Load stack from server to mobile

[danieg]

Hi all,

Is it possible to load a stack from server to an already existing mobile app? (go stack)

[Klaus]

Hi danieg,

welcome to the forum!

Yes, this is possible:

Code: Select all

...
go stack "https://url/to/your/stack.livecode"
...

This is however considered "loading external code" and strictly forbidden by Apple.
No idea about Android, sorry.


Best

Klaus

[danieg]

Thanks Klaus.

So loading external code possibly as a substack can yield added cards complete with objects like buttons, etc
without compiling in Android Studio first?

[Klaus]

Yes, no compiling or whatever, just like you would open a stack in the IDE!

[Pistris]

Hi Klaus

How would apple go about knowing am loading a stack from a server?

thanks

[Klaus]

No idea, but they will find out and then you are DOOMED!
Of course your app will be tested somehow.

[jiml]

I've heard rumors that some livecoders have not incurred Apple's rath with iOS apps that load external stacks.
The theory being it's akin to loading javascript in a webpage.

But I don't know if this is fact or mere rumor.

Can anyone confirm or refute?

[bogs]

Well, seems to me there is an easy way to test this for someone that has a developers account with apple ( I am not going to pay money to develop for someone's platform just to run a test!).

Just dev some app, or alternately, take one you already have published and are thinking about updating, and try it with that. You would find out pretty quickly at that point whether or not they'll let it fly, wouldn't you?

[Pistris]

I didn't know this was possible , this certainly opens a world of possibilities

does apple check your code when you submit to the App Store or just tests the app?

[danieg]

This from another site: (for iOS apps)

"Select the app you wish to download and after it finishes, go into Settings > General > Device Management and trust the developer certificate. And voila, the app should work and be ready to go."

Its called sideloading an app. If we can update an app by loading additional script, it will be almost like webapps, just better.

[FourthWorld]

If we can update an app by loading additional script, it will be almost like webapps, just better.

Exactly.

[Klaus]

So this is allowed on iOS nowadays?

[LCMark]

@Klaus: It has taken years for Apple to get to a reasonable, understandable and sensible
rule in this regard. The relevant clause of the Apple Developer Agreement is:

3.3.2 Except as set forth in the next paragraph, an Application may not download or install
executable code. Interpreted code may be downloaded to an Application but only so long as
such code: (a) does not change the primary purpose of the Application by providing features or
functionality that are inconsistent with the intended and advertised purpose of the Application as
submitted to the App Store, (b) does not create a store or storefront for other code or
applications, and (c) does not bypass signing, sandbox, or other security features of the OS.

... next paragraph about the special-case of programming environment apps...

The agreement as a whole applies to all apps (macOS, iOS, WatchTV etc) which flow through Apple's
ecosystem [ It probably also, technically, applies to apps which you install ad-hoc on i-Devices too -
although what you choose to put on your own device in the privacy of your own home is not something
Apple can do something about ].

So downloading stackfiles containing data and LiveCode Script at runtime in support of an app's primary
purpose would appear to be fine - and will not cause you to be refused / ejected from the AppStore.

[ A general (even semi-general) LC player app does violate the clause due to (b) - it would essentially
be a 'storefront', whether you charged or not ].

[Klaus]

Aha, thank you very much for the explanation, Mark!

@danieg
So yes, it is allowed as long as you stick to Apples rules.

[jiml]

@LCMark , Thank you for posting the Apple reference. The rumors are true. Yipee!