LiveCode Builder language

Type

glossary

Description

LiveCode Builder is a variant of the current LiveCode|LiveCode scripting language which has been designed for 'systems' building. It is statically compiled with optional static typing and direct foreign code interconnect (allowing easy access to APIs written in other languages). The compiled bytecode can then be packaged together with any required resources (icons, documentation, images, etc) into a .lce extension package.

Unlike most languages, LiveCode Builder has been designed around the idea of extensible syntax. Indeed, the core language is very small - comprising declarations and control structures - with the majority of the language syntax and functionality being defined in modules.

The syntax will be familiar to anyone who has coded with LiveCode Script, however LiveCode Builder is a great deal more strict - the reason being it is intended that it will eventually be compilable to machine code with the performance and efficiency you'd expect from any 'traditional' programming language. Indeed, over time we hope to move the majority of implementation of the whole LiveCode system over to being written in LiveCode Builder.

There are two types of extensions which can be written in LCB: widgets and libraries. All installed extensions appear in the new Extension Manager stack, which can be opened from the Tools menu.

An LCB library is a new way of adding functions to the LiveCode message path. Public handlers in loaded LCB libraries are available to call from LiveCode Script.

A widget is a new type of custom control which, once compiled and packaged, can be loaded into the IDE. Using the widget is no different from any of the classic LiveCode controls you've been used to. Simply drag it onto a stack and start interacting with it as you would any another control.

For detailed information about using LCB, please consult the Extending LiveCode guide, and explore the LCB API by selecting LiveCode Builder from the API dropdown menu.

Related

object: widget

glossary: LiveCode, LiveCode Builder extension, library extension, control, stack, IDE, message path