3,9 @@
 //! Formats Lux source code according to standard style guidelines.
 
 use crate::ast::{
-    BehavioralProperty, BinaryOp, Declaration, EffectDecl, Expr, FunctionDecl, HandlerDecl,
-    ImplDecl, ImplMethod, LetDecl, Literal, LiteralKind, Pattern, Program, Statement, TraitDecl,
-    TypeDecl, TypeDef, TypeExpr, UnaryOp, VariantFields,
+    BehavioralProperty, BinaryOp, Declaration, EffectDecl, ExternFnDecl, ExternLetDecl, Expr, FunctionDecl,
+    HandlerDecl, ImplDecl, ImplMethod, LetDecl, Literal, LiteralKind, Pattern, Program, Statement,
+    TraitDecl, TypeDecl, TypeDef, TypeExpr, UnaryOp, VariantFields, Visibility,
 };
 use crate::lexer::Lexer;
 use crate::parser::Parser;
@@ -103,9 +103,77 @@ impl Formatter {
             Declaration::Handler(h) => self.format_handler(h),
             Declaration::Trait(t) => self.format_trait(t),
             Declaration::Impl(i) => self.format_impl(i),
+            Declaration::ExternFn(e) => self.format_extern_fn(e),
+            Declaration::ExternLet(e) => self.format_extern_let(e),
         }
     }
 
+    fn format_extern_fn(&mut self, ext: &ExternFnDecl) {
+        let indent = self.indent();
+        self.write(&indent);
+
+        if ext.visibility == Visibility::Public {
+            self.write("pub ");
+        }
+
+        self.write("extern fn ");
+        self.write(&ext.name.name);
+
+        // Type parameters
+        if !ext.type_params.is_empty() {
+            self.write("<");
+            self.write(
+                &ext.type_params
+                    .iter()
+                    .map(|p| p.name.clone())
+                    .collect::<Vec<_>>()
+                    .join(", "),
+            );
+            self.write(">");
+        }
+
+        // Parameters
+        self.write("(");
+        let params: Vec<String> = ext
+            .params
+            .iter()
+            .map(|p| format!("{}: {}", p.name.name, self.format_type_expr(&p.typ)))
+            .collect();
+        self.write(&params.join(", "));
+        self.write("): ");
+
+        // Return type
+        self.write(&self.format_type_expr(&ext.return_type));
+
+        // Optional JS name
+        if let Some(js_name) = &ext.js_name {
+            self.write(&format!(" = \"{}\"", js_name));
+        }
+
+        self.newline();
+    }
+
+    fn format_extern_let(&mut self, ext: &ExternLetDecl) {
+        let indent = self.indent();
+        self.write(&indent);
+
+        if ext.visibility == Visibility::Public {
+            self.write("pub ");
+        }
+
+        self.write("extern let ");
+        self.write(&ext.name.name);
+        self.write(": ");
+        self.write(&self.format_type_expr(&ext.typ));
+
+        // Optional JS name
+        if let Some(js_name) = &ext.js_name {
+            self.write(&format!(" = \"{}\"", js_name));
+        }
+
+        self.newline();
+    }
+
     fn format_function(&mut self, func: &FunctionDecl) {
         let indent = self.indent();
         self.write(&indent);

src/interpreter.rs

@@ -144,6 +144,12 @@ pub enum BuiltinFn {
     MapFromList,
     MapToList,
     MapMerge,
+
+    // Ref operations
+    RefNew,
+    RefGet,
+    RefSet,
+    RefUpdate,
 }
 
 /// Runtime value
@@ -176,6 +182,13 @@ pub enum Value {
     },
     /// JSON value (for JSON parsing/manipulation)
     Json(serde_json::Value),
+    /// Extern function (FFI — only callable from JS backend)
+    ExternFn {
+        name: String,
+        arity: usize,
+    },
+    /// Mutable reference cell
+    Ref(Rc<RefCell<Value>>),
 }
 
 impl Value {
@@ -197,6 +210,8 @@ impl Value {
             Value::Constructor { .. } => "Constructor",
             Value::Versioned { .. } => "Versioned",
             Value::Json(_) => "Json",
+            Value::ExternFn { .. } => "ExternFn",
+            Value::Ref(_) => "Ref",
         }
     }
 
@@ -252,6 +267,7 @@ impl Value {
                 t1 == t2 && v1 == v2 && Value::values_equal(val1, val2)
             }
             (Value::Json(j1), Value::Json(j2)) => j1 == j2,
+            (Value::Ref(r1), Value::Ref(r2)) => Rc::ptr_eq(r1, r2),
             // Functions and handlers cannot be compared for equality
             _ => false,
         }
@@ -407,6 +423,8 @@ impl fmt::Display for Value {
                 write!(f, "{} @v{}", value, version)
             }
             Value::Json(json) => write!(f, "{}", json),
+            Value::ExternFn { name, .. } => write!(f, "<extern fn {}>", name),
+            Value::Ref(cell) => write!(f, "<ref: {}>", cell.borrow()),
         }
     }
 }
@@ -1195,6 +1213,15 @@ impl Interpreter {
             ("merge".to_string(), Value::Builtin(BuiltinFn::MapMerge)),
         ]));
         env.define("Map", map_module);
+
+        // Ref module
+        let ref_module = Value::Record(HashMap::from([
+            ("new".to_string(), Value::Builtin(BuiltinFn::RefNew)),
+            ("get".to_string(), Value::Builtin(BuiltinFn::RefGet)),
+            ("set".to_string(), Value::Builtin(BuiltinFn::RefSet)),
+            ("update".to_string(), Value::Builtin(BuiltinFn::RefUpdate)),
+        ]));
+        env.define("Ref", ref_module);
     }
 
