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Android

Andrew D.
Andrew D.
2,937 Points
Posted by Andrew D.
Andrew D.
2,937 Points

Backend for a Scheduling App?

Hey guys, my barbershop wants me to create them an application to allow their clients to schedule appointment times through an app(specifically Android). I'm excited for the challenge, and don't think the front-end code would be too terribly difficult, but I'm not quite sure what backend services exist that would allow the barbers themselves to be updated in real time of their clients' choices.

Any idea what services exist that would help me create this app? I would like to research it myself, of course, but I'm not even sure what search phrases to even use haha!

Thank you for any ideas you all may have!

-Andrew

2 Answers

Steve Hunter
Steve Hunter
57,712 Points

Hi Andrew,

I concur with your reluctance to Google 'back end' - that wouldn't go well. ;-)

However, what you're wanting is a back end as a service. That's a safe Google term.

You want a database that your barber shop can access to view their appointments which is accessible via an API from the mobile app the customers use. Some of the Android courses on here use Parse.com for this but I think they're changing what they provide so maybe don't try to use that.

There's a large part of me saying that you can crete a mobile-friendly web application so that the customers access a web page - this is platform independent so you're not excluding all the Apple users! - that page needs a back-end as well; have a look at Spring with Java or Ruby on Rails. The latter can certainly deliver what you want. Tie that in with a good eye for mobile design using a framework like Bootstrap and you're done!

I hope that helps,

Steve.

Justin Horner
Justin Horner
Treehouse Guest Teacher
Justin Horner
Justin Horner
Treehouse Guest Teacher

Great answer Steve,

I'll add restdb.io as a potential resource for you, Andrew D.

I hope this helps.

Andrew D.
Andrew D.
2,937 Points
Andrew D.
Andrew D.
2,937 Points

Thanks for the advice, guys!

I'm trying to specialize in Android development, which is the only reason I'm set on making it one. Otherwise, your mobile-friendly suggestion of building a web app would be a much better idea!

And thanks for the restdb.io suggestion, Justin. Firebase has a better free tier, so I think I may go ahead and use them.