MOBILE APPLICATION DEVELOPMENT

• COURSE CODE: CS3202

• PROGRAMME: BIT
• SEMESTER :2
• YEAR OF STUDY: 3
MOBILE APPLICATION DEVELOPMENT

COURSE OVERVIEW:
COURSE OVERVIEW

• This course provides an introduction to mobile application

development, covering both Android and iOS platforms
• You will learn the fundamentals of mobile app development,
including user interface design, programming languages, and
development frameworks.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:

1. Understand the basics of mobile application development.

2. Learn how to design user interfaces for mobile applications.
3. Gain proficiency in programming languages and development
frameworks for mobile platforms.
4. Develop practical skills through hands-on projects and
assignments.
5. Explore best practices for testing, debugging, and deploying
mobile applications.
COURSE OUTLINE:

• Introduction to Mobile App Development

• Overview of mobile platforms (Android, iOS)

• Evolution of mobile applications
• Understanding mobile app architecture

• User Interface Design

• Principles of mobile UI/UX design

• Designing interfaces for different screen sizes and resolutions
• Tools and frameworks for UI design (e.g., Sketch, Adobe XD)
CONT’D
• Programming Languages and Frameworks

• Introduction to Java/Kotlin for Android development

• Introduction to Swift for iOS development
• Overview of cross-platform development frameworks (e.g., React
Native, Flutter)

• Building Your First Mobile App

• Setting up development environments (Android Studio, Xcode)

• Creating a simple mobile application
• Basic app functionalities (e.g., navigation, user input)
CONT’D

• Working with Data

• Storing and retrieving data in mobile apps

• Working with local databases (SQLite, Core Data)
• Integrating remote APIs for data retrieval

• Advanced Topics in Mobile Development

• Implementing advanced UI features (e.g., animations, custom views)

• Handling device sensors and hardware features
• Integrating location-based services
CONT’D

• Testing and Debugging

• Strategies for testing mobile applications

• Debugging techniques for identifying and fixing errors
• Performance optimization for mobile apps

• Deployment and Distribution

• App distribution platforms (Google Play Store, Apple App Store)

• App signing and submission process
• Strategies for app monetization and marketing
CONT’D

• Project Work

• Individual or group projects where students apply their knowledge

to develop a complete mobile application
• Project presentations and peer feedback

• Emerging Trends and Future Directions

• Overview of emerging technologies in mobile app development

(e.g., AR/VR, wearable devices)
• Discussion on the future of mobile applications
ASSESSMENT:

• Quizzes and exams to assess theoretical knowledge

• Coding assignments to evaluate practical skills
• Project evaluation based on creativity, functionality, and
implementation
PREREQUISITES:

• Basic programming knowledge (preferably in Java, Swift, Python or

a similar language)
• Familiarity with software development concepts

• The following is a breakdown of typical prerequisites for a mobile

application development course:
 PREREQUISITES CONT’D

• Programming Fundamentals:
• Familiarity with Mobile Platforms:
• Web Technologies:
• Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC):
• Version Control Systems:
• Database Fundamentals:
PREREQUISITES CONT’D

• User Interface (UI) Design:

• Problem-Solving Skills:
• Communication and Collaboration:
• Motivation and Self-Learning:
• Recommended Resources:
PROGRAMMING FUNDAMENTALS:

• Proficiency in a programming language such as Java, Kotlin, Swift,

or Objective-C is essential.
• Understanding of basic programming concepts like variables, data
types, control structures (loops, conditionals), functions, and
object-oriented programming (OOP) principles.
FAMILIARITY WITH MOBILE PLATFORMS:

• Basic knowledge of the target mobile platforms (Android or iOS)

and their respective development environments (Android Studio
for Android, Xcode for iOS).
• Understanding of the mobile ecosystem, including app stores,
device fragmentation, and platform-specific guidelines and best
practices
WEB TECHNOLOGIES:

• Familiarity with web development technologies such as HTML, CSS,

and JavaScript is beneficial, especially for hybrid or web-based
mobile app development approaches.
• Knowledge of web APIs, AJAX, and RESTful services for integrating
web-based functionalities into mobile applications.
SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT LIFECYCLE (SDLC):

• Understanding of software development methodologies such as

Agile, Scrum, or Kanban.
• Knowledge of the SDLC phases including requirements gathering,
design, development, testing, deployment, and maintenance.
VERSION CONTROL SYSTEMS:

• This covers version control systems like Git for managing source
code, collaboration, and tracking changes.
• Understanding of basic Git commands (commit, push, pull, merge)
and workflows (branching, tagging).
DATABASE FUNDAMENTALS:

