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Forced Connection - Disconnected application

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    Forced Connection - Disconnected application

    I was thinking that I would like to build a disconnected application that remains disconnected UNLESS I choose to sync. How would you set this up?
    My thoughts are that I would build a "local storage" sqlLite db matching the one on the server, THEN have a sync button, but I am not sure of all of the options associated with the sync button itself.

    I want the application to work as fast as possible, so I want to use the local storage for that - then lets play the waiting game when we choose to sync edits.

    So, again, how would you structure this? I am planning of course on using a list control. What are the caveats?
    Can I build the sql lite db based off of the existing db I already have in place?
    can I force it to stay offline until - the user WANTS to sync? Can I warn of a slow sync possible due to large edits?

    I have been reading, but would like some thoughts from people who have built similar!

    ~Thanks in advance!
    NWCOPRO: Nuisance Wildlife Control Software My Application: http://www.nwcopro.com "Without forgetting, we would have no memory at all...now what was I saying?"

    #2
    Re: Forced Connection - Disconnected application

    To learn with, I would do offline with traditional ux lists and make the save to "local storage". Do this because it's the simplist method and you can change it later. It's good to learn the basics first. Depending on the application and dataset, you may want to use "File Storage" or sqlLite later.

    By default, in disconnected mode, your lists do not automatically update with the server (for example, when someone save a new record). You have to add a button with a command, and you can select from the premade buttons. In Defined Controls in the builder, you will see "List Detail View Buttons", then you will see "Sychronize current row ...." or "Syncronize - push all....". Choose the current row method.

    Syncronization of regular lists is pretty straightforward. BUT....once you know that it works, then the hard part starts and you have to customize it for your application. Images are a whole different deal and you really need to consider the ramifications of how you impliment your image solution....and then do a bunch of field testing.

    If you want help, we can do some training on it. Let me know.

    Comment


      #3
      Re: Forced Connection - Disconnected application

      I was thinking I would start with the persistent login - then load a ux and create a sqllite db on the device based on the existing Mysql db.
      What I want to do is is have it work entirely OFFLINE then sync the sqllite db on the device with the mysql backend only when the user "syncs" manually - and a connection is present

      I am going to build a small test db build the application and do a PGB to test it, I wonder if I could I test it with the mobile shell?
      NWCOPRO: Nuisance Wildlife Control Software My Application: http://www.nwcopro.com "Without forgetting, we would have no memory at all...now what was I saying?"

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        #4
        Re: Forced Connection - Disconnected application

        I would start more simply to understand how it all works. Then build from there. Persistant login and the sqlLite way of doing things is great, but I would cover the basics first. Then, you can add in features as needed. But if you want to jump right in to the deep end of the pool go for it! :)

        Don't test with any kind of shell. Build it from scratch so you understand it. If they had a prebuilt system to just hand you that would be great, but they don't. We have talked about that actually - creeating a base mobile offline app as a freebie to hand out. Might do that at the in-person IADN devcon that is coming later this year. Did you hear about that?

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          #5
          Re: Forced Connection - Disconnected application

          no i did not hear about IADN - also, as much as I am asking about I do have a basic understanding of how it all works and have played with all of the components to building a disconnected app over the last few years. I kind of wanted to hear some do's and don't which is what your supplying so don't take that wrong.
          I am of course jumping into the deep end, lol - I seem to learn faster that way! I will take your advice on the shell though as I don't see that reproducing a real world scenario as well as an actual PGB
          I was thinking of trying to control the connection, in other words to be as lean as possible - data is present - state is local - and the html is pre-rendered and cached, everything would be on the device rather than waiting for the data in an ajax callback - then let the user say OK - i'll now wait to sync it up knowing that this could take a minute, and give them a progress bar, etc.
          I was thinking it would be cool to give them the option to sync anytime there is a connection - but in my head it might be better to manually perform the sync.

          My goal is to provide as much as possible a native instant feel to the application
          NWCOPRO: Nuisance Wildlife Control Software My Application: http://www.nwcopro.com "Without forgetting, we would have no memory at all...now what was I saying?"

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            #6
            Re: Forced Connection - Disconnected application

            The sync process totally depends on the individual app and the environment it's being used in. For example, here in WV, we have terrible connectivity when you get out the cities and data can be 1x, 2x, 3g, etc. Doesn't matter what the phone says. So, we force users to sync individual primary records (and sub records) and then we force them to sync images separately from the data. Works way better than having the system do anything automatically. The user must also explicitly call the data refresh functions to refresh the data cache. If that is automated it performs poorly here.

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              #7
              Re: Forced Connection - Disconnected application

              Have you built a web app or a PGB?
              When you say FORCE do you mean save/sync manually as opposed to auto-commit & refresh row on select?
              NWCOPRO: Nuisance Wildlife Control Software My Application: http://www.nwcopro.com "Without forgetting, we would have no memory at all...now what was I saying?"

              Comment


                #8
                Re: Forced Connection - Disconnected application

                Also, does auto-commit mean it is still NOT synced/saved yet?
                NWCOPRO: Nuisance Wildlife Control Software My Application: http://www.nwcopro.com "Without forgetting, we would have no memory at all...now what was I saying?"

                Comment


                  #9
                  Re: Forced Connection - Disconnected application

                  Yes, we have built for web and phonegap. Yes, Force means they must manually perform the function. Autocommit simply saves to the list....it doesn't mean that it's synced. ALTHOUGH you can set it up to automatically sync upon commit if you want.

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