Do we have to "make" a new .pdx every time we want to test a code change? (Windows)

[Cyborg-Slunk]

I've just started trying to have a poke around the simulator.
I want to run one of the included example games.
Do I have to use cmake to make a .pdx file from the examples in order to run them?

Will this mean we have to "make" a new .pdx file every time we want to test a new bit of code?

Thanks.

[Nic (Nic Magnier)]

Short answer: yes.

A game project needs to be compiled into byte code and assets converted to be used in the simulator or playdate. Based on my experience this is typically pretty close to instantaneous even for bigger projects, so I never felt it was slowing me down.

Usually I am in my code editor and I have a build script that prepare the pdx and launch the simulator automatically.

But that depends of what editor you use to code.
This is an extension for vs code but I don't know if this is still maintained

VS Code Extension

Hey folks, while learning all the SDK pieces, I've created a small vscode extension and example app which provides auto-completion based on vscode-lua and sets up the ability to compile and run your games. [Screen Shot 2020-04-25 at 11.59.37 AM] Link <- Source code, extension file and example project using it

And I shared my build script for Sublime Text

Build System for Sublime Text

I've updated the build setup for Sublime Text and have split it in two variations: Simple Build Setup If you work only with lua Playdate-Simple.sublime-build.zip (725 Bytes) It will build the first folder that is in the side bar. If no folder is setup in the sidebar it will compile the folder of the active file (so you can just open main.lua and build the project) The pdx will be created in the parent folder. CMake Build Setup If you work with C and lua Playdate-CMake.sublime-build.zip (1.…

[dave (Dave Hayden)]

Having the Simulator be able to run pdc seems like a really useful feature. I seems so obvious I wonder if we looked at that and found a bunch of pitfalls, or we're just so stuck in our routine it never crossed our minds. I'll file that and mull it over!

[Cyborg-Slunk]

Thanks for the info.

I having real trouble understanding what I need to do to get playdate projects running.
(Yes, I am an idiot.)

I'm going to start another thread, which if answered, will probably be helpful to other users.