An ISV Delivering Software for Windows and Mac OS X with LiveCode
ScreenSteps Visual Documentation Software
Blue Mango Learning Systems use LiveCode to build ScreenSteps, their successful, multi-platform integrated solution for creating, publishing, distributing and updating clear, concise information. We spoke to Trevor DeVore, Director of Technology at Blue Mango and asked him why they chose LiveCode for this application.
We asked DeVore why he was drawn to LiveCode?
“For me, compiling desktop applications each time you want to test your code inhibits the creative process” explained DeVore.
We just wouldn't be able to provide software for both platforms and bring our customers great new features in a timely way if it wasn't for LiveCode. LiveCode allows us to publish for multiple platforms without needing developers who are devoted to each one.
“It is like working with old video software where you had to wait for any video edit you made to render before you could see the effects of your changes. The process of edit, render, review was really tedious and really broke up the creative flow. Having to compile software during development produces the same drag on creative flow.”
Screen Capturing Options in ScreenSteps Desktop
DeVore went on to describe the process their company uses for designing software.
“When my company starts designing software we begin with a problem that we want to solve or a workflow that we want to improve. We don't know exactly how the software should behave or what it should look like but we have an idea of where to start. LiveCode allows us to convert that idea into a working application very quickly, which allows us to test the idea out. Using actual software allows us to refine our idea in a way that just isn't possible on paper. Being able to actively explore our ideas within the LiveCode IDE, and not just in a design spec, makes for a much better product in the end.”
We asked DeVore if he could tell us what key advantages he found adopting LiveCode.
“LiveCode instantly compiles object code, not application code. Being able to use my application in the IDE, just like I would in the final executable, is an incredible productivity enhancer. As soon as I add logic to a button I can click it and see what happens. I can fetch data from the Internet and see what it looks like in my UI. Everything is live, all of the time.”
“Since the coding environment is live there is no wait and I am free to explore ideas without the hindrance of having to compile my application. I can instantly see how my application is working and make a tweak here or a tweak there. No waiting, just live editing.”
“Now, combine this great development approach with multi-platform support that requires very little platform specific code and you have an incredibly powerful development environment.”
DeVore went on to explain how LiveCode helps Blue Mango to be competitive.
“My company is a small one that is growing organically. Cross-platform support is a must for our market. We just wouldn't be able to provide software for both platforms and bring our customers great new features in a timely way if it wasn't for LiveCode. LiveCode allows us to publish for multiple platforms without needing developers who are devoted to each one.”
One of the editing screens in ScreenSteps Desktop
About Blue Mango Learning Systems
Blue Mango Learning Systems is the company behind ScreenSteps. ScreenSteps is the easiest way to create documentation that speaks through pictures. It provides an integrated solution for creating, publishing, distributing and updating clear, concise visual tutorials.