7 Web Technologies to Build a Web Application

ISU Corp is well known for its software services, specifically the specialization of advanced web applications. No matter the depth and requirements of the project, we’re here to help ease your workload! We have lots of expertise amongst a diverse range of technologies that are used to develop web applications.

We’re going to be discussing 7 different web technologies to create a framework for your application. 

Information, Information, Information! 

When formatting a web application, technologies from both the client and server side are necessary. What do we mean by web technologies? 

The client side technology is the building and display of information that your users will be interacting with, or rather, your clientele. Meaning, it should be user-friendly, properly formatted, and engaging. 

When setting up a web app, there are varying languages that can be used to do so (which we will be looking at in a bit). The primary web language is JavaScript, which means that most web technologies will be using this language. However, the server technologies differ depending on what works best for you. 

1. jQuery JavaScript Library

This is the most common JavaScript based technology. It is fairly easy to comprehend and continually enhances on AJAX interfaces, which ultimately eliminates the varying factors between traditional and online applications. jQuery is great for both basic websites and complex applications. 

This library allows developers new and advanced opportunities to create highly interactive platforms and abilities to incorporate animated features. 

What are some of these great opportunities you may ask?

• Plug-ins that can be useful for customization 

• Efficient and concise 5 lines of jQuery code is equivalent to 25 lines of traditional code

• Simpler than AJAX processes 

• Website that has a plethora of technical tools (e.g. documentation)

• Illustrations and examples for developers 

2. Yahoo! User Interface Library (YUI) 

This technology allows developers to create very interactive apps within various Internet browsers. It combines JavaScript controls with tools from AJAX, DHTML, and DOM scripts. 

Main advantages:

• BSD licence which allows controls to be used for business 

• FREE! 

• Constantly updated which adds to the massive amounts of page views per day 

• Online forums for helpful documentations 

YUI is a flexible library with only 11 KB that includes a place for events, language utilities, and DOM normalizations. If 11 KB is not enough, you’re able to upgrade to the 17.4 KB option that comes with features like the YUI Loaders; used for CSS and JavaScript to load any requirements for your YUI module. 

YUI is simple which is perfect for developing the client-side of technological apps. Each aspect of this library is adaptable, such as the tools for making widgets, customizing events, and managing your platform. 

One of the greatest features is that it has built-in modules to choose aspects from for any page you’re creating. This is especially useful when working on a more complex project. Also, the BSD licence feature integrates all of the widgets and tools which meet the required licensing terms. YUI is accessible to almost everyone, with great consideration to the developers who are continually increasing user experiences. 

The creators of YUI have added in educational documentations like cheat sheets, guides and explanations to allow you to have complete peace of mind while creating your app. 

3. Sencha Ext JS 

This is a cross-browser library within JavaScript used to create web apps. Similar to YUI, it is not dependent on a particular Internet browser. 

Main features:

• Toolbars

• Combination boxes

• Message boxes

• Data grids 

• Manager control for layout 

This library has the capability to provide an extended, object-oriented structure for a nice aesthetic. The user interface within this technology can also be complemented with Ruby and most other server-side technologies. 

4. Flex

If you’re needing to develop an application that can work on any operating system or browsers, then Flex technology is perfect for you. This framework allows you to have highly advanced interactivity and designs that ultimately improve user experience. Flex apps are deployed through various Flex applications via Flash Player or Adobe Air. 

ISU Corp takes client knowledge, expertise, and creativity to create an amazing application through Flex to meet business needs. Along with the fact that Flash tools are one of the most developed technologies within the web app landscape. 

Flex services include:

• Integration with JavaScript

• Integration with .NET

• Integration with PHP

• Custom application development 

5. Telerik RadControls and Telerik’s ASP.NET MVC Extensions 

These tools allow our developers to create valuable and user-friendly interfaces quickly and efficiently. The main thing everyone wants when creating an online platform is for it to be engaging, rich with content, and create great experiences for the users - allowing them full functionality. 

Telerik RadControls allows for the client-side API to be similar in nature to the server-side. The opportunities are many with the combination of data binding, JSON calls, and WebServices! 

If you’re looking at creating desktop applications, this technology is useful as it helps you create highly visual and extraordinary functions for your business. There are over 45 user-interface controls with RadControls, which means we can help your company form a complete custom application! 

6. Twitter Bootstrap 

Made by Twitter, this is a light-weight framework designed for front-end development. With the use of CSS and JavaScript, developers are able to create simple and easily updated web pages.

Biggest Strengths: 

• Standardizes styles 

• Grid system which supports varying screen sizes allowing access across different devices

Bootstrap is particularly beneficial for small and mid-sized web applications where core functionality is of the highest priority. 

7. AngularJS  

This is one of the newer JavaScript frameworks, but is continually growing and advancing within the market. AngularJS is supported by Google which makes it easy to create great web applications. 

Angular combines components, patterns, and different development practices into one place, which makes it highly accessible and usable for all. With its high adoption and increasing popularity rate, it is always a safe option to go with. 

Which technology is the right one for your business? 

There are so many factors that go into deciding which technology to use to create your web application. Which one is the fastest? Most reliable? Best features? 