• Basic understanding of relational databases and SQL (Structured

Query Language) for data storage and retrieval.
• Knowledge of database design principles, normalization, and basic
CRUD operations (Create, Read, Update, Delete).
USER INTERFACE (UI) DESIGN:

• Familiarity with principles of user interface (UI) and user experience

(UX) design.
• This can be done with the Knowledge of design tools such as
Adobe XD, Sketch, or Figma for creating wireframes, mockups, and
prototypes.
PROBLEM-SOLVING SKILLS:

• Strong problem-solving skills and analytical thinking are essential

for identifying and resolving issues during development.
• Ability to break down complex problems into smaller, manageable
tasks and systematically troubleshoot errors and bugs.
COMMUNICATION AND COLLABORATION:

• Effective communication skills for collaborating with team

members, stakeholders, and clients.
• Ability to articulate ideas, provide feedback, and participate in
discussions related to project requirements, progress, and
decisions.
MOTIVATION AND SELF-LEARNING:

• Motivation to stay updated with the latest trends, technologies,

and best practices in mobile app development.
• Willingness to engage in self-directed learning and explore new
concepts, frameworks, and tools independently.
RECOMMENDED RESOURCES:

• Online tutorials and documentation for Android and iOS

development
• Books on mobile app development
• Community forums and discussion groups for additional support
RECOMMENDED RESOURCES CONT’D

1. B'far, R. (2004). Mobile computing principles: designing and developing mobile applications with
UML and XML. Cambridge University Press. Ebook - http://content.schweitzer-
online.de/static/catalog_manager/live/media_files/representation/zd_std_orig__zd_schw_orig/0
02/209/645/9780521817332_foreword_pdf_1.pdf
2. Mukherjea, S. (Ed.). (2016). Mobile Application Development, Usability, and Security. IGI Global.
https://books.google.co.tz/books?hl=en&lr=&id=JchNDQAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PR1&dq=%22MOBI
LE+APPLICATION+%22+book&ots=qKVoJrZr2u&sig=sovOLRlD8pHqrSPHjVzcTs34GF0&redir_esc=y#
v=onepage&q=%22MOBILE%20APPLICATION%20%22%20book&f=false
3. Velu, V. K. (2016). Mobile Application Penetration Testing. Packt Publishing Ltd.
• https://books.google.co.tz/books?hl=en&lr=&id=Y0XiCwAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PP1&dq=%22MO
BILE+APPLICATION+%22+book&ots=ZnuFs866nU&sig=WTVFj2RPrAgzCQLHphAa_HLTa7k&redir_
esc=y#v=onepage&q=%22MOBILE%20APPLICATION%20%22%20book&f=false
 INTRODUCTION TO MOBILE APP DEVELOPMENT

• Mobile platforms refer to the operating systems on which mobile

applications run. The two dominant platforms are Android and iOS.
• Android: Developed by Google, Android is an open-source
platform based on the Linux kernel. It powers a wide range of
devices, from smartphones to tablets, smartwatches, and even TVs.
• iOS: Developed by Apple, iOS is a privately owned platform for
Apple devices, including iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch.
• It's known for its sleek interface, security features, and tight
integration with Apple's ecosystem.
 EVOLUTION OF MOBILE APPLICATIONS

• Mobile applications have evolved significantly since the introduction of

the first smartphones.
• Early mobile apps were simple, often limited to basic functions like calls,
messaging, and email.
• The advent of app stores (e.g., Apple App Store, Google Play Store)
revolutionized app distribution, enabling developers to reach a global
audience.
• Modern mobile apps span a wide range of categories, from social
networking and entertainment to productivity, gaming, and beyond.
 UNDERSTANDING MOBILE APP ARCHITECTURE

• Mobile app architecture refers to the high-level structure and organization of an

application's components.
 KEY COMPONENTS OF MOBILE APP ARCHITECTURE

• User Interface (UI): This is the visual elements through which users
interact with the app.
• Business Logic: This refers to underlying functionality that defines
the app's behavior and processes data.
• Data Storage: This refers to the mechanisms for storing and
retrieving data, such as databases or cloud services.
• Networking: This covers the communication with external servers or
APIs to fetch data or perform actions.
 MOBILE APPS ARCHITECTURAL PATTERNS

• Model-View-Controller (MVC)
• Model-View-Presenter (MVP)
• Model-View-ViewModel (MVVM)
• Clean Architecture
 MODEL-VIEW-CONTROLLER (MVC)

• MVC is a software architectural pattern used primarily in user interface

development.
• It divides an application into three interconnected components: Model, View,
and Controller.
• Each component has distinct responsibilities and interacts with the others to
achieve separation of concerns and maintainability.
 (MVC) CONT’D

• Model:
• Represents the data and business logic of the application.
• Manages data manipulation, validation, and storage.
• Does not depend on the user interface (View) or the user's input
(Controller).
(MVC) CONT’D

• View:
• Represents the presentation layer of the application.
• Displays the data to the user in a particular format (e.g., UI elements,
screens, pages).
• Receives user input and sends it to the Controller for processing.
(MVC) CONT’D

• Controller:
• Acts as an intermediary between the Model and the View.
• Receives user input from the View and processes it (e.g., user
actions, requests).
• Manipulates the Model based on the input received and
updates the View accordingly.
 MODEL-VIEW-PRESENTER (MVP)

MVP is a variation of the MVC pattern that emphasizes a clear separation

between presentation logic and user interface components. By promoting
modularity, testability, and reduced coupling, MVP enables efficient development
and maintenance of user interfaces in various software applications.
 MODEL-VIEW-VIEWMODEL (MVVM)

• MVVM is a variation of the MVC and MVP patterns that emphasizes data
binding to establish communication between the View and the View Model.
• This is done by promoting separation of concerns, testability, and
declarative UI development, MVVM enables efficient development and
maintenance of user interfaces in modern app development frameworks.
 CLEAN ARCHITECTURE

• Clean Architecture provides a complete approach to software

design that prioritizes maintainability, testability, and adaptability.
• It defines clear boundaries between layers and enforcing the
Dependency Rule.
• Clean Architecture enables the creation of robust, flexible, and
scalable systems that can evolve over time to meet changing
requirements and environments.
 KEY CONCEPTS IN MOBILE DEVELOPMENT

• Responsive Design: Designing apps to adapt to various screen sizes

and orientations, ensuring a consistent user experience across
devices.
• Performance Optimization: Techniques for improving app
performance, such as optimizing code, reducing memory usage,
and minimizing network requests.
• Security: Implementing measures to protect user data and ensure
secure communication between the app and external services.
KEY CONCEPTS IN MOBILE DEVELOPMENT CONT’D

• Accessibility: Designing apps to be usable by individuals with

disabilities, ensuring inclusivity and compliance with accessibility
standards.
• Internationalization and Localization: Adapting apps for
different languages, regions, and cultural preferences to reach a
global audience.
 CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES

Ø Mobile app development presents various challenges, including

fragmentation across devices and platforms, compatibility
issues, and evolving user expectations.
Ø However, there are numerous opportunities for innovation,
creativity, and reaching a vast and diverse user base.
Ø Keeping track of industry trends, adopting best practices, and
staying adaptable are all crucial for success in mobile app
development.
STEPS TO CREATE A DATABASE USING ALPHA ANYWHERE

1. Launch Alpha Anywhere:

Open Alpha Anywhere on your computer.

2. Create a New Project:

Click on "File" in the menu bar.
Select "New Project" to create a new project.

3. Choose Project Type:

Select the type of project you want to create. For a database, you might choose "Mobile or Web
App with SQL database."
STEPS CONT’D

4. Set Project Properties:

Configure project properties such as name, location, and description.

5. Create a New SQL Database:

In the "Data" section of the Alpha Anywhere workspace, click on "SQL Database Control Panel."
Click on "Create a new SQL database" or "Connect to an existing SQL database."
Follow the prompts to set up your new SQL database. You may need to provide connection
details such as server address, username, and password
STEPS CONT’D

6. Design Tables:
Once the database is created, you can start designing tables.
In the SQL Database Control Panel, select your database.
Click on "Design Tables" to define the structure of your database.
Add tables and define their fields (columns) along with their data types.

7. Define Relationships (if necessary):

If your database requires relationships between tables, you can define them in the table designer.

8. Save Changes:
Make sure to save your changes regularly as you design your database.
STEPS CONT’D

9. Test Database Connection:

Before proceeding further, it's a good idea to test the database connection to ensure everything
is set up correctly.

10.Implement Business Logic (Optional):

Depending on your project requirements, you may need to implement business logic such as
triggers, stored procedures, or validation rules.
Alpha Anywhere supports various methods for implementing business logic.
STEPS CONT’D

11. Deploy the Database:

Once you've completed designing your database and implementing any necessary business logic, you
can deploy it to your desired environment. This might involve deploying it to a server or integrating it
into your application.
12.Test the Database:
After deployment, thoroughly test your database to ensure that it functions as expected and meets
your requirements.
• By following these steps, you should be able to create a database using Alpha Anywhere.
Remember to consult the documentation or seek further assistance if you encounter any
difficulties along the way.
CREATING GRID COMPONENT

• Creating a grid component in Alpha Anywhere allows you to display and

manipulate data from a database or other data source.
• Below are the steps to create a grid component:
CREATING A GRID COMPONENT

1. Launch Alpha Anywhere:

Open Alpha Anywhere on your computer.

2. Open or Create a Project:

Either open an existing project or create a new one where you want to add the grid component.

3. Navigate to the Component Palette:

In the Alpha Anywhere workspace, locate the Component Palette. It's usually on the left side of
the screen.
4. Drag and Drop the Grid Component:
Find the Grid Component in the Component Palette.
Click and drag the Grid Component onto the design surface of your form or layout where you
want the grid to appear.
CONFIGURING THE GRID PROPERTIES:

5. Configure the Grid Properties:

1. With the grid component selected, you can configure its properties in the Property Grid,
usually located on the right side of the screen.
2. Set the data source for the grid. This could be a table from your SQL database or another
data source.
3. Define the columns you want to display in the grid. You can specify the data source fields to
be shown and customize column headers, widths, and other properties.
DEFINING GRID BEHAVIOR:

Define Grid Behavior:

1. To Configure how users interact with the grid. You can set options such as sorting, filtering,
grouping, and editing capabilities.
2. Specify any actions or events associated with the grid, such as what happens when a user
clicks on a row or selects multiple rows.
GRID CONT’D

1. Customize Appearance (Optional):

1. If needed, you can customize the appearance of the grid, including colors, fonts, borders, and
row highlighting.

2. Save your Changes:

1. Make sure to save your project and form/layout after configuring the grid component.
STEPS TO ENTER DATA TO DATABASE USING A GRID
COMPONENT IN ALPHA ANYWHERE
Create or Open a Project:
Open Alpha Anywhere and create a new project or open an existing one where you want to add
the grid component for data entry.

Add a Grid Component:

Drag and drop a grid component onto your form or layout where you want to allow data entry.

•
DATA ENTRY USING GRID COMPONENT

Configure Grid Properties:

1. Select the grid component, then configure its properties in the Property Grid.
2. Set the data source of the grid to the table in your database where you want to
enter data.
3. Define the columns to display in the grid, corresponding to the fields in your
database table.
4. Enable editing capabilities for the grid, allowing users to add, modify, or delete
records.
CONT’D

Set Validation Rules (Optional):

1. If necessary, define validation rules for the grid's columns to ensure data integrity.
2. You can specify required fields, data types, ranges, or custom validation scripts.
CONT’D

Configure Save Options:

1. Determine how changes made in the grid will be saved to the database.
2. Alpha Anywhere provides various options for saving data, including automatic
saving, manual saving via buttons, or custom scripts.
Add Save Button (Optional):
1. If you choose manual saving, add buttons to your form or layout for users to initiate
the saving process.
2. Configure the button's click event to trigger the saving action for the grid
component.
TEST DATA ENTRY:

Test Data Entry:

1. Test the grid component to ensure that users can enter data into the
database through it.
2. Enter new records, modify existing ones, and delete records if
applicable.
3. Verify that validation rules, if any, are enforced correctly.
 CREATING USER EXPERIENCES (UX) USING ALPHA
ANYWHERE

• Alpha Anywhere is a low-code platform that allows you to build web and mobile
applications quickly and easily. When creating user experiences (UX) using Alpha
Anywhere, follow the following steps :
1. Define Requirements:
Before starting development, gather requirements from stakeholders to understand what the
application needs to accomplish and who the target users are.
2. Design the UX:
Use wireframing and prototyping tools to create a visual representation of the user interface.
Consider the flow of the application, user interactions, and the overall look and feel.
CONT’D

3. Start a New Project in Alpha Anywhere:

Open Alpha Anywhere and start a new project. You can choose from various
templates or start from scratch.
4. Design the Layout:
Use Alpha Anywhere's drag-and-drop interface builder to design the layout
of your application. Place components such as buttons, input fields, and
navigation elements where you want them.
CONT’D

5. Add Functionality: Use Alpha Anywhere's built-in features and scripting

capabilities to add functionality to your application. This may include data
integration, form validation, and business logic.
6. Optimize for Mobile: If you're building a mobile application, make sure to
optimize the UX for smaller screens. Alpha Anywhere provides tools for
creating responsive designs that adapt to different device sizes.
7. Test the UX: Before deploying your application, thoroughly test the UX to
ensure that it meets the requirements and provides a smooth user experience.
This may involve usability testing, performance testing, and bug fixing.
CONT’D

8. Iterate Based on Feedback: Gather feedback from users and

stakeholders, and use it to iterate on the UX. Make improvements based
on user needs and preferences.
9. Deploy the Application: Once you're satisfied with the UX, deploy the
application to your desired platform. Alpha Anywhere supports
deployment to web servers, mobile app stores, and other environments.
10. Monitor and Update: Continuously monitor the application's
performance and user feedback, and make updates as needed to
maintain a positive UX over time.
 ADD A LIST CONTROL TO THE PANEL:

