Forem: Rakesh Patel

Look No Further Than Kotlin for Android App Development

Rakesh Patel — Mon, 17 Sep 2018 10:58:08 +0000

I have been sneaking for a while in the Android app development space and I must it seems as if it has done using the Java programming language. Last year, Google announced that Kotlin would forever more be supported as a first-class programming language for Android. And today it has become the most favored programming language.

Java being object-oriented and well-crafted programming language has limited implementation dependencies. In a layman’s language, it allows the developer to write once and run anywhere in terms of platforms that support Java. Whereas Kotlin is a statically-typed programming language that runs on the JVM. Compiled well to JavaScript source code and to native executables, Kotlin offers a bunch of amazing features such as:

• It is an opensource
• Full Java Interoperability
• Kotlin compiles to JVM bytecode or JS
• Data Classes 
• Defaulted parameters
• imposes no runtime overhead
• Extension functions
• Swift
• Write less code in comparison to Java

Why use Kotlin for Android?

Android has been a popular choice for global consumers for a while now, thanks to the thousands of devices it powers. Although, the usage of Java for app development seems to be widening at a fanatic pace. But it is equally important for you to know that Java comes with a lot of historical baggage.

Java 8 did solve some language issues and even more were corrected with Java 9 and 10. But are you well aware regarding the fact an Android developer needs to set the minimum SDK to Android 24 just to use Java 8, which isn’t an option? Kotlin on the other hand aims to fill that gap of a missing modern language for the Android platform.

It features few crucial tenets worth considering such as:

• Reduces the amount of boilerplate code one requires to write

• Quite expressive when it comes to making your code more readable and understandable

• The entire classes of errors such as null pointer exceptions can be avoided

• Interoperable to leverage existing frameworks and libraries of the JVM with 100 percent Java interoperability.

• Versatile for building server-side applications, Android apps or frontend code running in the browser.
Downsides of Kotlin language
The technology has indeed come as a boon but they even have a fair share of downsides as well.

• Sizeable Runtime- One of the major drawbacks of Kotlin is the file size that its standard library and runtime increase. On an average, a .apk file expands by 800 KB which isn’t much but if some file is already heavy, then it may become an issue to look into. Overall, it can make the user think before downloading heavy files.

• Complex Code Decryption- Sometimes your greatest strength can become your weakness. Even after having great syntax, you may still face certain issues because a small code is infused with so much. In the case of Java, its code is not that compact.

• Lack of official support- Android studio being officially integrated for Googles app development procedure but it fails to extend its support to Kotlin as the language is not officially endorsed by Google.

So that’s all for now! Keep watching the space for more information and updates on Android application development.

A few Convincing Features That Will Make You Choose Ionic for Your Hybrid App

Rakesh Patel — Mon, 16 Jul 2018 09:36:01 +0000

2018 is an excellent time to jump into the app development bandwagon. Day by day new developments are emerging offering the world fresh means of using the internet. It may quite interest you to know that over the past few years, more than one million apps have been developed worldwide using Ionic technology.

The best apps are the ones who have the potential to take full advantage of the amazing features available to them natively on iOS and Android. Native activities include right from taking pictures or using the accelerometer, connecting to devices through Bluetooth, authenticating with finger scanning, and so more, Today's app requires to fulfill it all. Now I have come across many of you who often happen to believe that it can’t access the same native SDK features like a pure native app can. This is absolutely untrue. Due to the lack of central repository for all the available native plugins, it really becomes hard to know what’s available when plugins are scattered about and only available through tedious digging through npm and GitHub repos.

Let’s take a close look at the fragmented landscape of mobile app development frameworks. On one side some platforms attract developers simply because of their native performance goals while on the other side, HTML-based frameworks have always made developers think twice about even choosing them. Speaking more about the cross-platform frameworks, Ionic has been gaining consistent popularity.

Down below I would like to shed some light on certain convincing features stating why the framework has become the de facto standard in hybrid app development

• Cross-platform

Much unlike native frameworks where you might have to separate code for many of your features to cater different mobile platforms which eventually results in increasing your time and cost. The ionic framework offers you to use exact same code base for all the supported mobile platforms. This eventually will save you a ton of development and maintenance time, offering you other cost benefits.

