Creating HTML5 Applications with jQuery Mobile, Ruby and Database.com

Creating HTML5 Applications with
jQuery Mobile, Ruby and Database.com
Developer Track
Jeff Douglas, Senior Technical Consultant, Appirio

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Jeff Douglas
Senior Technical Consultant
Appirio
Platform Architect
CloudSpokes
Co-Author, “Salesforce Handbook”

@jeffdonthemic
http://blog.jeffdouglas.com

What to Walk Away With

Strategies for building mobile applications with the Force.com
platform.
Best practices with Force.com mobile application with Ruby on
Rails and Database.com.
A deep love and appreciation for the Force.com platform.

Agenda
Mobile development strategies
Salesforce Mobile SDK
The “Mobile Chow Finder” application
Technology stack overview
 Database.com
 Ruby on Rails
 jQuery Mobile
 Databasedotcom gem
 Heroku
Demo (aka “Show me the code!”)

Creating HTML5 Applications with jQuery Mobile, Ruby and Database.com

Native Applications
Pros
 Feature rich, look & feel and performance
 Objective-C & Java
 Easy to find applications
 Easy to monetize applications
Cons
 Limited to single platform
 Objective-C & Java
 Distribution via Apple App Store and Google Play

HTML5 Applications
Pros
 A "write one, run many" solution that is cross platform and cross device
 Low barrier to entry - HTML5, CSS3 & JavaScript skills
Cons
 Not up to par with the native app experience
jQuery Mobile
Sencha Touch
jQTouch

Hybrid Applications
Pros
 Application framework that enables you to build natively installed applications using HTML,
CSS and JavaScript.
 Supports accelerometer, camera, compass, contacts, geolocation, sotification, storage and
more.
 PhoneGap Build – no SDKs to install! Spits out binaries for 7 different mobile platforms
 Discover and monetize via App Store and Play
Cons
 PhoneGap: Doesn’t look native
 Titanium: Platform specific API via JavaScript for Android & iOS. No HTML or CSS support.

What Can You Build with PhoneGap?

Salesforce.com Mobile SDK

Suite of open-source technologies for iOS, Android, HTML5 and
hybrid applications
Sample applications, quick start and webinars
Mobile components for Visualforce
Easy to build jQuery Mobile Visualforce applications

Building the “Mobile Chow Finder”

HTML5 application for service
members to find the local “Chow
Hall”
Database.com
jQuery Mobile
Ruby on Rails
Geolocation
Store favorites using LocalStorage

jQuery Mobile - View

Super easy! Uses web standard HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript
to easily develop user interfaces for mobile web apps
Framework built on top of jQuery – EVERYONE loves jQuery!
Provides custom events to detect mobile and touch specific
actions like tap, tap-and-hold, swipe, and orientation change (i.e.
rotating the device).
We are just building web pages!!

Database.com - Model

A secure, cloud database for building social and mobile enterprise apps.
Slimmed down version of Force.com database (essentially the Setup section)
 Only custom objects (no CRUD UI)
 Apex classes, triggers & workflow
 Identity & user management plus role and profile security
 Oauth2 & REST baked in
Utilize your favorite Force.com tools
Pricing based upon user licenses, records and transactions

Ruby on Rails - Controller

Great for quickly building social and mobile applications
Leverage thousands of open source packages and frameworks to build amazing
applications.
Databasedotcom Ruby gem
 Open source ruby client for accessing REST and Chatter APIs
 Supports OAuth2
 ActiveRecord syntax
 Should be called ‘Forcedotcom’ gem
Host the application on Heroku – WINNING!

Recap – What Did We See?
Strengths and weaknesses of mobile application development
strategies. When to use one versus the other.
The Salesforce.com Mobile SDK embraces all three
development approaches.
Advantages of using Database.com as a data store.
How to quickly and easily develop HTML5 mobile applications
using open source technologies.
Best practices for developing mobile applications.

Additional Resources
Force.com Mobile SDK
http://wiki.developerforce.com/page/Mobile_SDK

HTML5 vs Native: The Mobile App Debate
http://www.html5rocks.com/en/mobile/nativedebate

Mobile Framework Comparison
https://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=0AsTInFQpmXDNdEdJU0ZNNGx3dDA3aXAxV3lXYWhXVHc

Jeff Douglas
Senior Technical Consultant, Appirio,
@jeffdonthemic
http://blog.jeffdouglas.com

Creating HTML5 Applications with jQuery Mobile, Ruby and Database.com

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