LiveCode: A Very High Level Language

LiveCode’s built-in programming language is an English-like, very high level programming language. It is far easier to learn and use than traditional lower level languages. LiveCode uses expressive, memorable syntax that makes even complex tasks simple. For example, we’ve reduced the use of obscure symbols, a major source of programmer error, to an absolute minimum. LiveCode uses automatic variable type conversion, so you never need to concern yourself with using the right type of variable.

Traditionally, the view of high-level languages is that they tend to make complex programming simpler, while lower level languages tend to produce more efficient code. And traditionally very-high-level languages tend to be limited to being used within a very specific application. LiveCode sits uniquely within this spectrum in that it provides a very-high-level language, yet one that can be used for an unprecedentedly broad range of software development tasks.

LiveCode can be characterized as sitting somewhere between a complied and interpreted language. LiveCode statements call directly into the LiveCode engine, running highly optimized C++ code. Our approach delivers incredibly high performance for a wide range of application types that is orders of magnitude faster than an interpreted language. Yet LiveCode achieves efficient resource usage even while providing the range of rich and flexible commands and functions that make development a snap.

Unique Syntax

There is a popular myth in some programming circles that an English-like language is verbose, and that this verbosity is slower to write and reduces developer performance. Nothing could be further from the truth. In the best circumstances when writing an application particularly well suited to LiveCode, you will find yourself writing as much as 90% less code compared to other languages. When you combine this advantage with LiveCode’s other strengths, such as its strongly integrated GUI development environment and live-development workflow, you end up with an incredible productivity powerhouse.

“If we had chosen C++ to do it we would be looking at year or two of effort..we were way over budget. So I said...we’ll do it in LiveCode and get it done in about 8 weeks” – Charlie Faddis, Technology Director and co-founder of Prototek Corporation

For some examples of the LiveCode language compared with other languages please see our Text and Data Processing page.

Expressive and memorable syntax makes it very easy to describe program logic. That frees you up to concentrate on the structure, design and functionality of your application. When it comes time to maintain or upgrade your application, or transfer the project to a different developer, the code you’ve written is readable. Readable code is important because programmers spend more time reading code than they do writing it. Yet it is often overlooked when choosing a language.

The Right Tool for the Right Job

Choosing the correct programming tool for your needs is essential if you are to deliver a quality solution on time and on budget. Too often the wrong tool is chosen which can result in a vast waste of effort and manpower. LiveCode isn’t always going to be the correct tool for every job but when it is suitable you will typically realize enormous benefits employing it. LiveCode has a rich and deep feature set that is capable of producing a very wide variety of outstanding applications and IT solutions. Those applications can be deployed across multiple platforms and devices. Please take a look through this site, at the Features Table, and download our free 30 Day Trial to ascertain if LiveCode is a good fit for your next project. Or feel free to contact us and ask. We know your time is valuable and we’ll be very happy to help you ascertain if LiveCode can help you.

Even if LiveCode isn’t the best tool for the whole of your project, it often makes an ideal component within a multi-tiered system or as a front-end. LiveCode has an exceptionally strong feature set when it comes to integrating with other systems or being used as an aggregator to mix or process data from different systems together.

We know that wherever LiveCode fits in, the productivity benefits are unbeatable.

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