Coq theorem prover is now called Rocq

It has been reported that the long-standing Coq theorem prover now goes by the name Rocq. The change surfaced on community channels and points to an updated project site at rocq-prover.org/about, which presents the tool under the new branding. Same engine, new hat — at least for now. For users who live and breathe proofs, a name is more than a label. It’s identity. Expect some raised eyebrows.

What Rocq is (same as Coq, essentially)

The site reiterates the familiar technical core: Rocq implements Gallina, a high-level specification and mathematical language built on the Polymorphic, Cumulative Calculus of Inductive Constructions — a formalism that blends higher-order logic with a richly typed functional programming language. Through a vernacular language of commands, Rocq allows interactive construction and checking of proofs and programs, the workflows users of Coq have relied on for years.

Community reaction and what might be behind the change

It has been reported that the rename prompted discussion across mailing lists and forums. Some community members welcome a fresh identity; others worry about fragmentation of documentation, tooling, and citations. Allegedly, the shift could be driven by branding, governance, or legal considerations — but concrete reasons haven’t been pinned down publicly. Whatever the motive, this is a moment that touches the project's culture as much as its code.

If you want to see the official framing, the project’s about page is the place to start: rocq-prover.org/about. Expect follow-up posts from maintainers and community leaders; this story is as much about people as it is about proof terms.

Sources: rocq-prover.org, Hacker News