#Performance Benefits of Native Apps

[grey-space-computing]

Why Cloud Technology is Essential for Scalable Mobile Apps

1. Introduction

As mobile applications continue to evolve and grow in popularity, ensuring their scalability becomes more critical than ever. The capacity to handle increasing loads and provide a seamless user experience is no longer just a technical challenge; it’s a business imperative. Cloud technology has emerged as a key solution to these challenges, offering the flexibility and resources necessary for scalable mobile app development. In this article, we’ll explore why cloud technology is essential for scalable mobile app development, with a focus on custom mobile app development in Saudi Arabia.

2. Understanding Cloud Technology

Cloud technology involves utilizing remote servers accessed online to store, manage, and process data, instead of depending on local servers or personal devices. It has revolutionized the way mobile applications are developed, offering a range of services that cater to the needs of developers and businesses alike.

2.1 Types of Cloud Services

Three primary cloud service models exist:

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): Offers virtual computing resources delivered over the internet. Developers can rent virtual machines, storage, and networks, allowing them to scale resources up or down as needed.

Platform as a Service (PaaS): Offers a platform for developers to build, deploy, and manage applications, easing the scaling process without the need to manage the underlying infrastructure.

Software as a Service (SaaS): Delivers software applications online on a subscription model. Users can access these applications via the web without managing the infrastructure or platform.

2.2 Benefits of Cloud Technology

Cloud technology offers numerous benefits that make it indispensable for modern mobile app development:

Scalability: Cloud services can quickly scale to accommodate increasing traffic or data loads, ensuring that apps remain responsive and efficient.

Flexibility: Developers can deploy and manage apps across multiple regions and platforms, providing users with consistent experiences regardless of location.

Cost-Efficiency: With pay-as-you-go pricing models, businesses can optimize costs by paying only for the resources they use, avoiding the need for significant upfront investments.

3. Importance of Scalability

Scalability is the ability of a mobile app to handle a growing number of users and transactions without compromising performance. In markets like Saudi Arabia, where mobile app usage is on the rise, scalability is crucial for maintaining user satisfaction and ensuring long-term success.

3.1 Challenges in Traditional Scaling

Traditional scaling methods, such as adding more physical servers or upgrading existing hardware, can be both expensive and time-consuming. They also often fail to provide the flexibility needed to adapt to sudden changes in demand, leading to performance issues and potential downtime.

4. Cloud Technology for Mobile App Scalability

Cloud technology addresses the limitations of traditional scaling by offering advanced tools and services that make it easier to scale mobile apps efficiently.

4.1 Elasticity and Auto-Scaling

Elasticity is a key feature of cloud computing, allowing resources to be automatically scaled up or down based on current demand. Auto-scaling ensures that mobile apps can handle traffic spikes without compromising performance, providing a seamless user experience.

4.2 Load Balancing and Traffic Management

Cloud-based load balancing distributes incoming traffic across multiple servers, preventing any single server from becoming overwhelmed. This not only improves app performance but also enhances its reliability and availability.

4.3 Data Management and Storage

Cloud services offer scalable data storage solutions that can accommodate vast amounts of data generated by mobile apps. These solutions are designed to be both secure and accessible, ensuring that app data is managed efficiently.

5. Custom Mobile App Development in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is experiencing rapid growth in mobile app usage, driven by a tech-savvy population and a strong economy. Custom mobile app development is essential for businesses looking to meet the specific needs of Saudi users and gain a competitive edge in the market.

5.1 Market Trends and Demands

The Saudi Arabian market is characterized by a high demand for innovative, user-friendly apps that cater to both consumers and businesses. As the government pushes for digital transformation under its Vision 2030 initiative, the demand for custom mobile apps is expected to increase significantly.

5.2 Considerations for Local Developers

Developers targeting the Saudi market must consider local preferences, cultural nuances, and regulatory requirements. Additionally, they must ensure that their apps are scalable to handle the growing number of users in the region.

