Xojo: The Best Secret in the Programming Industry Part 2 - Discover the Benefits and Features of Xojo
Xojo: The Best Secret in the Programming Industry Part 2
If you are looking for a powerful, easy-to-use, and versatile programming tool that can help you create amazing applications for desktop, web, and mobile platforms, you might want to check out Xojo. Xojo is a cross-platform development environment that lets you write code once and run it everywhere. In this article, we will explore the benefits, features, and examples of Xojo applications that showcase its potential as the best secret in the programming industry.
Xojo: The Best Secret in the Programming Industry Part 2
Introduction
What is Xojo?
Xojo is a programming language and integrated development environment (IDE) that allows you to create native applications for Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, Raspberry Pi, and web browsers. You can use Xojo to build anything from simple utilities to complex enterprise software. Xojo is based on an object-oriented version of BASIC, which makes it easy to learn and use. You can also extend Xojo with plugins, libraries, and declares to access native APIs and third-party libraries.
Why is Xojo a secret?
Xojo is not a new product. It has been around since 1998, when it was called REALbasic. Since then, it has evolved and improved over the years, adding new features and platforms. However, Xojo is not as widely known or used as other popular programming tools like Visual Studio, Xcode, or Eclipse. This is partly because Xojo is not backed by a big corporation like Microsoft, Apple, or Google. It is developed by a small company called Xojo Inc., which focuses on providing a high-quality product and excellent customer service. Another reason why Xojo is a secret is that it does not fit into the mainstream programming paradigms or trends. It is not a low-level language like C or C++, nor a high-level scripting language like Python or Ruby. It is not a web framework like Django or Rails, nor a mobile framework like React Native or Flutter. It is not a niche language like R or MATLAB, nor a general-purpose language like Java or C#. It is something different: a cross-platform development environment that lets you create native applications for multiple platforms with one code base.
Benefits of Xojo
Cross-platform development
One of the main benefits of Xojo is that it allows you to create cross-platform applications with ease. You can write your code once and run it on any supported platform without having to rewrite or recompile it. You can also use conditional compilation to customize your code for specific platforms or features. Xojo takes care of the platform-specific details, such as user interface, file system, networking, graphics, and database access. You can focus on the logic and functionality of your application, rather than the technical details of each platform.
Rapid application development
Another benefit of Xojo is that it enables you to create applications faster and easier than other programming tools. Xojo has a drag-and-drop interface builder that lets you design your user interface visually. You can also use built-in controls, layouts, and themes to create a consistent and professional look and feel for your application. Xojo has a powerful and intuitive code editor that supports syntax highlighting, code completion, code folding, refactoring, debugging, and more. You can also use Xojo's debugger to test and troubleshoot your code interactively. Xojo has a rich set of frameworks and libraries that provide you with ready-made solutions for common tasks and problems. You can also use Xojo's plugin system to extend its functionality with third-party components.
Native user interface
A third benefit of Xojo is that it produces native applications that look and behave like the platform they run on. Xojo uses the native controls and widgets of each platform, such as buttons, menus, dialogs, sliders, etc. This means that your application will have the same appearance and performance as any other native application on that platform. Your users will not notice any difference or lag in your application. They will also appreciate the familiar and intuitive user interface that follows the platform's conventions and standards.
Object-oriented programming
A fourth benefit of Xojo is that it supports object-oriented programming (OOP), which is a modern and powerful programming paradigm that helps you organize your code better and reuse it more efficiently. OOP allows you to create classes that represent real-world objects or concepts, such as customers, products, animals, etc. You can define the properties and methods of each class, which describe the attributes and behaviors of the objects. You can also create instances of each class, which are the actual objects that you can manipulate in your code. You can also use inheritance to create subclasses that inherit the properties and methods of their parent classes, but also add or override them as needed. You can also use polymorphism to make different classes respond differently to the same method call, depending on their type.
Extensible language
A fifth benefit of Xojo is that it is an extensible language that allows you to customize and enhance it according to your needs and preferences. You can use declares to access native APIs and libraries from other languages, such as C, C++, Objective-C, Java, etc. You can use plugins to add new features and functionality to Xojo, such as encryption, compression, image processing, etc. You can also create your own plugins using Xojo's plugin SDK. You can use modules to organize your code into reusable units that you can import into other projects. You can also use external items to link your code to external files or resources.
