Hi everybody. This is my first post. I'm trying to learn java and I have a very vague concept. I am interested in creating apps for android. I saw that there are dozens of app maker systems, such as Andromo and IBuildApp. I wonder exactly what the difference between them and Buzztoutch (Please, not be angry with the question. I know there are differences, but would like to know "exactly" what.) Thank you.

Without doing a in depth comparison I would say that Buzztouch does two things very well: 1. You can build an app with very little coding. 2. You get the source code and therefore are the true owner of your app. There are many other strengths to Buzztouch such as plugins and the forum community but I think these features spring from the first two. My online guide www.MySkylla.com will help you. Fred

For example: I would like to create app that check a database when the gps locate some coordinates and call the user to show informations about this local. Is it possible only using Buzztoutch and the plugins or not? If not, how much of this app I can create with Buzztoutch/Plugins. Thanks for the answer. I´ll visit your site very soon.

Without working thru the details I would say yes. Fred

Hi @RB, Welcome to buzztouch! I believe you could do exactly what you're proposing, though it would take some work. There is no "check a database when the gps locate some coordinates and call the user to show informations about this local" plugin that does it exactly, but the framework exists for you to do something like that. The Geoloqi API/SDK (https://geoloqi.com/) should be able to help make this happen. I think you'll find buzztouch to be super powerful, both with the currently available plugins, the ability to modify code, and a community second to none! And, as @Fred points out, you own your code, and are free to do with it what you wish. What other sites can promise that!? Let us know how else we can help! Mark

I still consider myself very new to buzztouch, but would tell you that being able to download and compile the source code myself was a big draw; however, what has kept me here is the wonderful community that is willingly shares its knowledge with everyone. Take this thread for example. Asking a group of users on a site to compare the site with others has only elicited welcomes and positive remarks about the site and no bashing of the others. I think you will find buzztouch (both the technology and the community) to be a wonderful place to learn and work! Welcome! Fred

Fred(mySkylla): Thanks Mark: This is a project I want to do when you're more familiar with java / buzztoutch. The application that you indicated seems perfect, but can I use it with the application that will create? It could include it in my application package and distribute it? I would like first to make some applications more simple and useful to have the android market (google play?), And multimedia applications (preferably without flash). So you believe that I could develop simple applications without having much knowledge in java (keep studying) and receive a help from you and others in the forum? Fred (the_oilman): It's true what you said. Actually this forum is different: people kind and helpful. It will be a pleasure to be part of this community. I hope I can really count on you guys and try to be helpful as well.

I would like to have access to a list of all available plugins in Buzztoutch and what each one does, as well as detailed explanations of how to use them. Thank you.

If you click on your account in the upper-right corner of the screen, then Plugins from the list on the left, you'll see a list of all the available plugins here at buzztouch.com. Mark

My article Screens and Plugins provides just a list . All 42 of them. www.MySkylla.com Fred

Thank you both. Mark, I would like first to make some applications more simple and useful to have the android market (google play?), and multimedia applications ( without flash (html5?)). So you believe that I could develop simple applications without having much knowledge in java (keep studying) and receive a help from you and others in this forum?(sorry to repeat, but I need to know) Where can I find good applications developed using these plugins? Is there a tutorial showing how to combine the plugins to develop well-designed apps? Why have only 22 plugins in Buzztoutch while appear more 20 in the Fred's list? Thanks again.

Hi @RB, The difference in plugin count is that @Fred is including unofficial plugins that can be obtained at buzztouchmods.com. Those plugins have not been designed by the owners of buzztouch.com, and as such, are not officially supported by them. Sort of a "use at your own risk" approach (though there are some very solid ones available). They are not all supported on both Android and iOS like the 22 official ones at buzztouch are. Yes, I believe you could develop simple applications without having ANY knowledge in Java, and you'll receive TONS of help from people in the forum. Heck, I myself have conducted multiple TeamViewer sessions where I've helped people configure their environment and debug their applications. The answer to your question of where you can find good applications developed using these plugins...post a forum question asking for recommendations, and I bet you'll find some! You have nothing to loose by at least giving it a try. Throw together a test app to see how the process works, and you can make your decision from there. We can all tell you how easy or hard it is, but it'll come down to your own experience that'll help you make the decision. Mark

Ok, Mark. Thanks for the answers and suggestions. I intend to create my first app/game using Buzztoutch. This is the scope: - a labyrinth game that combines screens with only images and others with just text options (such as quiz) with a background music - there is only one right answer, but for all others alternatives there is a continuing random screens, ie. choosing a wrong option, the app randomize a number of screens (with images or text) will be shown to the user to continue or leave the game - would be interesting if it were possible to show a progress bar, but optional Doubts: - I know I'll have to use the screens for each type, but would like to know how to randomize them - how to show a progress bar and define it like optional item - the initial idea is to make an offline content, but I wonder if is possible to update or add more screens to the application (I have no interest in using a website). I would be very grateful if you could give me technical explanations with examples. That would be enough to start this application. I promise not to abuse your patience Thank you

You can accomplish this using html. Fred

HTML is partially the answer. It'll take care of screens with images and text. But it can't handle randomization without something like JavaScript or PHP or something. HTML is just markup...it only shows you things you have the page marked up to show. My guess it that you could probably do all this within a single HTML screen, and basically link from document to document. I'd have to play around with it a bit to be sure. You could for sure use JavaScript to randomize links and things like that. Before we continue, can you tell us a bit about your skill level? Are you HTML fluent? Any experience with JavaScript? How much time are you willing to put in towards trial and error on your part? I'm absolutely willing to guide you as much as I can, but I know you'll learn more if you do a lot of research and experimentation yourself. Mark

I have a good knowledge in html and something (a little) about JavaScript. I'm really very excited to take this forward. I'm even studying java with this goal. I thought there would always be some reference in java to implement something in buzztoutch. If developing this app in HTML, the pages would work offline or need to make them available on a website? and how to put background music on these pages with the options (image / text)?

You can embed the html or reference the html via URL Fred

Hi @RB, I think once you're done doing the Android Learning path, you'll understand how all this works a bit better. At the moment, I think you're on the right path! For the HTML pages, you can either include them with the app itself, if they are to remain fairly static, or you can reference them to a URL, if they are going to change from time to time. The HTML screen "Advanced Properties" has a "Background Audio" option to it. That might work, or there might be a way to embed the audio in the HTML file itself. A quick Google search should find that answer. I think you're on your way! Keep the focused questions coming! Mark

Thanks Fred and Mark. I will try to build the application and will consult you throughout the project, as the questions appears. The last doubt: I would like to create a offline app, could I create with the internal javascript or I need to use a external one? if external, is it possible to use one without download? I need to download the package in the plugin page? if yes, for what purpose?

You can add Javascript to your offline project...that's not a problem at all. Where it goes and how you compile with it there depends on whether you are using iOS or Android. But we can cross that bridge when we get to it. In the meantime, just reference it as a local file (same folder that your HTML file will go in). You, can of course, reference it as a URL as well. Mark