Side by side
Solar2D vs Swift Stream IDE
Both stand on mobile development ides. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan AndroidiPhoneLinux+3
Choose Solar2D if you want a free, open-source Lua engine with mobile export, multiplayer tools and a wide range of listed targets. Look elsewhere if your project depends on a scripting language other than Lua.
Visit Solar2D Free plan LinuxMacWindows
Choose Swift Stream IDE if you want a free, open-source VS Code setup for Swift work across server, web, embedded, Android-library, or pure Swift projects. Look elsewhere if you need Android app support now or want to work on Apple platforms without Xcode.
Visit Swift Stream IDEThe facts
| Solar2D | Swift Stream IDE | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Android, iPhone, Linux, Mac, Web, Windows | Linux, Mac, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 2 | 1 |
| Maker | Solar2D | Not published |
| Website | solar2d.com | swift.stream |
| On mobile development ides | #21 of 41 | #25 of 41 |
Solar2D: what it does well
- Open-source code model.
- Free plan costs nothing.
- No engine fees or royalties.
- Lua is the scripting language.
- Targets include mobile, desktop, TV and HTML5 platforms.
What to know first
- Projects must use Lua as the listed scripting language.
- The listed platforms do not include HTML5, although it is a target platform.
Swift Stream IDE: what it does well
- Free and open-source under the MIT license.
- Containerized environments help keep toolchains consistent across desktop platforms.
- Includes server, web, embedded, and pure Swift environments.
- Embedded support includes build, flash, monitor, and Wokwi simulation.
- Hosting integrations include Azure, Cloudflare, Firebase, and Vercel.
What to know first
- Requires VS Code’s Dev Containers extension and Docker.
- Docker Desktop or Docker Engine must be installed and running.
- Xcode is still required for iOS, macOS, and other Apple platforms.
- Android apps are marked as coming soon.
Alternatives to Solar2D Alternatives to Swift Stream IDE The whole list