     /// Execute a program
@@ -1405,6 +1432,33 @@ impl Interpreter {
                 Ok(Value::Unit)
             }
 
+            Declaration::ExternFn(ext) => {
+                // Register a placeholder that errors at runtime
+                let name = ext.name.name.clone();
+                let arity = ext.params.len();
+                // Create a closure that produces a clear error
+                let closure = Closure {
+                    params: ext.params.iter().map(|p| p.name.name.clone()).collect(),
+                    body: Expr::Literal(crate::ast::Literal {
+                        kind: crate::ast::LiteralKind::Unit,
+                        span: ext.span,
+                    }),
+                    env: self.global_env.clone(),
+                };
+                // We store an ExternFn marker value
+                self.global_env
+                    .define(&name, Value::ExternFn { name: name.clone(), arity });
+                Ok(Value::Unit)
+            }
+
+            Declaration::ExternLet(ext) => {
+                // Register a placeholder that errors at runtime (extern lets only work in JS)
+                let name = ext.name.name.clone();
+                self.global_env
+                    .define(&name, Value::ExternFn { name: name.clone(), arity: 0 });
+                Ok(Value::Unit)
+            }
+
             Declaration::Effect(_) | Declaration::Trait(_) | Declaration::Impl(_) => {
                 // These are compile-time only
                 Ok(Value::Unit)
@@ -1924,6 +1978,13 @@ impl Interpreter {
                 }))
             }
             Value::Builtin(builtin) => self.eval_builtin(builtin, args, span),
+            Value::ExternFn { name, .. } => Err(RuntimeError {
+                message: format!(
+                    "Extern function '{}' can only be called when compiled to JavaScript (use `lux build --target js`)",
+                    name
+                ),
+                span: Some(span),
+            }),
             v => Err(RuntimeError {
                 message: format!("Cannot call {}", v.type_name()),
                 span: Some(span),
@@ -3399,6 +3460,56 @@ impl Interpreter {
                 }
                 Ok(EvalResult::Value(Value::Map(map1)))
             }
+
+            BuiltinFn::RefNew => {
+                if args.len() != 1 {
+                    return Err(err("Ref.new requires 1 argument"));
+                }
+                Ok(EvalResult::Value(Value::Ref(Rc::new(RefCell::new(args.into_iter().next().unwrap())))))
+            }
+
+            BuiltinFn::RefGet => {
+                if args.len() != 1 {
+                    return Err(err("Ref.get requires 1 argument"));
+                }
+                match &args[0] {
+                    Value::Ref(cell) => Ok(EvalResult::Value(cell.borrow().clone())),
+                    v => Err(err(&format!("Ref.get expects Ref, got {}", v.type_name()))),
+                }
+            }
+
+            BuiltinFn::RefSet => {
+                if args.len() != 2 {
+                    return Err(err("Ref.set requires 2 arguments: ref, value"));
+                }
+                match &args[0] {
+                    Value::Ref(cell) => {
+                        *cell.borrow_mut() = args[1].clone();
+                        Ok(EvalResult::Value(Value::Unit))
+                    }
+                    v => Err(err(&format!("Ref.set expects Ref as first argument, got {}", v.type_name()))),
+                }
+            }
+
+            BuiltinFn::RefUpdate => {
+                if args.len() != 2 {
+                    return Err(err("Ref.update requires 2 arguments: ref, fn"));
+                }
+                match &args[0] {
+                    Value::Ref(cell) => {
+                        let old = cell.borrow().clone();
+                        let result = self.eval_call(args[1].clone(), vec![old], span)?;
+                        match result {
+                            EvalResult::Value(new_val) => {
+                                *cell.borrow_mut() = new_val;
+                            }
+                            _ => return Err(err("Ref.update callback must return a value")),
+                        }
+                        Ok(EvalResult::Value(Value::Unit))
+                    }
+                    v => Err(err(&format!("Ref.update expects Ref as first argument, got {}", v.type_name()))),
+                }
+            }
         }
     }
 

src/lexer.rs

@@ -55,6 +55,7 @@ pub enum TokenKind {
     Trait,  // trait (for type classes)
     Impl,   // impl (for trait implementations)
     For,    // for (in impl Trait for Type)
+    Extern, // extern (for FFI declarations)
 
