{"id":663,"date":"2015-06-17T13:39:42","date_gmt":"2015-06-17T20:39:42","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/internetofhomethings.com\/homethings\/?p=663"},"modified":"2015-06-20T06:30:59","modified_gmt":"2015-06-20T13:30:59","slug":"native-android-app-development-using-only-html-javascript-css","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/internetofhomethings.com\/homethings\/?p=663","title":{"rendered":"Native Android App Development Using Only HTML-Javascript-CSS"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"cordova\"<\/a>Here’s a handy gem for your bag of tricks. Did you know that a native Android App can be developed using only the web familiar html, javascript and css? Without the need to dig deep into the bowels of the OS.<\/p>\n

Yep, it is definitely possible\u00a0– all\u00a0while still offering control of all your device’s interfaces such as cameras, bluetooth, wifi…you name it. You see, the hardware dependent components are supported with an Apache developed\u00a0framework called Cordova. And while this article focuses on the Android platform, the same App can easily be ported to ios or Amazon Fire, with little or no change. Making it possible to develop your App once for distribution across several different device types.<\/p>\n

Here is how to setup the development environment and install an application on an Android device.<\/p>\n

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Setting Up The\u00a0Environment<\/b><\/h3>\n

The trick is using Cordova to provide a platform for building native applications using only HTML. CSS, and Javascript.<\/p>\n

What is Cordova?<\/p>\n

This is a group of \u00a0APIs supporting the development of native Apps without using the language of the device. These APIs provide access to the device’s hardware sensors. And with a few simple steps, you are up and running, developing your unique application.<\/p>\n

Step 1:<\/p>\n

Install node.js from nodejs.org<\/strong><\/p>\n

This will allow you to run \u201cnode\u201d and \u201cnpm\u201d from a command line window.<\/p>\n

Step 2:<\/p>\n

Install a git client from http:\/\/git-scm.com\/<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n

This will allow you to invoke \u201cgit\u201d from a command line.<\/p>\n

Step 3:<\/p>\n

Install the Cordova module<\/strong> using npm by entering the following at the command line:<\/p>\n

npm install -g cordova<\/p>\n

Step 4:<\/p>\n

S<\/a>etup the Eclipse for Android App Development Environment by following the following instructable:<\/p>\n

http:\/\/www.instructables.com\/id\/How-To-Setup-Eclipse-for-Android-App-Development\/?ALLSTEPS<\/a><\/p>\n

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Creating A New Application<\/b><\/h3>\n

Step 1:<\/p>\n

Open a cmd windows<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Step 2:<\/p>\n

Change directory<\/strong> to the base directory for your workspaces (your choice).<\/p>\n

Cd c:\\myworkspace<\/p>\n

Step 3:<\/p>\n

Create new folder<\/strong> with app name (no spaces):<\/p>\n

mkdir mynewapp<\/p>\n

cd mynewapp<\/p>\n

Step 4:<\/p>\n

Create app file structure<\/strong>:<\/p>\n

cordova create appfiles com.author.mynewapp MyAppTitle<\/p>\n

Where<\/p>\n