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Comet: Mobile Lua IDE for Numerical Computing on Android

Comet (formerly SigmaScript) is an Android-focused development environment built around the Lua scripting language with an emphasis on numerical computing, data analysis and visualization. Developed by Sidi Hamady, the app integrates a full Lua interpreter with scientific extensions for linear algebra, ordinary differential equations, mathematical optimization, plotting and SQLite access. A syntax-highlighting editor, example scripts and code templates support rapid prototyping on phones and tablets.

Core strengths

• Numerical and scientific modules: native extensions provide routines for matrix operations, ODE solvers and optimization methods suitable for engineering and scientific tasks on mobile devices.
• All-in-one environment: combines an editor, run console and runtime engine so scripts can be written, executed and inspected without leaving the app.
• Visualization and local data storage: built-in plotting and SQLite integration make it possible to visualize results and manage lightweight datasets directly from scripts.
• Portable legacy options: a stripped-down Comet N editor is available as portable Windows/Linux builds and is released under the MIT license; the Solis project replaces desktop Comet for expanded desktop functionality.
• Minimal data collection: the developer’s Play Store listing declares no data collection and no sharing with third parties; recent updates reduced runtime permissions.

Notable features

• Built-in Lua interpreter with standard language support and Comet-specific numerical libraries.
• Plotting module for quick charts and visual inspection on small screens.
• SQLite integration to facilitate scripted storage and retrieval of data.
• File I/O and project samples supporting internal and external storage, sample scripts and a downloadable PDF manual hosted on the developer site.
• Foreground service option to allow long-running scripts to persist under Android task management.

Platforms, licensing and ecosystem

Comet is distributed on Google Play under the name Comet (previously SigmaScript). Desktop development has migrated to Solis, which provides similar and additional capabilities for Windows and Linux; Solis is not fully compatible with Comet. Comet N remains available as an open-source, MIT-licensed, stripped editor for portable Windows and Linux use. Related tools by the same author include SigmaCalculator and SigmaGraph for expression-based calculations and plotting.

Performance, usability and limitations

Comet is suited to interactive prototyping and handling small to moderate datasets on mobile hardware. Very large arrays, heavy numerical loops or scripts that produce extensive console output may execute noticeably slower than on a desktop environment. Some users have reported issues with certain exit behaviors (for example, invoking os.exit()) and occasional sluggishness when manipulating very large scripts or print-heavy loops on lower-end devices.

Practical applications

1. Learning and teaching scripting and numerical methods using Lua on smartphones and tablets.
2. Prototyping numerical algorithms, testing solvers and quick visualization of small datasets in field or classroom settings.
3. Developing offline-capable scripted workflows that combine computation, plotting and lightweight database access on Android devices.

Why Comet might be chosen

• Mobile-first numerical IDE that brings Lua scripting and scientific modules to Android devices without requiring a desktop.
• Integrated stack—editor, interpreter, plotting and local storage—enables fast iteration for algorithm development and data inspection.
• Legacy and open-source options for users who prefer portable desktop editors or need source access via Comet N and the Solis successor.
• Author-supported documentation with downloadable manuals and example scripts available from the developer’s website.