6. Case Studies and Success Stories

To understand the impact of cloud technology on scalable mobile app development, we can look at successful case studies from around the world and within Saudi Arabia.

6.1 Global Case Study

An example of a global mobile app that successfully leveraged cloud technology for scalability is Netflix. By utilizing cloud services, Netflix can stream content to millions of users simultaneously, without interruptions or performance issues.

6.2 Saudi Arabian Case Study

In Saudi Arabia, the ride-hailing app Careem has become a success story by utilizing cloud technology to scale its operations. Careem’s cloud-based infrastructure allows it to handle millions of rides across the region, ensuring a smooth experience for both drivers and passengers.

7. Future Trends in Cloud and Mobile App Development

The future of mobile app development will be shaped by emerging trends in cloud technology, with a focus on enhancing scalability and user experience.

7.1 AI and Machine Learning in Cloud

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are becoming increasingly integrated into cloud services, offering predictive analytics, personalized experiences, and improved decision-making capabilities. These technologies will play a critical role in enhancing the scalability of mobile apps.

7.2 The Rise of Edge Computing

Edge computing, which involves processing data closer to the source of data generation, is expected to revolutionize mobile app development. By reducing latency and improving real-time data processing, edge computing will enhance the scalability and performance of mobile apps.

8. Best Practices for Cloud Implementation

Successfully implementing cloud technology demands thorough planning and adherence to best practices, especially regarding scalability.

8.1 Security and Compliance

Ensuring data security and compliance with local regulations is paramount when using cloud services. Developers should implement robust security measures, such as encryption and multi-factor authentication, to protect app data.

8.2 Cost Management Strategies

Managing costs is a key concern for businesses using cloud services. By optimizing resource usage, leveraging cost management tools, and choosing the right pricing models, businesses can keep costs under control while scaling their apps.

9. Conclusion

Cloud technology has become essential for scalable mobile app development, offering the flexibility, efficiency, and resources needed to meet the demands of a growing user base. For businesses in Saudi Arabia, leveraging cloud services is key to staying competitive in a rapidly evolving market. By understanding the benefits and best practices associated with cloud technology, developers can create mobile apps that not only meet current demands but are also poised for future growth.

10. FAQs

Q1: What is cloud technology in mobile app development?Cloud technology involves utilizing remote servers accessed through the internet to store, manage, and process data. This enables mobile apps to scale efficiently and manage growing user demands.

Q2: Why is scalability important for mobile apps?Scalability ensures that a mobile app can handle an increasing number of users and transactions without compromising performance, which is crucial for maintaining a positive user experience.

Q3: How does cloud technology enhance app scalability?Cloud technology provides features like elasticity, auto-scaling, and load balancing, which allow mobile apps to scale dynamically in response to changing demand.

Q4: What are some challenges of traditional scaling methods? Traditional scaling methods, such as adding more physical servers, can be costly, time-consuming, and inflexible, making them less effective for modern mobile apps. Q5: What are the key considerations for developing custom mobile apps in Saudi Arabia? Developers should consider local market trends, user preferences, cultural nuances, and regulatory requirements, as well as ensuring their apps are scalable to handle growing demand.

[dandelionsresilience]

Good News - June 8-14

Like these weekly compilations? Tip me at $Kaybarr1735! And if you tip me and give me a way to contact you, at the end of the month I'll send you a link to all of the articles I found but didn't use each week!

1. Rare foal born on estate for first time in 100 years

“The Food Museum at Abbot's Hall in Stowmarket, Suffolk, is home to a small number of Suffolk Punch horses - a breed considered critically endangered by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust. A female foal was born on Saturday and has been named Abbots Juno to honour the last horse born at the museum in 1924. [...] Juno is just one of 12 fillies born so far this year in the country and she could potentially help produce more of the breed in the future.”