Features of Xojo
IDE and debugger
Xojo has a comprehensive and user-friendly IDE that helps you create and manage your projects efficiently. The IDE has a project browser that shows you the structure and components of your project, such as classes, methods, properties, events, constants, etc. The IDE also has an inspector that lets you view and edit the properties and settings of each component in your project. The IDE also has a library that contains all the available controls, layouts, themes, frameworks, plugins, modules, external items, etc. that you can use in your project. The IDE also has a code editor that supports syntax highlighting, code completion, code folding, refactoring, debugging, and more. The IDE also has a debugger that lets you test and troubleshoot your code interactively. The debugger allows you to set breakpoints, watch variables, evaluate expressions, step through code, etc.
Frameworks and libraries
Xojo has a rich set of frameworks and libraries that provide you with ready-made solutions for common tasks and problems in application development. Some of the frameworks and libraries included in Xojo are: - Xojo.Core: This is the core framework that provides basic functionality for all Xojo applications. - Xojo.Data: This is the data framework that provides functionality for working with data types, collections, JSON, XML, etc. - Xojo.IO: This is the input/output framework that provides functionality for working with files, folders, streams, - Xojo.Net: This is the network framework that provides functionality for working with HTTP, FTP, SMTP, POP3, IMAP, DNS, etc. - Xojo.Crypto: This is the cryptography framework that provides functionality for working with encryption, decryption, hashing, signing, verification, etc. - Xojo.Desktop: This is the desktop framework that provides functionality for working with desktop applications, such as windows, menus, dialogs, controls, graphics, printing, etc. - Xojo.Web: This is the web framework that provides functionality for working with web applications, such as sessions, pages, controls, events, cookies, etc. - Xojo.Mobile: This is the mobile framework that provides functionality for working with mobile applications, such as views, controls, gestures, sensors, camera, etc. - Xojo.SQLite: This is the SQLite framework that provides functionality for working with SQLite databases. - Xojo.PostgreSQL: This is the PostgreSQL framework that provides functionality for working with PostgreSQL databases. - Xojo.MySQLCommunityServer: This is the MySQL Community Server framework that provides functionality for working with MySQL Community Server databases. - Xojo.OracleDatabase: This is the Oracle Database framework that provides functionality for working with Oracle Database databases. - Xojo.MSSQLServerDatabase: This is the Microsoft SQL Server Database framework that provides functionality for working with Microsoft SQL Server Database databases. - Xojo.OLEDBDatabase: This is the OLE DB Database framework that provides functionality for working with OLE DB Database databases. - Xojo.ODBCDatabase: This is the ODBC Database framework that provides functionality for working with ODBC Database databases. Deployment options
Xojo has flexible and convenient deployment options that allow you to distribute your applications to your users easily and securely. You can deploy your applications as standalone executables or installers for desktop platforms. You can also deploy your applications as web apps that run on any web browser. You can also deploy your applications as mobile apps that run on iOS or Android devices. You can also deploy your applications as console apps that run on servers or command-line interfaces. You can also deploy your applications as Xojo Cloud apps that run on Xojo's own cloud hosting service.
Community and support
Xojo has a vibrant and supportive community of developers and users who share their knowledge and experience with each other. You can join the Xojo Forum to ask questions, get answers, share tips, post feedback, report bugs, request features, etc. You can also join the Xojo User Groups to meet and network with other Xojo developers in your area or online. You can also join the Xojo Events to attend and participate in conferences, workshops, webinars, etc. You can also access the Xojo Documentation to learn more about Xojo's features and functionality. You can also access the Xojo Examples to see and download sample projects and code snippets. You can also access the Xojo Blog to read and watch the latest news and updates about Xojo. You can also access the Xojo Videos to watch tutorials and demos about Xojo. You can also access the Xojo Podcasts to listen to interviews and discussions about Xojo.
Examples of Xojo applications
Desktop applications
Xojo can be used to create powerful and beautiful desktop applications for Windows, Mac, Linux, and Raspberry Pi. Here are some examples of desktop applications made with Xojo:
EverWeb
EverWeb is a drag-and-drop website builder that lets you create stunning websites without any coding. You can use EverWeb's templates or design your own from scratch. You can also add features like blogs, galleries, contact forms, e-commerce, etc. You can also publish your website to your own hosting or use EverWeb's own hosting service.
MoneyWorks
MoneyWorks is a comprehensive accounting software that helps you manage your business finances efficiently and accurately. You can use MoneyWorks to track your income and expenses, create invoices and quotes, manage inventory and projects, generate reports and charts, etc. You can also integrate MoneyWorks with other software like Excel, Word, Outlook, etc.
BKeeney Software
BKeeney Software is a software development company that specializes in creating custom software solutions for various industries and clients. They use Xojo to create desktop, web, and mobile applications that meet the specific needs and requirements of their customers. Some of their products include Task Timer, a time tracking and billing software; ARGen, a database code generator; and Shorts, a report designer and generator.
