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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, 2 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, 2 yearsMarch 21, 2022 ago

Mobile application

Top 8 reasons to opt for Hybrid Mobile Application

For any business to bloom its online presence is a prerequisite. Besides, a business’s application will help them transform its organization. In the recent past, the number of mobile users has skyrocketed. Currently, there are over 5.31 billion mobile phone users in the world. The advent of mobiles has allowed us to develop applications that not only cater to the users but will also help a business amplify. The worth of mobile application development is known to all. It increases accessibility, helps in brand promotion, connects people, improves brand loyalty, intensifies customer engagement – just to name a few. There are three main types of mobile application development – Web-based Mobile App Development, Hybrid Mobile Applications, and Native Mobile Applications. In this article, we will talk about the top 8 reasons to pick Hybrid Mobile Application.

1. Enhanced, Seamless and Consistent UX/UI

For the users, an application’s experience and the interface is something that keeps them hooked to the product. Seamless, attractive, and consistent UIs are crowd pullers. Hybrid apps UX and UI are far superior to others, and this is precisely why developers favour this approach. Owing to its accordant operations, the app store welcomes hybrid apps with open arms. One of the other perks is, courtesy of fast speed and high performance, the UI gets loaded easily and impeccably on every platform. This is one of the reasons why businesses opt for this methodology as it offers wider reach and greater engagement.

2. Provides native experience with simple backend

Imagine the happiness of getting the worth of native experience, HTML5 mobile app development, and an app that runs on multiple systems like Windows, Android, and iOS; all this with a simple backend structure! Hybrid’s code runs on various platforms giving developers an upper hand to express their creativity whilst experiencing the fluid native feel. Pair this with the right development framework and you are good to go!

3. Valuable offline support and access

The internet has sure brought the world to our feet, but at times, its connectivity is feeble for various reasons – interrupted connection, poor/low connectivity, limited data plans, or if the person is living in a rural area where there is negligible access. In short, without the internet, our world will crumble. That is when offline support comes into the picture. Hybrid apps provide offline support that will cater to all your need. This overall improves usability and accessibility. Their offline support offers:

• If the connection is lost, it keeps the users connected to specific features. In addition to that, it offers offline access for greater user engagement.
• Thanks to this approach’s built, users can store some of the data offline, this surely comes in handy during transit.

4. Smooth integration with other apps

One of the drawbacks of native approach is that it runs only on the same OS. This point is well addressed by Hybrid applications which offer seamless inter-app communication. Hybrid applications enable users a frictionless and smooth interaction with other applications. Developers already have a lot on their plate. This feature comes as a boon for them while integrating other features.

5. Fewer App Store Limitations

Call it impatience or lack of time, users are drawn towards apps that don’t just waste their time but give them what they are looking for instantly. To launch an app on the App Store is a tedious process. It takes time for validation and only then can be deployed. The time depends on whether it is a first submission or update or the time of the year it is launched. Considering all this, it takes about two days to a week to get deployed. However, hybrid app developers can reduce this period if the native code has not been modified, they can easily roll out the new updates sans waiting for confirmation.

6. Low cost App development

A person starts a business for simple reasons – to invest a smaller amount in returns of a large profit. So, they will try their best to save money at every level. What hybrid mobile app development does is use a single version of the app for multiple operating systems, unlike native development. This fast-tracks the development process making this approach cost-effective.

7. Better market reach

It goes without saying that applications need to stay in contact with the gadget’s operating system and built-in environment for better performance. Most applications don’t do that. However, hybrid applications are much more polished and refined when it comes to understanding and keeping in contact with the OS. This enables developers to think differently and create ideas that interest people. When developers are given creative freedom, the sky is the limit. This, in turn, helps them reach a larger audience, further making the business profitable.

8. Enhanced Performance

When was the last time you heard that Instagram’s performance was not up to the mark? Considering the kind of traffic it handles and the number of downloads, Instagram has exceeded all the expectations. This high-performing application is built using hybrid applications development. Other applications that incorporate this approach are Twitter, Gmail, App Store, Evernote, etc. These applications are quick to respond, have great UX/UI, some have less dependency on the network, and most of all they run effortlessly. And the number of users and downloads are a testament to the hybrid mobile application development approach.

