Cascades Development

[ArdnahcAmar]

Hi All,

Can anybody tell me what is the difference between Native SDK and Cascades/QT?

When I need to go for NativeSDK and when I need to go for Cascades?

These both works in BB 10 or Only in Tablet?

Please clear me, I cant live without knowing this.

Thanks in advance.

[laurentC]

Native SDK is right for games development with C/C++ & OpenGL.
Cascades/QT is the framework you should use if you want to create any other apps because you have basic UI components in it (list, text, label, image...).

Cascades is only for BB10, Native works on Tablet and BB10.

If you choose Cascades, you can code in QML/Javascript, C++ or both.

I recommend to use QML/Javascript to build your app UI and if you need extra power to make something you can't do with QML, add C++ code.

[HorizonXP]

I answered this in the other thread you posted. You really shouldn't cross-post.

BlackBerry Native SDK provides APIs to access some of the core functionality of the device, ranging from events, to screens, etc. Use the Native SDK when you need barebones access to the hardware. 

The Cascades SDK is a UI toolkit built upon the Qt toolkit. It provides you with a common set of UI controls for you to use and integrate into your application, with a common look and feel.

In order to make the Qt toolkit work on the PlayBook and Dev Alpha, RIM used the Native SDK, along with some other code to make things work.

Here's a better summary.

When you make an app using the Cascades SDK, it uses the Native SDK as well.

However, you're free to write an app in just the Native SDK, and figure out how to handle the UI yourself. Most games will do this.

[smiley]

I have Cascade SDK installed.  Can you not just the SDK/IDE to build Playbook apps? I know the BB can't run Cascade apps but I just don't want to install NDK and Cascade SDK.

[selom]

Hello smiley,

You may find answers from others who have attempted to do it in this thread http://supportforums.blackberry.com/t5/Native-Development/Cascades-only-for-BB10-and-not-for-Playboo...

but using the BB10 NDK for playbook is not officially supported.

Cheers

Selom

[smiley]

thanks.  So I must install both NDK for PB and Cascade SDK for BB 10 for now?

[selom · Accepted solution]

Hi Smiley,

yes you should install both NDKs. They will coexist and have separate IDEs and install folders.

Cheers

Selom

[ArdnahcAmar · Accepted solution]

Thanks for all for that made me understand