Mode:
Duration:
1
Coding works best on desktop or with an external keyboard.
Lua Script Example - Display FPS - Defold Typing CST Test
Lua Script Example - Display FPS — Defold Code
Prints FPS each frame.
-- fps.script
function update(self, dt)
local fps = 1 / dt
print(string.format("FPS: %.2f", fps))
endDefold Language Guide
Defold is a free, cross-platform 2D game engine developed by King, designed for rapid development of high-performance 2D games. It features a lightweight editor, Lua scripting, a component-based architecture, and efficient deployment across multiple platforms.
Primary Use Cases
- ▸2D mobile games
- ▸Rapid prototyping and game jams
- ▸Educational games
- ▸Casual and puzzle games
- ▸Performance-sensitive 2D games
Notable Features
- ▸Lightweight editor with real-time previews
- ▸Lua scripting for game logic
- ▸Component-based game object system
- ▸Integrated physics engine
- ▸Cross-platform deployment (iOS, Android, HTML5, macOS, Windows, Linux)
Origin & Creator
Defold was created by King (the company behind Candy Crush) and released as a free engine in 2016, with full source available for developers under a permissive license.
Industrial Note
Defold is particularly popular for mobile 2D games, indie projects, game jams, and studios needing lightweight, maintainable, and efficient game engines.
Quick Explain
- ▸Defold enables developers to create games using a component-based approach and Lua scripting.
- ▸It provides 2D rendering, physics, animation, audio, input handling, particle systems, and basic GUI functionality.
- ▸Defold is used by indie developers and commercial studios for mobile, desktop, and web games, with emphasis on performance and scalability.
Core Features
- ▸Collections and game objects
- ▸Sprite and animation handling
- ▸Collision and physics
- ▸GUI system
- ▸Audio and particle systems
Learning Path
- ▸Learn Lua basics
- ▸Understand collections and game objects
- ▸Practice component-based design
- ▸Add GUI, audio, and particles
- ▸Deploy games to target platforms
Practical Examples
- ▸2D platformer
- ▸Casual mobile puzzle game
- ▸Top-down shooter
- ▸Physics-based arcade game
- ▸Multilevel adventure game
Comparisons
- ▸Defold vs Unity: Defold lightweight 2D vs Unity feature-rich 2D/3D
- ▸Defold vs Godot: Defold Lua vs Godot GDScript
- ▸Defold vs GameMaker Studio: Defold free/open-source vs GMS paid
- ▸Defold vs Construct 3: Defold code-based vs Construct visual scripting
- ▸Defold vs Cocos2d-x: Defold Lua scripting vs C++/Lua hybrid
Strengths
- ▸Lightweight and fast
- ▸Easy cross-platform deployment
- ▸Free and open-source
- ▸Good performance on mobile devices
- ▸Component-based architecture for modular design
Limitations
- ▸Primarily 2D-focused, limited 3D support
- ▸Smaller community than Unity or Godot
- ▸Less asset marketplace support
- ▸Requires familiarity with Lua scripting
- ▸GUI system is basic compared to full-feature engines
When NOT to Use
- ▸AAA 3D games
- ▸Heavy 3D simulations
- ▸Games requiring large asset marketplaces
- ▸Projects needing a large user community
- ▸VR/AR projects
Cheat Sheet
- ▸Collection = scene/group of objects
- ▸Game Object = entity
- ▸Component = behavior module
- ▸Script = Lua code
- ▸Factory = object instantiation
FAQ
- ▸Is Defold free?
- ▸Yes - free and open-source.
- ▸Does it support mobile?
- ▸Yes - iOS and Android.
- ▸Can it handle multiplayer?
- ▸Yes - via Lua networking scripts.
- ▸Is it beginner-friendly?
- ▸Moderate learning curve; Lua and component system required.
- ▸Does it support 3D?
- ▸Limited 3D; primarily 2D-focused.
30-Day Skill Plan
- ▸Week 1: Basic Lua scripting and editor usage
- ▸Week 2: Collections and game objects
- ▸Week 3: Physics and collisions
- ▸Week 4: GUI and particle systems
- ▸Week 5: Cross-platform deployment and optimization
Final Summary
- ▸Defold is a free, lightweight 2D engine with component-based architecture and Lua scripting.
- ▸It is ideal for mobile, web, and desktop 2D games, prototypes, and performance-sensitive projects.
- ▸Features cross-platform deployment, particle and GUI systems, and integrated physics.
- ▸Open-source nature allows customization and optimization.
- ▸Best suited for indie developers and small studios focusing on efficient 2D game development.
Project Structure
- ▸main/ - default collection and scripts
- ▸assets/ - images, sounds, particle effects
- ▸scripts/ - Lua scripts
- ▸gui/ - GUI scenes and components
- ▸build/ - compiled projects
Monetization
- ▸Mobile games with ad revenue
- ▸Paid mobile games
- ▸HTML5 games with monetization
- ▸Indie commercial games
- ▸Game jams and prototypes
Productivity Tips
- ▸Use texture atlases
- ▸Modularize components
- ▸Profile Lua scripts early
- ▸Organize collections and assets
- ▸Leverage Defold community tools
Basic Concepts
- ▸Collection: container of game objects
- ▸Game Object: entity with components
- ▸Component: modular behavior (sprite, script, collision)
- ▸Script: Lua code defining logic
- ▸GUI Scene: user interface layout
More Defold Typing Exercises
Defold Lua Script Example - Simple Player MovementDefold Lua Script Example - Player JumpDefold Lua Script Example - Simple ShootingDefold Lua Script Example - Enemy Follow PlayerDefold Lua Script Example - Timer ExampleDefold Lua Script Example - Mouse Click DetectionDefold Lua Script Example - Random MovementDefold Lua Script Example - Simple AnimationDefold Lua Script Example - Collision Detection