Web Application Archives

8 Plugins to Convert a WordPress Site into Mobile App

Websites/WordPress’ define your brand’s identity. They sure gave you the leverage in the past, and while they still keep doing so, it only makes sense to change with the changing trends. In today’s world, a mobile application has the power to be more accessible, provide a wider reach, improve customer engagement, rebrand your organization, improve search engine optimization, and nonetheless gain customer loyalty. WordPress Mobile App plugin can help you convert a WordPress site into a mobile application.

There are three different ways to convert your WordPress into a mobile app:

• Hire a third party to build the app.

• Code it yourself

• Use a DIY app builder or plugins.

Although websites made on WordPress are flexible, it is now time to think beyond it. And mobile applications are the one-stop solutions for all your business development needs. WordPress Mobile App plugin can help you convert a WordPress site into a mobile application. These plugins are not hassle-free to use but they are also cost-effective. In this article, we give you eight of the best plugins that will help you in this process.

1. AppPresser

Best customizations, great customer support, and double the plugins, no wonder AppPresser is among the no #1 WordPress app plugin and mobile app builders. This makes creating an app plugin a piece of cake. You can easily create menus, add pages, and select a creative design. And the best part is it integrates all your WordPress content. Users can simply integrate WordPress features in a single app such as podcasts, WooCommerce, LearnDash, membership, and more. When it comes to pricing, its standard monthly charges are $59, while the professional goes up to $79, and the advanced is for $129/month.

2. AppMySite

On AppMySite one can build any kind of app with no coding knowledge. It enables all regardless of their background and claims to develop within minutes. With over 2,000,000 plus app downloads, AppMySite is increasingly becoming everyone’s go to app creator. All you need to do is – design and customize a mobile app that suits your business. When the design is finalized, with a help of a plugin connect the app to your website. The delivery happens in no time, once you download the app you can submit it to either Andriod or iOS or both. The process is seamless, it quickly connects to the website, the app testing process is easy, and app management is impeccable. The preview option is for free, the starter kit comes for $19 per month, the pro is for $39 per month, and while premium is for $79.

3. Wiziapp

Created by a group of WordPress specialists, fans, and mobile app engineers, Wiziapp is a seamless tool to convert WordPress powered websites into mobile apps. Owing to this, all the pages, posts, videos, and galleries are displayed in the native app user interface. Its integration is smooth and offers multiple designs. To get started all you have to do is download the WiziApp plugin and follow the simple instructions.

4. WappPress

This very simple to use and cost-effective platform enables you to explore endless possibilities. Within a few steps, you can generate your design and push it on different platforms. Their features such as screen launchers, various themes, the ability to convert the website into an Andriod app, launcher icon, push notifications, Admob, etc give your work a unique look. And the best part is you don’t need to have any coding knowledge to get your work started.

5. Blappsta

It is flexible, pricing is reasonable, easy to use, helps create stunning content, and is compatible with iOS and Android OS; well, the advantages are endless. Blappsta is fully integrated with WordPress and provides a preview option before publishing. You can simply use post and page to send push notifications. The pricing range starts from $34.99 per month and it goes to $149, this depends on the type of the system and addons.

6. WPMobile.App

This is one of the fastest and easiest mobile app builders. With three simple steps, you can create an app – enter the website URL and application information, and simply build an app. It is a great application building tool that offers a sleek appearance and functionality. Features like building apps in real-time, uploading a custom icon, auto-updating, Google Play compatibility, working offline, etc, are surely a crowd puller. You can build one application for just $19. The 5 minutes video tutorial that the website offers streamlines the process of application building.

7. Web2App

8. MobiLoud

This platform is more than just a WordPress plugin, they provide a complete service. It is one of the efficient tools for a WordPress-based business to turn into a mobile application. MobiLoud offers two platforms:

News: This is for the large media organizations and WordPress-based blogs, magazines, news sites, online newspapers etc.

Canvas: To convert WordPress site into hybrid iOS and Android apps.

Final Statement

Above are some of the best plugins that will convert your WordPress site into a mobile application. To do so, conduct thorough research on what works best for your organization and then move forward. Meanwhile, if you have an idea for a great app, we have the best team to convert that into reality.. To know more contact: https://www.app-scoop.com/contact-us.html.

By App-Scoop, 3 yearsMay 13, 2022 ago

Mobile application

Top 10 Mobile App Monetization Strategies

The shelf life of an app ends the moment it stops generating revenue. In all fairness, bringing in revenue is one of the most tricky and tiresome tasks, however not impossible. There are many ways through which an app can generate money. And the company must pick the right combination that works best for them. This obviously is a trial-and-error method, but once the method is finalized then there is no looking back. In this article, we will talk about the different monetization methods, how to pick the right model, and more.