     // Documentation
     DocComment(String), // /// doc comment
@@ -152,6 +153,7 @@ impl fmt::Display for TokenKind {
             TokenKind::Trait => write!(f, "trait"),
             TokenKind::Impl => write!(f, "impl"),
             TokenKind::For => write!(f, "for"),
+            TokenKind::Extern => write!(f, "extern"),
             TokenKind::DocComment(s) => write!(f, "/// {}", s),
             TokenKind::Is => write!(f, "is"),
             TokenKind::Pure => write!(f, "pure"),
@@ -1008,6 +1010,7 @@ impl<'a> Lexer<'a> {
             "trait" => TokenKind::Trait,
             "impl" => TokenKind::Impl,
             "for" => TokenKind::For,
+            "extern" => TokenKind::Extern,
             "is" => TokenKind::Is,
             "pure" => TokenKind::Pure,
             "total" => TokenKind::Total,

src/linter.rs

@@ -403,6 +403,12 @@ impl Linter {
                 Declaration::Function(f) => {
                     self.defined_functions.insert(f.name.name.clone());
                 }
+                Declaration::ExternFn(e) => {
+                    self.defined_functions.insert(e.name.name.clone());
+                }
+                Declaration::ExternLet(e) => {
+                    self.define_var(&e.name.name);
+                }
                 Declaration::Let(l) => {
                     self.define_var(&l.name.name);
                 }

src/main.rs

@@ -2288,6 +2288,48 @@ fn extract_module_doc(source: &str, path: &str) -> Result<ModuleDoc, String> {
                     is_public: matches!(t.visibility, ast::Visibility::Public),
                 });
             }
+            ast::Declaration::ExternFn(ext) => {
+                let params: Vec<String> = ext.params.iter()
+                    .map(|p| format!("{}: {}", p.name.name, format_type(&p.typ)))
+                    .collect();
+                let js_note = ext.js_name.as_ref()
+                    .map(|n| format!(" = \"{}\"", n))
+                    .unwrap_or_default();
+                let signature = format!(
+                    "extern fn {}({}): {}{}",
+                    ext.name.name,
+                    params.join(", "),
+                    format_type(&ext.return_type),
+                    js_note
+                );
+                let doc = extract_doc_comment(source, ext.span.start);
+                functions.push(FunctionDoc {
+                    name: ext.name.name.clone(),
+                    signature,
+                    description: doc,
+                    is_public: matches!(ext.visibility, ast::Visibility::Public),
+                    properties: vec![],
+                });
+            }
+            ast::Declaration::ExternLet(ext) => {
+                let js_note = ext.js_name.as_ref()
+                    .map(|n| format!(" = \"{}\"", n))
+                    .unwrap_or_default();
+                let signature = format!(
+                    "extern let {}: {}{}",
+                    ext.name.name,
+                    format_type(&ext.typ),
+                    js_note
+                );
+                let doc = extract_doc_comment(source, ext.span.start);
+                functions.push(FunctionDoc {
+                    name: ext.name.name.clone(),
+                    signature,
+                    description: doc,
+                    is_public: matches!(ext.visibility, ast::Visibility::Public),
+                    properties: vec![],
+                });
+            }
             ast::Declaration::Effect(e) => {
                 let doc = extract_doc_comment(source, e.span.start);
                 let ops: Vec<String> = e.operations.iter()
@@ -4081,6 +4123,146 @@ c")"#;
         assert_eq!(eval("let x = { a: 1, b: 2 } == { a: 1, b: 3 }").unwrap(), "false");
     }
 
