Published on March 26, 2024.

Earlier today, Xojo released Xojo 2024 Release 1. This is Xojo's first release of 2024, and it's as impressive as it is vast in scope.

Xojo 2024r1 includes 31 new features and 258 bug fixes, covering all of Xojo's targets (Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, and Windows) and frameworks (desktop, mobile, and Web). In addition, the IDE has been improved, and among its new features are support for a PasswordField control for both iOS and Android.

But what I find most impressive - and surprising - about Xojo 2024r1 are changes Xojo has made to its licensing terms.

Starting with Xojo 2024r1, users can build Linux-based desktop and console apps without the need for a paid license. That means that Linux, macOS, and Windows users can compile and distribute Linux desktop and console apps absolutely free of charge.

Additionally, with all versions of Xojo Lite (Xojo's low-cost desktop-only license offering), users can now save their projects in Xojo's text-based project file format. This gives Xojo Lite users the ability to fully utilize version control systems.

Since resuming work with Xojo back in November of 2021, and going all in with Xojo in October of last year, I continue to be impressed by Xojo's evolution and the great strides that the Xojo team has made. And while Xojo's Android framework is still officially in beta, I continue to believe that its official release will be yet another game-changer.

If you're unfamiliar with Xojo, I encourage you to check it out.

Xojo is a cross-platform application development tool. You can use it to develop desktop apps (for macOS, Windows, Linux), mobile apps (iOS and Android), Web apps, and console apps. You can also use it to develop apps that run on Raspberry Pi devices.

With Xojo, you can build apps, and then run them in debug mode for as long as you'd like, all at no charge. If you reach a point where you'd like to build (compile) an app and run it as an executable, then you'll need to purchase a license (with the exception of Xojo Lite Linux, which is now free of charge). The license that you'll need is based on the types of apps that you want to compile and distribute. There are licenses specifically for compiling desktop apps, Web apps, mobile apps, and so on. But Xojo also provides Pro and Pro Plus licenses, which can be used to compile everything.

I use Xojo extensively in my NetSuite work. I'm using it to develop mobile, desktop, Web, and console apps that integrate with and extend NetSuite. I'm even using it to develop SuiteBrowser, a Web browser designed specifically for use with NetSuite.