1. Partnerships and Sponsors

Have you seen the kind of traffic social media influencers generate? They are worthy of influencing millions of people. Now imagine patterning with them. This model is known as influencer marketing and it benefits both parties. For this model to work in your favor, you should…

• Find the right influencer that does justice to your app.

• The influencer should have a decent number of followers. Usually, over 150k followers serve the purpose.

• Make sure that the influencer markets your product well. Provide them with a few guidelines.

• Giving them the freedom to express their views about the product well will showcase the uniqueness of the brand.

• Provide a promo code under the influencer’s name as it gives you an idea about the number of followers they are attracting.

• If this results in more downloads, keep renewing the partnership.

In some cases, influencers include advertisements featuring your apps. This move is highly beneficial for your product. Because if the user clicks on that ad, it pushes them straight to your app. This process is known as click-through rate (CTR), and if you are lucky enough this rate can reach up to 12.5 per cent.

2. Email listings

We know this is one of the age-old techniques of monetization, but you’d agree that this is one of the most effective ones. Adapting to the email strategy with your app surely will help keep your product alive in the hearts of the users for years to come. You can provide attractive features to get users to sign up for your email subscription. This kind of engagement allows the users to know more updates about your applications and it’s the best way to keep in touch. A study by an organization reveals that the life span of an email is 12 days, as opposed to a Facebook post which is barely a few hours, while a Tweet lasts for just over an hour. Hence, integrating this method will surely have a long term benefit.

3. Licensing your code

You know your code speaks volumes when your application has become the talk of the town and with that, you have developers and companies eying your application’s code. This is the power of creating a strong code. This method is one of the best ways to make millions of bucks and licensing your code to other developers not only keeps your code alive, but it also proves to the users that your work is worthwhile.

There are several marketplaces where you can buy and sell app source code. Sell My App and Code Canyon are two of the most used marketplaces for this purpose. Meanwhile, you can give this a thought too – some developers would want to buy the app as a whole and use your framework to create their application. Whatever the scenario is, you will end up making a lot of money, but the only underlining condition is that your app code must be impeccable.

4. SMS Marketing

Whatever medium motivates the customers to check out your application should be your top priority. SMS marketing, although is a slightly old marketing technique, the kind of reach and awareness it creates is beyond imagination. You can keep informing about the application through text messages. Information such as promotions, app updates, contests, reminders, etc., can divert the user’s attention to your application. Using this technique, you can learn more about the customers, broaden your reach, create brand awareness, increase customer engagement, gather data, and in all this, your brand will surely reach new heights of success.

5. Hard-hitting content

Good content will never seize to fetch you good and loyal customers. This technique converts users into loyal ones and the loyal ones into paying users. The only reason your users will visit your application again is because of the hard-hitting content. Publishing two blogs a week about various updates gives the users a chance to analyze your growth and what you offer to them. This will indirectly help in increasing in-app purchases. Keep your concept simple and relatable, update your blogs regularly, and give the customers what they are looking for.

6. Data monetization

The right kind of data retrieved can either make or break your reach. Now, there are several ways through which you can obtain data about your consumer. However, the data will be useless if you don’t make the utmost use of it. Data monetization provides better insights about your users and optimizes the use of data whilst enhancing your understanding of your user. In all this, this data analyzed will help you make the right decision, reduce operational costs, strengthen your bond with the user, and most importantly help your organization in business development.

7. Freemium

Freemium is like offering something good for free but something great for a nominal amount. For instance, applications can be downloaded for free from the Store however you can use some of the features or upgrade the app for a cost. According to a survey by Tech Jury, 9.98 per cent of Google Play’s revenue comes from freemium apps. Providing your app for free allows the user to understand it better and make a sense of what you are offering them. In all fairness, this model is like any other movie trailer which garbs the attention of the people and later people spend their money to watch it.

8. In-app purchases

Here is why in-app purchases are the most common and used model by the developers…

• Studies suggest more than 79% of game developers prefer the in-app purchase and the in-app ad revenue model.

• According to app revenue statistics, Candy Crush generated almost $1.2 billion in 2020.

• Play Store made about $8.8 billion in mobile gaming apps in Q4 of 2020.

This type of model is mostly used to develop mobile games. You can allow your users to purchase some features, avatars, updates, lives, etc., with your virtual currency. This method attracts a lot of crowds, keeps them engaged, and helps the app grow leaps and bounds.

9. In-app advertising

While in-app advertising is not a sight for the sore eye but a person who stops advertising is someone who stops the clock to save time. Statista believes that by 2023 the global app revenue will be around $935 billion and most of this revenue will come from in-app advertising. Choosing your ad content rightly will do wonders for your app. In-app advertising increases in-app purchases, and offers a great user experience, further providing an immersive experience to the users.

10. App Transaction Fees

This method is favorable for the ones who have a marketplace. Apps can fetch money through a commission fee when the transaction takes place between the users.

How to pick the right app monetization model?

1. Define your app’s goal

Point out what is the endpoint of your application, its focus, target audience, etc, this provides a clear picture of what to expect from the monetization platform. Before you select the model, keep an eye on the following points:

• Check if the model fulfils your needs.

• The build of the model is critical. Understand how the monetization-build is integrated.

• Jot down which ad networks the platform works with.

• Does the platform offer mediation?

• What sort of plan does it offer for user acquisition and customer support?

2. Recce and research

Without research choosing a platform won’t yield any result. Spend enough time knowing the monetization platforms. There are a plethora of options to pick from. Select the one that works best for your app. Once that is done, ensure that you:

• Don’t sell the offers at a higher rate.

• Keep updating the model’s content.

• Provide value for the user’s money.

• Continuously learn the latest market trends.

• Understand the users better to upgrade the model.

• Acquire the data and make the utmost use of it.

Summary

Your work just does not end after you come up with an app. In fact, your journey begins after that. There are several methods to monetize the app and keep the application alive in the hearts of the users. Selecting the right strategy to monetize the app will fetch you millions, however, the task is sure tedious. App-Scoop Solutions not only understands the market well but our diligent team will help you develop a great app and further help you with the monetization strategies. To know more, do drop in a message on: https://www.app-scoop.com/contact-us.html.

By App-Scoop, 3 yearsMay 10, 2022 ago

Mobile application

How technology is transforming future of Healthcare

Remember the olden days when people treated the patients with homemade remedies? And with that, they sure added their personal touch of praying to God to keep their loved ones safe, healthy, and sound. Since then, medical technology has come a long way. Currently, the influx of technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), the Internet, and others have revolutionized the healthcare and medical industry. Some technologies can be used standalone, while others used in a combination can bring a positive change in the lives of the patients.

Studies reveal that owing to the impact of technology, this industry has shown a ray of hope for many. Statista states, that this is precisely why investors funding in the digital health industry has increased significantly. It further states, that a decade ago, around $1 bn was invested in this sector, while 2020 saw a sharp increase in the investment where over 21 billion US dollars were invested in the industry. So, in this blog, we will talk about the top technologies that are used in the medical sector, HIPAA data security requirements, App-Scoop Solutions’ case study where they managed to simplify care coordination, and more.

Medical technologies that shaped this industry

“Information is the lifeblood of medicine and health information technology is destined to be the circulatory system for that information.”

1. Robotics

Be it Nanobots in the bloodstream which help in diagnosing and preventing diseases or Exoskeletons a device that manages the rehabilitation of patients with impaired lower limbs, or the latest being Robotics Surgery that enables doctors to perform intricate surgeries with more precision; this segment never ceases to amaze us. Robotic-assisted surgery and robot-assisted training in rehabilitation therapy come with a string of advantages:

• Smaller incisions

• Minimal scarring

• Faster recovery period

• Increased safety

• Reduced pain and discomfort

• Short hospitalization

• Fewer cuts

These advantages are what propel the global medical robots market. Studies suggest that this market will surge to $12.7 billion by 2025. Debatably, this concept is fairly new. This means still a lot of research is required. One of the striking drawbacks is the high cost of robotics systems which might limit the market growth in the coming years.

2. Digital Tattoos

Digital tattoos also known as electronic tattoos are temporary tattoos used for medical purposes. Around 2020, Google began their work on smart tattoos project known as Skin Marks. With embedded sensors, this tattoo transforms the body into a living touchpad. Once you dampen the tattoo, you can place it on your skin. It stays here until you rub it off. Now, what this tattoo offers is insights into biomarkers such as blood pressure, blood sugar levels, heart rate, and electrophysiological parameters as well. These records allow the healthcare experts to monitor the patient’s health and diagnose their conditions. Some of the digital tattoos are Glucose-monitoring temporary tattoos, Graphene-based electronic tattoos, Dermal Abyss, MC10, etc. Digital tattoos hope to become the next generation of wearable technologies.