+    #[test]
+    fn test_record_spread() {
+        let source = r#"
+            let base = { x: 1, y: 2, z: 3 }
+            let updated = { ...base, y: 20 }
+            let result = updated.y
+        "#;
+        assert_eq!(eval(source).unwrap(), "20");
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn test_deep_path_record_update() {
+        // Basic deep path: { ...base, pos.x: val } desugars to { ...base, pos: { ...base.pos, x: val } }
+        let source = r#"
+            let npc = { name: "Goblin", pos: { x: 10, y: 20 } }
+            let moved = { ...npc, pos.x: 50, pos.y: 60 }
+            let result = moved.pos.x
+        "#;
+        assert_eq!(eval(source).unwrap(), "50");
+
+        // Verify other fields are preserved through spread
+        let source2 = r#"
+            let npc = { name: "Goblin", pos: { x: 10, y: 20 } }
+            let moved = { ...npc, pos.x: 50 }
+            let result = moved.pos.y
+        "#;
+        assert_eq!(eval(source2).unwrap(), "20");
+
+        // Verify top-level spread fields preserved
+        let source3 = r#"
+            let npc = { name: "Goblin", pos: { x: 10, y: 20 } }
+            let moved = { ...npc, pos.x: 50 }
+            let result = moved.name
+        "#;
+        assert_eq!(eval(source3).unwrap(), "\"Goblin\"");
+
+        // Mix of flat and deep path fields
+        let source4 = r#"
+            let npc = { name: "Goblin", pos: { x: 10, y: 20 }, hp: 100 }
+            let updated = { ...npc, pos.x: 50, hp: 80 }
+            let result = (updated.pos.x, updated.hp, updated.name)
+        "#;
+        assert_eq!(eval(source4).unwrap(), "(50, 80, \"Goblin\")");
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn test_deep_path_record_multilevel() {
+        // Multi-level deep path: world.physics.gravity
+        let source = r#"
+            let world = { name: "Earth", physics: { gravity: { x: 0, y: -10 }, drag: 1 } }
+            let updated = { ...world, physics.gravity.y: -20 }
+            let result = (updated.physics.gravity.y, updated.physics.drag, updated.name)
+        "#;
+        assert_eq!(eval(source).unwrap(), "(-20, 1, \"Earth\")");
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn test_deep_path_conflict_error() {
+        // Field appears as both flat and deep path — should error
+        let result = eval(r#"
+            let base = { pos: { x: 1, y: 2 } }
+            let bad = { ...base, pos: { x: 10, y: 20 }, pos.x: 30 }
+        "#);
+        assert!(result.is_err());
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn test_extern_fn_parse() {
+        // Extern fn should parse successfully
+        let source = r#"
+            extern fn getElementById(id: String): String
+            let x = 42
+        "#;
+        assert_eq!(eval(source).unwrap(), "42");
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn test_extern_fn_with_js_name() {
+        // Extern fn with JS name override
+        let source = r#"
+            extern fn getCtx(el: String, kind: String): String = "getContext"
+            let x = 42
+        "#;
+        assert_eq!(eval(source).unwrap(), "42");
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn test_extern_fn_call_errors_in_interpreter() {
+        // Calling an extern fn in the interpreter should produce a clear error
+        let source = r#"
+            extern fn alert(msg: String): Unit
+            let x = alert("hello")
+        "#;
+        let result = eval(source);
+        assert!(result.is_err());
+        let err = result.unwrap_err();
+        assert!(err.contains("extern") || err.contains("Extern") || err.contains("JavaScript"),
+            "Error should mention extern/JavaScript: {}", err);
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn test_pub_extern_fn() {
+        // pub extern fn should parse
+        let source = r#"
+            pub extern fn requestAnimationFrame(callback: fn(): Unit): Int
+            let x = 42
+        "#;
+        assert_eq!(eval(source).unwrap(), "42");
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn test_extern_fn_js_codegen() {
+        // Verify JS backend emits extern fn calls without _lux suffix
+        use crate::codegen::js_backend::JsBackend;
+        use crate::parser::Parser;
+        use crate::lexer::Lexer;
+
+        let source = r#"
+            extern fn getElementById(id: String): String
+            extern fn getContext(el: String, kind: String): String = "getContext"
+            fn main(): Unit = {
+                let el = getElementById("canvas")
+                let ctx = getContext(el, "2d")
+                ()
+            }
+        "#;
+
+        let tokens = Lexer::new(source).tokenize().unwrap();
+        let program = Parser::new(tokens).parse_program().unwrap();
+        let mut backend = JsBackend::new();
+        let js = backend.generate(&program).unwrap();
+
+        // getElementById should appear as-is (no _lux suffix)
+        assert!(js.contains("getElementById("), "JS should call getElementById directly: {}", js);
+        // getContext should use the JS name override
+        assert!(js.contains("getContext("), "JS should call getContext directly: {}", js);
+        // main should still be mangled
+        assert!(js.contains("main_lux"), "main should be mangled: {}", js);
+    }
+
     #[test]
     fn test_invalid_escape_sequence() {
         let result = eval(r#"let x = "\z""#);
@@ -5673,6 +5855,58 @@ c")"#;
         assert_eq!(eval(source).unwrap(), "Some(30)");
     }
 
+    // Ref cell tests
+    #[test]
+    fn test_ref_new_and_get() {
+        let source = r#"
+            let r = Ref.new(42)
+            let result = Ref.get(r)
+        "#;
+        assert_eq!(eval(source).unwrap(), "42");
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn test_ref_set() {
+        let source = r#"
+            let r = Ref.new(0)
+            let _ = Ref.set(r, 10)
+            let result = Ref.get(r)
+        "#;
+        assert_eq!(eval(source).unwrap(), "10");
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn test_ref_update() {
+        let source = r#"
+            let r = Ref.new(5)
+            let _ = Ref.update(r, fn(n) => n + 1)
+            let result = Ref.get(r)
+        "#;
+        assert_eq!(eval(source).unwrap(), "6");
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn test_ref_multiple_updates() {
+        let source = r#"
+            let counter = Ref.new(0)
+            let _ = Ref.set(counter, 1)
+            let _ = Ref.update(counter, fn(n) => n * 10)
+            let _ = Ref.set(counter, Ref.get(counter) + 5)
+            let result = Ref.get(counter)
+        "#;
+        assert_eq!(eval(source).unwrap(), "15");
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn test_ref_with_string() {
+        let source = r#"
+            let r = Ref.new("hello")
+            let _ = Ref.set(r, "world")
+            let result = Ref.get(r)
+        "#;
+        assert_eq!(eval(source).unwrap(), "\"world\"");
+    }
+
     #[test]
     fn test_file_copy() {
         use std::io::Write;

