LiveCode Ltd.

LiveCode Ltd. is a software company based in Edinburgh, Scotland, specializing in the development of a high-level, English-like programming language and integrated development environment of the same name. Founded in 1993, the company has focused on creating tools that enable rapid application development across multiple platforms, including Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. Its technology is used in various sectors, including education, enterprise, and independent software development.

History

The company originated from the MetaCard Corporation technology, which was acquired by its founder, Kevin Miller, in 2003. This acquisition formed the core of the modern LiveCode platform, building upon concepts pioneered by the earlier HyperCard system developed at Apple Inc. under the direction of Bill Atkinson. In 2013, the company successfully ran a crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter to fund the open-sourcing of the LiveCode engine, a move that significantly expanded its developer community. Throughout its history, the firm has participated in various European Union-funded research projects, such as Ensemble, to promote computational thinking in education.

Products and technology

The primary product is the LiveCode integrated development environment, which utilizes a scripting language often described as a descendant of the HyperTalk language used in HyperCard. The technology employs a message-passing object-oriented model and a card-and-stack metaphor for building graphical user interfaces. A key feature is its ability to deploy a single codebase as standalone applications to major desktop and mobile operating systems, including Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. The company also offers specialized editions, such as LiveCode for Education, and maintains both commercial and open-source community editions of its software stack.

Business model and community

The company operates a dual-licensing model, offering a commercial license for proprietary development and a GNU GPL-licensed open-source version. It generates revenue through the sale of commercial development licenses, subscriptions for its business and education suites, and professional support services. A significant aspect of its operations is the cultivation of an active global community, which contributes to an extensive online dictionary of documentation, shares code through platforms like GitHub, and participates in annual events like the LiveCode Conference. This community is notably active in the educational sector, with resources shared through initiatives like the LiveCode Education hub.

Reception and impact

The platform has been recognized for its accessibility in teaching programming concepts, receiving positive coverage from institutions like the British Educational Suppliers Association and being featured in projects by the European Commission. It has been used to build applications in diverse fields, from educational games and simulations to database front-ends and rapid prototypes for startups. The company's 2013 Kickstarter campaign was highlighted as a landmark case for open-source crowdfunding in the software industry. Critics have occasionally noted performance considerations compared to lower-level languages like C++, but the tool is generally praised for its rapid development capabilities and cross-platform reach.

Legal and financial status

The company is a privately held entity registered in Scotland and has undergone several funding rounds, including the notable 2013 Kickstarter campaign and subsequent equity crowdfunding through the Seedrs platform. It has navigated the legal complexities of maintaining a dual-license structure involving the GNU General Public License and its own commercial license. Financial disclosures related to these public crowdfunding efforts have provided transparency into its operations, revenue streams from license sales, and ongoing development investments. The firm continues to operate from its headquarters in Edinburgh, developing and supporting the LiveCode platform.

Category:Software companies of the United Kingdom Category:Programming language implementation Category:Companies based in Edinburgh Category:Educational technology companies