What Makes Xamarin The Ideal Cross Mobile Application Development Platform For App Creators?12/6/2016 Cross platform development using Xamarin technology is increasingly becoming popular among app creators and multi-platform developers who are looking for an all-in-one mobile app development platform that offers the best of worlds. While the tech world may continue to debate on whether it is easier to use Objective C or Java, a number of developers are shifting over to Xamarin for the cross platform benefits it offers. Read on to know what’s so striking about Xamarin: Combines two unique platforms – iOS, Android: There are two separate .NET classes that developers can make use of – one for iOS and the other for Android projects. Xamarin doesn’t try to bridge the gap between the distinct UI and SDK of iOS or Android. Instead, the distinctive features of both are used in an optimal manner by the core logic of Xamarin. No coding overload: In contrast to other languages such as Java, Xamarin doesn’t involve extensive or laborious coding. This is because C# doesn’t involve as much typing as other programming languages. Since the coding is succinct and streamlined, there are fewer opportunities for developers to make mistakes.
Delivers native applications: A complete support for native apps is one of the greatest plus points of Xamarin. There exists a vast range of APIs (application programming interfaces) that help developers keep platform specific appearances while using shared code. This dispels the myth that Java or Objective C are better choices than C# for native app creation. Library support: Portable class libraries are present in Xamarin. These .NET libraries can be used to code iOS, Android or Windows apps. Developers are not forced to build the programs from scratch. In the past, some libraries would not work for Android or iOS projects, but this is not the case anymore. Shorter learning curve: Most developers are experts in C#/.NET programming. In case of Xamarin, experts just need to learn one language C# instead of spending a long time in trying to master Objective C, Swift or Java. Lean app development cycle: Shared code is another important benefit of Xamarin. Apart from native UI, the manner in which app logic is shared across various platforms makes Xamarin a must-have for developers. Whether it is support for native SDK of almost all app development platforms or the app logic for UI, 80% of the codes can be reused across operating systems. This not only saves time but also minimizes room for errors to creep in. Faster testing: In line with the points stated above, when a limited/single line of code (in C#) needs to examined by a mobile app tester, the testing will be more comprehensive and free of mistakes. The time spent on the entire testing procedure will also be short. Therefore, Xamarin helps enterprises in maintaining service quality even if there’s a time crunch. Xamarin also provides real-time testing on devices while ensuring creating bug-free mobile apps. The real-time testing feature is available on Xamarin TestCloud that makes it possible for any Android or iOS app to be tested simultaneously on a large number of devices. Fragmentation and object-based testing, both are possible in Xamarin. Xamarin.iOS: Xamarin.Android functions with JIT (just-in-time) and Xamarin.iOS works with AOT (ahead-of-time) compiler system. Also, the entire SDK of the iOS platform can be included into C#. Similarly, the in-built apps in Xamarin.iOS can be compiled on the ARM assembly code. Hence, devising apps in Xamarin specifically for Apple devices is easier than using Objective C. Nevertheless, if enterprises are hiring Xamarin developers to build robust cross-platform apps, they can have a larger share of pie! A shared coding environment, integration of two platform leaders and a shorter T2M (time-to-market) is what makes Xamarin an attractive choice. So, for those who are keen on cross-platform app development – Xamarin stands out for its user friendliness and convenience. Have you tried Xamarin yet? What are some of the other enterprise application development advantages of Xamarin ? Let us know in the comments below. The app development outsourcing industry in the last decade has turned into a behemoth attracting companies from different industry verticals. Every business is looking to capitalize on the increased dependence on apps. Businesses have slowly started to realize the practicality and cost effectiveness of outsourcing their app development projects rather than developing it in-house. Outsourcing industry, in general, is very dynamic in nature. Clients’ expectation from providers are always on the rise. According to Deloitte’s 2016 global outsourcing survey, 35% of companies are considering innovation as a key measure of performance in their relationships with outsourcing companies. This means companies are looking for providers who are able to offer innovative ideas for improving business processes. There are some clear trends emerging out of the mobile app outsourcing industry in 2016. Let’s take a closer look at them:
Do you outsource iPhone app development or Android app projects to third-party developers? Share your experience of outsourcing your app development projects with us through comments. Android is a fast-growing mobile operating system. Developed by Google, it is used on millions of devices over 190 countries worldwide. It is based on Linux Kernel and was primarily designed for touchscreen devices such as smartphones and tablets.
Android is considered to be a perfect platform for building user-friendly mobile apps today. Its ability to cater to a wider audience with a plethora of apps to indulge into makes it a popular mobile operating system among users. Not only it encourages developers to leverage Android for app development to create innovate, feature-rich mobile apps but also provides a great mobile experience to its users. So, take a look at the infographic below to get more insights about this OS. Bigcommerce, one of the largest eCommerce platform provider, has played a major role in the eCommerce industry over a past few years. The platform had recently undergone a massive rebranding process and turned out with a lot of significant changes that could leave you amazed.