Final Thoughts

Hybrid mobile applications bring to you the best of both worlds. In this lucrative world, it is imperative to find means that result in a great impact whilst using lesser funding. Hybrid mobile application development will enable you to achieve that owing to what it brings to the table. Right from providing valuable offline support/access to smooth integration with apps to fewer app store limitations to high-speed performance and other perks, this approach is here to stay for long. That said and done, when high-grossing applications like Twitter, Instagram, Gmail, and others have incorporated this approach, why haven’t you? App-Scoop helps you build your business, experience and not just apps. To know about hybrid mobile application development, check out our services

References

1. https://www.rishabhsoft.com/blog/hybrid-mobile-app-development
2. https://www.goodcore.co.uk/blog/benefits-of-hybrid-mobile-app-development/#Provides-High-Speed-Performance
3. https://www.technoscore.com/blog/10-reasons-to-choose-hybrid-app-development-for-your-business-growth/

By App-Scoop, 2 yearsMarch 14, 2022 ago

Metaverse

5 ways Metaverse technology will change our world

It is funny how we pick up on things so quickly, rather easily. Be it Artificial Intelligence or Machine Learning or NFTs or cryptocurrency or AR/VR, we humans have accepted these latest technologies with open arms the moment they came into our lives. Now, take, for instance, the metaverse, the internet is abuzz with this word. Talking about the net, incidentally, the metaverse is like stepping inside the internet. Believe it or not, within a matter of a few months, $10 billion has been invested in metaverse technology by Meta. And by 2024, the metaverse’s market will reach around $800 billion. Here is our take on the future of Metaverse. So, as we step into the metaverse, which translates to beyond the universe, let’s find five ways in which this concept will transform our world in the near future.

1. The immersive life

The technologies used to build the metaverse will provide an immersive experience that is unheard of. Although in its nascent stages, the metaverse, is an ambitious project that will provide the users with an up-close and personal learning experience of anything present under the sun. For instance, sitting in the comfort of your home, you will be able to watch and feel a football match taking place in Madrid’s stadium, as though you are physically present there. In one of the biggest updates pertaining to this field, Disney patents the metaverse technology for its theme park. This will track the visitors while projecting personalized 3D images for them. “Our efforts to date are merely a prologue to a time when we’ll be able to connect the physical and digital worlds even more closely, allowing for storytelling without boundaries in our own Disney metaverse,” said Bob Chapek, CEO Walt Disney. This brings the company a step closer to creating its virtual world simulator for the theme park. Living an immersive life will be a way of living in the future, and the metaverse opens up these doors for us.

2. Virtual Concerts and exhibitions

The art and culture sector is revamping itself, and how! Meeting people virtually, when you are physically at your home and for that matter anywhere on earth, is no longer a dream of the distant future. This change has already begun. Concerts held on metaverse are making artists a millionaire. When the Fortnite concert began, it instantly become a hit. Dressed the way they want, fans from any part of the world, were able to attend the concert virtually. One of their earliest concerts was attended by 11 million people. Soon, artists like Travis Scott, Marshmello, Ariana Grande, Justin Beiber, and others, set foot in this virtual world. A few months back Travis Scott, an American rapper, performed his first concert via metaverse. Fans who attended the immersive concert raved about the experience tagging it ‘surreal and spectacular’. And like in the actual gig, fans here can buy merchandise and live the life that they dream of.

Urban Break 2021, Asia’s largest urban art fair, which took place in August 2021 at COEX, revolutionized the cultural experience of the people. They used ‘ifland’ SK Telecom’s metaverse portal to exhibit artists’ work. Art and culture all across the world are getting their due credit as people are showing interest in understanding it. With COVID shutting a lot of doors for travellers, art and exhibition enthusiasts, technology like the metaverse will come in handy for people like them to continue their passion and bridge the gap.

