There is also the fact of newer "closer to C" alternatives like C3[1] and Zen C[2], or more intriguing C family alternatives such as Odin[3], Jai[4], or Vlang[5].

Zig is kind of trapped. It can't go "head to head" with heavy weights like Rust, who specialize in safety, are more mature (post 1.0), and have lots of corporate support. Then there are the other C alternatives, who each offer something it doesn't have.

It appears the only way for it to maintain its position, is through heavy hype and marketing, but the whole Bun ordeal and extensive beta issues are subtracting from any such attempts.

[1]: https://c3-lang.org/

[2]: https://github.com/zenc-lang/zenc

[3]: https://learnxinyminutes.com/odin

[4]: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IdpD5QIVOKQ

[5]: https://codefreelance.net/apps/vlang.html