• Free of Cost

The open source platform available under MIT license allows anyone to make use of Ionic commercially without even paying a dime. Being an open source, it has succeeded in attracting thousands of developers across the globe. Thus it is being developed and maintained by the best of the minds in the world.

• Strong Ecosystem

You will be quite interested in knowing the fact that Ionic doesn’t come with one compressed file of the framework. Apart from this, heavy lifting tasks such as creating builds, setting up environments and do packaging by installing tons of other libraries and tools are done by you easily. And there is no denying in the fact that it rather has one of the strongest ecosystems of supporting tools and services.

The node-based command line tool, Ionic CLI allows developers to perform app related tasks like boost strapping, running, debugging and packaging apps with very simple and easy to remember commands. The ionic creator even allows to create ionic apps visually with simple drag and drop functionality. Other crucial tasks such as sharing your work with your clients and testers have been made easy with the Ionic View app and that too without beta provisioning.

• Based on Apache Cordova

The open-sourced app packaging framework is high in demand resulting in becoming one of the standards in hybrid app development It also allows developers to use standard web technologies- HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript for cross-platform development. Cordova itself having a great community of developers and plugins allows one to access the native functionality of the platform on which application is running. This gives you an ultimate freedom of implementing some native platform-specific features for your app.

• Low learning Curve

HTML, CSS, and JavaScript is the current lingua franca of the web Millions and millions of developers around the world are working on web apps using the same technology stack. By leveraging existing technologies, Ionic as a platform has made the transition easy for professionals to start building apps.

• Strong Community support

There are times when a smallest bug can take your whole day. This simply happens because the documentation provided isn’t sufficient or there are not enough forums where you can ask for help. Fortunately, this is not the case with Ionic app development. You will come across several teams of Ionic app developers who endeavor hard to provide a very detailed documentation and easy tutorials to get started. Ionic communities host a forum as well where developers around the world are ready to help you 24/7.

iOS Developers, It’s Time to Make Use of the Host of Captivating & Useful Functionalities Offered by AI

Rakesh Patel — Mon, 28 May 2018 06:14:55 +0000

“Listen to me as I speak, do what I say and give me what I demand” if given a chance to recall the ancient times this is something I would think of first. The time where everyone was bound to obey their king. And not so long ago, the time has come where anyone can command and leave on the emerging technology to do the rest. As a result, in today’s era machines have replaced obedient humans and the kings are common people.

Yes, I am talking about Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology- where machines can easily think and work like humans. Although, the popularity of the technology is no longer a new concept as everyone has started making use of their iphones (SIRI). Whether it’s about booking a cab or hopping online or cooking some delicious recipes, ask SIRI for help. However, the use of AI technology is not limited to SIRI or Amazon Alexa- it has gone way beyond one could ever imagine.

Seems quite fascinating, isn’t it? Well, what if I say that users of Android and iPhones both can make the most out of the host of captivating and useful functionalities offered by AI. Notwithstanding the fact that these apps have already gained ground worldwide, meanwhile, the stage is already set for smartphone users to make the most of these apps in the coming years. Being at the nascent stage of development, AI promises enhanced functionalities with every passing year paves the way for both Android and iPhone apps.

Best AI Apps to Take Into Account

#1 Microsoft Pix App

Every photographer dreams of clicking pictures without any additional efforts. This can now turn into reality with the Microsoft Pix App. Compatible with both iPhone and iPad, the app only requires to be downloaded for the magic to happen. It is Known as an intelligent camera application, this Microsoft Pix app can easily tweak images like an expert cameraman performs his duty of clicking beautiful pictures.
Microsoft Pix with its tagline: “Point. Shoot. Perfect” delivers you awesome clicks

#2 Roll App

As the name reads, the iOS app allows iPhone users to automatically sort, tag and identify their best photographs that are stored on their mobiles. How is this possible, you may ask? Well, the application is poised to strengthen its presence in 2018 uses the image recognition functionality of AI.