2. The cement that could turn your house into a giant battery

“[Scientists] at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have found a way of creating an energy storage device known as a supercapacitor from three basic, cheap materials – water, cement and a soot-like substance called carbon black. [... Supercapacitators] can charge much more quickly than a lithium ion battery and don't suffer from the same levels of degradation in performance. [... Future applications of this concrete might include] roads that store solar energy and then release it to recharge electric cars wirelessly as they drive along a road [... and] energy-storing foundations of houses.”

3. New road lights, fewer dead insects—insect-friendly lighting successfully tested

“Tailored and shielded road lights make the light source almost invisible outside the illuminated area and significantly reduces the lethal attraction for flying insects in different environments. [...] The new LED luminaires deliver more focused light, reduce spill light, and are shielded above and to the side to minimize light pollution. [... In contrast,] dimming the conventional lights by a factor of 5 had no significant effect on insect attraction.”

4. When LGBTQ health is at stake, patient navigators are ready to help

“[S]ome health care systems have begun to offer guides, or navigators, to get people the help they need. [... W]hether they're just looking for a new doctor or taking the first step toward getting gender-affirming care, "a lot of our patients really benefit from having someone like me who is there to make sure that they are getting connected with a person who is immediately going to provide a safe environment for them." [... A navigator] also connects people with LGBTQ community organizations, social groups and peer support groups.”

5. Tech company to help tackle invasive plant species

“Himalayan balsam has very sugary nectar which tempts bees and other pollinators away from native plants, thereby preventing them from producing seed. It outcompetes native plant species for resources such as sunlight, space and nutrients. [...] The volunteer scheme is open to all GWT WilderGlos users who have a smartphone and can download the Crowdorsa app, where they can then earn up to 25p per square meter of Balsam removed.”

6. [Fish & Wildlife] Service Provides Over $14 Million to Benefit Local Communities, Clean Waterways and Recreational Boaters

“The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is distributing more than $14 million in Clean Vessel Act grants to improve water quality and increase opportunities for fishing, shellfish harvests and safe swimming in the nation’s waterways. By helping recreational boaters properly dispose of sewage, this year’s grants will improve conditions for local communities, wildlife and recreational boaters in 18 states and Guam.”

7. Bornean clouded leopard family filmed in wild for first time ever

“Camera traps in Tanjung Puting National Park in Indonesian Borneo have captured a Bornean clouded leopard mother and her two cubs wandering through a forest. It's the first time a family of these endangered leopards has been caught on camera in the wild, according [to] staff from the Orangutan Foundation who placed camera traps throughout the forest to learn more about the elusive species.”

8. Toy library helps parents save money 'and the planet'

“Started in 2015 by Annie Berry, South Bristol's toy library aims to reduce waste and allow more children access to more - and sometimes expensive - toys. [...] Ms Berry partnered with the St Philips recycling centre on a pilot project to rescue items back from landfill, bringing more toys into the library. [...] [P]eople use it to support the environment, take out toys that they might not have the space for at home or be able to afford, and allow children to pick non-gender specific toys.”

9. Chicago Receives $3M Grant to Inventory Its Trees and Create Plan to Manage City’s Urban Forest

“The Chicago Park District received a $1.48 million grant [“made available through the federal Inflation Reduction Act”] to complete a 100% inventory of its estimated 250,000 trees, develop an urban forestry management plan and plant 200 trees in disadvantaged areas with the highest need. As with the city, development of the management plan is expected to involve significant community input.”

10. Strong Public Support for Indigenous Co-Stewardship Plan for Bears Ears National Monument

“[The NFW has a] plan to collaboratively steward Bears Ears National Monument to safeguard wildlife, protect cultural resources, and better manage outdoor recreation. The plan was the result of a two-year collaboration among the five Tribes of the Bears Ears Inter-Tribal Coalition and upholds Tribal sovereignty, incorporates Traditional Ecological Knowledge, and responsibly manages the monument for hunting, fishing, and other outdoor recreation while ensuring the continued health of the ecosystem.”