3. Nano Technology

Nanotechnology is an amalgamation of Science, Technology, and Engineering, at a nanoscale. Nanomedicine, an application of nanotechnology, helps in cancer detection and treatment. And soon, the nanoparticles will help in drug delivery in our system. Now, it is well-known fact, that our brain is one of the most complex organs. Scientists are working on a procedure through which nanoparticles will be able to study brain activities. In this, the brain activities are converted into a frequency of light which can be registered by external sensors. This allows the researcher to study our brains in much detail. This concept has the power to change the way we collect data, further helping us understand the human body like never before.

4. mRNA technology

COVID-19 vaccine was among the first disease that made use of mRNA technology. And its success has sure given a boost to this technology. mRNA also known as messenger ribonucleic acid enables genetic instructions to the human body cells to make proteins or antigens. Instead of taking protein or producing antigens in labs, using a piece of the genome of the viral mRNA is quite effective. Studies suggest that this technology helps save the development time and cost of the process.

5. CRISPR

“If CRISPR realizes 10 per cent of what we practitioners of gene editing dream it to be able to do, it will rival the greatest advances in the history of biomedicine as a technology to impact public health,” said gene editor Dr Fyodor Urnov. This quote by the doctor speaks volumes of what this technology has to offer. Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) is one of the powerful technologies that enable researchers to cut the infected DNA. And in the process, it offers a chance to overcome some of the most dreadful diseases such as HIV, cancer, etc., in years to come. In a few years, CRISPR has certainly spread its wings long and far. Its application is treating and preventing the spread of diseases, improving the growth of crops, and correcting genetic defects. However, one of its setbacks is it raises ethical concerns.

HIPAA Data Security Requirements

To ensure smooth functioning, hospital and healthcare organization should adhere to HIPAA Security Rules. Protected Health Information (PHI) is of the utmost importance, and the HIPAA rules ensure that all the protocols are followed. There are three main types of HIPAA Security Rules – administrative, physical, and technical safeguards.

• The HIPAA Journal quotes: The Administrative Safeguards primarily concern the requirement to conduct ongoing risk assessments in order to identify potential vulnerabilities and risks to the integrity of PHI.

• The Physical Safeguards concentrate on the measures that should be implemented to prevent unauthorized access to PHI and to protect data from fire and other environmental hazards.

• The Technical Safeguards relate to the controls that must be put in place to ensure data security when PHI is being communicated on an electronic network.

Case Study (App-Scoop’s healthcare management app for Forcura)

Technology plays a great role in delivering the best patient care. Forcura is the leader in document management and HIPAA-compliant communication for healthcare organizations. It also empowers businesses to thrive and provide better patient care. The Forcura suite of tools is powered by Forcura Connect, a proprietary framework for standardizing interoperability and integration among post-acute health care organizations, physicians, electronic health records (EHRs) and other supporting technology vendors. When they decided to upgrade their system, App-Scoop happily decided to collaborate.

Project Deliverables

• Forcura envisioned streamlining their commutation with the staff and patients.

• To channelize their work, they wished to generate category-wise case documents and files of each patient.

• Also, to ensure electronic medical records safety, building a secure platform that complies with HIPPA compliant standards was on their vision board.

Solution by App-Scoop

• To ensure that the data is streamlined, we developed a web and mobile application. The web application was used by the admins to create different templates for patients’ case files.

• Only admins can use the web application to create case files. While the staff can use it to update/add details to case documents, upload snapshots of injuries, and create a track record of appointments, and follow-up details.

• To ensure that the communication is seamless, we built a mobile application that is iOS and Android compatible. It is developed with different chat functionalities, and voice and video call interfaces. This can be used by healthcare teams and groups, and the staff can communicate with the patients.

Summing up

The kind of impact technology has made on this sector is impeccable. The incorporation of technology in healthcare has improved safety and quality, minimized errors, helped in providing valuable data, and enhanced communication. Moving on, the projected market size in 2028 is expected to touch $430.52 billion with CAGR of 16.9% (2022 – 2028). App-Scoop continuously innovates to provide better solutions. If you wish to enable better patient care or if you are looking for a business solution, do drop in a message on: https://www.app-scoop.com/contact-us.html.

By App-Scoop, 3 yearsMay 3, 2022 ago

Web Application

The confluence of IoT and Web Development, and its impact

If you think that the internet has changed your life, think again.
The Internet of Things is about to change it all over again!
– Brendan O’Brien

The Internet of Things (IoT) – this concept is compelling and most of all, it has genuinely transformed the way we look at the world or, may we say, ‘things’ or ‘devices’. The internet sure has brought the world to our feet, but let’s face it, IoT and web development has single-handedly pushed us to make better use of the resources, given us better business opportunities, streamlined management, improved work safety, well, the list of its advantages is endless.

