Thanks for the tips. I’m a mainly Lua developer exploring career potential of edge drivers while trying to stay in a budget (about $100). My experience is more in apps than hardware drivers, so an easier project is probably best to start with.
I was thinking of first trying a LAN device following this Tutorial | Creating Drivers for LAN Devices with SmartThings Edge since the Station doesn’t have Z-Wave and especially if Zigbee may start going obsolete soon as you say.
On further research, I see LIFX and Tuya do have open APIs. Would a LIFX or a Tuya Smart app controlled light be a better choice then?
LIFX Mini White (A19) Wi-Fi Smart LED Light Bulb
dalattin Smart Led Strip Lights WiFi