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Introduction to WebSockets with Appery.io

Have you ever wondered how apps send updates in real-time? The magic happens with WebSockets. Today, we’ll show you how to add WebSockets to your apps using Appery.io. This low-code app-building platform makes it easy to create complex apps quickly. Note that this post supports our comprehensive video tutorial and if you are interested in details, you are welcome to watch it.

By following the steps below, you can easily enhance your app with real-time communication features using WebSockets and Appery.io. Exciting, right? Let’s get started!

Setting Up Your App

First, create an empty app in Appery.io. Then, go to the Catalog of Appery.io plugins and select the WebSocket Example plugin.

Before importing it, you can click the link to open its documentation page. You’ll see it contains the code for the WebSocket server. This server needs to be run somewhere. While real applications may use Amazon or Azure, we’ll use CodeSandbox for testing.

Using CodeSandbox

1. Create a new Devbox.

2. Select Node.js Server from the list of backend frameworks.

3. Name your Devbox and set its visibility to “Public”.

4. Install two npm modules: `express` and `socket.io`.

Now, let’s move to the next step.

Setting Up Your WebSocket Server

Copy the server code from the documentation page and paste it into your `index.js` file in CodeSandbox. If everything is correct, the server should start successfully.

Back to Appery.io

Return to the Appery.io project and click Import selected plugins with the WebSocket Example plugin checked. This plugin helps you integrate WebSockets into your app. But first, let’s test it.

Testing Your App

Go to the Project > Routing section and set “WebSocketScreen” as the default page.

Next, navigate to TypeScript > WebSocket and specify the URL of your WebSocket server obtained from CodeSandbox.

Now, run your app in different browsers like Google Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. Enter a test message and click the “Send” button.

Ready! The message should be delivered to all clients in real-time.

Conclusion

Now you’ve seen how to add Websockets to your apps using Appery.io. This post is a companion piece to our detailed video tutorial. The demo app isn’t a finished product but provides a solid template for building your own real-time communication features. Give it a try and unlock powerful networking capabilities in your applications!

We’re thrilled to announce that the Appery.io team has just released a ready-to-go template: App Starter Offline, that serves as a dynamic, adaptable, and interactive foundation for creating state-of-the-art mobile applications, fully equipped to support offline mode and accessible on any device.

Offline Mode: A Game-Changer

One of the standout features of the App Starter Offline template is its robust offline mode. Not only can you read app data when offline, but you can also modify it and synchronize changes. This ensures data consistency, even in situations where multiple users are accessing and modifying data under different online/offline scenarios. Whether your users are in a remote location with no network access or simply in an area with spotty coverage, they’ll be able to continue their tasks without interruption.

Rich Feature Set: Beyond Offline Mode

While offline mode is the star, App Starter Offline comes packed with a host of other valuable features:

– Authentication Options: Robust and secure authentication methods, including options such as username & password, and FaceID.

– Extensive User Settings: A comprehensive settings dashboard for users to personalize their app experience, including account preferences, notification controls, and privacy settings.

– Personalized Profiles: Enable users to create and edit their profiles with personal data and images for a unique, customized experience.

– Multilingual Support: Make your app accessible to a global audience with a wide range of language options.

– Dark Mode: Reduce eye strain in low-light conditions and conserve battery life, toggling between light and dark themes.

– Secure Messaging for Verification: Enhance security with double opt-in sign-up and operations via email or SMS confirmation codes, perfect for password changes or new device verifications.

Detailed Guide Included!

To ensure a smooth and tailored implementation process, we’ve also provided a comprehensive guide on how to use and customize the App Starter Offline template. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or just starting, our guide will assist you in maximizing the potential of this robust template.

Bonus Time!

New How-To Video: Simplify Your Work in Appery.io Editor

In addition to the new template, we’re excited to share a brand-new how-to video on our YouTube channel . This video demonstrates how to simplify your work in the Appery.io editor using the “Text in Editor” feature, all without disrupting your app’s UI. Check it out to streamline your development process and ensure a hassle-free experience. 