src/modules.rs

@@ -52,6 +52,8 @@ impl Module {
                     Declaration::Let(l) => l.visibility == Visibility::Public,
                     Declaration::Type(t) => t.visibility == Visibility::Public,
                     Declaration::Trait(t) => t.visibility == Visibility::Public,
+                    Declaration::ExternFn(e) => e.visibility == Visibility::Public,
+                    Declaration::ExternLet(e) => e.visibility == Visibility::Public,
                     // Effects, handlers, and impls are always public for now
                     Declaration::Effect(_) | Declaration::Handler(_) | Declaration::Impl(_) => true,
                 }
@@ -294,6 +296,12 @@ impl ModuleLoader {
                     // Handlers are always exported
                     exports.insert(h.name.name.clone());
                 }
+                Declaration::ExternFn(e) if e.visibility == Visibility::Public => {
+                    exports.insert(e.name.name.clone());
+                }
+                Declaration::ExternLet(e) if e.visibility == Visibility::Public => {
+                    exports.insert(e.name.name.clone());
+                }
                 _ => {}
             }
         }

src/parser.rs

@@ -238,6 +238,7 @@ impl Parser {
 
         match self.peek_kind() {
             TokenKind::Fn => Ok(Declaration::Function(self.parse_function_decl(visibility, doc)?)),
+            TokenKind::Extern => self.parse_extern_decl(visibility, doc),
             TokenKind::Effect => Ok(Declaration::Effect(self.parse_effect_decl(doc)?)),
             TokenKind::Handler => Ok(Declaration::Handler(self.parse_handler_decl()?)),
             TokenKind::Type => Ok(Declaration::Type(self.parse_type_decl(visibility, doc)?)),
@@ -246,7 +247,7 @@ impl Parser {
             TokenKind::Impl => Ok(Declaration::Impl(self.parse_impl_decl()?)),
             TokenKind::Run => Err(self.error("Bare 'run' expressions are not allowed at top level. Use 'let _ = run ...' or 'let result = run ...'")),
             TokenKind::Handle => Err(self.error("Bare 'handle' expressions are not allowed at top level. Use 'let _ = handle ...' or 'let result = handle ...'")),
-            _ => Err(self.error("Expected declaration (fn, effect, handler, type, trait, impl, or let)")),
+            _ => Err(self.error("Expected declaration (fn, extern, effect, handler, type, trait, impl, or let)")),
         }
     }
 
@@ -323,6 +324,109 @@ impl Parser {
         })
     }
 
+    /// Parse extern declaration: dispatch to extern fn or extern let
+    fn parse_extern_decl(&mut self, visibility: Visibility, doc: Option<String>) -> Result<Declaration, ParseError> {
+        // Peek past 'extern' to see if it's 'fn' or 'let'
+        if self.pos + 1 < self.tokens.len() {
+            match &self.tokens[self.pos + 1].kind {
+                TokenKind::Fn => Ok(Declaration::ExternFn(self.parse_extern_fn_decl(visibility, doc)?)),
+                TokenKind::Let => Ok(Declaration::ExternLet(self.parse_extern_let_decl(visibility, doc)?)),
+                _ => Err(self.error("Expected 'fn' or 'let' after 'extern'")),
+            }
+        } else {
+            Err(self.error("Expected 'fn' or 'let' after 'extern'"))
+        }
+    }
+
+    /// Parse extern let declaration: extern let name: Type = "jsName"
+    fn parse_extern_let_decl(&mut self, visibility: Visibility, doc: Option<String>) -> Result<ExternLetDecl, ParseError> {
+        let start = self.current_span();
+        self.expect(TokenKind::Extern)?;
+        self.expect(TokenKind::Let)?;
+
+        let name = self.parse_ident()?;
+
+        // Type annotation
+        self.expect(TokenKind::Colon)?;
+        let typ = self.parse_type()?;
+
+        // Optional JS name override: = "jsName"
+        let js_name = if self.check(TokenKind::Eq) {
+            self.advance();
+            match self.peek_kind() {
+                TokenKind::String(s) => {
+                    let name = s.clone();
+                    self.advance();
+                    Some(name)
+                }
+                _ => return Err(self.error("Expected string literal for JS name in extern let")),
+            }
+        } else {
+            None
+        };
+
+        let span = start.merge(self.previous_span());
+        Ok(ExternLetDecl {
+            visibility,
+            doc,
+            name,
+            typ,
+            js_name,
+            span,
+        })
+    }
+
+    /// Parse extern function declaration: extern fn name<T>(params): ReturnType = "jsName"
+    fn parse_extern_fn_decl(&mut self, visibility: Visibility, doc: Option<String>) -> Result<ExternFnDecl, ParseError> {
+        let start = self.current_span();
+        self.expect(TokenKind::Extern)?;
+        self.expect(TokenKind::Fn)?;
+
+        let name = self.parse_ident()?;
+
+        // Optional type parameters
+        let type_params = if self.check(TokenKind::Lt) {
+            self.parse_type_params()?
+        } else {
+            Vec::new()
+        };
+
+        self.expect(TokenKind::LParen)?;
+        let params = self.parse_params()?;
+        self.expect(TokenKind::RParen)?;
+
+        // Return type
+        self.expect(TokenKind::Colon)?;
+        let return_type = self.parse_type()?;
+
+        // Optional JS name override: = "jsName"
+        let js_name = if self.check(TokenKind::Eq) {
+            self.advance();
+            match self.peek_kind() {
+                TokenKind::String(s) => {
+                    let name = s.clone();
+                    self.advance();
+                    Some(name)
+                }
+                _ => return Err(self.error("Expected string literal for JS name in extern fn")),
+            }
+        } else {
+            None
+        };
+
+        let span = start.merge(self.previous_span());
+        Ok(ExternFnDecl {
+            visibility,
+            doc,
+            name,
+            type_params,
+            params,
+            return_type,
+            js_name,
+            span,
+        })
+    }
+
     /// Parse effect declaration
     fn parse_effect_decl(&mut self, doc: Option<String>) -> Result<EffectDecl, ParseError> {
         let start = self.current_span();
@@ -2296,12 +2400,34 @@ impl Parser {
             return self.parse_record_expr_rest(start);
         }
 