Bigcommerce has summed up all the bases of its offerings via inclusive tiers of price plans along with a 15-day free trial. Bigcommerce says that their new brand reflects their long-term commitment of powering growth, eliminating complexity and providing support to businesses around the world. A new logo and messaging were released aiming towards better ways to reach bigger e-retailers. Let us learn about their rebranding journey. The Rebranding of Bigcommerce Bigcommerce now exhibits a new logo having a slick design that sends out a more businesslike effect than its predecessor. Even their website endured to a makeover with new colors, fonts, shapes and messaging. From the colors to site design and the flow to the capitalization of the name, Bigcommerce has changed it all. Most importantly, it has designed its logo in a way that made the average customers and internet users look upon Bigcommerce differently. It is no longer the “Bubble B” brand we knew. With the numerous internal changes made in the last few years, Bigcommerce has iterated its products and improved the way it communicated with the market. The new look and feel have not only made Bigcommerce mature but also its customers. The customer base of the company includes small to enterprise-grade companies as well as everything in between. Besides this, the designs of the website and control panel were informed by the customers and the partners. The website now has an interactive design that makes discovering the required information easy and efficient. This is represented in the new logo which resembles a growth chart used in the offices and boardrooms to quantify progress. Basically, the logo is a strategic and simple composition of elements that convey Bigcommerce’s commitment to helping retailers grow “up and to the right.” Beyond its commitment, Bigcommerce promises to create solutions and processes that enable scalability and double profitability. A few years ago, Bigcommerce was just a start-up offering a cloud-based shopping cart platform to other start-ups. But now it has grown into a mid-market brand that serves other tens of thousands of mid-market brands. Furthermore, Bigcommerce sensed that the needs of its customers, employees and partners are changing. Thus, the change was required. The new logo is not just a commitment but a reminder for the employees and promise to the partners that all the work and initiatives are geared towards just one thing – enabling support and scalable growth for mid-market brands. Conclusively, the makeover, even if it doesn’t impact the user experience directly, is sure to attract more enterprise-scale companies towards its platform. Meanwhile, Bigcommerce is expected to come up with product announcements to deliver more on the “up to the right” trajectory which is conveyed by the new logo and branding. Visit the Bigcommerce blog for more details on its rebranding. Did you leverage the rebranded Bigcommerce theme development? Share your experience of using the new Bigcommerce platform. Are you an OpenCart store owner? Does your site have SSL security? Well, wait! Many of us don't know what SSL security is. So, let us first take a look at the definition of SSL. What is SSL? SSL (Secure Socket Layer) is a form of security for online sites that deals with sensitive data like customer names, contact numbers, physical addresses, credit card information, passwords, etc. SSL creates a secure connection (done via the HTTP – Hypertext Transfer Protocol) between a customer's web browser and a server of the online retailer they are interacting with. SSL, being a cryptographic protocol, adds an extra layer of security to the HTTP requests which results into HTTPS (HTTP over SSL). If you are an OpenCart eCommerce development company that sells goods online, then SSL security is essential to manage all the information and ensure confidentiality as well as security. Using SSL for your online site benefits both retailers as well as consumers. Following are the major benefits of using SSL:
Pre-requisites: Prior to SSL setup, you must purchase and install a valid SSL certificate on your OpenCart site. You can contact your web hosting provider to purchase the SSL certificate. Step 1: Configure OpenCart: Login to the admin panel and go to Admin > System > Settings > [Edit] > Server. Find the setting "Use SSL" and click on "Yes", and then click on "Save" on the top right. Step 2: Modify OpenCart Directory config.php Files: It is important to ensure that your OpenCart configuration files have appropriate settings. Login to cPanel and navigate to "File Manager". Now, open (Edit or Code Editor) the configuration (config.php) file. Find the lines that look similar to the lines below: define('HTTPS_SERVER', 'http://opencart.example.com/'); define('HTTPS_IMAGE', 'http://opencart.example.com/image/'); Edit the HTTPS settings to make sure the SSL URL path starts with HTTPS, for example: define('HTTPS_SERVER', 'https://opencart.example.com/'); define('HTTPS_IMAGE', 'https://opencart.example.com/image/'); Save the changes you made to config.php file and close the file. Step 3: Configure OpenCart Admin Folder config.php Files: Go to "Admin" folder and open (Edit or Code Editor) the configuration (config.php) file. Look for the lines that look similar to the lines below: define('HTTPS_SERVER', 'http://opencart.example.com/admin/'); define('HTTPS_CATALOG', 'http://opencart.example.com/'); define('HTTPS_IMAGE', 'http://opencart.example.com/image/'); Edit the HTTPS settings to make sure the SSL URL path starts with HTTPS, for example: define('HTTPS_SERVER', 'https://opencart.inmotiontesting.com/admin/'); define('HTTPS_CATALOG', 'https://opencart.inmotiontesting.com/'); define('HTTPS_IMAGE', 'https://opencart.inmotiontesting.com/image/'); Save the changes you made to config.php file and close the file. Step 4: Test the Settings: Now test the settings you have changed by opening your website in a browser and type https://{your-website}. If you notice a green padlock in your URL, then everything is fine.
Congratulations, you finally added SSL security to your OpenCart store! Now stay assured that all the private information including your customers' payment details and passwords are safe and secure. Do you have any questions or suggestions regarding SSL setup in OpenCart? Drop us a line in the comment box below. Mobile search and purchases are growing in prominence. It's influence on buyer behavior is on the upswing. As a business, you need to capitalize on this trend and ensure cross-device site compatibility or invest in a separate mobile site. Once you make that decision, here are some design principles that you must follow:
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