Stencyl has proudly adopted Haxe as its official programming language.
Haxe is an ActionScript/JavaScript-like language that exports to multiple platforms thanks to its ability to be translated into different languages, including Flash, JavaScript, C++, Java and C#.
Thanks to this versatility, we now have the ability to output native, high-performance apps from a single codebase, as originally promised.
Stencyl outputs to iOS, Android, Flash, HTML5, Windows, Mac, Linux
NME is Flash for Haxe
On top of Haxe, we’re making extensive use of NME, a remake of the Flash API using Haxe.
With so many other libraries and technologies trying to mimic the Flash API (due to its ease of use), it was a natural choice to adopt. You’ve got the familiarity of the Flash API and the flexibility of publishing that Flash-like app as a native app on each platform.
It’s a win-win for everybody.
I don’t code. Why should I care?
- Stencyl is now unified behind 1 engine. Updates and fixes will come much faster than before. Today, we’re pushing updates multiple-times per day to our customers.
- Your apps will act the same across all targets.
- Your apps will run quickly because they’re native.
I’m a programmer. Why should I care?
- One language to rule them all. Code Mode behaviors work everywhere. Extensions work everywhere. We now have a strong base language to support and build better tools around.
- Haxe is very similar to ActionScript and JavaScript. It will feel familiar.
- You can write native extensions to access device-specific functionality. We’ve used native extensions to deliver vastly improved support for Ads, Purchases, Social Game APIs and other mobile-specific functionality.
We evaluated many different technologies, but we kept coming back to Haxe, for its combination of versatility and performance. We hope that you’ll find the same.
Next Week: iOS and 3.0
Next, I’ll be going into depth about our much-improved support for iOS in 3.0. Have a great weekend!