-        // Check if it's a record (ident: expr) or block
+        // Check if it's a record (ident: expr or ident.path: expr) or block
         if matches!(self.peek_kind(), TokenKind::Ident(_)) {
             let lookahead = self.tokens.get(self.pos + 1).map(|t| &t.kind);
             if matches!(lookahead, Some(TokenKind::Colon)) {
                 return self.parse_record_expr_rest(start);
             }
+            // Check for deep path record: { ident.ident...: expr }
+            if matches!(lookahead, Some(TokenKind::Dot)) {
+                let mut look = self.pos + 2;
+                loop {
+                    match self.tokens.get(look).map(|t| &t.kind) {
+                        Some(TokenKind::Ident(_)) => {
+                            look += 1;
+                            match self.tokens.get(look).map(|t| &t.kind) {
+                                Some(TokenKind::Colon) => {
+                                    return self.parse_record_expr_rest(start);
+                                }
+                                Some(TokenKind::Dot) => {
+                                    look += 1;
+                                    continue;
+                                }
+                                _ => break,
+                            }
+                        }
+                        _ => break,
+                    }
+                }
+            }
         }
 
         // It's a block
@@ -2309,8 +2435,9 @@ impl Parser {
     }
 
     fn parse_record_expr_rest(&mut self, start: Span) -> Result<Expr, ParseError> {
-        let mut fields = Vec::new();
+        let mut raw_fields: Vec<(Vec<Ident>, Expr)> = Vec::new();
         let mut spread = None;
+        let mut has_deep_paths = false;
 
         // Check for spread: { ...expr, ... }
         if self.check(TokenKind::DotDotDot) {
@@ -2327,9 +2454,21 @@ impl Parser {
 
         while !self.check(TokenKind::RBrace) {
             let name = self.parse_ident()?;
+
+            // Check for dotted path: pos.x, pos.x.y, etc.
+            let mut path = vec![name];
+            while self.check(TokenKind::Dot) {
+                self.advance(); // consume .
+                let segment = self.parse_ident()?;
+                path.push(segment);
+            }
+            if path.len() > 1 {
+                has_deep_paths = true;
+            }
+
             self.expect(TokenKind::Colon)?;
             let value = self.parse_expr()?;
-            fields.push((name, value));
+            raw_fields.push((path, value));
 
             self.skip_newlines();
             if self.check(TokenKind::Comma) {
@@ -2340,10 +2479,119 @@ impl Parser {
 
         self.expect(TokenKind::RBrace)?;
         let span = start.merge(self.previous_span());
+
+        if has_deep_paths {
+            Self::desugar_deep_fields(spread, raw_fields, span)
+        } else {
+            // No deep paths — use flat fields directly (common case, no allocation overhead)
+            let fields = raw_fields
+                .into_iter()
+                .map(|(mut path, value)| (path.remove(0), value))
+                .collect();
+            Ok(Expr::Record {
+                spread,
+                fields,
+                span,
+            })
+        }
+    }
+
+    /// Desugar deep path record fields into nested record spread expressions.
+    /// `{ ...base, pos.x: vx, pos.y: vy }` becomes `{ ...base, pos: { ...base.pos, x: vx, y: vy } }`
+    fn desugar_deep_fields(
+        spread: Option<Box<Expr>>,
+        raw_fields: Vec<(Vec<Ident>, Expr)>,
+        outer_span: Span,
+    ) -> Result<Expr, ParseError> {
+        use std::collections::HashMap;
+
+        // Group fields by first path segment, preserving order
+        let mut groups: Vec<(String, Vec<(Vec<Ident>, Expr)>)> = Vec::new();
+        let mut group_map: HashMap<String, usize> = HashMap::new();
+
+        for (path, value) in raw_fields {
+            let key = path[0].name.clone();
+            if let Some(&idx) = group_map.get(&key) {
+                groups[idx].1.push((path, value));
+            } else {
+                group_map.insert(key.clone(), groups.len());
+                groups.push((key, vec![(path, value)]));
+            }
+        }
+
+        let mut fields = Vec::new();
+        for (_, group) in groups {
+            let first_ident = group[0].0[0].clone();
+
+            let has_flat = group.iter().any(|(p, _)| p.len() == 1);
+            let has_deep = group.iter().any(|(p, _)| p.len() > 1);
+
+            if has_flat && has_deep {
+                return Err(ParseError {
+                    message: format!(
+                        "Field '{}' appears as both a direct field and a deep path prefix",
+                        first_ident.name
+                    ),
+                    span: first_ident.span,
+                });
+            }
+
+            if has_flat {
+                if group.len() > 1 {
+                    return Err(ParseError {
+                        message: format!("Duplicate field '{}'", first_ident.name),
+                        span: group[1].0[0].span,
+                    });
+                }
+                let (_, value) = group.into_iter().next().unwrap();
+                fields.push((first_ident, value));
+            } else {
+                // Deep paths — create nested record with spread from parent
+                let sub_spread = spread.as_ref().map(|s| {
+                    Box::new(Expr::Field {
+                        object: s.clone(),
+                        field: first_ident.clone(),
+                        span: first_ident.span,
+                    })
+                });
+
+                // Strip first segment from all paths
+                let sub_fields: Vec<(Vec<Ident>, Expr)> = group
+                    .into_iter()
+                    .map(|(mut path, value)| {
+                        path.remove(0);
+                        (path, value)
+                    })
+                    .collect();
+
+                let has_nested_deep = sub_fields.iter().any(|(p, _)| p.len() > 1);
+                if has_nested_deep {
+                    // Recursively desugar deeper paths
+                    let nested =
+                        Self::desugar_deep_fields(sub_spread, sub_fields, first_ident.span)?;
+                    fields.push((first_ident, nested));
+                } else {
+                    // All sub-paths are single-segment — build Record directly
+                    let flat_fields: Vec<(Ident, Expr)> = sub_fields
+                        .into_iter()
+                        .map(|(mut path, value)| (path.remove(0), value))
+                        .collect();
+                    fields.push((
+                        first_ident.clone(),
+                        Expr::Record {
+                            spread: sub_spread,
+                            fields: flat_fields,
+                            span: first_ident.span,
+                        },
+                    ));
+                }
+            }
+        }
+
         Ok(Expr::Record {
             spread,
             fields,
-            span,
+            span: outer_span,
         })
     }
 

