I already know quite a few tricks with Android java and I have an application that I need to sync with a web application. What it needs to be doing is connect to a server and sync database and download jpg picture uploaded by user. The web application should also be for more users each with his own phone and Android application in it, so it should probably be accesable via login and password.
My problem is that I have zero experience with web applications. All I know is a little HTML. So my question is, how should I start? What language do I use? And what basic structure or principle should my web application have?
Thank you!
I would recommend a PHP – MySQL solution. PHP and MySQL are open source and I know Java can interface with that kind of database. Both languages are well documented and PHP is similar to Java in that it is C-based, so if you know Java fairly well, PHP should be relatively straightforward for you. I would recommend heading over to Lynda.com and searching for PHP Essential Training with Kevin Skoglund. Lynda is a great online video tutorial site and you can access a good amount of the content for free. But if you’re serious about developing this web application, I would make the investment (I was, and I did, and I am glad). That’s how I learned PHP / MySQL for the most part.
First off, to do any PHP / MySQL development, you’ll need to install a server onto your computer, such as WAMP (Windows Apache MySQL PHP – for windows), MAMP (Mac ” ” – for mac), or LAMP (Linux ” ” – for Linux), where you will be able to begin developing your application. This is your “test” server, or “development” server. For instance, I use MAMP since I am on a Mac. MAMP is free, as are the other versions, but you can pay for an upgrade. For your purposes, start with the free version. Essentially, *AMP comes with the Apache Server software, MySQL database installation, and PHP installation pre-packaged and ready to go with minimal configuration. From there, you can start writing PHP and MySQL and get your project rolling.
As a matter of fact, that title at Lynda.com, PHP Essential Training, will walk you through ALL of the steps I just stated, AND, uses an exercise project of setting up a basic Content Management System to include password protection, user login and authentication, as well as all of the essential PHP and MySQL that you’ll need to go along with it. Seriously, check out Lynda.com.
Good Luck!