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APP DEVELOPMENT Unit 1 Notes

The document provides a comprehensive overview of mobile and web application development, covering fundamental concepts, types of applications, and technologies involved. It details the differences between Native, Hybrid, Cross-Platform, and Progressive Web Apps, along with their advantages and disadvantages. Additionally, it outlines the development process, including setting up environments, coding, and deploying applications.

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38 views10 pages

APP DEVELOPMENT Unit 1 Notes

The document provides a comprehensive overview of mobile and web application development, covering fundamental concepts, types of applications, and technologies involved. It details the differences between Native, Hybrid, Cross-Platform, and Progressive Web Apps, along with their advantages and disadvantages. Additionally, it outlines the development process, including setting up environments, coding, and deploying applications.

Uploaded by

yasming01102004
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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APP DEVELOPMENT-CCS332

UNIT I

FUNDAMENTALS OF MOBILE & WEB APPLICATION DEVELOPMENT-6

Basics of Web and Mobile application development, Native App, Hybrid App, Cross-platform App,

What is Progressive Web App, Responsive Web design

Basics of Web Application Development

1. Introduction to Web Application Development

What is a Web Application?

A web application is a software program that runs on a web server and is accessed via a web browser
over the internet.

Unlike traditional desktop applications, web applications do not require installation on local devices.

Types of Web Applications

Static Web Applications: Simple HTML and CSS-based pages with no dynamic content.

Dynamic Web Applications: Use a combination of frontend and backend technologies to generate
content dynamically (e.g., social media platforms).

Single-Page Applications (SPA): Load a single HTML page and dynamically update content using
JavaScript (e.g., Gmail, Facebook).

Multi-Page Applications (MPA): Traditional websites where each new request loads a new HTML page.

Progressive Web Applications (PWA): Hybrid between web and mobile applications, offering offline
functionality and app-like experience.

2. Fundamentals of Web Technologies

 Frontend Technologies (Client-Side Development)


 HTML (HyperText Markup Language)
 Defines the structure of web pages.
 Uses elements like <head>, <body>, <div>, <p>, <a>, <img>, <form>, etc.
 CSS (Cascading Style Sheets)
 Used for styling web pages.
 CSS frameworks like Bootstrap help in designing responsive web pages.
 JavaScript
 Adds interactivity to web applications.

Common libraries and frameworks:

 jQuery – Simplifies DOM manipulation.


 React.js – A popular frontend framework for building SPAs.
 Vue.js – Lightweight framework for building dynamic interfaces.
Backend Technologies (Server-Side Development)

Programming Languages

Python (Django, Flask), JavaScript (Node.js), PHP, Java (Spring Boot), Ruby on Rails, etc.

Databases

 Relational Databases (SQL): MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQL Server.


 NoSQL Databases: MongoDB, Firebase, CouchDB.

Web Servers

 Apache, Nginx: Handle client requests and serve responses.


 APIs (Application Programming Interfaces)
 RESTful APIs and GraphQL are used to connect frontend and backend services.

3. How a Web Application Works

 Client-Server Architecture
 Client: User’s browser (Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox) sends requests.
 Server: Backend server processes requests and sends responses.
 Database: Stores and retrieves data as needed.
 Request-Response Cycle
 User makes a request (e.g., submitting a login form).
 The request is sent to the web server via HTTP/HTTPS.
 The server processes the request (e.g., checks credentials in the database).
 The server responds with HTML, JSON, or another data format.
 The client renders the response and updates the UI.
 HTTP vs. HTTPS
 HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol): Standard for transferring web content.
 HTTPS (Secure HTTP): Encrypted version of HTTP using SSL/TLS.

4. Setting Up a Basic Web Application

 Step 1: Setting Up the Development Environment

Install VS Code or another code editor.

Install Node.js and npm (if using JavaScript-based backend).

 Step 2: Creating a Basic HTML Page

<!DOCTYPE html>

<html lang="en">

<head>

<meta charset="UTF-8">

<meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0">


<title>My First Web App</title>

</head>

<body>

<h1>Welcome to My Web App</h1>

<button onclick="showMessage()">Click Me</button>

<script>

function showMessage() {

alert('Hello, Web Application Development!');

</script>

</body>

</html>

 Step 4: Connecting Frontend and Backend

Use AJAX (Asynchronous JavaScript and XML) or Fetch API to make API calls from the frontend to the
backend.

 5. Conclusion and Q&A (5 minutes)

Key Takeaways:

 Web applications consist of frontend, backend, and databases.


