LiveCode Community Edition

LiveCode Community Edition
Name	LiveCode Community Edition
Developer	LiveCode Ltd
Released	2013
Programming language	LiveCode Script
Operating system	Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux
Genre	Integrated development environment, Rapid application development
License	GPL version 3

LiveCode Community Edition. It is a freely available, open-source version of the LiveCode rapid application development platform, released under the GNU General Public License. This edition enables developers to create applications for Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile platforms using a high-level, English-like scripting language. It serves as the foundation for the commercial offerings from LiveCode Ltd and is maintained by both the company and an active open-source community.

Overview

The software provides a comprehensive integrated development environment centered on the LiveCode Script language, which is descended from the HyperCard HyperTalk language. Developers can build standalone applications for desktop and mobile operating systems from a single codebase, promoting cross-platform software development. The environment is particularly noted for its accessibility to novice programmers and educators, while remaining powerful enough for professional use in creating business and utility software. Its architecture supports a wide range of extensions and libraries to enhance functionality.

Features

Key capabilities include a visual interface builder, a powerful script editor with debugging tools, and the ability to deploy to iOS and Android platforms. It supports connectivity to various database systems like MySQL and SQLite, and includes features for handling multimedia, Internet protocols, and graphical user interface components. The edition fully supports the creation of standalone applications, revolutionary software updates, and integration with external APIs and services. Advanced features such as responsive design adaptations and software localization tools are also included for professional-grade development.

Development and History

The project originated from the commercial MetaCard engine, which was acquired and evolved into RunRev Ltd, later renamed LiveCode Ltd. The decision to release a community edition was announced in 2013 following a successful Kickstarter campaign aimed at open-sourcing the platform. This move was influenced by the growing open-source software movement and the desire to expand the user base beyond the traditional HyperCard community. Subsequent development has been a collaboration between the core team at LiveCode Ltd and contributions from the global open-source developer community, with major updates aligning with releases of the commercial versions.

Licensing and Distribution

It is distributed under the terms of the GPLv3, which mandates that derivative works must also be open source. The source code is publicly hosted on repositories like GitHub, allowing for community inspection and modification. This licensing model contrasts with the proprietary EULAs used for the commercial editions from LiveCode Ltd. Users can freely download, modify, and redistribute the software, provided they comply with the GPL obligations, making it a staple in educational institutions and among hobbyist developers.

Comparison with LiveCode Commercial Editions

The commercial editions, such as LiveCode Indie and LiveCode Business, offer additional features like the ability to create closed-source applications, priority technical support, and specialized deployment options for enterprise software environments. They also include advanced tools for iOS App Store and Google Play publication that may have fewer restrictions. The community edition lacks dedicated customer support channels and some premium software extensions available only to commercial license holders. However, the core application development engine and scripting language are functionally identical across all editions.

Community and Support

Primary support is provided through community forums, Stack Overflow, and resources maintained by LiveCode Ltd, such as extensive documentation and tutorial libraries. Active user groups and annual events like the LiveCode Conference foster knowledge sharing and collaboration among developers. Contributions to the codebase are managed through public repositories, with oversight from the core development team at LiveCode Ltd. This ecosystem has been instrumental in its adoption within the educational technology sector and by independent software vendors seeking a cost-effective development solution.

Category:Free software programmed in C++ Category:Free integrated development environments Category:Cross-platform software Category:Programming languages created in 1993 Category:Software using the GPL license