Conclusion: An Essential Tool for Modern Developers

Ideal for entrepreneurs, startups, and businesses aiming to launch applications in sectors like social networking, e-commerce, health & fitness, education, or any user-centric service, the App Starter Offline template is designed to provide an impeccable user journey from the very first interaction. Additionally, whether you’re developing a comprehensive product or testing a minimum viable product (MVP), this template will be instrumental in accelerating your development process and enhancing user engagement. So why wait? Dive into the world of seamless offline experiences with Appery.io‘s App Starter Offline template today and watch your app reach new heights.

Stay tuned for more updates and don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel for the latest tutorials and tips!

Diving into mobile app development? Enhance your app’s capacity effortlessly by integrating it with a cloud database. In our new video guide, we take you through an easy-to-follow guide on setting this up using Appery.io, making your app more dynamic and robust.

Why Cloud Databases?

Cloud databases provide a scalable, secure, and efficient way to manage app data. Whether it’s Amazon RDS, SQL Server, or PostgreSQL, these platforms help you handle large volumes of data without compromising on performance. The best part? Appery.io supports various databases, opening a realm of possibilities for your applications.

Getting Started with Database Connection

First, log into the Appery.io App Builder. Go to the API Express tab and create a new database connection. This process is user-friendly and supports different database types. For instance, connecting to a PostgreSQL database is as straightforward as inputting credentials and testing the connection for viability.

Exposing Database Data via REST Service

Once your database is connected, the next step is to expose your data. This involves creating an API Express project that allows your app to communicate with the database via RESTful services. You’ll find this feature particularly useful as it forms the backbone for data interaction within your app.

Building and Testing Your Mobile App

The final step is the most exciting—building your mobile app. Appery.io simplifies this with features that accommodate both no-code and low-code development approaches. Start by creating a new app and dragging the necessary components like Lists or Buttons onto your app’s screens. Then, integrate the services you’ve created to fetch or input data into your cloud database.

Real-World Application: Dynamic Data Handling

To illustrate, imagine your app displays a list of data entries from a cloud PostgreSQL database. You can enhance this by adding functionalities like creating new data entries through the app. This not only makes your app interactive but also practical for real-world use. Testing these functions within Appery.io is straightforward and gives you a firsthand look at your app’s performance.

Conclusion: Embrace the Power of Integration

By integrating cloud databases into your mobile apps, you unlock new layers of functionality and efficiency. As demonstrated in our video guide, the process can be surprisingly simple yet incredibly impactful. Whether you want to improve an existing app or start a new project, cloud database integration is a gateway to more sophisticated and responsive app solutions.

Ready to enhance your mobile app? Dive into cloud database integration and watch your app’s potential unfold!

Creating an app that stands out in the vast sea of mobile apps can seem daunting. However, with Appery.io‘s versatile theme management features, customizing your app’s look and feel becomes not just effortless but exciting. Here’s a straightforward guide on how to work with themes in Appery.io, ensuring your app not only functions perfectly but also visually captivates your audience.

Step 1: Explore the Default Theme

• Navigate to the Themes folder under the Project tab.
• Inspect the Main Colors section to understand the color palette, including the primary color, of the default theme. This serves as a solid foundation for your app’s aesthetic.

Step 2: Customize Your Theme

• Leverage the Theme Generator editor within Appery.io to adjust the main colors of your theme. This intuitive tool allows for easy selection and configuration through a color picker tool.
• Directly input color codes if you’re matching a specific palette, enabling quick alignment with your brand or desired look.

Step 3: Expanding Your Theme Collection

• To add more diversity or support different user interfaces, like a dark mode, create new themes. Choose CREATE NEW > Theme and select your base design.
• Embrace modern trends, such as the dark mode, by selecting it during your new theme creation. This addition caters to user preferences and system settings.

Step 4: Implement Dynamic Theme Changes

• Elevate user interaction by incorporating dynamic theme changes through actionable elements like buttons.
• Navigate to the button’s EVENTS tab, select the Run TypeScript action, and input the following code to change themes dynamically upon a button Click action: this.$a.setTheme("Default");.

Step 5: Personalization with CSS Classes

• Customize themes to cater to various user groups or corporate identities using CSS classes. Assign thematic behaviors to UI components for a tailored user experience.
• Utilize the Extra SCSS section within a theme to apply unique classes or data, offering a versatile approach to app personalization.

• When done, assign this class to the needed UI component.

Testing and Application

• Remember to preview your app under different themes using the Theme Preview selector to ensure your design aligns with your vision.

• Apply your global theme across all app pages for consistency or set condition-based themes for varied experiences.

Discover More on YouTube

For a more in-depth exploration of each step and visual guidance, our YouTube channel offers the detailed video tutorial. Witness firsthand the power of theme customization in Appery.io by watching our dedicated video on how to work with themes. This resource is invaluable for grasping the practical aspects and unlocking advanced techniques to elevate your app’s design.

Why Choose Appery.io?

Appery.io isn’t just a tool; it’s a gateway to realizing your most ambitious app ideas. With its user-friendly interface, extensive customization options, and robust support system including our YouTube channel, you’re equipped to create visually stunning apps that resonate with users and stand the test of time. Let Appery.io be your partner in the journey from concept to creation, and transform your app vision into reality with themes that express the essence of your idea.

Unlock the full potential of your mobile app with Appery.io – where innovative design meets functionality. Subscribe to our YouTube channel today and stay updated with the latest tips, tricks, and insights in app development with Appery.io. Your dream app is just a theme away!

The world of mobile app development just got more delicious – thanks to Appery.io and their latest addition: the Menu app template. This user-friendly template caters to small restaurant businesses and offers versatile features for both admins and guests. Let’s delve more into what the Menu template has to offer.

Please check this link to see what it can look like.

The creation of the Menu app is swift with Appery.io ‘s App Builder. All you need to do is select the Menu template and create – your restaurant’s app, equipped with all the necessary pages and services, will be ready to go in a jiffy.

The default layout of the app opens with the menu page, a customizable header featuring the restaurant name, and a bilingual language selector toggling between English and Spanish.

However, Appery.io ‘s flexibility allows you to add any language to the selector with minimal effort.

One of the captivating characteristics of this template is its divided meal categories. Choose from four different categories: starters, mains, desserts, and beverages. Each meal comes with its own page, complete with a photo, name, price, and further details. Tagging options like “new” are also available to highlight dishes that you’d like to promote.

The app has an Add to Order feature, allowing guests to keep track of their orders, review, and edit if necessary before the final order placement.

The app also includes an About Us page that you can customize to the nines! It allows you to replace photos, working hours, and contacts with your own.

Once the app is tailored to your restaurant’s needs, all you have to do is print the QR Code of the published app and put it on your tables. Your guests will enjoy the luxury of ordering their meals in their own language, effortlessly.

Now, let’s discuss customization. The Menu app template is designed so that you can personalize it without writing a single line of code. You can easily add categories, arrange them on the categories page, and even add proper images for them. Moreover, you can even customize the language options and the translations for them, offering a truly multilingual experience for your guests.

Watch this video for some tips on how it can be modified according to your needs:

Besides the smooth customization process, the back-end management of the Menu app also stands out. The Menu_DB database, linked with the app, houses all the predefined meal records in all available languages and their details, offering you an easy way to edit and add meals.

In addition, the beauty of Appery.io ‘s Menu app extends beyond just customizing meal details. It enables restaurant admins to update the menu right from the app itself, bypassing the need to access the App Builder.

As an added bonus, app enthusiasts can look forward to more from Appery.io. Future videos will dive deeper into other exciting features tailored particularly for restaurant admins.

For now, however, it’s time for restaurant owners to delve into low-code app development with Appery.io‘s new Menu app template and discover a revolutionary way to streamline their small businesses.

Anyone interested can try Appery.io for free and see what the platform, along with the Menu template, has to offer. Do not hesitate to subscribe to our YouTube channel for more insightful content as it continues to release.

We are here once again, this time with an easy-to-follow, stress-free tutorial on setting up SMS confirmation using Twilio. And exciting news – we also have a video tutorial for you to follow along with!

Remember how we learned to set up SMTP server settings for email confirmations? Today, we’re switching gears to play with Twilio, allowing us to securely verify sign-up attempts via SMS. Cool, right? Let’s jump in!

Step 1: Getting to Know Twilio

Our journey starts with Twilio. Never heard of them? They are experts in sending out SMS verification codes.

• Head over to the Twilio website and sign up for their free trial account. Once you’re registered and logged in, you can start personalizing your setup. You can either use an existing account or create a new one. I whipped up a new account I like to call SMS Confirmation.

• Don’t forget to verify your phone number within Twilio. Just drop your number in, await the verification code via SMS, and then pop the received code into the website.

• You’ll find a few more easy-peasy questions to answer and then hit Get started with Twilio. Congrats, you’re now ready for action!

• Your Twilio dashboard will display a special phone number. This number is outgoing only and will be used to send confirmation messages to your own app users.

• While you’re there, note down your Account SID, Auth Token, and your new Twilio phone number.

• Lastly, ensure that you’ve listed the phone number you are using for testing in the ‘Active Numbers’ list (Phone Numbers > Manage), and that your Verified Caller IDs tab has the verified number ready to receive the authentication codes.

Step 2: Bring On the App Builder

Now that Twilio is all set, let’s put the App Builder to work.

• Go to the Server Code tab then open the StarterLib library, which was created just for us. We’re planning to send out confirmation SMS, so we’ll need to replace EMAIL with SMS for the confirmation type in the StarterLib script.

• Next, hop back over to the Twilio console and one by one, copy your Account SID, Auth Token, and Twilio phone number into the corresponding variables on the script in the StarterLib section. Hit ‘Save’ and voila — you’re all set!

• The moment of truth has arrived. Click TEST on the App Builder page, fill in the sign-up page details, and then wait for the verification code on your mobile device. Once received, drop it into the app, and bingo! Your user is registered.

As you can see, setting up SMS confirmation using Twilio is easier than a walk in the park.

We hope that this short guide will make your app development experience even better.

Remember, we provide a handy two-week trial giving you plenty of time to experiment with our Starter App Template. Plus, you can subscribe to our YouTube channel for even more handy tips.

Thanks for coming aboard this guide, and see you again very soon!

Your Appery.io Team!

Check out our new tutorial that shows you how to add custom pop-ups to your Appery.io app. You can add error or success messages, custom notifications, prompt windows, and more — all by installing the SweetAlert2 module to your app.

Appery.io allows developers to create apps that support sign in with Apple ID. To add this feature to your application, you simply need to install and configure our new Login with Apple plug-in.

In today’s time of unprecedented troubles and uncertainty we are happy to be able to give some bit of satisfaction to the Appery.io community: a bunch of new Ionic 4 tutorials have arrived so that you can immerse yourself in a new level of programming and be more optimistic about your future.

Over time we have been working hard to document Appery.io Ionic 4 components as thoroughly as possible. This documentation will help you understand better how the Ionic 4 app UI can be managed in the best possible way for your particular project.

App Template Tutorial

If you are only starting on your Appery.io programming journey, you will definitely find our pre-defined Ionic 4 app templates useful. To get oriented on this topic review: Ionic 4 App Templates.

Cordova Plug-in Tutorials

We have also published several easy-to-follow tutorials that demonstrate the effective use of Cordova plug-ins in Appery.io Ionic 4 projects:

Ionic 4 Calendar plugin Tutorial

Ionic 4 Document Scanner and File Read Plug-ins Tutorial

Ionic 4 Social Sharing plugin Tutorial

More Sample App Tutorials

These tutorials describe how to develop some cool Ionic 4 apps:

• Two sample apps that use form controls to perform specific data-entry tasks

• App where you can use the Camera service to run a camera on your device, take a photo, preview this photo in the image component on screen, and then upload it to a database

• Mobile application with a menu

• Simple mobile line chart app

Just take a look at how intriguing these examples are as you work through them!

Note: Most of the tutorials come with app backups that make the tutorials easier to go through.

We hope this “to-do list” of Appery.io tutorials will help you get through these trying times and make your #StayAtHome times less burdensome and as efficient and pleasant as possible.

Stay with us and hope for better times soon!