 HTML, CSS, and JavaScript are fundamental frontend technologies.
 Backend development involves programming languages, databases, and APIs.
 Understanding the client-server architecture is essential.

Next Steps:

 Explore more advanced topics like authentication, security, and deployment.


 Build a small project like a to-do list app using frontend and backend integration.
 Basics of App Development

1. Introduction to App Development

What is an App?

 An application (app) is a software program designed to perform specific functions on a device.


 Apps can run on mobile devices (Android, iOS), desktops (Windows, macOS), and the web.

Types of Apps
 Native Apps – Built for a specific platform (e.g., Android using Java/Kotlin, iOS using Swift).
 Web Apps – Accessed through browsers (e.g., Progressive Web Apps, responsive websites).
 Hybrid Apps – Built using web technologies but run as native apps (e.g., using React Native,
Flutter).
 Cross-Platform Apps – Single codebase, works on multiple platforms (e.g., Flutter, React Native).

2. Fundamentals of Mobile App Development

 Frontend (User Interface - UI)


 User Interface Design:
 Uses XML (Android) or Storyboard (iOS) for designing layouts.
 Modern frameworks like Flutter use widgets for UI elements.
 Principles of UI/UX design: Simplicity, Accessibility, and Responsiveness.

Technologies for Frontend:

 Android: Java, Kotlin


 iOS: Swift, Objective-C
 Cross-Platform: Flutter (Dart), React Native (JavaScript), Xamarin (C#)
 Backend (Logic & Database)

What is Backend?

 Manages data, authentication, and business logic.


 Communicates with the frontend through APIs.

Common Backend Technologies:

 Programming Languages: Python (Django, Flask), Node.js, Java (Spring Boot).

Databases:

 SQL (MySQL, PostgreSQL)


 NoSQL (Firebase, MongoDB)
 APIs (Application Programming Interfaces):
 RESTful APIs and GraphQL help in communication between frontend and backend.

3. How a Mobile App Works

App Development Architecture

 Frontend: Handles UI and user interactions.


 Backend: Processes logic and stores data.
 Database: Stores user data.
 Lifecycle of an App Development Process
 Planning: Define purpose, audience, and features.
 Designing UI/UX: Sketch wireframes, design user experience.
 Development: Code frontend, integrate backend.
 Testing: Debug, fix errors, improve performance.
 Deployment: Publish on Google Play Store / Apple App Store.
 Maintenance & Updates: Continuous improvements and bug fixes.

4. Setting Up a Simple App

1. Android App Development using Kotlin

Step 1: Install Android Studio

 Download and install Android Studio.


 Set up an Android Virtual Device (Emulator).

Step 2: Create a New Android Project

 File > New Project


 Select Empty Activity and click Next.
 Set Project Name, Package Name, and Programming Language (Kotlin/Java).
 Click Finish to set up the project.

Step 3: Modify activity_main.xml (Frontend - UI)

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>

<LinearLayout xmlns:android="http://schemas.android.com/apk/res/android"

android:layout_width="match_parent"

android:layout_height="match_parent"

android:orientation="vertical"

android:gravity="center"

android:padding="20dp">

<TextView

android:id="@+id/textView"

android:layout_width="wrap_content"

android:layout_height="wrap_content"

android:text="Hello, App Development!"

android:textSize="20sp" />

<Button

android:id="@+id/button"

android:layout_width="wrap_content"

android:layout_height="wrap_content"

android:text="Click Me"
android:onClick="showMessage"/>

</LinearLayout>

Step 4: Modify MainActivity.kt (Backend - Logic)

package com.example.myfirstapp

import android.os.Bundle

import android.widget.Toast

import androidx.appcompat.app.AppCompatActivity

class MainActivity : AppCompatActivity() {

override fun onCreate(savedInstanceState: Bundle?) {

super.onCreate(savedInstanceState)

setContentView(R.layout.activity_main)

fun showMessage(view: android.view.View) {

Toast.makeText(this, "Button Clicked!", Toast.LENGTH_SHORT).show()

Run the App:

Click Run ▶ in Android Studio.

Select an Emulator or Physical Device to test the app.

step5. Conclusion & Q&A

Key Takeaways

✔ Mobile apps can be Native, Web-based, Hybrid, or Cross-Platform.

✔ Frontend handles UI, while Backend manages logic & data.

✔ Android apps can be built using Java/Kotlin, and iOS apps using Swift.

✔ APIs & Databases enable real-world functionality.

Next Steps

 Learn about Firebase Authentication & Cloud Firestore for real-time databases.
 Build a small To-Do List App with user login.
 Explore Flutter and React Native for cross-platform app development.