• In the UX Builder, locate the panel where you want to add the
list control.
• From the Controls pane, find the "List" control (or any other
list-related control such as "List View").
• Drag and drop the list control onto the panel within the UX
Builder.
ADDING A BETTER LOOKING LIST

• Choose the Right Control:

Alpha Anywhere offers different list controls with varying styles and features. Consider
which type of list best suits your application's needs.
Options include List View, Grid View, and Detail View.
• Customize Appearance:
• Adjust the properties of the list control to customize its appearance. This includes
settings for font size, font color, background color, borders, and padding.
• Use themes and styles to apply consistent visual styling across your application. Alpha
Anywhere provides built-in themes and allows you to create custom styles.
CONT’D

• Add Icons and Images:

• Incorporate icons or images to enhance the visual presentation of the list
items. You can display icons next to each item or include images within
the list.
• Utilize Alpha Anywhere's image control to display images stored in your
database or hosted externally.
CONT’D

• Implement Responsive Design:

• Ensure that your list adapts gracefully to different screen sizes and
devices. Use responsive design techniques to make the list layout adjust
automatically based on the screen size.
• Test your list on various devices and screen resolutions to ensure it
remains readable and usable.
CONT’D

• Apply Conditional Formatting:

• Use conditional formatting to highlight specific list items based on
predefined criteria.
• For example, you can change the background color of items that meet
certain conditions or apply different styles to different types of items.
CONT’D

• Enable Sorting and Filtering:

• Implement sorting and filtering functionality to make it easier for users to
navigate and find relevant information within the list. Alpha Anywhere
provides built-in capabilities for sorting and filtering data.
• Enhance Interaction:
• Incorporate interactive features such as hover effects, tooltips, and
animations to make the list more engaging and user-friendly.
• Implement click events or touch gestures to allow users to interact with
list items and perform actions such as opening details or editing records.
CONT’D

1.Optimize Performance:
1. Ensure that your list control performs efficiently, especially when
dealing with large datasets. Use server-side pagination and lazy
loading to fetch data incrementally and avoid overwhelming the user
interface. Eg default record display list(10, 25, 50, 100 etc)
2.Test and Iterate:
1. Test your enhanced list thoroughly to ensure it meets usability and
performance standards. Solicit feedback from users and stakeholders,
and iterate on the design based on their input.
SET UP YOUR LIST AND DETAILS PANEL:
• Set up your list and details panel:
• Create a list control and a details panel card in your UX. Make sure you
have populated your list with data and configured your details panel card
to display detailed information based on the selected list item.
• Add a Selection Changed event to the List control:
• In the UX Builder, select your list control.
• In the Properties pane, find the Events section.
• Locate the Selection Changed event and double-click it to add an event
handler.
 CONT’D

• Create an Action to switch to the details panel card:

• Inside the Selection Changed event handler, click the "Add Action" button.
• Choose the action type "Switch Panel Card" from the list of available actions.
• Configure the Switch Panel Card action:
• In the action settings, select your details panel card as the target panel card
to switch to.
• If necessary, specify any transition effects or animation settings for the
switch.
 CONT’D

• Bind the List Control's Selected Item to the Details Panel Card (Optional):
• To ensure that the details panel card displays information corresponding to the
selected list item, you may need to bind the selected item from the list to the
details panel card.
• You can do this by setting the Data Source property of the details panel card to
the same data source as the list control and configuring the filter or criteria to
match the selected item.
CONT’D

• Test your application:

• Preview your application and test the functionality by clicking on different
rows in the list. Verify that the details panel card updates accordingly and
displays the details of the selected item.
 ACTION JAVA SCRIPT CONTROL

1. Add a Button or Control:

1. In your UX, add a button or any other control that will trigger the JavaScript action.
2. Add an Event Handler:
1. Double-click on the button/control to open the properties panel.
2. Find the event that you want to trigger the JavaScript action. Common events
include "Click" for buttons.
3. Double-click the event to create an event handler.
3. Add a "Run JavaScript" Action:
1. Inside the event handler, click the "Add Action" button.
2. Choose the action type "Run JavaScript" from the list of available actions.
MINUTES 46:50. CLASS 28 MINUTES
 INTENTS AND SERVICES

• These are foundational aspects of Android development.

• Understanding how to use them effectively can greatly enhance
the functionality and user experience of your Android
applications.
 INTENTS

Definition: Intents are messaging objects that allow you to request an action from another app
component (like activities, services, and broadcast receivers).
Types:
1. Explicit Intents: Used to start a specific component within your app.
2. Implicit Intents: Used to activate components from other apps based on the specified action and
data.