This concept has penetrated the industries to such an extent that 94 per cent of the retailers were stunned by the way how implementing IoT outweighed the risks. That said, this technology has improved the efficiency of 83 per cent of organisations. Whilst we are talking about technology, IoT sure has left its print on several entities. Especially web development. In this blog, we will address various aspects of IoT and web development. And the impact of IoT on the latter.

What is IoT?

• IoT describes the network of physical objects as ‘things’.
• These ‘things’ are embedded with sensors, software, and other technologies.
• The purpose is to connect different things in pursuit of exchange and collection of data in real-time.
• Studies suggest by 2025, there will be 152,200 IoT devices connecting to the internet per minute.
• IoT-enabled devices connect a large network.
• On the flip side, security at times can be an issue.
• In essence, courtesy of innovation, IoT connects devices and humans!

What is web development?

As you are reading this blog, we take the liberty of assuming that you like the way our website looks and functions. It is the work of a web developer to make the website look alive and great, and function seamlessly. Devs, also known as web developers write codes in different languages to build the website. Web Development is divided into two parts: Frontend and Backend. When it comes to defining web development, let’s go word by word.

Web: A platform that works on the Internet such as a website or web pages.
Development: Developing and creating the website from the grassroots level and maintaining it.

What is an IoT web app?

In this concept, the IoT device makes use of the frontend and the backend of the web application to perform functions such as the collection of data, analysing it, and providing the results.

• The main aim is to connect devices and gather information.

• IoT web apps work seamlessly and provide users with great GUIs.

• It allows people to interact and collaborate.

Role of IoT in web development:

Let’s get answering the million-dollar question. What’s the connection between IoT and web development? In all fairness, these parallel lines meet if you have an eye for innovation. In fact, in today’s world, IoT and web development go hand in hand. Take, for instance, Amazon Alexa. It is a classic example of how technology connects humans and devices. One command ‘Hello, Alexa’ and the device is at your disposal. Alexa is connected to the internet and has an IP address. When you give it a command, it processes by connecting with the backend of the web application. Once analysed it performs any command. So, yes, IoT and development are connected.

For beginners, we mentioned that IoT connects devices and humans. And we humans clearly understand the importance of websites, and not one day goes that we don’t make use of it. Web development sure has made our lives easy in many ways, but it does come with a set of challenges. The incorporation of IoT will streamline several web developments features such as its architecture, creative and free-flowing UI, and will take the communication with the website layouts and operational models to the next level.

How will IoT impact the web development industry?

Over the years, IoT has shown how it has the power to change the world. Its growing popularity has pushed several developers and designers to integrate this technology into web development. Let’s find out how IoT will impact the web development industry.

Impact 1: Making lives easier

The IoT-based web application can commutate with different smart devices. This will provide information to users on the go. With this, these apps perform a wide range of activities. Further provides a huge relief for the users when in need.

Impact 2: Charismatic UI Experience

The product becomes a heartthrob if it provides a dynamic user experience. All said and done, it becomes a tedious task to stay abreast with the latest trends and keep updating the UI. And in all fairness, developing a flawless UI is not a cakewalk. However, IoT gives the devs a chance to experiment and create UI that will woo the users. Incidentally, it also allows the developers to conduct AB testing in development and pick what works the best for them.

Impact 3: Chatbots and more chatbots

We have already seen the way chatbots have eased the pressure on organizations. Making use of machine learning, these chatbots converse with the user to solve their problems. By incorporating more such chatbots into web development, the future sure will be bright. And we see that happening soon.

Impact 4: Data Management

Let’s face it, managing data is a tedious task. Let alone analyzing it – it’s indeed a headache. Gathering user input on the live website, scouting it, and then investigating it is a mammoth task. At times, concluding on the search patterns may not go as intended. That’s when IoT comes into the picture. IoT devices are database-dependent. This whole process will help in enhancing the knowledge about user behaviour. This technology is known for collecting and processing a large volume of data.

Impact 5: High Standards

IoT is complex yet target-orientated technology. Understanding and incorporating it into web development needs high-level knowledge of coding, database management, and programming. Web developers, who wish to integrate this technology, need to pull up their socks and extend their knowledge base. They ought to continuously upgrade their pool of knowledge. Taking online courses, and regularly staying up to date with the latest IoT trends will bring them back in this game.

