Category: news

We have just uploaded 3.0.9 to the servers. While it fixes a couple of bugs, it also has a new feature which is sure to make people happy.

The download URL is the same as for 3.0.

3.0.9

1. Runtime: New FastClick feature: clicks on mobile device react much more quickly now.
2. Installer: Project running from a different drive than the installation will not have a blank Design Screen.
3. Run: Error when starting app in Chrome fixed.

The complete list of changes is here.

FastClick makes your apps feel faster and snappier when run on mobile devices. Normally, when you click on a button (or other control) there is a 300-500ms delay before the _onclick() function in your program is executed. That’s not enough for most people to explicitly notice, but enough to make the app feel sluggish. Until now, the solution was to also have a _ontouch() function, which makes things more complex. FastClick calls your _onclick() function as soon as the user touches the screen.

The beta testers, with one exception, report that their apps work without any changes. If you do run into issues, let us know. There is a way to turn off this feature.

We’ve just composed an article about AppStudio. It gives a balanced description of how it works and what it can be used for:

http://www.nsbasic.com/app/AppStudioIntro.htm

Let us know what you think of it!

We have just uploaded 3.0.8 to the servers. It has a number of minor enhancements as well as bug fixes.

The download URL is the same as for 3.0.

3.0.8

1. Code Window: If language is JavaScript, event functions are created properly.
2. Deploy: Do not include hidden files in manifest.
3. IDE: Do not allow dashes in Property IDs.
4. IDE: Opening an invalid project name no longer throws an error.
5. jQuery Mobile: Updated to 1.3.1
6. jQuery: Updated to 1.9.1
7. Runtime: Allow Print to be customized.
8. Runtime: NSB.Print can be used from JavaScript
9. Samples: Add display pdf to HTMLview.
10. Samples: New Emoji sample.
11. Samples: New Print sample.
12. Samples: New WaitCursor sample.
13. ToolBox: Orientation now allows single quote signs in text.

The complete list of changes is here.

We have just uploaded 3.0.7 to the servers. It has a number of minor enhancements as well as bug fixes.

The download URL is the same as for 3.0.

Continue reading “AppStudio 3.0.7 is ready!”

We have just uploaded 3.0.6 to the servers. It has a number of minor enhancements as well as bug fixes.

The download URL is the same as for 3.0.

3.0.6

1. Deploy: Preferences can now be set for individual projects. This is done in the Preferences screen: prefs can be set for the Global Location (all projects) or Project Location (the current project).
2. IDE: (Mac) Environment error fixed.
3. IDE: Shortcuts on menus should be fixed in French and other languages.
4. IDE: Unicode problem with browser start fixed.
5. Runtime: Fixed problem with form not restoring properly after keyboard shown.
6. Samples: Add new features to jqWidgets Grid
7. Toolbox: Always load iScroll if EULA is enabled.
8. Toolbox: jQuery Mobile TextArea no longer resizes if text does not fit.
9. Toolbox: New ToolTip control (Thanks, Erkan Kaplan!)
10. Toolbox: Orientation message is now customizable.
11. Toolbox: Test version of PopUp control added.

The complete list of changes is here.

One of the new features of AppStudio 3.0 is that the IDE will appear in the home language of most users. On startup, it looks at the system default language, then loads the appropriate language table. Here’s how it looks in German, Korean and Chinese:

Continue reading “AppStudio 3: IDE Languages”

One of the big features of AppStudio 3 is that it runs natively on Mac OS. It’s the complete product: every feature, field and screen in our Windows edition is present in Mac OS. It runs great.

Projects developed using AppStudio for Windows are completely compatible with the Mac OS version – nothing needs to be done to move to Mac. An AppStudio 3 license gives you both the Mac OS and Windows editions, so there is no need to buy an additional copy.

AppStudio is a complete, easy to use development environment which creates apps for iPhone and Android devices. Using BASIC or JavaScript as a programming language, users can quickly develop apps using the built in Visual Designer. Apps can be deployed to the web or to app stores using PhoneGap.

This isn’t the company’s first product for Apple devices. In 1993, it got its start with the release of the NS Basic for Newton, as well as NewtCard, a Hypercard like product.

AppStudio is used in teaching, government and enterprise, small business and by independent developers. Close to 20,000 developers in over 80 countries use NS Basic’s mobile development tools.

Requires Mac OS 10.7 (Snow Leopard) or later. (Mac OS 10.6 on 64 bit processors also works)

It’s time to retire some old products. NS Basic/Palm was for devices last produced in 2007. Windows Mobile ended in 2010, rendering NS Basic/CE obsolete. NS Basic/Desktop has had similarly low demand in the past few years.

It has also gotten harder for us to provide support. The tools we used to create these products have been discontinued by their developers and will not run on modern equipment. Our own recollection of the details of the products has also been fading, making it difficult to deliver great support.

It has been a good run for these products. NS Basic/Palm lasted 12 years, NS Basic/CE 15. That’s extraordinary for software. Good bye – it’s been great!

We’re thrilled to announce that AppStudio 3.0 is ready!

Special thanks go to the beta testers and translators: over 50 of you worked hard as we went through an almost endless number of beta and release candidates.

Major Features

• Native Mac support
• Localized IDE in 17 languages
• Lots of new controls
• Mixed frameworks in a single app
• Documentation redone
• Lots more here: http://wiki.nsbasic.com/Version_3

Download

Mac: https://dl.dropbox.com/u/4451197/AppStudio.dmg
Win: https://dl.dropbox.com/u/4451197/AppStudio.exe

Upgrade Policy

Anyone who purchased AppStudio after December 1, 2012 will receive the upgrade for free. Otherwise, it costs $49.95.

Existing users of AppStudio may run Version 3 in demo mode for up to 30 days.

Notes
– Update to jQeury Mobile can cause layout problems: http://wiki.nsbasic.com/JQueryMobile1.3
– The first time you run your project, it may take longer to compile. It’s a onetime thing.

Let us know if you have questions!

We’re pleased to announce our new Wiki based documentation:

http://wiki.nsbasic.com

In it, we have consolidated all of our current documentation: the Handbook, the Language Reference, the Technotes, Tutorials and more. A search for a term will bring up references in any of these documents.

This is now the official documentation for App Studio. It is up to date, with new material being added constantly.

We have made it an open Wiki, meaning that anyone can edit it. You’ll need to get a user account (free and easy to do). Once you have one, you are welcome to make additions, corrections and useful links. We will be monitoring the changes and will keep the Wiki open so long as it is not abused.

Have fun and let us know what you think!