Android Question B4A capabilities

[malcolmfowler]

Good morning all.

Newbie question.

I am an independent software developer coming from a PHP/Javascript/Bootstrap/Jquery/HTML background.
I have just completed a new mobile phone app using these technologies. The application is for drivers to record proof of deliveries (POD). They have an option to retrieve the delivery data from the HQ server, collect POD data and also take and upload a picture of the freight. It is designed to be accessed through a smartphone browser (Chrome/Safari etc). In trials we have run into problems with different phone models and browser issues, so I am now considering moving to an actual phone app. i.e. using B4A

Even though I have dabbled with B4A I thought it worth reaching out to the Forum and asking a couple of questions.

1. Is there a recommended up to date video on getting started?
2. Can B4A access a remote MariaDB database?
3. In the event the smartphone is not receiving a signal/out of range, can B4A detect that?
4. Can B4A deploy and use a local DB such as SQLITE to store data if out of signal?
5. Can B4A access the smartphone camera, take pictures and upload these to a server?
6. If I write the code in B4A can it be ported to an Iphone quite easily?

Thanks very much for any input.

Rgds
Malcolm

 

[DonManfred]

1. Is there a recommended up to date video on getting started?

B4X Programming Video Tutorials

www.b4x.com

2. Can B4A access a remote MariaDB database?

Yes. But the recommendet way is to use jRDC2. A B4J Middleman running on your Server.

4. Can B4A deploy and use a local DB such as SQLITE to store data if out of signal?

Yes. SQLite is a Deviceonly Database. You do not need to have a (Internet) signal to use it.

5. Can B4A access the smartphone camera, take pictures and upload these to a server?

Yes. How it works with javascript you need to search the forum.

 

[aeric]

1. I think there are recent videos uploaded by some members on YouTube. The video tutorials uploaded by Erel are still relevant.
2. Yes, direct access is possible but not recommended. Better is to use a middleware like jrdc2, Web service or through Web API.
3. Yes, there are many ways. If connection lost and server is unreachable, app will show an error.
4. Yes. SQLite is perfect for the job but CloudKVS can also be use.
5. Yes, you can save the photo in the app Internal directory where the app has permission to read and write. You can then upload to a server as Blob or binary using jrdc2, convert as Base64 string value or post as multipart data through form post or API.
6. Yes if you use B4XPages framework and cross platform XUI Views for both Android and iOS. Most of the code and layout design can be shared. This is why B4X is so powerful to create cross platform native apps.

 

[malcolmfowler]

Thank you for your feedback

 

[TILogistic]

Here in the forum you will find everything you need for the application for drivers to record proof of delivery (POD and digitization).

As well as the monitoring of the distribution processes, especially in the last mile.

Note.
We have an app that contains what you need and much more, for Android and IOS developed in B4X.