June 1-7 news here | (all credit for images and written material can be found at the source linked; I don’t claim credit for anything but curating.)

[somethingclevermahogony]

Hello everyone! This is the next entry in a "guide" I'm creating here on my blog for one of the cities in my WIP, Labisa. To see chapter one click here.

Here are some other posts that you may want to check out : Intro, Language, Phrases, Food Pt1, Food Pt2, Maps, Magic, Status Symbols, Labisa Tour, MC intro.

This is a long one folks so I'm splitting it into two parts.

Btw the pottery images here come from the app Pottery 2.

Chapter 2: The Markets and the Humbalibal Festival Part 1

At the end of the olive harvest when the city of Labisa holds its annual Humbalibal Festival in honor of the city's patron goddess, the place to be is not in the grand halls and inumeral rooms of the palace, but rather in the twisting maze of streets, market stalls, beer halls, street performers that the people of Labisa call, Enun Tu-Shet Tabun, The 26 Streets.

While the palace complex serves as the political, military, and manufacturing core of Labisa and the lands it governs, if you want to learn about the people and culture it is essential to visit the markets. Visiting during the Humbalibal Festival provides the added benefit of getting to meet an learn more about the thousands of foreign visitors who pour into the city for the celebration, providing a glimpse into the hundreds of cultures that make up the Green Sea and beyond.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through one day in the 26 Streets during the height of the Humbalibal Festival using a hypothetical scenario to introduce you to the sounds, sights, and oddities of Kishetal's largest city.

Continues Below!

Part 1: Entering Labisa

If you are not a Kishite from another city-state or a Makurian, chances are you arrived in Labisa via boat, landing at the bustling docks, the largest and most prosperous freshwater port in the Green Sea. Around you, people carry a variety of goods, from grain and livestock to copper ingots, jewelry, weaponry, and even exotic beasts like tigers and ostriches. 

You spy a cage with a rarakalu (yap dog), a strange magical creature more closely related to hyenas than actual canines. These creatures are able to perfectly imitate human speech, quite eerily, in their native arboreal habitat where they swing with prehensile tails. But this one has been captured and is now being used for entertainment. You feel a twinge of pity for the creature as it belts out an Ikopeshi sailing song at the behest of its purple-haired master, but before you can think more about the topic, you are beckoned towards the city by the man who brought you here. After all, you paid good money to see this festival. 

You are far from the only person entering the city. During the days before the festival, hundreds of people are guided through the Serpent Gates, so called because of the two massive stone-horned serpents that stand guard on either side of the grand cedar doors. Before you even enter the city you catch a glimpse of three great hills. The largest is the palatial hill, atop which stands the palace of Labisa, a city unto itself. The second is the Temple Hill, topped by the sprawling Temple of Humbalibal, the largest temple dedicated to a Kishite deity in the entirety of the Green Sea. Even from here you can smell the burning of sacred herbs and meats, and see the column of smoke rising from the great stone altar.

The last and smallest hill is not a hill at all, but a manmade structure, the Tomb of Tamel. This gargantuan structure is the resting place of the city's founder, the demigod Tamel. The trees growing on the tomb are fig, date, and pear. Visitors to Labisa often pay to purchase these fruits from the priests. It is believed that using one of the fruits from Tamel’s tomb for a sacrifice or offering will serve to better win the favor of the gods.

There will be time to gawk at the Tomb later, your guide reminds you. He insists on pushing you past the Grand Square where the Tomb resides. You catch glimpses of dancers dressed in animal furs or else draped in copper bells, men banging on drums, and strange forest folk with horns and tusks. The delicious smells of dough and tiny fish frying in freshly pressed olive oil waft from the little huts and stands that have been propped up in the square to feed eager visitors. These pleasant smells mix with the less pleasant aromas of the city.

