LiveCode

LiveCode
Name	LiveCode
Paradigm	Event-driven programming, Object-oriented programming, Procedural programming
Developer	LiveCode Ltd.
Latest release version	10.0.0
Latest release date	2024
Operating system	Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android
License	Proprietary (Commercial), Open Source (Community Edition)
Website	https://livecode.com/

LiveCode. It is a high-level, cross-platform development environment and scripting language renowned for its English-like syntax and rapid application development capabilities. Originally derived from the HyperCard tool created by Apple Inc., it enables developers to build applications for desktop, mobile, server, and web platforms from a single codebase. The language is maintained and developed by LiveCode Ltd., a company based in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Overview

LiveCode operates on a message-passing object model where interface elements like buttons and fields are natural objects. This architecture is heavily influenced by the principles of its predecessor, HyperCard, which was pioneered by Bill Atkinson. The integrated development environment provides a WYSIWYG interface builder, allowing for visual design of GUI elements. Applications are constructed as collections of stacks and cards, a metaphor directly inherited from the HyperCard paradigm, facilitating intuitive project organization.

Features

A core feature is its true write once, run anywhere capability, enabling deployment to Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android with minimal code changes. The language includes extensive support for multimedia, database connectivity via SQL, and internet protocols like HTTP and TCP/IP. Advanced capabilities include direct binding to external C and Java libraries, 3D graphics support through OpenGL, and robust tools for data visualization. The engine also supports the creation of standalone application executables for all target platforms.

Development Environment

The LiveCode IDE is a comprehensive workspace that combines a form builder, script editor, debugger, and property inspector. The Revolution-era interface evolved into a modern tabbed environment supporting project management, version control integration with systems like Git, and a built-in API dictionary. Tools for responsive design assist in adapting layouts for different screen resolutions on mobile devices. The environment also features a plugin architecture for extending its own functionality and direct publishing to the Apple App Store and Google Play.

Syntax and Language Characteristics

The syntax is designed to be readable, using plain English commands such as `put`, `get`, and `answer`. It is a dynamically typed language with automatic memory management, utilizing a garbage-collected heap. Control structures follow natural language patterns, for example, `repeat for each` and `if...then...else`. The language supports multiple programming paradigms, including procedural programming, object-oriented programming through a prototype-based model, and event-driven programming via handlers like `on mouseUp`. This design philosophy significantly lowers the barrier to entry for new programmers.

Applications and Use Cases

LiveCode is widely used in educational technology, powering interactive e-learning courses and simulations for institutions like the University of Oxford. It is employed in business software development for creating database front end applications and internal tools. Within the indie game development scene, it is used to create 2D casual games. Other notable applications include the development of kiosk software, scientific visualization tools for research at CERN, and accessibility software for users with disabilities.

History and Evolution

The language originated as MetaCard, a clone of HyperCard developed for UNIX systems. In the late 1990s, the technology was acquired and rebranded as Revolution by Runtime Revolution Ltd., a company founded by Kevin Miller. A major shift occurred in 2013 when the company, renamed LiveCode Ltd., successfully ran a Kickstarter campaign to open-source the engine, creating the LiveCode Community Edition. Subsequent versions have introduced support for modern mobile operating systems, HTML5 widgets, and cloud services integration, continually expanding its cross-platform reach from its roots in the classic Mac OS ecosystem.

Category:Programming languages Category:Software based on HyperCard Category:Cross-platform software