what kind of database solution suits my mobile apps - android

I am looking into options how to realize the following use case. A iOS/Android user is using my app which gets its table view data populated by a cloud database solution. The user must be able to send back information (e.g. name + date) which needs to be send back to the database and gets stored there in a/different table/s. Moreover, I would need the db-solution to run automated reports based on the information sent back by the users (e.g. in an excel file).
So far I only found ragic.com might suit my needs. But what other options are out there, which might not be as fancy looking but will get the job done. Thanks guys!

A WebService is considered best practice regarding these matters. Have a look at this guys tutorial:
http://android.programmerguru.com/android-webservice-example/

Related

Firebase database structure - storing user activity in order to customize views and permission

Working with Firebase for the first time and looking for advice of setting up the right structure for my project which is basically an "offers/coupon" type starter project.
The scenario is this:
I have a node containing a list of all offers available to users
This list of offers is displayed to users after successful Firebase authentication
When a user redeems an offer, I want to be able to count/record that activity in their child node under user and hide that offer so that they cannot see it again once used.
My question is what would be the best way to do this given that offers may be added, may expire, or may change at some point in the future. So, in effect, the user should receive the list of most updated offers, minus the ones he/she have used in the past.
a) would it be more effective to have a master list of offers, and then run a cloud/server function to clone this list for each new user an track that way
Firebase Structure 1
or
b) Keep a master list of offers in one node, then track user specific offer usage
Firebase Structure 2
Appreciate your guidance
The second solution is better because you'll save bandwith. This practice is called denormalization and is a common practice when it comes to Firebase. The first solution is not good becase every time you want to display the users you donwload unnecessary data. If you want to read more details about how you can structure a Firebase database in a efficient way, please read this post, Structuring your Firebase Data correctly for a Complex App. Also, you can take a look a this tutorial, Denormalization is normal with the Firebase Database, for a better understanding.
Second solution is much good. Because in first one we are having redundancy of data in our database. And second one obviously removing that cause.
But instead of using true or false because it is only showing you, "it's available or not", so you can use a string type parameter as "expired", "going to expire" and "updated" or whatever sooo. So it. Will be able to trace all you information related to offer for particular user. I think this is your requirement also.
Happy coding.

Data storage option that best suits for my android app purpose

I am creating an android app that can be used by common users and also admin.
Suppose, if admin adds a new place name, that name should be added to database and when common user uses the app, he should be able to see the place name that is added.
I used MySqlLite database. But the problem is that if the app is uninstalled all data is lost. So I want some persistent data storage in which all the places that are added by admin are saved permanently.
Regards,
Sindhu
With the data being needed across multiple devices, your only option is to create/use a backend API.
Parse would have been a good choice but since that is getting shut down soon then it wouldn't be wise to use that.
Take a look at these alternatives here
You could also write one yourself, but unless you have some experience in that sort of thing then it will take some time to learn.

Android transfer object data through different device, same app

I want to implement a feature in an app where users can add friends and check and compare each other stats from the java objects created, which involves a few subclasses.
I was wondering if anyone know what the best way to approach this would be?
The only thing that pops out is using Firebase. Where the user would click a button to upload the data to Firebase with a UUID link, and then give the UUID to the other user, where he/she would have to manually type the UUID in a textfield, and it gets the data from Firebase.
Would method be viable and is there any other better options?
Thanks
I would probably create a file (you can invent any ending) with all info you need displayed in json. That file can be shared via Whatsapp or what ever and imported in your app?
But I don't know what "stats" that are that the users can compare but I think they will change from time to time? So I would guess an online service would be better because otherwise to update, they have to share again and again?

Best method to store and read data from a cloud source in Android?

The situation: I have many real life locations with specific information associated with them, and updated frequently. I am unsure of how to store this information for use in an android application.
My original thought was storing the data on some server/cloud source/database, reading from the server from each Activity in the app to make sure the info is up to date, and update the server with any changes that may or may not have been made.
For example: there are 200 people inside the library, one person leaves.
So we would read the number of people from the server, display this on the app, person leaves, subtract one, send the new number back to the server.
Would this be an incorrect approach? I'm fairly new to Android in general, and I really have no experience on how to approach this type of situation, what services to use, etc.
I would look into using Parse, its a pretty sweet way to power the backend, and their website is very detailed in explaining how to use it.

iOS/android hybrid app distribution/architecture model help or advice please

I am pretty new to the mobile end of development so forgive my naivety.
I would like to know if it's possible to have a structure/distribution model like the following:
Master App (has many "middle-man" instances)
!
!
Middle-man ( can customize data, look & feel, via web app and redistribute)
(has many end user viewers)
!
!
!
End User viewers( can download and install middle-man abc's app with middle-man's custom info)
Is this possible? I have searched around for quite a bit but perhaps I am searching the wrong terms?
I was thinking perhaps a couple options, let me know if it's sounds wrong.
Option 1 - Middle-man provides a special key code and end user types it in after installing the app to unlock it thereby storing the unique middle-man ID and displaying only their custom info. User only needs to enter code once. relation is stored in mysql perhaps??
Option 2 - create a build of the master template for each middle-man and provide the binary/install link along with a customized ini file to load correct ID? Or something to that effect.
Any better options out there? Something that allows for upgrades/new features to be passed down to all the instances easily.
Will this type of thing have any problems with the apple store if multiple middle men decide they want it on the app store?
Maybe I'm making it more complex than needed and could just use a simple "require login" for each end-user and the end user is tied to that middle man some how?
\The app could also be android app depending on middle-man requirements
Thanks in advance for any advice or links to helpful info.
If i had understood your question right, its a straight forward mobile app tied up with the backend.
User credentials for the middleman which shall associate with your
special key code.
Associate your actors(users) with roles and permission over accessing
content in the backend.
Your mobile app will pull the content only associated for the logged
in user.
Apart from this, you can store the content for offline etc.. Take phonegap approach and it pretty much does what you wanted to do.

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