Wanted to create a "simple" app -- that's not so simple for this newbie: Imagine you punch in a 5-digit catalog product number and app spits back a short catalog item description. I already have the database in csv format. I'd like the database to reside on the device, but perhaps the app can check online to see that the database is current. Is there a plugin I can start with or is this harder to do than it sounds? thx! Phil

Sounds like something you could do with HTML easily. Fred

Wow! So, I can use HTML and the app store will consider it a native app? That sounds almost too easy! Phil

iOS development guidelines has a section on using HTML. But don't confuse using HTML with making a web app into an iOS app. Fred

Hi Phil, Welcome to buzztouch! HTML is a markup language, and by itself cannot do any database queries. It can draw the results tables for those queries, but has no ability to actually interrogate the database itself. For that, you need something like JavaScript, which can be run within an HTML document, or a client-server scripting language like PHP. The biggest obstacle I see you having is storing the database on the device. iOS ships with sqlLite (or whatever it's called), so that's an option, but requires some skill to implement. @Fred and @ceerup have had some luck with JavaScript and "local storage," but I don't think that's exactly what you're looking for, and its utility probably depends a bit on the size of your database. So, there is no plugin...aside from the general HTML screen...that will allow you to query a database. Apple for sure will allow you to submit an app that has HTML screens in it, so long as the app in general meets their design guidelines. I'm not quite sure of the actual approach you'd want to take here, but hopefully this helps a little bit! Mark

The biggest obstacle I see is that Apple is messing with local storage in iOS 5.1. Storing the database on the device is easy. iOS ships with sqlLite (or whatever it's called), so that's an option, but requires some skill to implement, should you have trouble you can consult @ceerup or myself because we understand device storage using, HTML and JavaScript client side (no server side required). I think that's exactly what you're looking for, and based on your response it seems you think so. As always depends a bit on the size of your database, is 1GB sufficient? If so, no problem. There are three plugins you use. Apple also provides sample HTML to use with HTML screens, so apps with HTML in it is no problem as long as the app complies with their design guidelines. Fred

Wow! So, I can use HTML and the app store will consider it a native app? That sounds almost too easy! Phil

Thanks all. This is a great community for a newbie to be part of! Just to confirm: I can query the database locally or remotely using php, javascript or any acceptable tool? (BTW, I think the CSV database is less than 1MB!) Will I be able to create an Android version using the same basic code if I do this? Any other tips or hints? Thanks! Phil

Hi Fred, If you and ceerup have devised a method to populate the local database with multiple records, query that database, and add/modify/delete records, please share it! That would open up a ton of app ideas that I have! Mark

It's in the works. Read my article for link to another's how-to. But doing something and writing up an explanation is not the same as noted by Stobe in his post regarding his new tool. Doing is easier. Fred

Thanks all. This is a great community for a newbie to be part of! Just to confirm: I can query the database locally or remotely using php, javascript or any acceptable tool? (BTW, I think the CSV database is less than 1MB!) Will I be able to create an Android version using the same basic code if I do this? Any other tips or hints? Thanks! Phil

Php, phttttttttttp, who needs Php! Client side only. Fred

Doing is certainly easier than writing up how to do it, and not everybody has the gift of clear communication. But writing it up is certainly proof that it can be done, in clear black and white! So you're saying, straight up, that you have a method, using an HTML screen, where you can query the native iOS database with standard SQL commands? That you can modify tables in that database, and that the changes stay persistent? Is that the case? Mark

I'm saying test it with your device. Tools to test are on the article. When I open the article the Notepad has Fred written in it. Does yours? I'll say not , unless you write Fred.

OK, so you don't have a method for database query. Thanks for clearing that up! Mark

You missed the point, I do.

But when I asked you explicitly if you had such a method, you replied "I'm saying test it with your device." That in no way can be considered a Yes answer to my question. If you have a way to do it, say so, and show us what it is! I'm done. Mark

Explanation for those interested. When I open the article the Notepad has Fred written in it. Does yours? I'll say not , unless you write Fred. When I open the article in my device the info stored in my device is displayed. It will not display info on another's device, hence your device will not display Fred, unless you've also entered Fred. My device is not displaying server side, it's displaying client side. Therefore don't need Php. Fred (Any should you enter Fred, that technically a different Fred from the Fred I've entered. )

Again it takes time to write.

That's not an explanation. It doesn't tell people that you are using JavaScript to save your name to local storage on an Android device (or a PC or wherever the HTML page is run). It also doesn't say there are no SQL commands involved, and that the local DATABASE is not being interrogated in any way. Mark

" That in no way can be considered a Yes answer to my question" It was a challenge, "see for yourself, actions speak louder than words.

Rome was not built in a day, neither will be my article. The how to referenced in the article was describe by someone as oh this is easy. Settle your mind and read it. Fred

Can I use JQuery in an app? Again I am an total novice!

Yes, you can use JQuery in an app! Mark

And you can use jQuery Mobile, Sencha, Jo, and more. jQuery mobile is probably the best, but each had its qualities.

And jQuery mobile will work on both iPhone and Android apps? I just read somewhere that Pew Research says 35% of smartphone users have an Android and only 24% have an iPhone? Do you guys think that's true?

I thought Android was over 50% of smart phones. jQuery mobile will also work with Window Phone 7.

I have the same query as APPLE FAN. However i do not know HTML either I want to create the same type of app, but have no idea how to go about it. I also know no programming or code. Not even html. Any help on which steps and tools i need to use. If possible at all.