#3 WhatsApp Image Cleaner

Listed on Google play store, WhatsApp Image Cleaner turns out to be the best way to ward off irritating forward messages in the form of quotes and images. Just for the sake of cleaning your precious Android memory space, one can make the most out of this powered app that automatically deletes all your junk images. Which means, you really don’t need to worry about WhatsApp media files draining your device’s memory space.

#4 ELSA – The Best AI Pronunciation Tutor

Being an acronym for English Language Speech Assistant, ELSA is a mobile app used to help both iOS and Android phone users especially the ones who aim to improve their English speaking skills. The app features a series of practice exercises and coaching material used to fine-tune speaking skills in accordance with your native language. Simply download the app and leave the rest on the app to help you pronounce a particular word correctly by simply inserting the word.

#5 Robin – The Proven “On the Go” AI App

Meant for both iPhone and Android users, Robin can now access invaluable information at their fingertips; without much extra effort. Another popular AI-powered personal assistant, Robin simply permits one to key in words through your voice while helping you with topographical information. From navigation, i.e. without having to take your eyes off the road to Weather forecasts and parking availability in crowded areas, are the other benefits promised by Robin.

Conclusion

So what are you waiting for? Download the aforementioned AI-powered apps and set a successful path of working smart without sweating it out. All you just need to do is rely on these apps as they have the power to smooth out all of the rough edges of your life. For more information and updates feel free to connect with a trustworthy ios app development company in town.

Keep Up With These Frameworks for Cross-Platform App Development

Rakesh Patel — Tue, 15 May 2018 04:56:01 +0000

The digital revolutions cannot be ignored at any rate especially when it is pervading multiple aspects of our day to day lives. The ones that aren’t keeping up have a lot to lose. The constant changes happening in the tech industry have a lot to offer but the most important benefit of it is in the field of employment opportunities. What I mean is with increasing demand for young professionals, the need for technology improvement is always required. Let’s take an example of an application framework, it is a collection of software libraries that provide a fundamental structure to support the development of applications for a specific environment, an application framework that acts as the skeletal support to build an application.

However, you will come across a wide range of frameworks for multi-platform application development that must be taken into consideration. Here is a must-have guide to getting your decision-making juices flowing.

Ionic

Ionic is a complete open-source SDK mainly used for hybrid mobile app development. Built on top of AngularJS and Apache Cordova, the open source project under MIT has been designed by a worldwide community making it free. Check out the recent releases, known as Ionic 3 or just Ionic, the ones which are built on Angular. This provides tools and services for developing hybrid mobile apps using Web technologies like CSS, HTML5, and Sass. Created by Max Lynch, Ben Sperry, and Adam Bradley of Drifty Co., the framework becomes an important tool where apps can be built with these Web technologies will then be distributed through native app stores to be installed on devices by leveraging Cordova.

Ionic follows the write once, runs anywhere whether iOS, Android, etc. Ionic offers over 120 native device features that can be used within your app.

Meteor

Being an open-source Javascript web framework that is written using Node.JS, Meteor, is made up of a collection of libraries and packages that are bound together, making things easy, flexible, faster and requires less amount of coding as well. This simplifies the process of developing apps by allowing rapid prototyping and producing cross-platform code that can be used whether it’s Android or iOS.

The framework helps to speed up JavaScript coding for front-end and back-end development. Creating apps using Meteor is pretty simple and easy. Besides, there is also one language used for front-end and back-end development. I am talking about JavaScript that’s quite easy to learn especially with the developer who already knows JavaScript, they don’t have to learn anything new. However, if they don’t, then JavaScript is a pretty easy language to learn.

OnsenUI

Release in 2013, the framework also turns out to be an open source UI framework and components for HTML5 hybrid mobile app development. Being based on PhoneGap and Cordova, the framework allows developers to create mobile apps using Web technologies like CSS, HTML5, and JavaScript. Originally based on AngularJS and supported jQuery, OnsenUI has become JavaScript framework- agnostic, meaning developers can create mobile apps with or without any JavaScript framework. Onsen UI also provides comprehensive tools and services through Monaca, both products are developed by the same company.

