Solar2D

Solar2D is a framework aimed at developers who want to create mobile apps and games. The SDK includes dozens of tools, libraries and resources to help you build applications compatible with most mobile operating systems, including smart TVs.

The SDK comes with a user-friendly interface and can be a good choice for novices who are just learning the ropes of mobile development. The simulator can seem rather rugged, especially on small monitors, as the windows seems to be larger and you aren’t able to resize it. Nevertheless, it packs numerous options to test its overall functionality and how it feels like on various mobile devices and smart TVs.

The apps you create via this framework are compatible across both Android and iOS, mainly because you write a single codebase using LUA. Needless to say that since you don’t need to create and maintain separate codebases, you can save a lot of time and effort.

Although the app comes with several resources, it also offers a wide range of first-party and community provided plugins. Depending on what you need, you can browse the dedicated forums and find add-ons to extend the functionality of the SDK to suit your needs and preferences. The extensions can be integrated into the apps you’re already working out seamlessly.   

Even if you didn’t use similar programs before, the SDK is quite easy to learn, and you are able to view changes in the instant-update simulator. Considering that you can analyze any changes to the code in real-time without the need to rebuild and redeploy the entire app, it means that it can save time and streamline the entire development process.

The instant updates to the simulator also means that Solar2D can be a great tool for experimenting with various prototypes. This can be especially beneficial in the early stages of development when you are testing out ideas, features and mechanics.