Learn SOLAR2D with Real Code Examples

Solar2D allows developers to create 2D games and apps using Lua scripting and a lightweight engine.

It supports graphics rendering, physics, audio, input handling, particle systems, and native UI integration.

Used by indie developers and small studios for mobile apps, casual games, and prototypes.

Display objects (sprites, images, shapes)

Scene management via Composer

Physics and collision handling

Audio playback and effects

Particle effects and GUI components

Lua: primary scripting language

Display objects: sprites, images, shapes

Composer: scene management library

Physics: collision and dynamics via Box2D

Events: touch, accelerometer, timers

main.lua - entry point

config.lua - project settings

scenes/ - Composer scenes

images/ - sprites and graphics

audio/ - sound and music

Create project folder

Write Lua scripts for logic

Add graphics, audio, and assets

Use Composer for scene management

Test in Solar2D Simulator

Build for iOS, Android, or HTML5

Beginner: simple touch-based game

Intermediate: physics-based game

Advanced: multi-scene mobile game

Expert: performance-optimized app

Enterprise: multi-platform commercial release

Solar2D vs Unity: lightweight 2D vs full 2D/3D engine

Solar2D vs Defold: both Lua-based, Defold uses component system

Solar2D vs GameMaker Studio: Solar2D open-source vs GMS paid

Solar2D vs Cocos2d-x: Lua scripting vs C++/Lua hybrid

Solar2D vs Construct 3: code-based vs visual scripting

2009 – Corona SDK launched by Ansca Mobile

2015 – Corona Labs acquired

2020 – Renamed Solar2D and open-sourced

2021 – Regular updates with plugin and simulator improvements

2025 – Current version with modern Lua and enhanced cross-platform support

Lua: scripting language

Display object: sprite, image, or shape

Composer: scene management library

Physics body: collision-enabled object

Module: reusable Lua script