src/symbol_table.rs

@@ -245,6 +245,48 @@ impl SymbolTable {
             Declaration::Handler(h) => self.visit_handler(h, scope_idx),
             Declaration::Trait(t) => self.visit_trait(t, scope_idx),
             Declaration::Impl(i) => self.visit_impl(i, scope_idx),
+            Declaration::ExternFn(ext) => {
+                let is_public = matches!(ext.visibility, Visibility::Public);
+                let params: Vec<String> = ext
+                    .params
+                    .iter()
+                    .map(|p| format!("{}: {}", p.name.name, self.type_expr_to_string(&p.typ)))
+                    .collect();
+                let sig = format!(
+                    "extern fn {}({}): {}",
+                    ext.name.name,
+                    params.join(", "),
+                    self.type_expr_to_string(&ext.return_type)
+                );
+                let mut symbol = self.new_symbol(
+                    ext.name.name.clone(),
+                    SymbolKind::Function,
+                    ext.span,
+                    Some(sig),
+                    is_public,
+                );
+                symbol.documentation = ext.doc.clone();
+                let id = self.add_symbol(scope_idx, symbol);
+                self.add_reference(id, ext.name.span, true, true);
+            }
+            Declaration::ExternLet(ext) => {
+                let is_public = matches!(ext.visibility, Visibility::Public);
+                let sig = format!(
+                    "extern let {}: {}",
+                    ext.name.name,
+                    self.type_expr_to_string(&ext.typ)
+                );
+                let mut symbol = self.new_symbol(
+                    ext.name.name.clone(),
+                    SymbolKind::Variable,
+                    ext.span,
+                    Some(sig),
+                    is_public,
+                );
+                symbol.documentation = ext.doc.clone();
+                let id = self.add_symbol(scope_idx, symbol);
+                self.add_reference(id, ext.name.span, true, true);
+            }
         }
     }
 

src/typechecker.rs

@@ -5,9 +5,9 @@
 use std::collections::HashMap;
 
 use crate::ast::{
-    self, BinaryOp, Declaration, EffectDecl, Expr, FunctionDecl, HandlerDecl, Ident, ImplDecl,
-    ImportDecl, LetDecl, Literal, LiteralKind, MatchArm, Parameter, Pattern, Program, Span,
-    Statement, TraitDecl, TypeDecl, TypeExpr, UnaryOp, VariantFields,
+    self, BinaryOp, Declaration, EffectDecl, ExternFnDecl, Expr, FunctionDecl, HandlerDecl, Ident,
+    ImplDecl, ImportDecl, LetDecl, Literal, LiteralKind, MatchArm, Parameter, Pattern, Program,
+    Span, Statement, TraitDecl, TypeDecl, TypeExpr, UnaryOp, VariantFields,
 };
 use crate::diagnostics::{find_similar_names, format_did_you_mean, Diagnostic, ErrorCode, Severity};
 use crate::exhaustiveness::{check_exhaustiveness, missing_patterns_hint};
@@ -1227,6 +1227,22 @@ impl TypeChecker {
                 let trait_impl = self.collect_impl(impl_decl);
                 self.env.trait_impls.push(trait_impl);
             }
+            Declaration::ExternFn(ext) => {
+                // Register extern fn type signature (like a regular function but no body)
+                let param_types: Vec<Type> = ext
+                    .params
+                    .iter()
+                    .map(|p| self.resolve_type(&p.typ))
+                    .collect();
+                let return_type = self.resolve_type(&ext.return_type);
+                let fn_type = Type::function(param_types, return_type);
+                self.env.bind(&ext.name.name, TypeScheme::mono(fn_type));
+            }
+            Declaration::ExternLet(ext) => {
+                // Register extern let with its declared type
+                let typ = self.resolve_type(&ext.typ);
+                self.env.bind(&ext.name.name, TypeScheme::mono(typ));
+            }
         }
     }
 
