I Built a Web-Based Code Editor for SA-MP Scripting

#webdev #gamedev #opensource #javascript

I Built a Web-Based Code Editor for SA-MP Scripting — Here's Why

A lightweight, browser-based code editor built specifically for SA-MP (San Andreas Multiplayer) developers.

The Problem

If you've ever developed a SA-MP gamemode, you know the struggle.

The default tool — Pawno — is a relic from the early 2000s. No syntax highlighting that actually works, no auto-complete for SA-MP keywords, no dark mode, and no way to run it on anything other than Windows.

I wanted something better. Something I could open in a browser, anywhere, anytime.

So I built Pawn Studio.

What is Pawn Studio?

Pawn Studio is a web-based code editor designed specifically for SA-MP scripting using the Pawn language.

It runs entirely in the browser — no installation needed.

🔗 GitHub: github.com/Julakk/pawn-studio

Features (so far)

✅ Already shipped

Open & Save files — load your .pwn files directly from your device
Dark mode — easy on the eyes during late-night scripting sessions
Line numbers — always know where you are in the code
Syntax highlighting — Pawn language support out of the box
Search & Replace — find and fix across your entire file
Tabs — work on multiple files at once
Auto-complete — basic keyword suggestions as you type
Include support — handles #include directives properly

What's Coming Next

I'm actively working on the next set of features:

[ ] Real compiler via server — compile your script and see errors in real-time, without leaving the browser
[ ] Auto-complete for SA-MP keywords — full native function suggestions (AddPlayerClass, SetGameModeText, etc.)
[ ] Internal file manager — browse and manage your project files from within the editor
[ ] Custom color themes — pick your own syntax highlight colors

Tech Stack

Vanilla HTML, CSS, JavaScript
No heavy frameworks — keeps it fast and lightweight
Hosted as a static web app

Why I Built This

I run a game server hosting business focused on SA-MP servers in Indonesia. Most of my clients are developers who script their own gamemodes — and they constantly asked for a better editor that works on any device.

Pawn Studio started as a personal tool and grew into something I wanted to share with the whole SA-MP community.