QBJS - Offline Mode

[dbox]

Hi All,

Since starting the QBJS effort there have been a number of inquiries around support for an offline mode.  For the next release, QBJS will offer offline deployment as a progressive web application (PWA).

You can try this out now at the QBJS dev site:  https://boxgaming.github.io/qbjs/

This change allows you to install QBJS locally directly from the browser.  A new icon will appear in the address bar.  Here's an example of what it looks like in Edge:

   

   

After the install is complete you can then run QBJS in a standalone application window:

   

The best part though is that all of the content needed to run QBJS will be installed on your device.  So you will be able to use it when completely disconnected from the internet.  But you'll still get the best of both worlds as it will download any updates when new releases come out.

This feature will be included in the next release of QBJS along with a number of additional features that are still in progress.  I thought I would go ahead and mention it here as I would love to have any feedback from anyone who is game to try it out in the dev site.  I'd be very interested to hear how it worked (or didn't) for you and what OS/browser combo you have.

A couple of notes:

• The install as app feature is available in most major browsers but for some reason this is not fully supported on Firefox desktop version (although it is on the Android version of Firefox)
  
• On iOS this can be installed by selecting the "Add to Home Screen" option.
  

[grymmjack]

Awesome! Well done!

[Dav]

Sounds great!  Looking forward to the next release.

- Dav

[bplus]

Yeah making better and better!

I am wondering how I can use QBJS like an IDE where I can save and open programs from my computer like I do with QB64 files and associated assets.

[dbox]

You can do this today with the save and open buttons.  If you have additional assets besides the program code it will save the entire project as a zip file that you can open and continue work on later.

[bplus]

good I will have to practice

[Dav]

Will the offline version be working on iPad with iOS 16.6?  That’s what I have.  The online version works good for me on ipad.

Being able the code in QB64 on my ipad anywhere offline will be awesome!  This will double my coffee shop time for sure, that’s where I have to get away to code sometimes.

- Dav

[dbox]

Hey @Dav, yes it worked for me on an iPad I tested on.  I would love to hear if it works for you as well.  You can try it out using the QBJS dev site link in the original post.

When the page loads tap this button:

   

… and then select the “Add to Home Screen” option.

[Dav]

Thanks @dbox. I’m not seeing that option yet, just the usual ones. The copy link to share your code at the top, then at the bottom the launch mode, export, test, close.  Am I at the right link?  At this one: https://boxgaming.github.io/qbjs/

- Dav

[dbox]

Interesting, this option is typically available for any page.  It usually appears after the “Find on Page option: