I am about to buy, but need to know . . .

Getting Started Newbie Questions
#1

I just noticed that the source is compiled on your server.

So, let me get this straight. My source uploads to your server??

  1. You have my source?
  2. I can’t compile if I don’t have internet access?
  3. I can’t compile if you’re down?

This sounds like an excellent subscription business model–I can’t do anything without you; no bogus copies or pirating.

But this sounds like a potential disaster–I can’t do anything without you: AND you have my source.

I’ll do triple the work to maintain control of my assets.

Put my fears to rest.

-Troy [import]uid: 9902 topic_id: 2565 reply_id: 302565[/import]

#2

Corona uses Lua and its internal API’s to shorthand Obj-C and shortcut many complex functions. The online compiler takes your source code (which may or may not be using Corona APIs) and converts that to Obj-C. You only need the compiler to package an app. Your testing and creating is done offline.

You need internet access to compile and also to submit apps. We haven’t ever noticed Corona servers to be down. But that doesn’t mean it won’t happen. if it does…its a rare occurrence.

You maintain your own Lua files. If you ever wanted to convert them to Obj-C on your own…you have that option.

The reason to use Corona is the speed of development and the access to pre-built functions and APIs. It takes much less code to achieve the same results with straight Obj-C (in the case of iPhone). If you want 100% control…you need to use Obj-C and XCode…which is free…but 10-100 times more complex (depending on your skills). Another advantage is the cross-platform access…the ability to build for iPhone and for Android at the same time with the same code. [import]uid: 9492 topic_id: 2565 reply_id: 7349[/import]

#3

There’s a feature in there. You don’t have to download and install the Android SDK, all hundreds of megabytes, and you don’t have to touch Eclipse. You do have to have Xcode for iOS builds, but this is an Apple restriction. [import]uid: 54 topic_id: 2565 reply_id: 7352[/import]

#4

What’s the difference between the normal corona and the game edition? [import]uid: 9983 topic_id: 2565 reply_id: 7537[/import]

#5

@bambam : Game edition is the normal corona plus it includes the physics engine, sprite sheet support, openfeint, and other functionality geared for games.

The normal corona does not have the gaming aspects as mentioned.

Types of apps you can create with the normal corona (no game)

http://blog.anscamobile.com/2010/08/esp-guitars-issues-new-iphone-app-made-with-corona/
http://blog.anscamobile.com/2010/08/shaken-not-stirred-makes-app-store-whats-hot-list/
Carlos [import]uid: 24 topic_id: 2565 reply_id: 7542[/import]

#6

Corona Game Edition is a superset of Corona SDK, but also includes the integrated physics engine, advanced sprite sheets, and OpenFeint. Because of the latter, it’s a lot bigger, and so is split out as a separate app. We realize this is a bit confusing and are working to streamline this. [import]uid: 54 topic_id: 2565 reply_id: 7548[/import]

#7

If we buy the regular SDK and later find that we want the additional game edition functionality, can we simply “upgrade” to the game edition for the price difference ($100 more)?

Thanks,
-Mark [import]uid: 9189 topic_id: 2565 reply_id: 7687[/import]

#8

Mark,

I think that is true. I will have to double check with our bean counters and see what they have to say. *NOT*

I will follow up on a sep emial.

Carlos [import]uid: 24 topic_id: 2565 reply_id: 7711[/import]

#9

Thanks! [import]uid: 9189 topic_id: 2565 reply_id: 7811[/import]