Categories
Technology

Technology Stack for Mobile App Development

Technology stack for mobile application development

When you are developing a mobile application, the first challenge that you come across is choosing the right technologies. To develop a robust mobile application, it is important to understand the technical feasibility and choose the right technology stack. The mobile technology stack should be selected based on cost, and time for development.  The technology stack plays a critical part in the success of the mobile app. Here are some advanced mobile technology stacks to build native and cross-platform applications.

Native Apps

Native App is developed specifically for a particular platform (say Android or iOS). Apple and Google provide development tools, interface elements and SDK to develop native apps.

iOS Technology stack

To create a native iOS application, the following technology stack can be used.

Programming language:  Objective C or Swift

An iOS application can be built using either Objective C or Swift programming languages. Objective C can be considered as an extension of C programming language and provides object-oriented capabilities. Developers with knowledge in object-oriented programming can go for Objective C.

Swift is a compiled programming language developed by Apple for developing iOS applications that run on iPhone and iPad. Swift is more functional, friendly and less error-prone.

Toolkit: XCode

Xcode is an integrated development environment that contains a suite of development tools for developing a native iOS app. XCode tool kit comprises of Xcode IDE, instruments and a simulator.

Software Development Kit: iOS SDK

The iOS SDK is a software development kit developed by Apple and includes an application programming interface (API) that serves as a link between software applications and the platform they run on. It consists of tools for Apple’s touch screen interface and iPhone Operating System.

Android technology stack

To build a native application for Android, the following technology stack can be considered.

Programming language: Java or Kotlin

Top programming languages for native Android mobile app development is Java or Kotlin.   Java has been the official programming language for android app development until Kotlin was introduced and has vast tools and libraries to support android development.  Kotlin was introduced by Google for android app development. It has numerous development options, simple and concise code makes it lightweight. It is interoperable with Java allowing to convert Java code into Kotlin.

Toolkit: Android Studio & Android Developer Tools

Android Studio is the IDE for creating a native android app. It is popular among developers because it provides the fastest tools in addition to code editing, debugging, a flexible build system and an instant deploy system. It allows focusing on building unique and high-quality apps.

Android Developer Tools (ADT) is a plug-in by Google to provide full support for Android app development. In addition to coding support, ADT allows developers to use debugging tools, a graphical UI builder, emulators, and test automation support.

Software Development Kit: Android SDK

The Android SDK is a software development kit that includes tools for building, testing, and debugging Android applications. Developers must download the components of the Android SDK.

Technology stack for cross-platform apps

In a cross-platform approach, a mobile app is developed for multiple platforms. A single code base is used for multiple operating systems (say iOS and Android platforms).

There are different frameworks for cross-platform app development. Here are some technologies used to build cross-platform mobile apps. Based on the project requirement either of the below technologies shall be used.

React Native

React Native is a Javascript framework for developing a cross platform app that closely resembles a native app. The framework is based on React Library supported by Facebook. The application logic is written in JavaScript whereas UI is completely native. React Native’s live reload feature allows to build app faster and fix bugs immediately.

Xamarin

Xamarin is a cross-platform framework supported by Microsoft.  It uses the C# programming language as a base for app development. Xamarin has a range of components and has IDE support.  Xamarin allows sharing almost 90% of the code across multiple platforms. 

Flutter

Flutter supported by Google is considered the best tool to build cross-platform apps. Flutter uses Dart language for app development. Flutter SDK includes developing and debugging tools and unique set of widgets that make app development rapid and simple.

Read our blog on Cross-Platform App Development to know more about cross-platform technologies and frameworks.

Before choosing the technology stack identify your target users and the devices they use. Each of the technology stacks offers unique tools and components. Hire a mobile app development company to help you build a successful application.

Categories
Solutions

Why Organizations Need Asset Tracking System?

Asset tracking system

For large organizations, tracking the physical location of the assets can be tedious and time-consuming.   Assets are considered valuable by every organization as they invest a lot in physical equipment, machinery, furniture, computers to run their business operation. It is important to manage the physical assets to reduce risk to the business. Medium and large businesses can’t manage the assets manually.

