Windows App Studio begins accepting TouchDevelop code in a recent update

Developing apps for the Microsoft ecosystem is extremely easy to do, because Microsoft has a huge range of tool to use. These tools range from Windows App Studio which provides templates and an easy to use interface for simple apps, to Visual Studio which is used by massive companies to develop the software we use every day. One of the tools Microsoft has created is called TouchDevelop and now it is being slowly integrated into Windows App Studio.

TouchDevelop is a tool where users can quickly make apps using simple apps on almost any device. These apps are coded with a unique UI which links together blocks of code the user pick to create the program without typing every character. Tools like TouchDevelop can act as an on-ramp to more advanced programing methods and tools like Visual Studio. By adding the ability for elements of TouchDevelop to be integrated into the Windows App Studio, Microsoft has made it easier than ever to begin making apps for Windows. 

Windows App Studio will have the ability to import chunks of TouchDevelop code to make the universal apps more fully featured. TouchDevelop can be used to create games or tools, while Windows App Studio mostly focuses on create content display apps for websites and content streams. It seems Microsoft is taking the first steps toward simplifying their novice developer tools into a more streamlined solution.

Making apps which access more of a particular device’s features enable the apps to be more powerful and engaging. Better universal apps means a stronger ecosystem for Microsoft with Windows 10. The Windows app story has always been criticized for having too few of the essential apps, but what if Microsoft enabled all of their users to create apps. Then their app store could be full of unique and regionally relevant apps for any purpose. Local restaurants, resorts, businesses, stores, and more could create their own apps for Windows in a day and showcase their products and services.