No rest for the weary!

Two days ago was the official 1.0 launch of Illumination Software Creator.  Which can mean only one thing…

It’s time for the first beta release of Illumination 1.1!

Notable changes in 1.1 Beta 1:

• A new “Do While” loop block.
• A new “Close Window” block.
• A new “Run Shell Script” block (contained within a new “System” block section).
• Windows now properly re-initialize when being opened after they have been closed.
• Text with quotations no longer cause trouble.

Downloads:

• 1.1 Beta 1 for Linux
• 1.1 Beta 1 for Windows

If you would like to report issues found in the Beta releases, or simply take part in the discussions, head over to the Illumination Software Creator Forums.

The big day has finally arrived!  Illumination Software Creator 1.0 for both Linux and Windows has shipped!

This is very exciting for me personally.  This is what I have been waiting for.

A 100%, fully visual way to create software that anyone can learn to use… that breaks down barriers (such as high learning curves) to software development.  And, all the while, doing so with an eye toward the future… to be ready for new platforms, new operating systems and devices.

This first 1.0 version includes the ability to build Python/GTK desktop applications (that run like a champ on both Linux and Windows) as well as Maemo/Nokia Internet Tablet applications.  All based on the exact same project… and all without writing a single line of “code”.

During the Beta testing of Illumination, over the last few weeks, I have been amazed at the creativity of some of the early testers and the software they have created with Illumination.  Their feedback and bug reports have helped to make Illumination something truly incredible.  They all deserve several high-fives.

There is a tutorial and a set of example projects to help get everyone rolling, along with an official support forum that you can feel free to ask questions on.

There are packages for Debian/Ubuntu (both 32 and 64 bit) as well as a tar.gz for other distros, along with a Windows Installer over on RadicalBreeze.com.

For those who like press releases, you can read one here.

Illumination Software Creator Beta 6 is available for Linux and Windows!

This is a big one!  Some of the most requested additions since we started the Beta Testing process are now included.

The most noteworthy additions:

• You can now scroll the (incredibly large) project area.  No longer is the size of your project limited by your available screen real estate!
• You can now rename Variables by double clicking on them in the Variable list!
• You can now set the default value of any variable (and that default value is always displayed in the Variable list right below the variable name)!
• A new “Replace Text” block that lets you replace any occurrence of of some Text within a variable with any other Text.
• A new “Random” number generator block that allows you to generate a random number in any range (ex: Between 1 and 100).
• There is now a “Check Project for Errors” item in the “Project” menu that allows you to check for errors without Building or Running your project.
• As well as various bug fixes when generating Python/GTK Desktop and Maemo applications.

A huge thanks to everyone who has taken the time to test out and provide feedback.  Thanks to all the bug reports and feature suggestions, Illumination Software Creator is becoming more and more awesome every day!

Go.  Download the latest Beta and take it for a spin!

If you have questions or suggestions.  Or simply want to talk with other Illumination users, head over to the Illumination Software Creator forum.  It has only been up for one day now, but it is already bustling with activity.

And, with the Beta testing of 1.0 coming close to an end, there isn’t much time left to get in on the discounted pricing of $29 from the Radical Breeze Online Store.

Just to clear up some confusion a few people have had: Purchasing Illumination now, during Beta, entitles you to the full version of Illumination when it is released, as well as a free upgrade to all of the 1.x updates (1.1, 1.2, etc.).  This is the same as if you waited and purchased the final 1.0 version… only much cheaper.

The fifth Beta release of Illumination Software Creator is available for Linux and Windows!

Beta 5 is almost entirely a bug fixing release, but there are a few new goodies to play with.

Some new additions in Beta 5:

• The addition of a new control for your windows: Progress Bar.
• A new block for setting the percentage of a Progress Bar.
• A new block to set the text of a Button.

A few other items of note:

The last episode of Coding with Bryan was all about Illumination and included some quick, and very basic, tutorials.

The Beta discount pricing is still available from the Radical Breeze Store.