@@ -3010,6 +3026,9 @@ impl TypeChecker {
                         "Map" if resolved_args.len() == 2 => {
                             return Type::Map(Box::new(resolved_args[0].clone()), Box::new(resolved_args[1].clone()));
                         }
+                        "Ref" if resolved_args.len() == 1 => {
+                            return Type::Ref(Box::new(resolved_args[0].clone()));
+                        }
                         _ => {}
                     }
                 }

src/types.rs

@@ -49,6 +49,8 @@ pub enum Type {
     Option(Box<Type>),
     /// Map type (sugar for App(Map, [K, V]))
     Map(Box<Type>, Box<Type>),
+    /// Ref type — mutable reference cell holding a value of type T
+    Ref(Box<Type>),
     /// Versioned type (e.g., User @v2)
     Versioned {
         base: Box<Type>,
@@ -120,7 +122,7 @@ impl Type {
             }
             Type::Tuple(elements) => elements.iter().any(|e| e.contains_var(var)),
             Type::Record(fields) => fields.iter().any(|(_, t)| t.contains_var(var)),
-            Type::List(inner) | Type::Option(inner) => inner.contains_var(var),
+            Type::List(inner) | Type::Option(inner) | Type::Ref(inner) => inner.contains_var(var),
             Type::Map(k, v) => k.contains_var(var) || v.contains_var(var),
             Type::Versioned { base, .. } => base.contains_var(var),
             _ => false,
@@ -161,6 +163,7 @@ impl Type {
             ),
             Type::List(inner) => Type::List(Box::new(inner.apply(subst))),
             Type::Option(inner) => Type::Option(Box::new(inner.apply(subst))),
+            Type::Ref(inner) => Type::Ref(Box::new(inner.apply(subst))),
             Type::Map(k, v) => Type::Map(Box::new(k.apply(subst)), Box::new(v.apply(subst))),
             Type::Versioned { base, version } => Type::Versioned {
                 base: Box::new(base.apply(subst)),
@@ -211,7 +214,7 @@ impl Type {
                 }
                 vars
             }
-            Type::List(inner) | Type::Option(inner) => inner.free_vars(),
+            Type::List(inner) | Type::Option(inner) | Type::Ref(inner) => inner.free_vars(),
             Type::Map(k, v) => {
                 let mut vars = k.free_vars();
                 vars.extend(v.free_vars());
@@ -288,6 +291,7 @@ impl fmt::Display for Type {
             }
             Type::List(inner) => write!(f, "List<{}>", inner),
             Type::Option(inner) => write!(f, "Option<{}>", inner),
+            Type::Ref(inner) => write!(f, "Ref<{}>", inner),
             Type::Map(k, v) => write!(f, "Map<{}, {}>", k, v),
             Type::Versioned { base, version } => {
                 write!(f, "{} {}", base, version)
@@ -1946,6 +1950,32 @@ impl TypeEnv {
         ]);
         env.bind("Map", TypeScheme::mono(map_module_type));
 
+        // Ref module
+        let ref_inner = || Type::var();
+        let ref_type = || Type::Ref(Box::new(Type::var()));
+        let ref_module_type = Type::Record(vec![
+            (
+                "new".to_string(),
+                Type::function(vec![ref_inner()], ref_type()),
+            ),
+            (
+                "get".to_string(),
+                Type::function(vec![ref_type()], ref_inner()),
+            ),
+            (
+                "set".to_string(),
+                Type::function(vec![ref_type(), ref_inner()], Type::Unit),
+            ),
+            (
+                "update".to_string(),
+                Type::function(
+                    vec![ref_type(), Type::function(vec![ref_inner()], ref_inner())],
+                    Type::Unit,
+                ),
+            ),
+        ]);
+        env.bind("Ref", TypeScheme::mono(ref_module_type));
+
         // Result module
         let result_type = Type::App {
             constructor: Box::new(Type::Named("Result".to_string())),
@@ -2185,6 +2215,9 @@ impl TypeEnv {
             Type::Map(k, v) => {
                 Type::Map(Box::new(self.expand_type_alias(k)), Box::new(self.expand_type_alias(v)))
             }
+            Type::Ref(inner) => {
+                Type::Ref(Box::new(self.expand_type_alias(inner)))
+            }
             Type::Versioned { base, version } => {
                 Type::Versioned {
                     base: Box::new(self.expand_type_alias(base)),
@@ -2345,6 +2378,9 @@ pub fn unify(t1: &Type, t2: &Type) -> Result<Substitution, String> {
         // Option
         (Type::Option(a), Type::Option(b)) => unify(a, b),
 
+        // Ref
+        (Type::Ref(a), Type::Ref(b)) => unify(a, b),
+
         // Map
         (Type::Map(k1, v1), Type::Map(k2, v2)) => {
             let s1 = unify(k1, k2)?;