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Android

Posted by Logan May
Logan May
850 Points

**Advice for my first app**

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.logan.bibleversemax

First off, I would just like some feedback and honest opinions. Secondly, I would just like any tips or tricks to make the app more appealing and unique to the user. Possibly a "save" button to save the verse and how to tag it to a folder. Anything would be helpful. Thank you all so much.

p.s. It is only on Android for the time being.

1 Answer

Kevin Haube
Kevin Haube
12,265 Points

Try implimenting a BaaS (back end as a service [i.e. Parse.com]) so users can have an account, and save Verses. Also, within their saved area, impliment a search feature to recall saved verses, maybe by verse or words in the verses. :)

And on a design note...I personally think white text would look a little better. :)

Logan May
Logan May
850 Points

Thank you so much for the advice Kevin Haube (:

I have implemented the BaaS, however; I am having trouble making the "save" button actually save it to a directory or certain parameter.

Any advice on that? I have been trying and searching all day.

Kevin Haube
Kevin Haube
12,265 Points

No problem at all! :)

It'll be tough, but the way I'd approach it is a complete reform of how the verses are stored. Currently, they are variables, yes? Well, Parse has an interesting new tool (that even I have yet to try out) called Parse Config. It lets you create and store variables on parse, instead of statically inputting each one in your app!

This would help in 2 ways:

  1. You'd be able to relate the variable to a user on Parse in a simple way, using Parse Relations.
  2. You could add the entire Bible to your App, and not have to update in the Play Store!

If you haven't gone through the Ribbit application project yet, I'd suggest doing so. It's a great way to get some Parse experience (especially with relations). A lot of the concepts in the project, for example, relating a message to multiple users, could easily translate to things you'd like to use! Think about that, a ParseConfig String associated with whoever favorites it. Call a query on in the FavoritesFragment or FavoritesActivity to retrieve everything associated with that user's name! Boom, done! :)

Bonus idea: Once you've gotten the verses fine tuned, and set up on Parse Config, try creating multiple categories. Verses, Wise Sayings, Funny Quotes, etc. Personally, I'd have them set up in a nav drawer, but those can be a bit tricky to master. Do whatever you think would work best! :)

EDIT -- Don't be afraid to mess up. Mistakes are the knobs that open the doors to success. However, be sure to impliment some sort of Version Control System (GitHub impliments flawlessly with Android Studio) so you can go back to a better place if you mess up beyond repair. :)