Web applications
Xojo can also be used to create dynamic and responsive web applications that run on any web browser. Here are some examples of web applications made with Xojo:
Eduka Suite
Eduka Suite is a cloud-based learning management system that helps educators and learners create and manage online courses and assessments. You can use Eduka Suite to create interactive and multimedia content, assign tasks and quizzes, monitor progress and performance, communicate and collaborate, etc. You can also access Eduka Suite from any device and browser.
Xojo Cloud
Xojo Cloud is Xojo's own cloud hosting service that lets you deploy your web applications securely and easily. You can use Xojo Cloud to host your web applications without having to worry about servers, firewalls, backups, updates, etc. You can also scale your web applications as needed and enjoy the fast and reliable performance of Xojo Cloud.
GraffitiSuite Web Edition
GraffitiSuite Web Edition is a collection of over 70 controls and classes that enhance the functionality and appearance of your web applications. You can use GraffitiSuite Web Edition to add features like charts, grids, calendars, editors, menus, animations, etc. to your web applications. You can also customize the look and feel of your web applications with GraffitiSuite Web Edition's themes and styles.
Mobile applications
Xojo can also be used to create native and cross-platform mobile applications for iOS and Android devices. Here are some examples of mobile applications made with Xojo:
iConvertTo
iConvertTo is a unit converter app that lets you convert between various units of measurement, such as length, weight, temperature, speed, volume, area, etc. You can also customize your own units and categories. You can also access iConvertTo offline and use it on your iPhone or iPad.
Pi Cubed
Pi Cubed is a math app that lets you perform calculations using natural math notation. You can use Pi Cubed to enter equations using gestures, keyboard, or voice. You can also visualize your equations with graphs, tables, sliders, etc. You can also share your equations with others via email, messages, or social media. You can also access Pi Cubed on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
XojoNotes
XojoNotes is a note-taking app that lets you create and organize notes easily and quickly. You can use XojoNotes to write text notes, draw sketches, record audio notes, take photos, etc. You can also sync your notes across your devices using iCloud or Dropbox. You can also access XojoNotes on your iPhone or iPad.
Conclusion
Xojo is a cross-platform development environment that lets you create native applications for desktop, web, and mobile platforms with one code base. Xojo has many benefits, such as cross-platform development, rapid application development, native user interface, object-oriented programming, extensible language, etc. Xojo also has many features, such as IDE and debugger, frameworks and libraries, deployment options, community and support, etc. Xojo also has many examples of applications that showcase its potential as the best secret in the programming industry.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about Xojo:
How much does Xojo cost?
Xojo offers different licenses for different platforms and needs. You can choose from Desktop ($99/year), Web ($299/year), iOS ($299/year), Raspberry Pi ($49/year), or Pro ($699/year). You can also try Xojo for free for 90 days.
What are the system requirements for Xojo?
To use Xojo, you need a computer with Windows 7 or later, macOS 10.10 or later, or Linux (Ubuntu 18.04 LTS or later). You also need at least 2 GB of RAM and 500 MB of disk space.
What are the prerequisites for learning Xojo?
Xojo is a beginner-friendly language that does not require any prior programming experience. However, it is helpful to have some basic knowledge of computer science concepts, such as variables, data types, operators, expressions, statements, loops, conditions, functions, classes, objects, etc. You can learn these concepts from Xojo's documentation or online tutorials.
Where can I get help or support for Xojo?
Xojo has a vibrant and supportive community of developers and users who can help you with any questions or issues you may have. You can join the Xojo Forum to ask questions, get answers, share tips, post feedback, report bugs, request features, etc. You can also join the Xojo User Groups to meet and network with other Xojo developers in your area or online. You can also join the Xojo Events to attend and participate in conferences, workshops, webinars, etc. You can also access the Xojo Documentation to learn more about Xojo's features and functionality. You can also access the Xojo Examples to see and download sample projects and code snippets. You can also access the Xojo Blog to read and watch the latest news and updates about Xojo. You can also access the Xojo Videos to watch tutorials and demos about Xojo. You can also access the Xojo Podcasts to listen to interviews and discussions about Xojo.
How can I get started with Xojo?
To get started with Xojo, you need to download and install Xojo from its official website. You can then launch Xojo and create a new project. You can choose from different project types, such as desktop, web, iOS, console, or Raspberry Pi. You can then design your user interface using the drag-and-drop interface builder. You can also write your code using the code editor and debugger. You can then run and test your application using the run button or menu. You can then deploy your application using the build button or menu. 71b2f0854b