Components: Intents can be used to communicate between various components of an Android

app, such as activities, services, and broadcast receivers.
Actions and Data: Intents specify what action needs to be performed and may also carry
additional data required for that action.
INTENTS CONT’D

Intent Filters:
Components can declare intent filters to specify the types of intents they
can respond to, such as specific actions or data types.
Sending and Receiving Intents:
You can send intents to start activities, start services, or send broadcasts.
Components can also receive intents and act upon them.
 SERVICES:

1.Definition:
Services are components that run in the background to perform long-running
operations or handle tasks without a user interface.
Types:
1. Foreground Services: Services that have a visible notification, making the
user aware that the service is running.
2. Background Services: Services that run without a visible notification. These
are generally used for tasks that don't require user interaction.
 CHARACTERISTICS OF MOBILE APPLICATIONS

• Understanding these characteristics is essential for designing,

developing, and maintaining successful mobile applications
that meet the needs and expectations of users in the rapidly
evolving mobile landscape.
 CHARACTERISTICS OF MOBILE APPLICATIONS

Portability:
Mobile applications are designed to run on a variety of devices, including
smartphones, tablets, and wearables. They should adapt to different screen sizes,
resolutions, and hardware capabilities.
Context Awareness:
Mobile apps can control device sensors like GPS, accelerometer, and camera to
gather contextual information and provide personalized experiences based on the
user's location, movement, and surroundings.
 CHARACTERISTICS OF MOBILE APPLICATIONS CONT’D

Offline Capabilities: Mobile applications should be able to function even when there is
limited or no internet connectivity. They may cache data locally to ensure users can
access essential features and content offline.
Touch Interface: Unlike traditional desktop applications, mobile apps primarily rely on
touch-based interactions for navigation, input, and manipulation of content. User
interfaces should be intuitive, responsive, and optimized for touch gestures.
Push Notifications: Mobile apps can send push notifications to engage users, provide
updates, or deliver timely information even when the app is not actively in use.
Effective use of push notifications can enhance user engagement and retention.
 CHARACTERISTICS OF MOBILE APPLICATIONS CONT’D

Platform-specific Features: Mobile applications often control platform-specific

features and APIs to enhance functionality and user experience. For example,
integrating with native device features like the camera, contacts, or notifications can
provide additional value to users.
Performance Optimization: Given the resource constraints of mobile devices,
including limited processing power, memory, and battery life, mobile applications
should be optimized for performance and efficiency. This includes minimizing app
size, reducing network usage, and optimizing code execution.
 CHARACTERISTICS OF MOBILE APPLICATIONS CONT’D
Security: Mobile apps should prioritize the security and privacy of user data, especially
considering the sensitive information often stored and accessed by mobile applications.
This includes implementing secure authentication, data encryption, and secure
communication protocols.
Multi-platform Support: With the diversity of mobile platforms (e.g., iOS, Android), many
apps aim to support multiple platforms to reach a broader audience. Cross-platform
development frameworks and technologies enable developers to build and deploy apps
across different platforms using shared codebases.
Continuous Updates: Mobile applications require regular updates to address bugs,
introduce new features, and adapt to evolving platform requirements. App stores provide
a mechanism for distributing updates to users seamlessly.
 STORING AND RETRIEVING DATA

• Storing and retrieving data is a fundamental aspect of mobile application

development
• When choosing a data storage method for your mobile app, consider
factors such as data size, complexity, security requirements,
performance, offline capabilities, and interoperability with other
systems or platforms.
• Selecting the appropriate storage solution will help ensure efficient data
management and enhance the overall user experience of your
application.
STORING AND RETRIEVING DATA CONT’D

Shared Preferences:
1. Ideal for storing small amounts of primitive data such as user preferences, settings,
or simple app state.
2. Simple key-value pairs stored in XML files.
3. Accessed using the Shared Preferences API provided by the Android SDK.
Internal Storage:
1. Used for storing private data files that belong to the application.
2. Data is stored in the device's internal memory.
3. Suitable for sensitive data that should not be accessible to other apps.
4. Accessed using file I/O operations such as reading and writing to files.
 STORING AND RETRIEVING DATA CONT’D

External Storage:
1. Used for storing large files or data that needs to be shared with other apps or
accessed by other users.
2. Data is stored in public directories on the device's external storage.
3. Requires appropriate permissions to read and write data to external storage.
4. Accessed using file I/O operations similar to internal storage.
 STORING AND RETRIEVING DATA CONT’D

