Learning Apache Cordova

Learn the basics of creating, configuring, and compiling Android and iOS apps with Apache Cordova, the open-source cross-platform app development tool.

Apache Cordova is the open-source version of PhoneGap, the leading tool for cross-platform app development. It's a write-once, run-anywhere solution specifically designed for mobile. But to ensure a smooth cross-platform workflow, it helps to know some setup and configuration basics. In this course, Chris Griffith introduces Apache Cordova and the PhoneGap ecosystem, including the two command-line interface (CLI) tools and the PhoneGap desktop app. He shows how to set up your local system and how to create, configure, and build your first project with the Cordova CLI. Once you've mastered the fundamentals, Chris shows how to extend your app with native and third-party plugins that enable features such as QR code detection and geolocation, and debug your app, preview it in an emulator or on an actual device, and then prep it for release in the Apple Store or on Google Play.

Introduction

• Welcome
• What you should know before watching this course
• Using the exercise files

1. Introduction to Apache Cordova

• What is PhoneGap/Apache Cordova?
• PhoneGap ecosystem

2. Set Up the Environment

• Install NodeJS
• Set up system for Android development for Mac
• Set up system for Android development for PC
• Configure Android device for development
• Install iOS development environment
• Set up iOS device for development
• Resolve signing issues
• Other supported platforms

3. Installing the Command Line Interface

• Introduction
• Install the Cordova CLI
• Install the PhoneGap CLI

4. Creating Your First App

• Create a project using the Cordova CLI
• Explore the project structure
• Add platforms to project
• Remove platforms from project

5. Understanding App Development

• Explore the sample app
• Metatags
• Local hosting
• Wrap up

6. Configuring Your App

• Configuration basics
• Define general settings
• Set iOS specific configurations
• Set Android specific configurations
• Add app icons
• Splashscreens
• Work with external resources

7. Building Your App

• Introduction to building
• Build for iOS
• Build for Android

8. Extending Your App with Plugins

• Configure application plugins
• Add a plugin to your app
• Third-party plugins
• Remove PhoneGap plugins

9. Debugging Your PhoneGap Build App

• Debug Android apps with Chrome remote inspection
• Debug with Safari
• Debug with GapDebug

10. Preparing for Release

• Prepare app for the Apple App Store
• Prepare app for the Google Play store

11. Other Tools

• The PhoneGap desktop app

Conclusion

• Next Steps