Bugs in iOS5?

[kcorey]

Hi All,

I'm considering buying LiveCode with the intent to deliver iOS applications. I'm developing on LiveCode 5.0.0 build 1460, running on Snow Leopard on an Intel-based Hackintosh.

I'm a bit worried because I've seen a few messages describing iOS5 bugs (PDF printing, crashing upon launch) that would be show stoppers.

Then I tried a few applications from the "User Samples" section of the LiveCode app. The applications were swiping, the snowman example, and iOS Integration. They immediately crash back to the home screen.

Is this a common thing? Should I not spend the money or is runrev pretty good about addressing such concerns? Apple will not be sitting still. They will continue to update their OS, and runrev needs to be able to keep up if I'm to bet my application's lifecycle on LiveCode.

-Ken

[kcorey]

Doh! I'm a muppet.

When testing the apps that use iOS funcitonality, I had not gone into 'Standalone Application Settings', clicked on 'iOS', and clicked on 'Required' under 'Requirements and Restrictions'.

It's a shame that there wasn't an error message of some sort indicating this, but now that I know, the bits I've looked at all seem to work, at least on the simulator.

Hope this helps another clueless newbie like me.

-Ken

[CALL-151]

kcorey,

I'm going to give you my opinion about the major strengths and weaknesses of LC as an iOS development option. My perspective is as an amateur (I have a real job) who has used LC to successfully develop an iOS app for sale in the App Store. Other forum participants will have different opinions.

Strengths:
1. Rapid development. LC is easy to learn and relatively easy to use. I believe it is the fastest tool for building iOS apps. Unless you're an accomplished ObjC/Cocoa/Xcode developer, I think LC is the best option out there and has a shorter/shallower learning curve than Corona (the only other realistic option that I'm aware of).
2. A decent IDE. Short on features and a bit dated, but it get's the job done.
3. Excellent user community with an active forum where you'll usually get prompt assistance for any issues you're struggling with.
4. Reasonably prompt resolution of bugs. Most, if not all of the concerns you mention have already been fixed.

Weaknesses:
1. Reasonably prompt resolution of bugs. I know I listed this as a strength, but when you've got an app in the store that is suddenly useless due to an iOS upgrade (e.g. 4.x to 5.x), "reasonable" is never fast enough.
2. Fragmented documentation. It's gotten better, but finding the info you need when you're starting out can be a challenge.
3. Confusing pricing. That's also gotten somewhat better, but I still don't like it. For instance, it seems that you'll need to cough up an extra $200/yr for access to pre-release builds. In my opinion, you're paying to be a beta tester.
4. Lack of complete dedication to iOS. The cross-platform features of LC are clearly at the core of their identity. They appear to regard this as their most compelling advantage. I think it was in the past, but isn't anymore. As a budding iOS developer, I don't care about Linux, Win Mobile, or even Android. Others do. I wouldn't care if I didn't believe that LC spreads it's resources too thin. My issue is the time it takes to fix bugs and implement the full spectrum of iOS features. It takes longer than it should. This is my major complaint, and the issue that prevents me from paying to be part of the dev program ($200/yr) or more expensive options ($750/yr).

On balance, I'm a fan and I believe LC is the only viable third party iOS dev option out there. If they prioritized iOS above all others, they would own the iOS development market for non-ObjC experts.

[richardmac]

I agree with CALL-151's assessment.

There is one product on the Mac side that can compete with LiveCode, though - SuperCard was bought a few years back and is available for the Mac OS. And it's a little cheaper. But it can only develop for the Mac. No Windows, Linux, iOS, or Android. If it added those platforms, it would be an actual LiveCode competitor. Since they don't, well, yawn. It also does not inspire me with great confidence that their website has a link to forums, but clicking on it gives you an empty page. Seriously?

LiveCode is a very good product. The iOS version of LiveCode is pretty young, and has a ways to go before I would call it "killer." But LiveCode has a history of listening to customers and adding the features they want, and the iOS version will continue to improve.

[Mark]

Hi,

The link to the forums on the SuperCard website works fine for me. Perhaps it was a temporary glitch?

Best,

Mark

[kcorey]

Thanks for the feedback, call-151.

*grin* Just typing your nickname brings back memories. Your monitor is showing.

I don't know about you, but typing that in always felt like I got a special pass to go back stage somehow.

-Ken

[CALL-151]

We've come a long way since then, but I know what you mean.

I hope you've taken the plunge and are using LiveCode.

CALL-151.png (6.44 KiB) Viewed 6100 times

[colourpixels]

if RealBasic ever get off their behinds and do an IOS version live code would have a serious rapid IDE competitor. As it stands it seems to own the territory. The lack of dedicated IOS controls in the GUI without having to buy something like MobGUI is concerning, especially when you're first starting.

It's a nice product though, I just hope they put a little more into the IOS (and android) specific versions.

[kcorey]

@call-151 - Yes, I bought with the Thanskgiving sale and am enjoying using LiveCode.

I'm still trying to wrap my head around everything...but after watching the splendid Games Academy things are moving along nicely.

Should be required watching when you first buy the product!

@colourpixels - I know what you mean...especially some of the more esoteric controls like split views. Still, trying to support those on all platforms might be tricky.

-Ken