Impact 6: Strong Backend

The backend part of the website includes APIs, database, server-side, framework, and operating system. In short, the backend is the backbone of any system as it withholds tonnes of crucial data, facilitates information transfer, adds utility to frontend functionality, it helps in improving the user experience, etc. Hence, the backend has to be robust. When IoT come into the frame, it helps the backend carry out these processes efficiently. This further reduces the developer’s workload.

Final Thoughts

To grow a business all one needs is an open mind as it allows one to integrate entities that are beneficial for your organization. Be it IoT or web development, both have shown their worth individually. And their integration is quite impactful too. This blog must have given you a clear idea of how the amalgamation of IoT and web development will enhance your business performance. If you wish to do so, contact our team: https://www.app-scoop.com/contact-us.html for more details.

By App-Scoop, 3 yearsApril 6, 2022 ago

Web Application

How to build an Application Programming Interface (API)?

Connectivity has brought the world to our feet. Be it the social media connecting several friends, a telephone that passes on our message to our relatives, or for that matter a vehicle that helps us commute from one place to another. This has brought the human race closer than ever imagined. The fact being, unless we had a medium or a mediator, connecting with our friends, relatives, or reaching a destination wouldn’t have been possible. Well, the same logic applies to the software, programs, and applications as well. This makes the free flow of data possible. Imagine with just a click of a mouse button you can send a message via Facebook, or just by a tap on the application you can order your meal or place an order for your favourite dress. All this is possible by the courtesy of Application Programming Interface (API). This article will guide you through the basics of API.

What is an API?

Before we move on to the formal definition of API, picture this. You are in this Michelin star restaurant. The waiter approaches and you order their finest dishes. The waiter then goes to the chef and places your order. Once the dish is ready, the waiter brings to you, your dish. In this whole scenario, the waiter acts as a mediator, and in technical terms, the waiter is a metaphor for an API. Coming to the formal definition of an API, it is a type of software interface that allows communication between computers, programs, software, and applications. They enable data exchange and functionality easily and with security. The API specification is a standard that provides information about its construction, usage, and interface. Mostly, APIs are positioned between the application and web server.

How do APIs work?

Its function is pretty simple. When the user initiates the conversation with the application for some information, this process is known as a request. This request is further processed by API’s Uniform Resource Identifier (URI). This communication includes a request verb, headers, and request body. The API now takes this communication forward to the external program, which considers the request and provides the necessary information. The API then transfers the data back to the application.

How to build an API?

API creation exposes one to new opportunities. There are two key aspects to be considered while creating an API. Firstly, define the backend resources that your API will be using or reusing. The available resources are RESTful service, a SOAP-based web service, or an AMQP-conformant message broker. Moving on, a good API is always consumer-oriented. So, its designs cater to the needs of the clients and consumers. A good API manages the backend conveniently and offers the best consumer-centric solution. Here’s how an API is created:

• Stage 1: Groundwork

A good foundation determines the course of your action and increases the chance of your product’s success. To build an API, start with basics first.
• Determine the requirements.
• Understand the problem.
• Pen down the business development of the API, both functional and non-functional (response time, API performance, security, etc.)
• Describe REST APIs.
• Narrow down the best URL practices. (https://blog.stoplight.io/crud-api-design)
• Maintain consistency.

This progress needs to be documented. Before you move ahead with designing the API, answer the following questions:
•Who is the target audience?
•How can this API solve the problem?
•What should be the endpoint?
•How can you address the concerns from an API perspective?

• Stage 2: Design and Prototype

Before you begin this stage, gather the best team possible who will help you reach your API goals. And now it’s time to commence with the brainstorming session for the APIs design. If that’s a hassle, why worry when App-Scoop is here. We will help you design the approach, prescribe a guideline, write the API description, design the API interface, create an API prototype, build a sturdy backend, and handover an efficient consumer-oriented API.

• Stage 3: Development and Testing

It’s now time to build the server. The API design must be locked up before moving to the third step. Verify the implementation even if there are any minor changes. Consider the documentation of the Design and Prototype phase as a Holi grail. Now, we move to the coding phase. Shortlist your preferred coding language and framework. This process is slightly tedious, but at every stage of your business requirement, App-Scoop will surely play a great role. Once the coding part is sorted, next comes the testing phase. Read the description step by step with the best available command-line tool that validates the API description. Thoroughly test the API implementation to enjoy the best possible outcome.

• Stage 4: Publish or Deploy

Review and test your API before deploying. Once you are sure, you can start the publishing process. Ideally, APIs are hosted on API gateways. API gateways act as a reverse proxy that accepts API requests, analyze them, fulfils the requirements, and return the appropriate results. It sits between client and backend services. Keep monitoring the functions and analyse the API usage.

