Title: Development
Description: Build firmware, Native SD Apps, and GhostScript extensions for GhostESP
URL: /v2.1/development/
Version: v2.1
Section: GhostESP: Revival
Search index: /search-index.json

# Development

> Build firmware, Native SD Apps, and GhostScript extensions for GhostESP

## On this page

- [Choose an extension model](#choose-an-extension-model)
- [Development paths](#development-paths)

---

Build GhostESP from source or extend an installed device without changing its firmware.
## Choose an extension model
|
[GhostScript](/v2.1/ghostscript/) |
[Native SD Apps](/v2.1/development/native-sd-apps/) |
Best for |
Automation, event-driven workflows, and chaining existing GhostESP features |
Full interactive apps, custom UI, direct hardware access, and performance-sensitive work |
Language |
Lua 5.4 source compiled to .gsb |
C compiled to a target-specific ESP-IDF shared object |
Toolchain |
Python and ghostbt; ESP-IDF is not required |
Python, GBT, and ESP-IDF |
Portability |
One script package across supported boards, subject to available hardware |
Build one package for each ESP target architecture |
Runtime model |
Constrained Lua environment with permission-checked GhostESP APIs |
Trusted native code running in the firmware process |
Device support |
Designed to work with and without PSRAM |
The on-device Apps gallery currently exposes third-party native apps only on PSRAM-equipped boards |
Start with GhostScript when the available Lua APIs can perform the job. Choose a Native SD App when you need custom widgets, lower-level peripherals, or native performance.
Native app permissions gate the official SDK functions, but native apps are not sandboxed. Only install native packages from developers you trust.
## Development paths
- [GhostScript](/v2.1/ghostscript/) — write, compile, install, and debug Lua automation packages.
- [Native SD Apps](/v2.1/development/native-sd-apps/) — build target-specific C apps with the native SDK.
- [GBT](/v2.1/development/gbt/) — use the current build, packaging, GhostScript compiler, firmware, and serial commands.
- [Environment Setup](/v2.1/development/environment-setup/) — prepare ESP-IDF for firmware and native app development.
- [Custom Board Configurations](/v2.1/development/custom-board-configs/) — add or adjust supported hardware.