How is ConstApps different from other mobile App Building platforms?
ConstApps is simpler and easier to use than other platforms. From numerous amount of plugins to choose from, just simply select whichever functions you need and you’re good to go! ConstApps also allows you to get into the code to create custom functions. If you’re looking for a specific function that’s not available, don’t sweat it! With ConstApps’s open development architecture you can meet these uniques needs. No other platform combines the simplicity of the click-and-edit experience with the ability to custom develop.
ConstApps or custom development?
ConstApps’s “off-the-shelf” functionality and solutions are very powerful and highly flexible. However, there are times when the intricacies and nuances of your unique situation requires a more customized solution. This is where the power of the ConstApps technology really shines. The ability to combine off-the-shelf features with custom functionality enables you to create a custom mobile app in a fraction of the time and cost of traditional development. Utilizing our development portal you can create custom proprietary functionality; use your team or have the ConstApps team do it for you. In addition, with ConstApps, you get a platform that is easy to update and maintain; no need for expensive IT resources. ConstApps handles all support, hosting, updates, app store submissions and management of future upgrades.
Alternatively, custom development will generally run 18 to 25 weeks and cost anywhere from $50,000 to $1,000,000. Thereafter, you need an infrastructure to support and maintain the app. If you are considering a customized solution, consider ConstApps; the savings in time and money will be significant.
Why not just develop a native app from scratch?
You certainly can. However, why would you want to? You have to build to two separate apps one for iOS and one for Android which will mean you will have a bigger barrier to entry, longer development cycles, higher costs and a smaller talent pool. Just like talented web developers stopped developing public facing sites, not because they are incapable but because they are better put to use focusing on core business logic. The same applies with ConstApps. We take care of the designs, layouts, and standard features of the app. As well as give you access to a limitless set of third party plugins while you can focus on the core business functionality unique to your company.
Another big reason to develop with ConstApps is the ongoing support burden associated with developing from scratch. Once you develop an app from scratch, you own the ongoing burden of maintenance, support, app store submissions, updates, etc. Develop on the ConstApps platform and we handle all this for you.
Which ConstApps plugins are open source and what can I legally do with them?
All ConstApps plugins located at https://github.com/ConstApps are open source under an MIT license. Few plugins are not as they rely on other frameworks that are not open source. With ConstApps, you are allowed to enhance and send us Pull Requests if you'd like to help contribute in the betterment of the platform. You are also allowed to Fork the code and create your own private enhancements for your own use or for resell.
How can I develop custom functionality?
With our development program you can create any custom functionality desired. If you have your own team, register for a developers account and start building today.
If I want to create custom features, do I need to find a developer?
Nope! ConstApps will do it for you in a timeframe and cost that will amaze you. However, if you want to do it yourself, we provide an open development portal with all the tools needed to create totally custom functionality. Hire ConstApps, use your own developer or do it yourself -- it is up to you.
Do I need Apple and Google Developer accounts?
Both Apple and Google do require that you open your own developer accounts, yes. However, our publishing team will handle the heavy lifting to actually submit your apps to the App Store and Google Play.
Can I make changes to my app after it is published?
Yes, anytime and as much as you need to. Most updates are automatically and immediately pushed to everyone that has the app on their phone
Is it easy to maintain and update my app?
Yes, this is one of the reasons we created ConstApps. If you can use a computer, you can build and maintain your app with ConstApps. Gone are the days of calling the IT department every time a changes or update is required. You maintain the content and ConstApps will do the rest; from app submissions, to hosting, maintenance, bug fixes, upgrades, enhancement, etc. It all included in the standard subscription pricing.
What is a Plugin and what can I do with it?
A Plugin is a encapsulated group of code that is able to integrate into your ConstApps app. Each Plugin consists of 3 major parts….. Control, Widget and Services. The Control is the part that lives in the control panel that usually administers the content and design of what will show up in the app. The Widget is the code that lives in the app. Services are the functions used by both the Control and Widget to enhance functionality like publishing data or accessing the bluetooth functionality on the device.
For example, if you were creating an inventory availability plugin. The Control would have a list of all items in inventory and their qualities editable by the app owner. The Widget would have a search feature to find items the user is interested in and provide a read only view into the inventory. The services in this case would be the DataStore where the data is saved.
So what is ConstApps.js ?
ConstApps.js is a Javascript Framework that allows you to build custom plugins on the ConstApps Platform. Using standard HTML5,CSS3, Javascript and ConstApps.js you can build custom UI and logic that lives on that App and Control Panel. ConstApps.js gives you access to the app and native device functions that would otherwise be inaccessible to you.