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
.pwnfiles 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
#includedirectives 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.
Try It Out
⭐ If you find it useful, a star on GitHub goes a long way!
🔗 github.com/Julakk/pawn-studio
Got feedback or feature requests? Open an issue — I read every single one.
Built with ❤️ for the SA-MP scripting community.