How to Create Your Own Android and iOS Apps with LiveCode

LiveCode: A Cross-Platform Development Revolution

LiveCode, a programming language debuting in 1993, simplifies app development for everyone. Its high-level, English-like syntax and dynamic typing enable the creation of robust applications with ease. The beauty of LiveCode lies in its cross-platform compatibility. Write once, run anywhere—on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, BSD, and Solaris—without code modification. Web applications are also within reach. Its creators aptly call it "The Revolution Programming Language" due to its accessibility and ease of use, making it a popular choice in educational settings.

LiveCode exists in two versions: a commercial, closed-source edition and a free, open-source alternative launched in 2013 following a successful Kickstarter campaign. While the open-source version offers most features, some core functionalities, such as iOS app building (due to Apple's App Store restrictions on GPL software), remain exclusive to the commercial version. This guide focuses on the free, open-source version.

Key LiveCode Features:

• High-level, user-friendly programming language.
• Simple installation and usage.
• Linux distribution compatibility.
• Cross-platform development with a single codebase.
• Support for Windows, Linux, Mac, and Android.
• Extensive free documentation and tutorials.
• Active community support.

Step 1: Linux Installation

Begin your LiveCode journey by installing it on your Linux system. Download the latest Linux version from the official LiveCode website. Navigate to the download directory in your terminal and execute these commands:

chmod  x LiveCodeInstaller-9_6_13-Linux.x64
sudo ./LiveCodeInstaller-9_6_13-Linux.x64

Access LiveCode via your applications menu or by typing livecode in the terminal.

The LiveCode Integrated Development Environment (IDE) comprises:

• Stack: Your project workspace for UI design.
• Tools Palette: A collection of UI elements (buttons, text fields, images) for drag-and-drop interface creation.
• Code Editor: The scripting environment for app behavior definition.

Step 2: Building a Simple Linux App ("Hello World")

Let's create a basic "Hello World" application:

1. New Stack: File > New Stack, select "Default Size," and click "OK".
2. Add Button: Drag a button from the Tools Palette onto the stack. Double-click to open the Code Editor.
3. Write Script: Modify the mouseUp event handler:

on mouseUp
    answer "Hello World!"
end mouseUp

Click "Apply." Switch to Run Mode (the Run button in the toolbar) to see the "Hello World!" dialog box.

Step 3: Android App Development

To build for Android, you'll need the Android Software Development Kit (SDK). Download it from the Android Developer website and extract it to a chosen directory. In LiveCode, navigate to Edit > Preferences, locate "Mobile Support," and specify the path to your Android SDK.

Create a new stack (File > New Stack), name it, and select Android as the platform. Add a button, and use this script:

on mouseUp
    answer "Hello Android!"
end mouseUp

Save the project. For building and testing:

1. File > Standalone Application Settings.
2. Select Android, configure settings.
3. Connect an Android device or start an emulator.
4. Development > Test Target, select your device.
5. Click the Test icon in the IDE to deploy.

Step 3: iOS App Development

iOS app development requires macOS due to Apple's restrictions. The process mirrors Android development, but select iOS in Standalone Application Settings. Use Xcode or an iOS device for testing (emulators aren't available on Linux).

Conclusion

LiveCode empowers users to create cross-platform applications with remarkable ease. This guide provides a foundation for building applications across Linux, Android, and iOS. Explore LiveCode's extensive documentation and community resources to further refine your skills and build more complex applications.

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