Technology plays a vital role in industries such as manufacturing, logistics, health care and warehousing. With advanced technologies, industries must adopt sophisticated practices to monitor and track their physical assets. Leveraging advanced technologies can help organizations to improve asset performance and avoid asset failure.

asset tracking system

Asset Tracking System

An asset tracking system tracks the physical location of the assets using barcode labels or RFID tags. The software can manage the entire asset life cycle from procurement to asset disposal. The Asset tracking solution can provide real-time visibility into the asset location and generate various reports. It helps to identify when assets need to be repaired or replaced or disposed of. It monitors depreciation and helps to ascertain the net worth of the assets to be presented on financial statements.

Innovations in Asset Tracking

Several new technologies including Barcode, QR Code, RFID, GPS and Mobile technology are used to automate asset tracking.

Barcode is the oldest and effective asset tracking technology. Barcode labels are printed and stick to the asset, scanning the labels captured the asset data on to the system. Barcode technology is less expensive and easy to use.

Asset management mobile application can be installed on Mobile devices to track the assets in and around the workplace. There is no need for a barcode scanner as mobile devices have barcode scanning capability.

RFID asset tracking system uses RFID tags and RFID readers to locate the assets. RFID tags are attached to the assets and RFID readers are installed on the entry and exit points. RFID equipment automatically captures the location of the assets in real-time.

Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) is a new asset tracking technique that uses wireless technology. It can be used for short-range communication and captures data in real-time. BLE readers capture data from BLE tags attached to the assets and provide real-time asset tracking.

Artificial Intelligence is being deployed in asset tracking. AI will bring in a new definition to asset management. AI innovations transform the way organizations make use of insights. AI can empower organizations on how to use asset data effectively and streamline business operations.

Asset tracking software can be integrated with ERP and other legacy systems.

Benefits

  • Eliminates spreadsheets and asset register
  • Increases asset visibility
  • Improved productivity
  • Easy maintenance tracking
  • Calculates Depreciation
  • Error free reports
  • Faster audits
  • Reduce downtime
  • Reduces administrative cost

The asset tracking system brings transparency in who owns the assets, where it is located, whether the asset is in use. Simplify asset management with our asset tracking software, FASoft. Learn more about our standalone asset tracking system, FASoft and how it can help in tracking your organization’s assets.

Call us today to get a demo – https://techcedence.com/contact/

Categories
Technology

Agile and waterfall- which method ensures success for your project development

Agile vs waterfall

One of the important decisions faced during project implementations is “Which development methodology should we use?” And this is one topic that gets a lot of discussion. If it is not something you’ve worked with before, then to put it very simply, it’s a way of organizing the work of software development. While there are many different project management approaches, the choice should be made keeping the nature of your business and its requirements in mind.

Out of all the methods, the two basic, most popular methodologies used are agile and waterfall methodology and both of these are usable and mature methodologies. 

Would you like to know how both approaches differ from each other? And which one should you go for when it comes to your next project? You’ve come to the right place! 

Waterfall

Non-agile, is a traditional method for developing software. It splits the software development lifecycle into 6 stages where one tackles the challenges one stage at the time. One can only proceed to the next stage when the current stage is completely done. The usual stages are:

  • Requirements
  • Analysis &  Planning
  • System and Software Design
  • Coding
  • Testing
  • Deployment

It is called a “plan-driven process” due to its rigid structure, as you need to have a clear plan when certain things are done, how they are done, why they are done to successfully use this methodology. 

Agile

Agile has an incremental, iterative approach to software development unlike the waterfall approach that has a rigid structure and demands that the product be completed one phase at a time. Agile methodology is a lot more flexible and open to changes as it revolves around the idea of breaking down project requirements into smaller parts of user-functionalities, called “user stories” which are prioritized and delivered continuously in short cycles called “iterations”.

Customer satisfaction is primarily the end goal of the agile approach, as the focus of each iteration will be built around the idea of providing a higher quality solution to the customer. 

In order for the agile approach to bring actual results, cross-functional teams work in “sprints”. The ideal duration of a sprint is 2 weeks but there are teams who even run 1 week and 3 week sprints. As a best practice, It is always better to have the sprint duration not exceed beyond 3 weeks. The goal of every sprint will be to build usable software which will then be given to the customers to test. Once the customer gives their feedback, it is used to develop a plan for the future iteration of the product. Work in agile methodology is organized into a backlog that is prioritized based on the business/customer value.

