I’m researching various tools available for developing and deploying an app to mobile devices. The existing app is available in two versions: as a traditional desktop application and as a browser-based “Lite” version. We’re building out the features of the “Lite” version to make it a full implementation of the flagship software, but thinking about mobile development as well.
What are the best tools available for cross-platform deployment of an Internet-enabled application to mobile devices? Which is the better way to go, native applications developed on a cross-platform API or a mobile-ready website? What tools are available for each?
One person suggested looking into “Agile” as a solution. I’m not quite sure what he meant, or even if that was the right reference … does it ring a bell for anyone (I’m familiar with “agile development,” but he was referring to “Agile” as a mobile development tool …)?
It turned out “Agile” was a misstep. At the time, he was referring to tools like Mobify that automate the development and deployment of simple mobile websites. For our situation (a membership-based RIA), though, this wouldn’t work.
The best tools I did find, though, for anyone interested:
Sencha Touch
jQTouch
Raphael
In reality, Sencha Touch is based on both jQTouch and Raphael, so if you’re looking for an all-in-one solution, I’d recommend you go that direction. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work well in situations where your server-side applications are closed-source (which is a necessary security requirement for medical or financial web applications). Though Sencha does offer a corporate license, it’s currently a “beta” license and they may or may not charge $199/developer in September (they’re unsure of the schedule). Their interpretation of the GPL is also more viral than most, so I would not recommend using their GPL license if there’s any code on your site (even on the back-end) that would even remotely fall into non-compliance.