Question for the developers: It looks like the iOS app allows you to download apps built with the desktop tool, which supports evaluation of Javascript snippets. Isn't this against the App Store policy for the download and execution of arbitrary code?
Show HN: PencilCase – an iOS app studio that transforms designs into apps
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Re: Show HN: PencilCase – an iOS app studio that transforms designs into apps
#22Question for the developers: It looks like the iOS app allows you to download apps built with the desktop tool, which supports evaluation of Javascript snippets. Isn't this against the App Store policy for the download and execution of arbitrary code?
Not if it runs in with JavascriptCore I think.
Re: Show HN: PencilCase – an iOS app studio that transforms designs into apps
#23Question for the developers: It looks like the iOS app allows you to download apps built with the desktop tool, which supports evaluation of Javascript snippets. Isn't this against the App Store policy for the download and execution of arbitrary code?
Hi, one of the devs here! You're correct, PencilCase: Player can evaluate JavaScript using the JavaScriptCore framework included on the device. The App Store already has a lot of apps available that allow exactly this or other very similar options (Python, Lua, etc.) and we look forward to seeing how people take advantage of this ability.
Re: Show HN: PencilCase – an iOS app studio that transforms designs into apps
#24Question for the developers: It looks like the iOS app allows you to download apps built with the desktop tool, which supports evaluation of Javascript snippets. Isn't this against the App Store policy for the download and execution of arbitrary code?
Hi, one of the devs here! You're correct, PencilCase: Player can evaluate JavaScript using the JavaScriptCore framework included on the device. The App Store already has a lot of apps available that allow exactly this or other very similar options (Python, Lua, etc.) and we look forward to seeing how people take advantage of this ability.
The difference I'm specifically curious about is the issue about 'downloading' arbitrary code and evaluating it. Current app offerings don't have this support because Apple has forbidden it in the past unless the evaluation goes through the Javascript context of a web view, which doesn't appear to be the case for PencilCase. I guess I'm curious if they have relaxed their restrictions in this case, are unaware of that feature, or something else.
Re: Show HN: PencilCase – an iOS app studio that transforms designs into apps
#25Earlier quoted context omitted.
I'd rather have a fixed cost than a continuing cost. Why is it better to be paying for a tool every month rather than to own the tool, outright? I'm not seeing the argument for having to keep paying for a tool that you'd be using, if you choose to use it? If your argument is that the subscription model allows uncertain developers to get involved, I would argue that tools like this should be purchased by those who are…
Hi, another dev here. Thanks for sharing your views, I can see that subscription is a big pain point for you and I understand your frustration. There is always a trade-off when choosing between a subscription model versus a fixed price model and when looking at where we wanted to take the app, subscription made more sense to us. Thanks for taking the time to give the free trial a go despite your reservations. If you…
My feedback: your subscription model has completely soured me to your product.
I get that you have your reasons for choosing the economic position to support your own continued developments; I think you're passing the problem on to your customers though, and that just makes me think less of your effort as a whole.
I'll enjoy checking PencilCase out, but I definitely won't be purchasing it.
Re: Show HN: PencilCase – an iOS app studio that transforms designs into apps
#26Earlier quoted context omitted.
Hi, one of the devs here! You're correct, PencilCase: Player can evaluate JavaScript using the JavaScriptCore framework included on the device. The App Store already has a lot of apps available that allow exactly this or other very similar options (Python, Lua, etc.) and we look forward to seeing how people take advantage of this ability.
The difference I'm specifically curious about is the issue about 'downloading' arbitrary code and evaluating it. Current app offerings don't have this support because Apple has forbidden it in the past unless the evaluation goes through the Javascript context of a web view, which doesn't appear to be the case for PencilCase. I guess I'm curious if they have relaxed their restrictions in this case, are unaware of that…
Yeah, App Store guidelines can be ambiguous, and JavaScriptCore becoming a public framework could be seen as an endorsement of this type of functionality, but we don't have any information that you wouldn't.
Re: Show HN: PencilCase – an iOS app studio that transforms designs into apps
#27The gif looks like it does some of what Xcode does...
Re: Show HN: PencilCase – an iOS app studio that transforms designs into apps
#28Earlier quoted context omitted.
Devs here. We use JavaScriptCore to expose native Objective-C APIs. This gives you access to any API we expose right in PencilCase: Studio. To go beyond that we allow exporting to Xcode.
Can you justify the subscription model? To me this is a major turnoff.
Not arguing with fit2rule--he/she can buy what he/she chooses--but I think a subscription model is Just Fine.
If I'm making money or even pursuing a hobby, $300/yr is completely worth it.
But FWIW, I'd be happier about having $40/month-billed-monthly and $300/yr options.
Re: Show HN: PencilCase – an iOS app studio that transforms designs into apps
#29new visual basic / Delphi?
Re: Show HN: PencilCase – an iOS app studio that transforms designs into apps
#30Earlier quoted context omitted.
Hi, another dev here. Thanks for sharing your views, I can see that subscription is a big pain point for you and I understand your frustration. There is always a trade-off when choosing between a subscription model versus a fixed price model and when looking at where we wanted to take the app, subscription made more sense to us. Thanks for taking the time to give the free trial a go despite your reservations. If you…
My feedback: your subscription model has completely soured me to your product. I get that you have your reasons for choosing the economic position to support your own continued developments; I think you're passing the problem on to your customers though, and that just makes me think less of your effort as a whole. I'll enjoy checking PencilCase out, but I definitely won't be purchasing it.
...we get it. I agreed with you three comments ago but now you're just beating a dead horse.