Optimisation in any poor program is key to its overall size and portability. easy ways to optimise a program would be to review the size of files contained within it comma, for example, images, audio and any other assets capable of being reduced in physical file size by using appropriate compression techniques, such as saving in a compressed file format. other ways to optimise a program would be to reduce any duplication an unnecessary code that is contained within the application, for example using externally code repositories.
On any digital nowadays the operating systems are bespoke to the device themselves, however, on mobile platforms such as phones, we have the Andriod OS and Apples IOS, these two big players within the mobile platform market count for a major proportion of it, so, why are we worried about compatibility?
Each of the developer's Apple and Andriod have to have permission for their OS's to use certain file formats and it is not agreed/paid for the devices will not be able to support/use them.
Therefore during the development of the app, it is important to ensure that research has been done around the files and the formats that are to be used.
An example is within IOS, where flash applications are not supported.
Compression is an important part of streamlining an app to ensure that it is no over-inflated with large files. A classic example is the use of "minifying" in HTML and CSS. This is where spaces that are inside the mark-up that are not essential are removed as this is would add extra character counts and enlarge the file.
Encryption can work within the compression section also, however there may be sections of code or mark-up that have been specifically created giving access to restricted areas and data, this would be encrypted to ensure that the risk to the data is reduced. This is also used in passwords.
Producing a mobile app to meet identified requirements through the use of appropriate programming language(s), tools and/or development environments, e.g. Android Studio, Xcode.
o Constants are used to enable the system to reference a value that will not change or store any form of variability whilst the application is running.
o Operators can be classified as either arithmetic or logical. Arithmetic operators include the following; Add, Subtract, Multiply, divide increment and decrement. The table below illustrates how these might be coded and displayed in an applications programming.
| + | Add | This is used to add 2 or more values |
| - | Subtract | This is used to subtract a value from another |
| / | Divide | This is used to divide a value with another |
| * | Multiply | This is used to multiply to values together |
| ++ | Increment | This is used to enable a value to be incremented by 1 |
| -- | Decrement | This is used to decrease a value by 1 |
The logical operator is used to trigger events and procedures these can come in a range of ways as displayed below;
| && | And | This allow a command to look for something AND |
| || | Or | This enables the program to look for something OR something else |
| ! | Not | This tells the program NOT to do something |
o Reserved words in a program or app can link to the syntax that is used as certain words work as operators and triggers within the code for example; public, for, do, loop, class, int, var, else, switch, double, do, and countless others. These words will be used to begin triggers or functions in a program. It is essential that they are not used and variable or constant name declarations as they may impact the functionality of the program.
o input and output commands
o local variables
o global variables
o assignment
o sequence
o selection
o iteration.
Data types are used commonly across most program languages, the table below outlines the most commonly used; e.g. char, integer, real, Boolean.
| Int | Int is short for integer, this is a 32-bit number that has the range of -2,147,483,648 to 2,147,483,648 |
| Char | Char is used for characters this used 16-bit Unicode character set. |
| boolean | Booleans are used to allow true or false values only, or 1 and 0, a binary value or response |
| float | Used in instances where decimal points are required. |
classes are one of the main fundamental elements of most programming languages, especially in Java. classes can be used to represent elements within a program for example, a form, A layout, and text fields. once a class is created it can be called as an instance in the program, this means that the Instance will have all of the set attributes and properties that have been declared. However, the class may be called again at this time it will be treated as a different instance or object to the one that was called prior. Essentially the two objects who have the same makeup because they have used the original class but be treated differently and individually . for example, textbox class bought twice, once for the surname and once for the first name.
Annotating code in any programming language is important this is because it allows a user to be able to identify key code areas and for them to also prompt and support any other coders who may be working on a project.
Inside Java we use /* to open a comment, and to close the comment we use */
Comments are not normally used inside of code any comments inside of a programming code not used by the program itself and are automatically missed out in any processing or compiling.
Comments can be on a single text line or span over a number of lines within a program.
o efficiency and performance, e.g. system resources used, accessing storage media
o maintainability, i.e. the ease of modification and improving the app
o portability, i.e. range of device compatibility
o usability, i.e. ease of use, how easily the user can interact with the app.
Links to Learning Outcomes |
Links to Assessment criteria |
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Learning aim C: Develop a mobile app that utilises device functions C1 Content preparation for mobile apps |
Anonymous Assessment - Learners assess an anonymous piece of work containing deliberate mistakes against given success criteria.