February 2016 Summaries

Microsoft's Visual Studio Code (VSCode) is gaining popularity as a lightweight, cross-platform editor built on web technologies with notable extensibility and speed. Among its features, the Cordova extension stands out by offering code IntelliSense for Cordova plugin APIs and robust debugging capabilities for hybrid apps. This extension enhances JavaScript development by automatically fetching type definition files for installed Cordova plugins, allowing developers to receive meaningful code hints without using TypeScript. Additionally, VSCode's integrated debugger simplifies the process of debugging Cordova apps by enabling breakpoint functionality directly within the editor, applicable to both simulators and physical devices. This streamlined development and debugging process is particularly beneficial for those working with both Cordova and Ionic projects, making VSCode a compelling choice for developers seeking efficient and powerful tools.

Tract Systems is an enterprise-grade software solution designed for field service companies such as HVAC repair, plumbing, and contracting, offering functionalities like CRM, job scheduling, inventory and warranty management, GPS fleet tracking, invoicing, point of sale, and performance analytics to streamline operations and boost revenue by consolidating disparate systems into a single app. Initially, Tract developed an iPad app but later decided to enhance their offerings by building a new Point of Sale app using the Ionic framework due to its cross-platform capabilities and their existing use of Angular for web apps. The positive experience with Ionic led them to transition their iPad app and build a new field technician app with added customer service and scheduling features, which significantly reduced development time from six months to eight weeks. Nathan Cragg, Head of Sales and Marketing, highlighted the flexibility of the app across devices as a competitive advantage in the sales cycle, while CTO Rob Rebelo praised Ionic for allowing them to create a more intuitive and powerful product efficiently, ultimately saving months of development and testing time.

Ionic Framework 2 Beta has been officially released, marking a significant upgrade from its predecessor with enhanced performance, architectural improvements, and cross-platform theming. The new version fully supports Angular 2, offering substantial performance boosts and a more standard way of building JavaScript apps. Ionic 2 introduces a revamped navigation system that simplifies page transitions, improved side menu structures, and platform continuity by styling UI components based on the platform. The framework is built on open web technologies, allowing seamless adaptation between native and mobile web applications without requiring code changes. Additionally, Ionic 2 includes advanced theming options, a new animation system, and Ionicons 3.0 with platform-specific icons. The development experience is enhanced with modern build tools and TypeScript support, aiming to streamline the workflow for developers. The Ionic team acknowledges the community's role in its success and has plans for further enhancements, including Windows 10 support and web workers for improved performance.

The Angular Cardboard Hackathon announced its winners in two categories: Most Engaging App and Best Technology Demonstration. Albert Sanchez's Space Cardboard app, which allows users to explore a 3D solar system with a tiny spacecraft, won first place. Sanchez, a Mechatronics Engineering student from Mexico, utilized Angular and Ionic to create this immersive educational tool, emphasizing their ease of use for rapid prototyping and educational purposes. The app, inspired by Guardians of the Galaxy, includes features like planet movement and a multiplayer option. The second place went to Vlado Tešanović for his app featuring birds flying around a slackliner image, employing technologies like Angular 2, Cordova, and Three.js. Tešanović, a Senior Programmer from Bosnia, plans to expand his app into a detective game and sees a bright future for Angular 2 and Ionic 2 in web development. Both winners highlighted the robust documentation and the transformative potential of web technologies like Angular and Ionic in modern app development.