NativeScript

Although, JavaScript, Angular, and TypeScript are arguably some of the most used web development technologies. With Native Script, you can use them to create apps, as well. If simply put, Native Script produces platform-native user interfaces from a single code base. And in order to help mobile app developers become familiar with the framework, you can check out their official website which hosts plenty of resources and detailed tutorials.

React Native

Announced in 2015, React Native came into being by applying the React architecture to native Android, iOS, and UWP applications.

React Native is quite similar to React JS. Besides, it is not manipulating the DOM via the VirtualDom but same native views. Being a React native app development company, we exactly know how the framework runs in a background process, which interprets the Javascript written by the developers, directly on the end-device and communicates with the native platform via a serializable, asynchronous and batched Bridge. React Native doesn’t rely on HTML5 at all, everything is written in Javascript and relies on native SDKs.

7 Guidance for implementing Material Design in Android App Development

Rakesh Patel — Thu, 28 Dec 2017 07:07:59 +0000

Digital design conceptualization focuses on animations and creative designs resulting in user's digital experience. It certainly indicates that Material Design is beyond Look ‘n’ Feel. The concept not just supports Mobile Application Development but also Web Development - offering end users uniform effects and color combination in all platforms

For encouraging Material Design concept, Designer Matías Duarte explained that, "unlike real paper, our digital material can expand and reform intelligently. Material has physical surfaces and edges. Seams and shadows provide meaning about what you can touch." Google also pitched that Material Design is a new design guideline that transfigures touch to real, physical object effect.

Before implementing Material Design, it is recommended to look into it whether it is necessary for Android app development or not. It also depends on client’s demand and even on the purpose of the app. Assuredly, Material Design implemented Android application boost the user's reach and download - just because of the incredible look n feel and quick animations and smooth effects.

Have a look on guidelines for Android Material Design based app development -

1. Think wisely

Developers and Designers can craft their imaginative designs and animated visual effects with Material Design for Android app development without constraints of screen sizes. Before, executing the concept, it is wiser to think whether it is required for the app purpose or not. If the UI designer is expert in fundamentals of Material Design, then it is worthy to implement.

2. A-list Concept

Set a concept and blend only those design elements that make sense to the purpose and modern devices. Fix a concept keep in mind that each user-facing page is the reflection of your enterprise which will result in your quick reach and increase brand value.

3. Determine Color Palette and Typography

For fresh and newfangled experience, choose some creative colour palette and typography set that suits the brand. While choosing make sure that text is readable and colour effect is eye-catching not eye-hindering.

Color standards are inspired by bold hues juxtaposed with muted environments, deep shadows, and bright highlights. Along with it, the 16 million + color combination and options of color shades are mentioned. There are a number of typographic typefaces but it is recommended to use Roboto typeface.

4. Ponder Motion of Material

Google in Material Design concept added a perk where action design turns up in motion and then transform to design leaving an impressive effect on user's mind. Actions are performed in a single environment without breaking the flow.

Earlier animations and effects alike real objects were not standardized, but with Material Design fix speed duration are determined to make effects user-friendly and faster, along with predefined standards.

5. Actual User-Friendly Mobile App

While Android Material App Design, designers while focusing on Material Design concepts and guidelines forgets to notice usability recommendations. User expression must not be ignored while creating a visual impression.

Material Design follows Layered Structure - each layer is distinguished with shadow or color effect. Vector icons are developed so with vary in screen sizes, it automatically get resized without affecting the look. Because of this, APK size also compacts.

6. Cognize Material Design Norms

Endeavour the philosophy of Material Design and then pick and follow the norms which are required for the Android application development. Via seminars, online tutorials and educative websites UI and UX designers can study each norms for executing.

7. Get User/ Client’s Feedback

Feedback of users and client let one urge perspective on usability preferences and discrepancies. Their perspicacity on aspects non-operating and unfulfilled functions as per presupposed functionality are meaningful for further updates and modifications.

Sum-Up
Android app developers need to use Material Design wisely. Only if it is used wisely - Simple plus modern and creative effect with functionalities are achieved. Undoubtedly, core focus of Material Design is to leave an attractive impact of Android Application design, style and brand on end-user's mind.