There’s an app for that.
This statement so common and has reduced to a cliché and a joke. With such a swollen supply of apps for smartphones, tablets, smartwatches and more, the most important consideration for a new app is individuality.
Developers, now more than ever, need to tap into their creativity to conjure a business application that will set apart from all the other options out there.
One of the most daunting things for developers is the sheer number of platforms out there. Trying to format an app for these platforms can be not only frustrating but also impossible if you lack the required resources and knowhow.
This is where Apache Cordova comes in.
What is Cordova?
Apache Cordova uses the biggest web techs to simplify app development. It is an open-source framework for mobile app developers. Cordova uses CSS3, HTML5 and JavaScript to give users multi-platform development capabilities. Applications made with Cordova can run within targeted wrappers, which are often specific for each platform.
Who is Cordova for?
While a variety of developers can use Cordova, there are a few scenarios in particular that the software is ideal for. For one, any developer who is looking to create a usable cross platform app across multiple platforms, but does not want to spend the time to recreate the app repeatedly for each platform language.
Cordova is also perfect for any developer who wants to launch their app in a wide variety of app stores. Not only that, but Cordova also gives developers to ability to mix components of native apps in WebView, then giving access across APIs.
Finally, if a developer is seeking to use plugins for both WebView and native components to interface, Cordova is perfect.
Cordova Glossary
Here is a bit of important terminology to know for newcomers to Apache Cordova.
WebView. To access the whole application user interface, Cordova uses a special application browser window called WebView. WebView, used by most platforms, works as a functioning component inside a larger application, mixing with native application components. Native app wrappers, which allow for app store distribution, also require WebView to execute apps.
Web Apps. Essential to web development is, obviously, code. To store your code, Apache Cordova uses Web Apps. The default name for your code in Cordova will be index.html, and this code functions as a web page. CSS, Images, JavaScript, and Media files are all required for your mobile app and are all called into reference by the filename index.html.
Plugins. Cordova is complex and an essential piece of the puzzle for the program are plugins. Their significant importance comes from the fact that, with them, Cordova and any native components gains an interface to exist within. Plugins supply Cordova with a language to communicate with native components, as well as APIs. This communication also grants access to JavaScript native code.
Development Paths in Cordova
Cordova provides two distinct workflows to choose from, each a viable option with their own unique advantages:
- Cross-platform workflow
As the name suggest, those developers looking to create an app for multiple platforms will want to use the cross-platform (CLI) workflow. This workflow, which utilizes Cordova CLI, takes away the need for platform-specific development requirements. This is due to its use of Cordova CLI, which gives a build for multiple platforms.The tool sets up subdirectories for each mobile platform, copying and placing web assets accordingly. Cordova CLI will then configure each asset for the appropriate platform, generating app binaries by running build scripts. This also affords your app the ability to have a common interface for plugins.
- Platform-centered workflow
For those less concerned about multiple platforms and who only wish to focus on one, Cordova supplies the option of a platform-centered workflow. This tool works at a lower level when executing modifications, allowing for fluid mixing of web-based Cordova with native components.
In conclusion, mobile application use shows no signs of slowing down. In order for developers to keep up with the fast-moving technological landscape, tools like Cordova are of the utmost importance.