What it is
Corona SDK was a framework for building 2D games and apps for iOS and Android from one code base. Code was written in Lua, a small and fast scripting language, and the framework handled graphics, physics, audio and touch. A live simulator showed changes immediately, which made it quick to iterate.
It was made by Corona Labs. In 2020 it was renamed Solar2D and released as open source, and it is maintained by its community. It still builds for iOS, Android, desktop and other targets, and it remains popular for small 2D games and educational apps. Its plugins cover ads, in-app purchases and analytics.
How I use it
- One of the technologies I built customer-tailored solutions in through my independent contracts, alongside ActionScript, Flex, PHP and MySQL.
- Part of a long line of cross-platform mobile work that runs through Cordova apps at Brikers to the React Native field app for Rental Pilot today.
- The same goal then as now: one code base that reaches both iPhone and Android users.
Corona was a good fit when a small team needed a 2D app or game on both iPhone and Android without writing it twice. I used it for that reason, on customer-tailored solutions where one code base had to reach both app stores.
Questions
What is Corona SDK called now?
Corona SDK was renamed Solar2D in 2020 and released as open source. It is maintained by its community and still builds for iOS and Android.
What does Shawn Mervin use for mobile apps today?
React Native. The Rental Pilot field app is built in React Native and shipped to the App Store.