Feature Proposal: Future Roadmap Ideas (Lite Version, Cloud Compile, Visual Builder & Cloud Share #1099
Description
Issue Checklist
- I confirm that this feature request has not been previously suggested.
- I agree to follow the project's code of conduct.
- I have checked and verified that I am using the latest version of Code on the Go from GitHub or App Dev for All.
Additional terms
- I understand that feature requests are subject to evaluation and may not be implemented immediately.
- I agree to provide additional details if needed for a clearer understanding of the requested feature.
Feature description
Hi Ben, David, and the entire COTG team,
I have been brainstorming some ideas for the future of Code on the Go. Since you all are senior developers and understand the core architecture much better than me, I just wanted to share my thinking with you. These are just concepts to make the app even faster, easier to use, and game-changing.
1. Smart App Size (Lite vs Full)
The current 900MB APK size might be a roadblock for new users. What if the initial app on GitHub is only around 100MB? When a user opens it, we can ask if they want to use it online or download the heavy offline SDK/NDK resources internally. This will prevent users from canceling the download due to size.
2. Cloud-Based NDK/C++ Compilation
Compiling C++ and NDK locally uses a lot of RAM and heats up the phone. Could we introduce an online/hybrid compile option? The heavy C++ processing could be offloaded to a connected cloud server or website, and the compiled files can be sent back to the app. This way, even low-end devices can build heavy projects.
3. Visual Compose Builder
Typing code on a small screen can be slow. It would be amazing to have a drag-and-drop screen for UI elements (like buttons and text) that automatically generates the 100% Jetpack Compose code in the background.
4. Instant Cloud Share
Instead of building an APK every time to show a project to someone, what if we could generate a live web link directly from the IDE? Others could just open the link and test the app in their mobile browser instantly.
I know you guys are already doing incredible work and these are massive features. I am just sharing my vision to see what you think about this direction. Thank you for making such a great platform!
Use Case
Mobile developers face hardware limitations (low RAM, phone heating during NDK/C++ compilation) and screen size constraints (slow typing for Jetpack Compose UIs) while coding directly on Android. Additionally, a large initial APK size (~900MB) discourages new users from trying the app, and building/sharing full APKs just to show a quick UI preview to a client or friend is time-consuming.
Benefits
These features will make Code on the Go the ultimate, fastest mobile IDE:
Smart App Size (~100MB Lite version): Massively increases new user downloads. Users can download heavy offline SDK/NDK resources later based on their needs.
Cloud-Based NDK Compile: Saves phone RAM/battery and allows even low-end devices to build heavy C++ projects seamlessly.
Visual Compose Builder: 10x faster UI development. Drag-and-drop elements instead of typing long Kotlin codes on a small screen.
Instant Cloud Share: Generates live web links for instant app testing, skipping the slow APK building process for quick previews.