• Stage 5: Handover

Now that your API is designed, developed, tested, and deployed, it’s time to handover the API to the client, unless it is for internal usage. If you are delivering it to your client, share all the necessary documentation and descriptions.

• Stage 6: Service

In reality, even if the product is up and running, your responsibility will never end. A true organization will always be by the client’s side whenever they need your help. Keeping analyzing the product. Take the feedback positively and work on then. Just remember your API must be the best in the market.

What is API economy?

The digital boom has been taking the world by storm for a long. And we are not new to what digital transformation has brought to the table. As per studies, 40 per cent of the companies feel that adopting a digital model has improved their operational efficiency, while more than 35 per cent feel that this change has helped them meet changing customer expectations. If so, then why should APIs incorporate this. As a matter of fact, they already have. The API economy is a business model that uses API in the digital economy. This incorporation broadens their horizons while providing them with opportunities to grow their business. By far, Google Maps API is one of the best creations of Google technology. It enables companies to use their maps directly on their site.

Types of API:

• Open API

These APIs are publicly available for the developers. It provides them with programmatic access to the web service. For instance, developers can incorporate Yahoo search into their software. This increases the traffic and ends up being beneficial for both.

• Composite APIs
They combine multiple API requests into a single API call. Owing to this feature, it reduces the server load and makes the process faster.

• Partner APIs
They are shared externally with the strategic business partners. Partner APIs is not publicly available, and they need specific requirements to access them.

• Internal APIs
It is an interface for an organization’s internal use. With this, the company’s developers can access application functionality and backend information.

Types of API Architectures:

API Architecture is a set of rules and guidelines about what knowledge an API can share with the client. It’s a framework that enables information about application functionality and backend information.

• REST

It refers to representational state transfer. They are one of the most popular approaches to build APIs. These guidelines are super easy, lightweight, and ascendable to use.

• RPC
Known as Remote Procedural Call, RPC executes scripts on a server. It invokes processes, and it is one of the most upfront of three architectures.

• SOAP
It refers to the Simple Object Access Protocol. It is a lightweight XML-based protocol. SOAP is used to enhance information across networks.

Collaborate with App-Scoop
Over the years APIs have worked hard to prove their worth. If we begin to address the advantages of APIs, time will fall short. API saves cost, encourages innovation, enhances business development, pushes an organization to its goal, intensifies customers experience, generates new business opportunities, heightens productivity, connection, and collaboration, etc. That’s enough said. This sure must have spiked your interest in APIs. Contact our able team: https://www.app-scoop.com/contact-us.html to understand how APIs can power your business.

By App-Scoop, 3 yearsMarch 25, 2022 ago

Web Application

A beginner’s guide to Progressive Web Applications

Stats never lie! There are reports that companies that have launched their Progressive Web Applications (PWA) witness a significant amount of transformation in their business. Take, for instance, in 2016 The Washington Post released their PWA which was a combination of Google’s AMP and PWA technologies; this change had them achieve an 88% decrease in load time. On the other hand, Twitter rose to 75% more tweets, a 20% decrease in bounce rate, 65 per cent increase in pages per session once they shifted to Progressive Web Applications. Thomas Kent reduced their bounce rate by 57 per cent and saw an increase in the revenue by 79 per cent and organic traffic. In short, PWA has become the buzzword and they sure are living up to people’s expectations. In the articles, we begin by understanding what PWA are, user cases, pros and cons, and more.

What are progressive web applications?

Before we get into the formal definition of PWA, picture this. You are scrolling through a fine webpage that has managed to capture your attention. Soon a prompt msg pops up ‘Add to Home Screen’. You might be sceptical about permitting first, but wait till the magic happens. Once you give the permission, the PWA appears on your home screen. When you enter that, all the browser UI disappears, and you can use it as a seamless app.

Coming to the actual definition of PWA – they aren’t your mundane or traditional application. It is a new software development methodology that is a beautiful confluence of hybrid regular web pages and a mobile application. PWA’s foundation relies heavily on modern APIs to deliver installability, capabilities, and reliabilities. It is built commonly by using web technologies including HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and WebAssembly. With a single codebase, it can reach anywhere, anyone, and on any device. What this process essentially does is it allows the user a frictionless experience to reach where they want. And as Alex Ruxwell, the expert who coined the term, rightly said: PWAs are just websites that took the right vitamins

What is a Service Worker?