SQLite Databases:
1. Ideal for storing structured data in relational database format.
2. Provides a powerful and efficient way to manage and query data.
3. Supported by Android through the SQLite Open Helper class and SQLite
Database API.
4. Enables complex querying, indexing, and data manipulation operations.
 STORING AND RETRIEVING DATA CONT’D

Content Providers:
1. A mechanism for managing and sharing structured data between apps.
2. Provides a standardized interface for accessing and manipulating data stored in
SQLite databases or other data sources.
3. Enables data access through URIs and supports CRUD (Create, Read, Update,
Delete) operations.
4. Often used for accessing system data or sharing data between different apps.
 STORING AND RETRIEVING DATA CONT’D

Network Storage:
1. Data can be stored on remote servers or cloud storage solutions.
2. Allows for centralized storage and synchronization across multiple devices.
3. Requires network connectivity and appropriate security measures to protect
data in transit and at rest.
4. Accessible using network communication protocols such as HTTP,
REST(Representational State Transfer) APIs, or custom protocols.
 STORING AND RETRIEVING DATA CONT’D

ORM Frameworks:
1. Object-Relational Mapping (ORM) frameworks like Room (for Android) or Core
Data (for iOS) provide higher-level abstractions for working with databases.
2. Simplify database operations by mapping database tables to object-oriented
models.
3. Handle tasks such as database schema management, data caching, and query
optimization.
 DATA SYNCHRONIZATION:

• Definition: Data synchronization is the process of ensuring that data on the client
(mobile device) matches the data on the server.
• Two-Way Synchronization: Involves updating both the client and server with
changes made on either side to ensure consistency.
• Conflict Resolution: Handle conflicts that arise when the same data is modified on
both the client and server simultaneously. Strategies include last-write wins,
manual resolution, or merging conflicting changes.
 OFFLINE DATA ACCESS:

Offline Data Access:

1. Offline Storage: Store a subset of data locally on the mobile device to allow
users to access and modify data even when offline.
2. Offline Editing: Enable users to create, edit, and delete data while offline,
with changes synchronized to the server when connectivity is restored.
 SYNCHRONIZATION TECHNIQUES:

1. Polling: Periodically check for updates on the server by making requests at

predefined intervals.
2. Push Notifications: Notify clients of data changes on the server, triggering
synchronization.
3. Delta Synchronization: Transfer only the changes (delta) since the last
synchronization to reduce bandwidth usage and improve efficiency.
4. Batch Updates: Combine multiple changes into a single request to minimize
network overhead and improve performance.
 DATA REPLICATION:

• Definition: Data replication involves copying data from one location (e.g., server) to
another (e.g., multiple servers or edge devices) to ensure redundancy, scalability,
and fault tolerance.
• Master-Slave Replication: Data changes are propagated from a master database to
one or more slave databases.
• Peer-to-Peer Replication: Data is replicated between multiple nodes in a
decentralized network without a central authority.
 WORKING WITH A CONTENT PROVIDER

• Working with a Content Provider in Android allows your application

to share data with other applications or access data from other
applications. Content Providers abstract away the details of
database management and expose data in a structured manner.
• Here's a step-by-step guide on how to work with a Content Provider:
 WORKING WITH A CONTENT PROVIDER CONT’D

• Understand the Content Provider Basics:

• Content Providers use URIs (Uniform Resource Identifiers) to identify data resources. Each URI
typically represents a specific data table or collection.
• Define the Content Provider:
• Define a content URI for identifying the data that the Content Provider manages. This typically
includes a content authority and path segments.
• Declare the Content Provider in the Manifest:
• Specify the authority, name, and other attributes of the Content Provider, including
permissions and exported status.
 COMMUNICATIONS VIA NETWORK AND THE WEB

• HTTP/HTTPS Requests:
• HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) and HTTPS (HTTP Secure) are the
foundation of communication on the web.
• HTTP is used for transmitting data between a client (e.g., a mobile app) and a
server.
• HTTPS provides secure communication by encrypting data using SSL/TLS
protocols.
 RESTFUL APIS:

RESTful APIs:
1. REST (Representational State Transfer) is an architectural style for designing
networked applications.
2. RESTful APIs use standard HTTP methods (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE) to perform
CRUD operations on resources.
3. RESTful API uses Clients to send HTTP requests to interact with resources on
the server. The server processes the requests and returns appropriate
responses.
 WEB SOCKETS:

• Web sockets are a communication protocol that enables full-duplex communication

channels over a single TCP connection. Unlike traditional HTTP connections, which follow a
request-response model, Web sockets allow for bidirectional communication, where both
the client and server can send data to each other asynchronously.
• Web sockets provide full-duplex communication channels over a single TCP connection,
enabling real-time data exchange.
• Unlike HTTP, which follows a request-response model, Web sockets allow bidirectional
communication between the client and server.
 STATE MACHINE