While none of the two methodologies is per se better or worse than the other one, the agile methodology works better in most cases as the development approach provides flexibility and enables a lot of ‘testing on the go’ in order to create a valuable product.

So, if you are not sure which methodology would be the best for your intended project, don’t you worry! At techcedence we understand that every business is unique, and can help you figure out which is the better model for your project.

Would you like to talk to us about your project? Contact us today, we’re always happy to hear from you.

Categories
ASP.NET Core

Benefits of ASP.NET Core

ASP.NET Core

A latest technology that many companies have duly adopted to create their applications. A cross-platform, open-source framework for the development of cloud-based modern web applications. ASP.NET core is a great combination of different web development models that consists of all of the required services to create robust web applications for all different kinds of businesses.

Through this framework, one can create more effective web apps, mobile app back ends and also IoT apps. To put it in simpler terms, ASP.NET core is a significant redesign of the ASP.NET framework. ASP.NET core comes with a wide range of benefits. Let us take a look at some of the various benefits of ASP.NET Core.

1. Improved Performance

The major benefit of ASP.NET Core framework is its improved and higher performance. With the new enhancements and upgrades, the code actually gets much more optimized that results into improved performance. However, this isn’t the best part of it. The most significant part is that it does not actually require changing the code. The ASP.NET Core compiler eventually optimizes the entire code whenever the code is re-compiled with the ASP.NET Core framework. 

2. Support of Cross-platform

ASP.NET Core is cross-platform allowing easy creation of web applications which run on Windows, Linux, and Mac. In simpler terms, the entire backend will use the same C# code. 

3. Lesser Code

ASP.NET Core demands less coding, and the developers can easily optimize the code-structure by writing lesser statements. As the coding is less, the amount of hours required are less as well in order to create an application, making ASP.NET Core much more cost-effective.

4. Easy Maintenance

As ASP.NET Core demands less coding, it in turn becomes much more easier to maintain automatically. This essentially means that it not only takes the less amount of code to create a web application but it is very easy to manage and maintain it effectively. 

5. Cloud-Based Web Application Development Support

Creating a cloud-based application in the current era is a better option. And ASP.NET Core is the go to solution for the business requirements of the current times. Also, ASP.NET Core can easily help in developing great and robust web applications.

ASP.NET Core is an extremely interesting technology to create robust web applications. Since most of the businesses out there look for various ways to develop applications faster and launch it in the market as soon as possible, ASP.NET Core is considered to be the best ways to do it.

Categories
Mobile App Development

Geolocation Apps. Why it is loved and how it works

Geolocation apps

Are you thinking of integrating Geolocation technology, in your business? Would you like to change the way your business serves for the better? Well, lots of applications are based totally on geolocation, playing a significant role in the growth of many businesses.

The skillful use of this seemingly simple ability to determine a user’s location has already redefined how one shops, travels, or meets with other people. Geolocation has become a regular part of life for millions of people and has inspired countless businesses to take their services to the next level.

Geolocation apps have a very high potential for marketing as well as for business in general giving users information at the right time and right place, improving the client experience.

  • The retailers can easily reach the customers in nearby proximity through their location-based apps by advertising their special offers and deals.
  • Location based marketing and business is also the latest and the easiest way of grabbing the attention of new prospects and converting them into your customers.
  • Location-based advertisements have been there since long, and they also have contributed to the growth of businesses tremendously over the years.

Developers can implement indoor or outdoor geolocation apps based on the described geolocation technologies for providing a better user experience.

This is why it’s essential to perform market research, to help you define which type of geolocation app you should build for your business.

But remember that you will work with such sensitive information as users’ location, personal conversations, travel details, and many more. That’s why you have to remember that ensuring data safety is one of the most critical parts of this technology. Therefore, working with a good software development firm is of top priority. So that you can make sure that your app uses multi-factor authentication, encrypts communications, uses SSL certificate, Network Security Configuration for Android and App Transport Security for iOS, and doesn’t store any unencrypted data on the user’s device.

Geolocation technology has become an integral part of almost every business today. So what are you waiting for? Take your business to the heights of success by implementing it in your business now!