You're hurried forward down the main street, past priests and priestesses and prostitutes calling down at you from the windows of brothels. A chariot rumbles past you, its owner dressed in his bronze armor, polished for the festival.

Your guide brings you to a beer hall, the place where you will be staying. As the name suggests, the primary function of a beer hall is to serve beer. Throughout Kishetal, beer has traditionally been brewed and sold by women. Labisa alone has 19 beer halls, all but one of which, including this one, are run by women. These halls typically serve five varieties of beer (see below) and may also serve some food, though not always. This particular beer hall is owned by a woman by the name of Huma who has agreed to board and feed you for the next couple of nights, for a small fee of course. Your guide has already taken care of this.

Aruhakishar/Akishar: (Aruha- Dry, Kisharu- Beer) Unadulterated, typically plain beer, this sort of beer is the basis for the other varieties. These vary from brewer to brewer and can differ greatly in terms of strength, flavor, color, etc. This tends to be the cheapest option. Ishkishar: (Isha- Sour/Bitter Kisharu- Beer) Aruhakishar typically with the addition of various herbs, nuts, and even minerals. This beer is typically seen as invigorating, good for lifting the energy and strengthening the resolve against wicked spirits. Few people drink this casually. Wakishar: (Wawa- Sweet, Kisharu- Beer) Similar to the above but rather than the addition of herbs to promote bitter and sour flavors, this variety of beer is typically sweetened with the addition of various sweeteners, most often date syrups, honey, and fruits like fig. These tend to be the most well-liked variety of beer and fall in the middle when it comes to price. Olikishar/Olkishar: (Oli- Blood/Red, Kisharu- Beer) This variety of beer is similar to Wakishar but is flavored specifically with the addition of red fruit, like pomegranate, cherry, and various mountainous berry, giving it that crimson appearance. Some beer halls may add other additives to increase this sanguine appearance. Depending on the quality, this may be the most expensive variety of beer sold at a hall. Ihikishar/ Ihiki: (Ihi- Giggle (haha), Kisharu-Beer) This particular variety of beer is not sold in all halls and tends to be the most expensive, and is viewed among the common folk as more of a treat. This beer can be any of the above with addition of the treated oil of the magical Kasikur plant, also known as jit(from a Forestfolk word). Drinking jit mixed with wine may cause various effects, most commonly a slight high, similar to cannabis. However the use of jit is highly regulated as its magical effects, when consumed in sufficient amounts can have dangerous and bizarre effects.

It's already quite late and you have a busy day tomorrow. Before bed, Huma gives you a bowl of what seems to be a mixture of leftover Akishar and Wakishar, producing a mildly sweet if somewhat dull drinking experience. For food, you are given a large piece of barley bread, some olives, a hunk of unsalted goat's cheese which may be slightly past its prime, and some chakun from the butcher next door. Chakun is typically made from pig or lamb skin, fried in its own fat and then seasoned with salt and herbs. This is somewhat comparable to "cracklins" or chicharrons. Labisian cuisine in general holds an appreciation for crispy or crunchy textures that is relatively unique among Kishite city-states.

After eating you are brought to the underground cellar, the ground little more than dirt and reeds, where the large pots holding beer and grain are kept. You are not the only guest staying there. There are two Korithians, a Baalic man, and a Makurian. You mostly keep to yourselves as you settle onto the piles of reed and old cloth which Huma has provided for you beds. The Makurian introduces himself as Jerat, and explains that he comes the Tijik Tribe who inhabit the lands east of the Red Cedar Mountains. You both speak the Labisian dialect of Kishite as this is the most commonly taught dialect outside of Kishetal, alongside the Chibalic dialect. Jerat informs you that he was in the city for the previous festival when the current king, Akard, dethroned and killed his uncle Hutbari. He is happy to report that since Akard has become the king the city seems to be much cleaner and he wonders what the new king's conquests around Lake Shebali will mean for the festival. After a bit more pleasant conversation, you dim the olive oil lamps and go to sleep.

