The Xojo programming language is part of the larger Xojo Integrated Development Environment (IDE), developed and commercially marketed for software development.
The Xojo IDE is unique in that it integrates all of the essential components into a single package, whereas these components (layout editor, code editor, compiler, and debugger) would exist as separate applications. However, Xojo streamlines the development process by providing a unified environment where developers can design user interfaces, write code, and compile their applications.
Xojo is a cross-platform development tool that enables developers to create applications for desktop, web, and mobile platforms, including macOS, Linux, and Windows. Xojo allows programmers to build software that runs seamlessly across these operating systems. Xojo also supports iOS, Android, and even Raspberry Pi development.
The Xojo language was designed with several key goals in mind: simplicity, cross-platform compatibility, object-oriented programming (OOP), and rapid development.
Xojo aims to be accessible to both beginners and experienced developers. With the goal of simplicity, its syntax is straightforward and easy to learn. Xojo embraces object-oriented programming principles, allowing developers to build modular and maintainable code. Xojo emphasizes speed, enabling developers to swiftly create functional prototypes and production-ready applications. Its primary strength comes from its ability to create applications that work seamlessly across different platforms.
While Xojo is an original language, it draws inspiration from other programming languages, such as Visual Basic (VB), Java, and Delphi, each of which has contributed to its intuitive syntax and familiar constructs.
Like VB, Xojo emphasizes ease of use and visual development, although its cross-platform capabilities set it apart. Xojo shares the OOP features of Java but provides a more concise syntax. Unlike Java, Xojo doesn't require a virtual machine for execution. Both Xojo and Delphi focus on Rapid Application Development (RAD), but Xojo's cross-platform nature gives it an edge.
Initially known as REALbasic, Xojo debuted in the late 1990s, and it has continued in active development, with the most recent release (as of this writing) in January 2024.
Xojo offers a commercial license for professional developers and a free version for hobbyists and limited-scale projects.
The Xojo IDE is free to use for learning and development, but compiling or deploying applications with Xojo requires a license. Multiple license levels are available for purchase, enabling desktop, web, iOS, and Android. Xojo Pi for building applications for Raspberry Pi is free.
Licenses can be purchased a la carte, in any combination required, and include one year of access to new releases. Xojo Pro, a bundle, includes the ability to compile for desktop, iOS, web, and console, along with technical support, access to consulting leads, and a license that will work on three machines. Xojo also offers a Pro Plus license that includes everything in Xojo Pro and installation on up to six devices.
Its features include cross-platform development, native code compilation, database connectivity, GUI design, event-driven programming, and web and mobile development. The professional version is well-suited for developing business software (inventory management, customer relations management, and accounting), educational applications (interactive learning platforms), custom utilities, and cross-platform games.
Xojo's simplicity, cross-platform capabilities, and rapid development features make it an excellent choice for developers seeking to create versatile applications across different operating systems and devices.
Given that Xojo is a commercial product, there are not a lot of third-party resources for the language, but Xojo provides a wealth of resources on its website, some of which will be listed below.
Topics related to the Xojo programming language and IDE, as well as documentation, tutorials, support forums, and other resources, are the focus of this portion of our guide to computer programming languages.
Recommended Resources
Xojo hosts repositories for various software projects, such as programming languages, IDEs, and other tools and utilities, with team collaboration and communication features. This is the official GitHub repository for the Xojo IDE and programming language. As the product is commercial and the organization has no public members, contributors are not identified, although, at this time, there are sixteen followers, and eighteen repositories, each of which may be viewed.
https://github.com/xojo
Monkeybread Software offers plugins with thousands of documented functions to enhance Xojo development, many of which are highlighted here, and which serve as a toolbox for Xojo developers, enabling them to solve various challenges and create better applications. Monkeybread Software also offers in-person training sessions for the enhancement of Xojo skills, as well as website scripts, installation help, and other resources. Its plugins and services enhance Xojo development.
https://www.monkeybreadsoftware.de/xojo/
Xojo provides a powerful cross-platform development tool for creating applications across various platforms. Its integrated development environment simplifies the application development process with the goal of making it accessible to anyone who can afford it. With Xojo, the programming language, IDE, and other components are integrated rather than individual components. The IDE offers a visual interface for designing user interfaces, writing code, and testing applications.
https://www.xojo.com/
The Xojo blog is a resource for developers using the Xojo programming language. Its primary aim is to educate and inform developers about various aspects of the language, its features, and best practices. Tutorials, tips, insights regarding Xojo development, technical articles, methodology and techniques, graphics and UI, release notes and updates, code examples and snippets, and community spotlights on success stories, case studies, and interviews with developers.
https://blog.xojo.com/
Hosted on the official Xojo website, this is the Xojo developer support forum, where Xojo developers can ask or answer questions from other developers and/or community with Xojo support staff. As presented, threads are displayed chronologically, with those most recently replied to appearing first. However, topics may be sorted according to topic categories or found through a keyword search. Alternatively, viewers may choose to view a categorized forum, instead.
https://forum.xojo.com/
Offering rapid application development for desktop, web, mobile, and Raspberry Pi, supporting macOS, Windows, or Linux, iOS, Android, and Pi, with one Integrated Development Environment (IDE), Xojo offers drag-and-drop UI, a rich framework with support for graphics, database servers, and Internet protocols. Xojo promises native controls, a beginner-friendly interface, advanced features, easy deployment, an active Xojo community, and ample documentation, example projects, and tutorials.
https://ide.xojo.com/
Applications built with Xojo are highlighted here, including screenshots, supported platforms, developer information for each, and direct links where applicable. Viewers may view the included apps as presented or filter the results to display applications that have won a Xojo Design Award. Developers using Xojo may submit an application they have created, along with the necessary information and data, and submissions will be reviewed within two business days.
https://showcase.xojo.com/