3. The virtual yet real estate

In all fairness buying property in the metaverse is just like buying houses in the real world. Just that in the metaverse, the real world exists in 3D. Properties in the verse are going on sale and selling just like hotcakes. In the metaverse, although the risks are high, the rewards are even higher. Just last year, real estate sales in the metaverse reached $500 million, and studies suggest this number will double this year. On the same lines, taking real estate to the next level is Metaverse Property, a leading virtual real estate company offering exposure to this burgeoning industry via the Metaverses. Their mission is to build better places to call home begins with doing what’s right.

Creating a jaw-dropping concept in this arena is Republic Realm, a leader in metaverse and NFT innovation and investment. Recently they paid almost $4.3 million to purchase a mammoth land on Sandbox, the largest real estate platform. Thinking beyond imagination, Republic Realm is creating a luxury, master-planned real estate development in the Sandbox named Fantasy Island. Reports suggest that 90 per cent of the land is already sold. Real estate in the metaverse is one of the segments whose outreach grow beyond boundaries. Investing in this concept is surely futuristic. Buying land in the metaverse is legit like securing your future. But the golden rule is to research thoroughly before spending the money.

4. Dating on the flipside

Online dating has always been a huge concern for many. They do want to meet a nice partner but look at the amount of work that goes behind just one date. Not to mention, the seeping tension about the genuineness of the person who you are about to meet. Technology creates magic, and magic is what you need when you are dating someone. The lockdown and outbreak of COVID made the dating scene quite tacky and at times, scary as well. Several dating apps, put their best foot forward to end this problem. Tinder, an online dating app, has been in this business for a long time. Taking a cue from the buzz around metaverse, Renate Nyborg, CEO Tinder, at the recent conference announced that they are “exploring how to blur the boundaries between offline and online worlds”.

Bumble is also setting foot into the race of integrating the metaverse, Web 3.0, and online dating. This move will create new engagement, participation, and creator models. On November 10, 2021, during Bumble’s third-quarter earnings call, Tariq Shaukat, President Bumble, said, “On the metaverse piece, we’re really taking a Web 3 lens on this, in particular, meaning we are – I’m sure somebody will build a more virtual experience and we will happily engage and be there when they do that with avatars, etc. But what we think is really interesting in the near term is the application of blockchain and crypto in general to the experience that our communities have. Fundamentally, we are not just an ecosystem, but we are a community of people.” Dating in the metaverse will not make meeting people ‘more real’, but it will give them a chance to be themselves.

5. The games that we play

Be it Minesweeper, Mario, Roadrash, Unreal, The Lord of the Rings Online, or any other online game; the gaming segment has always made sure to capture the mind and soul of the audience. And the inception of the metaverse has given the gaming industry a look that was never imagined. In the metaverse, gaming will almost be social, as though you are playing it in the real life. Secondly, the experience is flexible and more immersive, as the gamers can transform the game as per the convenience. Another thing is, play-to-earn will gain a lot more momentum. The assets won by players can be sold off for cryptos. Here Virtual Reality (VR) will play a great role. It is said that 59 per cent of the industry believe that VR will dominate the gaming segment.

Eyeing the boom in the metaverse, Spire Animation Studios raised $20 million in the funding round. Epic Games pitched in this round to collaborate and build a metaverse experience. “Meta-distribution, where audiences engage with stories before, during and after film release, has disruptive potential,” said Spire CEO and co-founder PJ Gunsagar. “Audiences will live and interact authentically and persistently with characters and worlds without having to wait years after a movie’s release. Story-living through VR, AR and metaverse experiences is the future.”

Final Thoughts

The kind of traction this technology is getting is simply stunning, and why not? It is here to potentially create a whole new world in our already existing universe. The metaverse is giving the segments like gaming, dating, fashion, real estate, art, and others, an opportunity to grow beyond boundaries. The science fiction movies that we saw is about the come true, thanks to the metaverse, a realm that creates the future while we are in the present. Barely a toddler, this concept is here to create waves and stay for years to come. Let us know in the comments section, how according to you will metaverse will change your world?

By App-Scoop, 2 yearsFebruary 22, 2022 ago