IMPORTANT: When talking to Makurians, it is best not to call them Makurians. Makur (Or Makia in Korithian) is the term used by Kishites and Shabalans to designate the lands east of Kishetal and north of Baban, Jezaan, and Ukkaria. In truth "Makur" accounts for a gigantic swath of land and is home to hundreds of different groups and cultures, each unique in their own right. Bonus Fact: Makur derives from the Shabalic word for east, maku.

Part 2: Starting Your Day

You are roused by the sound of singing outside in the streets. The first of many processions making its way from Temple Hill to the base of the Great Tomb. The last and grandest procession will come from the Palace and will be led by the King and his closest lords. You and your sleeping companions stumble out of the cellar to see what the fuss is all about.

This particular procession comes from the temple of Kimaba, goddess of the oven and of bread. As the small collection of priestesses and priests march down the road, they pour barley grains on the ground in supplication to the ground, unintentionally feeding the rather fat flock of birds which circles behind them. They sing ancient stories, in this instance the tale of the demigod Lat and his lover, Uridush. They carried aloft a statue of the goddess, the four-armed figure draped in the pelts of the temple guard dogs, collected upon each dog's passing and hung around the statue to fend off mischievous spirits. A few people rush forward to pluck hairs from the pelts as it is believed that adding these to grain will help to preserve them. In order to preserve these revered artifacts, one particularly sour-faced priestess wacks at anyone that comes close with a large cedar rod. A group of boys dare one another to get as close to the rod as possible, all fun and games, until one boy finds himself not quite fast enough and is left sniffling and enduring the teasing of his peers while rubbing the welt forming on his back.

Bonus Fact: Throughout Kishite History there have been several demigods or spiritbloods. The most famous of these was Tamel. Other famous demigods include the hunter Lat, the boar-headed demigod Hu(u)m, and the pirate Kilala. Still living figures like Mikrab the Mad and The War Queen Batricca often feature in songs and tall-tales.

As the procession passes on you duck back into the beer hall for a morning meal. You are not the only one, festival goers and locals alike are seated on the various benches and chairs. You are given the breakfast of choice, "gokigu", a mixture of stewed and mashed barley, old beer, and a thick variety of yogurt called ishjir. For the price of cleaning some bowls, Huma also adds a drizzle of honey and a sprinkling of black pepper to your bowl.

You ask some of the locals seated nearby where you should go first and they suggest you visit the Hall of Gods via the Dyer and Fishermonger's Streets. With a plan in place you leave the beer hall and start your day.

Part 3: The 26 Streets and the Hall of Gods

Though the market district is called "The 26 Streets", this is a bit of a misnomer. Many of these so-called "streets" actually fall on different sections of the Road of Tamel, which leads from the Tomb of Tamel to the Palatial Hill, with parts of the market then branching off from the main road to places like the Temple Hill. While to the untrained eye, the lay out of the markets may seem uneven and chaotic, in truth they are highly regulated by the palace, with each kind of business/trade limited to its own district. This serves not only to make issues of taxation easier, but in theory serves as a sort of consumer protection. By putting all of the options for a certain trade in close proximity, it allows potential customers to look around and make their own judgements before buying.

Palatial officials regularly inspect the districts in order to insure that no one is trying to sell outside of their approved district and to collect fees and taxes relating to breeches in law or conduct. One of these officials are properly referred to as an Uhwaku but you are more likely to hear store owners and locals refer to them as Tidiku or simply Tidi which means "Rat man" or "Rat", as they "steal" your grain.

The "streets" are as follows:

The Potter's Street

The Perfumer's Street

The Weaver's Street

The Butcher's Street

The Slaver's Street,

The Bronzesmith's Street

The Coppersmith’s Street

The Carver's Street

the Brewer's Street

The Vintner's Street

The Jeweller's Street

The Plantbrew's Street

The Scribe's Street

the Ropemaker's Street

The Tanner's Street

The Spicer's Street

The Painter's Street

The Dyer's Street

The Stonemason's Street

The Fishmonger's Street

The Carpenter's Street

The Basketweaver’s Street

The Papermaker's Street

The Musicians’ Street

The Farmer’s Street

The Candlemaker’s Street.

