Compiling Lua Project from Source

[pwniknoobz]

I would like to extend the Love2D engine with my own functions in c++. What would the process be to compile/run a Love2d project from the source code. Just load all source files into a project in their native directory structure and somehow include love.cpp in my main lua file? Would I have to do something with Makefile.am or Makefile.in?

Thanks in advance!

[Robin]

Nope.

You'd have to have a custom build of LÖVE, which is something I don't recommend, because then no-one but you can play it.*

love.native used to offer something like this, but that module was shot after it turned out it couldn't be done in a completely cross-platform manner.

* I know, unless you distribute the modified engine. Shuddup.

[pwniknoobz]

Unless you distribute the modif....oh.

Got it, that makes sense. Is it possible for me to compile my own modified version of the engine from the source to accomplish this?

[Robin]

Is it possible for me to compile my own modified version of the engine from the source to accomplish this?

Yes... but then everyone who plays the game has to have the modified version, which means that you lose a large number of potential gamers, especially within the community.

[pwniknoobz]

Would the process to do that be as I descried in the original post - include all Love2d source files in their native directory structure and somehow require love.cpp in the lua file?

[Robin]

Would the process to do that be as I descried in the original post - include all Love2d source files in their native directory structure and somehow require love.cpp in the lua file?

Nope. LÖVE can't compile itself.

You just modify the source code, compile it, and do your thing.

[pwniknoobz]

Got ya - So I just compile/create a new Love.exe to run my love programs in?

[Robin]

If you really need it, then yes.

Keep in mind that it means you can't rely on this community any more if you do that.

[Luiji]

Yeah, I highly recommend you instead try contributing code to the official LOVE repository.

Along with that, you could always create an external library then import it from Lua.

[Elvashi]

Along with that, you could always create an external library then import it from Lua.

That wouldn't really offer much improvement, you still need to ship the binary module with your game (and they can't be placed in lovechives, nor should they.), and you'd still have to provide versions for every platform you intend your game to be playable on.
You'd pretty much forfeit uLove compliance as well.

Yeah, I highly recommend you instead try contributing code to the official LOVE repository.

Which brings us back to this. If you really have something you think love lacks, then you should try contributing patches.