• A state machine, also known as a finite-state machine

(FSM), is a computational model used to describe the
behavior of systems with a finite number of states.
 STATE MACHINES:

1.States:
• A state represents a specific condition or mode in which a system can exist at
a given time.
• Each state is defined by a unique identifier and may have associated
properties or variables that describe its characteristics.
• For example, in a traffic light system, states could include "Green", "Yellow",
and "Red".
 STATE MACHINES CONT’D

2. Transitions:
• Transitions define the movement of the system from one state to
another in response to events or conditions.
• Transitions are triggered by events and are typically associated with
specific conditions that must be met for the transition to occur.
• For example, in the traffic light system, a transition from "Green" to
"Yellow" may be triggered by a timer reaching a predefined threshold.
 STATE MACHINES CONT’D

3. Events:
• Events are external stimuli or occurrences that trigger state transitions.
• Events can be user inputs, sensor readings, timer expirations, or any
other form of external stimulus.
• For example, in a vending machine, inserting a coin could trigger an
event that transitions the machine from the "Idle" state to the
"Accepting Coins" state.
 STATE MACHINES CONT’D

4. Actions:
• Actions are tasks or operations performed when a state transition
occurs.
• Actions can include updating variables, sending messages, invoking
functions, or changing system behavior.
• For example, in a microwave oven, transitioning from the "Cooking"
state to the "Paused" state may involve stopping the timer and
displaying a "Paused" message
 STATE MACHINES CONT’D

5. Initial and Final States:

• A state machine typically has an initial state, which represents the
starting point of the system.
• There may also be one or more final states, which indicate the end of
the system's operation.
• For example, in a document editor, the initial state could be "Editing"
while the final state could be "Closed".
 STATE MACHINES CONT’D

6. Hierarchical and Concurrent States:

• State machines can have hierarchical structures, where states contain
substates that have their own transitions and behaviors.
• Concurrent states allow multiple states to be active simultaneously,
enabling parallel execution of tasks or behaviors.
 CORRECT COMMUNICATIONS MODEL

• The correct communication model depends on the specific requirements and

characteristics of the application or system being developed. However, a commonly
used and effective communication model for modern applications, especially those
involving client-server architectures, is the Representational State Transfer (REST)
architectural style.
 TELEPHONY

• Telephony refers to the technology and systems used for voice communication over
long distances, typically through the use of telephones or mobile devices.

• In the context of mobile devices and telecommunications, telephony encompasses

various functionalities related to voice calls, messaging, and other communication
features.
 TELEPHONY CONT’D

1. Voice Calls:
• Mobile phones allow users to make and receive voice calls to communicate with others.
• Voice calls are established using cellular networks, which consist of a network of base stations (cell
towers) and switching centers that route calls between users.
• Modern smartphones support features such as call waiting, call forwarding, conference calling, and HD
voice calling.
2. SMS (Short Message Service):
• SMS is a text messaging service that allows users to send short text messages between mobile devices.
• SMS messages are typically limited to 160 characters per message but can be concatenated to form
longer messages.
• SMS is widely used for person-to-person communication, automated notifications, and two-factor
authentication (2FA) purposes.
 TELEPHONY CONT’D

3.MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service):

• MMS allows users to send multimedia content such as images, videos, audio clips, and text messages between
mobile devices.
• Unlike SMS, MMS messages can contain rich media content and have a higher size limit.
• MMS is commonly used for sharing multimedia content, such as photos and videos, with friends and family.

4. VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol):

• VoIP technology enables voice communication over the internet instead of traditional telephone networks.
• Mobile apps and services such as WhatsApp, Skype, and Viber use VoIP to provide voice calling and messaging
features over data networks.
• VoIP allows for cost-effective voice communication, especially for international calls, and supports additional
features such as video calling and conference calling.
 TELEPHONY CONT’D

5. Telephony APIs:
• Mobile operating systems provide telephony APIs that allow developers to integrate telephony features into their
applications.
• These APIs enable developers to make and manage voice calls, send and receive SMS/MMS messages, and access call logs
and other telephony-related information.
• Telephony APIs also support features such as querying network information, monitoring signal strength, and managing SIM
cards.

6. Call Management:
• Mobile devices provide features for call management, such as call blocking, call screening, and caller ID.
• Users can manage their contacts, create favorites lists, and organize call logs based on various criteria.
• Smartphones also offer features such as Do Not Disturb mode, which allows users to silence calls and notifications during
specified times.
 DECIDING SCOPE OF AN APP

• Deciding the scope of an app is a critical step in the development process and
involves defining the features, functionalities, and objectives of the application.
Here's a structured approach to help you decide the scope of your app: