sharing content between evo website and an iphone app

Hello,

I am due to start building a new modx site for a not for profit shortly and they have enquired about an iphone app that uses the same content as the website.

Is it possible to share the content (eg share the MySql db content) from a modx evo website with an iphone app to avoid content / editing duplication?

How do all the cool kids do it?

Perhaps, mobile specific stylesheets / streamlined content within the modx site would suffice and be the most cost effective?

I have built many modx evo sites but have absolutely no experience with developing iphone apps so I would appreciate any guidance on this.

I will certainly consider using revo for this project if it is more compatible with iphone applications.

Many thanks in advance for any thoughts or guidance.

IMO, a mobile CSS file (and, if absolutely necessary, mobile templates) should do the job. Generally, the only reason to do an actual iPhone App is if you have a complex interactive site and there's not enough sceen real estate on the phone to handle it, and even then, you might be able to handle that with CSS and templates.

I visit the Forums here several times a day on my Android phone with little trouble (except when I have to enter code).


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PLEASE, PLEASE specify the version of MODX you are using . . . PLEASE!
MODx info for everyone: http://bobsguides.com/MODx.html

Thanks for your reply Bob. I agree, a mobile CSS stylesheet would be a nice approach and that is what I was leaning towards. And the most cost effective for the client

The only limitation being perhaps if the client wanted their "app" to be included in the app store for further reach? Being a non iphone user I am not sure how much importance iphone users place on sourcing apps from the app store versus general web searching.

My original query still stands re sharing content between a MODx evo or revo site and an iphone app though - I'd love to know the answer to that one.

How would other modx users tackle this? CSS or app?

As an Android user (and if you had an iPhone app, you'd probably want an Android app as well), I often visit web sites where I'm offered the opportunity to download and install an app for the site. I always say no because I usually prefer the regular web interface and I don't want a whole bunch of questionable apps crapping up my phone. A lot of apps are now telling me I have to accept giving them access (for no good reason I can see) to the phone, the record of phone calls, and all my phone contacts.

Generally, I only install apps for which there is no web site or the app interface is definitely superior (e.g., mail apps).

Like you, I'm curious to hear what others have to say on the topic.


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PLEASE, PLEASE specify the version of MODX you are using . . . PLEASE!
MODx info for everyone: http://bobsguides.com/MODx.html

I think the answer to this depends largely on what the website does.
Why would someone look for the app (iPhone or Android) and would it offer them anything extra - if only a better experience.
If a website fulfills the needs then why spend the extra time and money on developing apps which will have to be updated with any changes - fragmentation is not good! You would end up with a website, an Android app, an iPhone app, a ... fill in the blank (iPad perhaps?) app and so on. Change something and you have way too much work to do - so perhaps you end up doing nothing!
If a website is going to work then you could probably use 'responsive web techniques' and only have one code base/site - so much simpler.

As to whether Evo or Revo is better suited I can't say - I only use revo - when I decided to 'go with modx' I decided to go with the newest and hence I know practically nothing about evo.

My two cents:
revo - website only with 'Responsive Web Design' - but remember I have NO IDEA what you are trying to do!!

[ed. note: whistlemaker last edited this post 14 years, 9 months ago.]

Thanks guys. Excellent points re android usage / fragmentation etc.

A lot of apps are now telling me I have to accept giving them access (for no good reason I can see) to the phone, the record of phone calls, and all my phone contacts

I am with you BobRay. Some of those apps sound intrusive and overkill where a website with multi device consideration / responsive design will do the job.

Change something and you have way too much work to do - so perhaps you end up doing nothing!

Good point whistlemaker. That's why I was wondering whether content (eg MySql db content) created and maintained in a modx website could be shared to an iphone app. Can it?


On the FOR side, I guess having an app is another way to be found in a crowded marketplace - or another place to get lost in.

Still curious...

You could build it as a 'web app' in html and css using one of these frameworks:

http://jqtouch.com/

http://jquerymobile.com/

I'm using jQTouch and it sits alongside the full website in MODx with no problems at all. You can build your app with MODx resources but just use a different template for the mobile app. Performs great on devices with some nice default styles and page transitions - although as it's not a full native app you won't be able to submit it through the app store.

If you are thinking web app you might also want to check out jQ.Mobi - I've not used it but it looks interesting

Thanks to all for your input. I really appreciate it.

Thanks for outlining how you do it with Modx content Lucas. That sounds like a great way to do it and might be a nice solution for this project if responsive design / device customized css etc does not suit the client.

Cheers for the links - I will check them out. [ed. note: nickf08 last edited this post 14 years, 9 months ago.]