Developing apps with Apache Cordova
Scarcity
The Cordova support ends here, however. In particular, the framework was not designed to offer any user-interface components or widgets that would allow you to click together a user interface quickly. Only simple dialog windows for warnings, error messages, and simple queries are available (via the cordova-plugin-dialogs
plugin).
For further UI elements (e.g., switching pages), you must either implement them yourself or rely on JavaScript libraries such as the popular jQuery UI [10]. However, a disadvantageous side effect is that the application will not be able to assume the appearance of the target platform.
Another disadvantage for pure Linux users: Because Cordova requires the SDKs for each respective target platform, iOS apps can only be created and tested on OS X. Therefore, if you want to develop for iPhones, you need an Apple computer. The same applies to Windows Phone and a Windows computer.
Furthermore, app developers must set up and maintain the SDKs by hand, as well as manually certifying apps such as those for the Play Store. The Cordova documentation consists only of a short tutorial, though it is still a very detailed reference [1].
Conclusion
Despite these restrictions, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript experts can get to their first app fairly quickly using Cordova. You can address the smartphone hardware in the familiar JavaScript and do not need to worry about platform differences: The same code runs on both iOS and Android.
Cordova's command-line tools abstract the individual platform SDKs from the properties, although app developers do require the relevant hardware for their installation. You must also work on the command line, implement the user interface completely independently, and retrofit numerous functions via the appropriate plugins.
If you want to create a finished app at greater speed or with just a few mouse clicks, then, you will be better served by another tool.
Infos
- Cordova: https://cordova.apache.org
- Sworkit: http://sworkit.com
- Clever Baby: http://www.mycleverbaby.com
- Ionic: http://ionicframework.com
- Adobe PhoneGap: http://phonegap.com
- Android Studio: https://developer.android.com/develop/index.html
- Node.js: https://nodejs.org
- Cordova documentation: https://cordova.apache.org/docs/en/latest/
- Apache's plugin directory: https://cordova.apache.org/plugins/
- jQuery UI: https://jqueryui.com
« Previous 1 2 3
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
Canonical Releases Ubuntu 24.04
After a brief pause because of the XZ vulnerability, Ubuntu 24.04 is now available for install.
-
Linux Servers Targeted by Akira Ransomware
A group of bad actors who have already extorted $42 million have their sights set on the Linux platform.
-
TUXEDO Computers Unveils Linux Laptop Featuring AMD Ryzen CPU
This latest release is the first laptop to include the new CPU from Ryzen and Linux preinstalled.
-
XZ Gets the All-Clear
The back door xz vulnerability has been officially reverted for Fedora 40 and versions 38 and 39 were never affected.
-
Canonical Collaborates with Qualcomm on New Venture
This new joint effort is geared toward bringing Ubuntu and Ubuntu Core to Qualcomm-powered devices.
-
Kodi 21.0 Open-Source Entertainment Hub Released
After a year of development, the award-winning Kodi cross-platform, media center software is now available with many new additions and improvements.
-
Linux Usage Increases in Two Key Areas
If market share is your thing, you'll be happy to know that Linux is on the rise in two areas that, if they keep climbing, could have serious meaning for Linux's future.
-
Vulnerability Discovered in xz Libraries
An urgent alert for Fedora 40 has been posted and users should pay attention.
-
Canonical Bumps LTS Support to 12 years
If you're worried that your Ubuntu LTS release won't be supported long enough to last, Canonical has a surprise for you in the form of 12 years of security coverage.
-
Fedora 40 Beta Released Soon
With the official release of Fedora 40 coming in April, it's almost time to download the beta and see what's new.