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Christian Bryant
Front End Web Development Techdegree Student 8,296 PointsWhat are my options for cross platform app dev on a pc?
I have been building a website with vb.net as the backend talking to a MSSQL database. As I am near completion the thought has dawned on me: How will users insert, and update data on their mobile devices? I don't think iphone will render ASP controls, i.e File Upload button.
I have seen certain things like phone gap, but not too sure if that is what I need. Does anyone have an idea of what I would need to do to be able to build a cross platform app on a pc, that will talk to the same SQL database that my ASP.NET web site does?
3 Answers
Russell Beye
3,367 PointsWhat you are looking for here is to build a backend API that will handle all of the CRUD type operations. This means that you will need to know how to manipulate the HTTP methods POST, GET, PUT, and DELETE.
The app itself will not directly make the queries. The API is the interface that does that. Think of it like this:
App: I'd like to know how many people are in that table, please.
API: Sure, let me GET that from the server. Server, who are in this table?
Server: Here's a list my man. Have fun!
API: Ok, I'm going to POST this information back to App real quick.
App: That was easy! Thanks!
Try looking here for .NET specifics: http://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/documentation/articles/mobile-services-ios-call-custom-api/
Hope that helps!
Russell Beye
3,367 PointsAPI development isn't easy, especially starting off. You are on the right path now though. Good luck!
Christian Bryant
Front End Web Development Techdegree Student 8,296 PointsAwesome! Thanks for your answer. Ill look into that and give a try!