We’ve only brushed the surface of many of these questions, to learn more, contact us today. 

Web Applications VS Websites

Web applications is a new Internet term that you may have heard of, but are unsure of what it means. What's the difference between websites and web applications? Do I need both for my business? Which one is best for my company?

Today we will differentiate between these two key terms and which will be best for you. 

What are Websites?

Websites are a great way if you want a space to display information and media. They are better for lower level functionality jobs and are a lot easier to build compared to web apps.

Integrating contact management systems (CMS) is always recommended for websites as it allows you to easily update and change information and data on the website. CMS integration for websites is much more simple than for web apps. 

What are Web Apps?

Unlike websites, which are a set of related web pages from a single domain, a web app is computer software that is accessed through a web browser. They are extremely customizable and are very functional, which makes them much more difficult and complex to build and typically requires a team of software developers.

For CMS integration, you might need to build a custom CMS or not integrate with CMS in the first place. This is all determined by what you need your web app to do and the functionalities it’ll possess. Examples of web applications include Microsoft 365 and Google apps. These applications can do complex jobs and are typically accessed through the Internet. 

Interested?

Typically websites are enough for simple businesses. Companies who build web applications tend to be tech companies who want to expand their product line, rather than more simple commerce companies. 

At ISU Corp we can assist in helping you build anything from a simple website all the way to a complex web application. Reach out to learn more about how we can help your business.

Best Technologies to Create Mobile Apps

The demand for mobile apps has grown immensely in recent years, as has technology itself. To put it into context for you: there has been a significant increase in app downloads between the years 2016 to 2017, specifically an increase of 50 BILLION downloads! 

Each business whose goal is to provide a service, sell that service, and offer assistance is going to have an app and is going to make that app user-friendly and accessible for their customers. Of course, you want your application to drive brand-awareness along with being engaging to increase the potential for profit, however, it’s important to use the right technology. 

There are various mobile app technologies available on today’s market. We’ll be going into detail of what those are and why they’re great for mobile app development. 

5 Top Programming Languages for Mobile App Development 

1. Swift 

If your company revolves around the Apple world and products, then Swift is the language for you. It requires minimal coding, has advanced features, and can be easily maintained. 

2. C++

This language is the base for most programming languages and is able to create dynamic applications. It's simple and effective compiler based programming makes it a perfect resource which can be used on multiple platforms. 

3.Java 

Now, if you’re more android based, then this object-oriented programming language could be perfect for you. It is the official language for Android development; very easy to operate and there are plenty of open source libraries for users to select from. 

4.HTML5

The best technology to use if your business is looking at creating a web-frontend app for mobile devices.

5. PHP

PHP just as Java, is object-oriented and is relatively easy to learn. It uses a three-layer model to develop dynamic applications. It’s especially useful if your apps require database integration. 

Alright, so now you have a list of programming languages, but how do you start building an app? 

5 Developer Tools to Get You Started 

1. PhoneGap 

Also known as Apache Cordova; an open source platform that uses Java, HTML5, and CSS3 languages in order to develop apps for platforms like Windows, iOS, and Android. This structure allows you to combine native and hybrid codes to result in apps that aren’t just native mobile or web-based. 

2. Appcelerator 

An open source framework which is arguably the best to develop hardware-based apps on. It uses PHP, Java, and HTML to create apps for Windows UWP, Android, and iOS. 

3. RhoMobile 

This open source structure allows native app developers to build multiple platforms. Using technologies like HTML5, Java, CSS3, and Ruby, you’re able to create apps for major operating systems like iOS and Android. 

4. WidgetPad 

Also one of the best open source frameworks, using HTML5 and Java to offer various options like versioning, source code editing, and distribution. It enables mobile apps to be used on web, iOS, and Android. 

5. MoSync 

An open source multi-platform framework that supports PHP, Java, Ruby, and Python. It’s combined with Eclipse-based IDE and allows mobile apps to be used on a multitude of platforms using C or C++ programming. 

4 Mobile App Development Frameworks that are Major Tools for Developers 

1. Flutter 

This is a trending cross-platform mobile app technology that uses DART as its programming language, instead of Java. Flutter facilitates quick and effective analysis, forms UIs and includes highlights, while fixing bugs very quickly. Google’s SDK is one of the open source cross-platforms that extends from this and allows for Android and iOS platforms to develop mobile apps. 

2. React Native 

This is one of the most used and preferred mobile app development technologies. Using Java, it offers support to IDEs and other app development tools in order to enable the creation of native apps for iOS and Android softwares. 

3. Ionic 

Using HTML5 programming, it’s also one of the more popular mobile app development tools. With the combination of HTML, Java, and CSS3, you’re able to create native based apps and their UI functions without stress. It works on iOS’s UIWebView and Android’s WebView. 

4. Xamarin 

This is a cross-platform framework that gives you several coding advantages of C#. It uses single code for Android, iOS, Windows, and more. Xamarin is able to build apps with exact native app experiences due to its code sharing advantage. It is by far the most cost and time saving framework on today’s market. 

Is your business in need of great and innovative mobile app development? Let us help you increase your revenue! Contact us today for more information.