In all fairness, the reason why the PWA processes are executed with ease is courtesy of the Service Worker. It, indeed, is the fundamental part of PWA. Service Worker, a type of web worker, is basically a script written in javascript, that ensures offline access, quick loading of the pages despite the network issues, push notifications, and other features. As per Web Fundamentals, this file runs separately from the main browser thread, intercepting network requests, caching or retrieving resources from the cache, and delivering push messages.

How can your business benefit from PWA?

Reports infer that, by implementing PWA businesses such as AliExpress, Flipkart, and most importantly Google, have seen an increase in their retention which has reached somewhere between 50-100 per cent. This is means businesses can gain a lot by incorporating PWAs. A study proves that Alibaba.com, the world’s largest B2B platform, has increased conversions on the mobile web by 76% with PWA. Following are the reasons why businesses should consider PWA:

• Seamless implementation

As PWA are built using JavaScript, there is no need to change the framework or bring new technologies – one can easily build PWA. Talking about this from the user’s perspective, they don’t have to go through the pain of installing PWA. While scrolling through the web browser, they can instantly allow the option of ‘Add to Home Screen’ and the app will be pinned on the devise’s home screen.

• Top-notch performance

To gain loyal customers, the response time of the app is one of the crucial criteria that defines it. To top that, the time take to load the page or speed of download has to fast as flash. PWA makes this process hassle-free and fast.

• Safety and security

For users and developers, safety always takes the front seat. Every PWA ensures that the server is secure from all malfunctions. It appears in the form of a green lock that the user can identify at the top of their browser. Moreover, all the network requests have to pass through Service Workers, hence, it goes without saying that the apps are hosted over HTTPS. This avoids third party attacks.

• Supports cross-platform

PWA supports cross-platform application development making it more widely used by developers. They can create apps that can be used on multiple platforms. This increases the reach of the application. In addition to all this, PWAs are a single codebase that indeed helps the developer.

• Low cost of development

Most applications cost a fortune to be built. However, the way PWA is designed, it does not burn a hole in your pocket. And the best part is it gives good returns too.

• Discoverable and shareable

One of the best parts of PWA is that they are easily identifiable and shareable. In essence, PWA is a website, hence it is discoverable on all search engines. This, indeed, happens to its biggest advantage over native applications.

User case

When it comes to cars and the automotive sector, BMW’s performance has surpassed all the user’s expectations. But that said and done, there is always scope for improvement. The BMW team hit the right chord when they decided to transform the mobile website. This project was handed to Jung von Matt, who runs a Humburg-based digital agency. The task was to build a mobile website that resonates with the company’s vision. Nine months down the line, the results were outstanding. And the approach that they incorporated was PWA and Accelerated Mobile Pages (AMP).

Outcome:

• 50 per cent growth in mobile users.

• Almost 4 times increase in people clicking from BMW.com to BMW sales site.

• The load time was 4 times faster.

• Almost 50 per cent more sites visit from search engine optimisation than the old site.

Limitations of Progressive Web Applications

There are two sides to a coin. While PWA has ample pros, it too comes with a set of cons. As PWA is still in its initial stages, there are a few challenges that it is facing.

• No presence on the store

To reach the target audience, Andriod or Apple Store is a holy grail for all apps. The store gives the apps visibility, legitimacy, and reach. One of the biggest drawbacks of PWA is that they don’t have a reserved place in the store.

• Limited access
When it comes to technical options like Bluetooth, contacts, calendar, NFC; PWA takes a backseat as it does not provide all these functionalities. As PWA are fairly new in the town, they are not yet supported by all software and hardware.

• Lack of hardware and software support
PWA are still in the development phase. Its compatibility with OS and mobile browsers is not just justified. For instance, iOS does not support PWA. Hence, the users have limited access and cannot use functions such as sending push notifications, using Face ID or Touch ID, Siri, or Bluetooth.

Food for thought
Agreed, PWA are still in its initial stages. But it is quite commendable what it brought to the table in such less time. Henrik Joreteg, JavaScript developer, consultant, author, speaker, and educator said:
PWA is the single biggest thing to happen on the mobile web since Steve introduced the iPhone

PWA come in with a breath of fresh air. They give the developers a chance to experiment and give the users the experience of a lifetime. Still, wondering what’s the best solution for your organization? Talk to our experts to know more. Do drop in a message on: https://www.app-scoop.com/contact-us.html

References

1. https://www.thinkwithgoogle.com/intl/en-gb/marketing-strategies/app-and-mobile/bmws-journey-fast-smooth-and-reliable-mobile-website/

By App-Scoop, 3 yearsMarch 21, 2022 ago