1. Native Apps

Definition:

A Native App is a mobile application developed specifically for one operating system (iOS or Android)
using platform-specific languages and frameworks.

Key Features:

✔ Developed for a specific OS (Android/iOS)

✔ Fast and highly responsive due to direct access to device hardware (camera, GPS, etc.)

✔ Installed via app stores (Google Play, Apple App Store)

Advantages:

✅ High Performance – Optimized for OS, leading to smooth user experience

✅ Better Security – Uses platform-specific security features

✅ Full Access to Device Features – Camera, GPS, sensors, etc.

Disadvantages:

❌ Expensive to Develop – Requires separate development for iOS & Android

❌ Longer Development Time – Two codebases = double effort

Examples:

📱 Android Native Apps: Developed using Java/Kotlin

📱 iOS Native Apps: Developed using Swift/Objective-C

2. Hybrid Apps

Definition:

A Hybrid App is a mix of Native and Web technologies, built using web-based frameworks but wrapped
in a native shell.

How It Works?

Uses web technologies (HTML, CSS, JavaScript)

Runs inside a WebView (a browser-like component inside the app)

Can be deployed on both iOS and Android from a single codebase

Advantages:

✅ Single Codebase – Works for multiple platforms


✅ Faster Development – Reuse of web technologies

✅ Access to Some Native Features via plugins (e.g., Cordova, Capacitor)

Disadvantages:

❌ Slower Performance compared to Native Apps

❌ Limited Access to Advanced Native Features (Bluetooth, AR, etc.)

Examples:

✔ Ionic – Uses Angular + WebView

✔ Apache Cordova – Uses JavaScript + WebView

✔ Flutter WebView – Runs web code inside a mobile shell

3. Cross-Platform Apps

Definition:

A Cross-Platform App is written once and runs natively on both Android and iOS, without using
WebView.

Difference from Hybrid Apps:

Cross-platform apps are compiled into native code (better performance)

Hybrid apps run inside a WebView

Advantages:

✅ Code Reusability – One codebase for both platforms

✅ Near-Native Performance – Faster than Hybrid apps

✅ UI Consistency – Single design for both Android and iOS

Disadvantages:

❌ Limited Native Features – Some APIs may not be available

❌ Framework Limitations – Performance depends on the framework

Examples:

✔ React Native – JavaScript-based framework by Facebook

✔ Flutter – Google’s framework using Dart language

✔ Xamarin – Microsoft’s framework using C#

4. Progressive Web Apps (PWAs)

Definition:
A Progressive Web App (PWA) is a web application that behaves like a mobile app and can be installed
on a device without using an app store.

Key Features:

✔ Works on browsers (Chrome, Safari, Edge, etc.)

✔ Can be installed like an app without downloading from Play Store/App Store

✔ Works offline using Service Workers

✔ Fast & Lightweight compared to native apps

Advantages:

✅ No Installation Required – Users can access it via a browser

✅ Works Offline – Uses Service Workers to cache data

✅ Lower Development Cost – No need to maintain different codebases

Disadvantages:

❌ Limited Access to Device Features – Can’t access Bluetooth, Contacts, or certain native APIs

❌ Not Available on App Stores – No presence in Play Store or App Store

Examples:

✔ Twitter Lite – PWA version of Twitter

✔ Flipkart Lite – E-commerce PWA

✔ Google Maps PWA

5. Responsive Web Design (RWD)

Definition:

Responsive Web Design (RWD) ensures that a website adjusts its layout automatically across different
screen sizes (mobile, tablet, desktop).

Key Techniques in RWD:

✔ Flexible Grid Layouts – Uses CSS Grid & Flexbox for adaptive design

✔ Media Queries – Adjusts layout based on screen width

✔ Responsive Images – Uses max-width: 100% to scale images

✔ Viewport Meta Tag – Ensures proper scaling on mobile

Advantages:

✅ One Website for All Devices – No need for separate mobile sites
✅ Better SEO Ranking – Google prefers mobile-friendly sites

✅ Improved User Experience – Content is readable on any screen

Disadvantages:

❌ Performance Issues – Large images and media can slow down loading on mobile

❌ Complex Implementation – Requires careful design for different screen sizes

Examples:

✔ Amazon, YouTube, Netflix – All use Responsive Web Design.

Conclusion:

Which One to Choose?

✔ If performance & native features matter → Choose Native Apps

✔ If cost & faster development matter → Choose Cross-Platform (Flutter/React Native)

✔ If you want a lightweight, web-based solution → Choose PWA

✔ If you want to mix native & web → Choose Hybrid Apps

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