CAUTION: Before starting your adventure make sure that you have strong bottomed footwear. Though much has been improved in terms of sanitation since the reign of the previous king, particularly with the cavernous underground waste tunnels being properly tended, the streets are still far from clean. Broken pottery, animal feces, and other refuse are common on the streets and the last thing you need on your big trip is a cut or worse an infection.

The Butcher's Street

Your beer hall falls on the boundary between the Butcher's Street and the Farmer's Street. As the name suggests the Butcher's Street is where the majority of the city's meat is processed though it is also where products made from bone or horn can be purchased. The Farmer's Street is where produce as well as game from outside of the city is sold, it is the largest of the markets but it also one of the least well-suited for visitors such as yourself, as the traders there have little time to entertain your prodding and questioning. Luckily for you, the path to Hall of Gods takes you through the Butcher's Street.

Its still relatively earlier, which means the stalls are still well stocked. Goat, horned-rabbits, pork, mutton, and waterfowl are hung proudly for passers by to inspect and haggle for. Children paid in sausages and scraps swat away at the insistent flies with paddles made from reeds and horse hair. You won't find any chickens here as they have yet to be introduced in great quantity to this part of the world. Cattle is also another rarity, such creatures being far too valuable for consumption for any but the most elite.

You stop to inspect one stall one the owner sees you and approaches with a spoon which he claims is carved from a ram's horn. The carvings etched into the blood are quite well-done if not somewhat basic. Aside from metals, horn is perhaps the most revered material for spoons in Kishite society and owning a well-made horn spoon is a sign of status, particularly one from a well-grown ram or bull rather than a horned rabbit. Perhaps it could even be worth the exorbitant price he's asking (two silver coins). But are you confident in your ability to identify what is actually horn and if so, to haggle the price down?

Mini Lesson #1: Haggling and Money

Coins are still a new innovation in Kishetal, only being adopted a few decades before your visit. Much of the city still uses barter, though unless you have some grain or other valuables hidden up your sleeve, coins are probably your best course. While there are specific Labisian coins, any coin or even an equivalent amount of the raw metal will work for trade.

Haggling is a regular part of life in the markets and most shop-owners expect it. This can come as somewhat of a shock for people from places like Baalkes and Koritha where the prices are typically final. However, before you start randomly throwing out prices, you should know that haggling has a highly structured form that should be followed if you wish to reach a reasonable price.

1) The seller will offer an initial price, usually around twice to four times as much as they actually expect to receive. Do you like this spoon? Its horn, well-made. I will give it(this) to you in exchange for two sy(i)sbakip. Dagakila itdili fada? Jir ga, dasamigutas. Tukiwad dab fada lutuki se sisbakun. 2) You must thank them for their offer and inspect the offered item. Even if you have already looked at the item before being given the price, you should do so again. A thirty second inspection should be sufficient before offering your first counter offer. Thank you, can I see it? Oldab, hiwa ikab ekkiwaz irab? 3) After you inspect the item give a counter price, go low, perhaps about half of what you actually intend to pay. Do not go too low or you risk insulting the other person. Remember that this should be the lowest offer you give. Offer an explanation why the initial price is too much. What about (instead) three zubakips? I am a foreigner (m/f) and I do not have much (I have not much). Ekdowa kala ba zubakun? Wa zuluku/zuluma al nadana kudiwa.

After this, the exchange can be less regimented as you can go back and forth on the price. Be aware though that some sellers can be quite stubborn and some haggling matches can last hours. If you decide that trade is not worth it, bow your head and apologize and be on your way.

Mini Lesson #2: Thunderstep

With your spoon (or not) secured, it's time to continue on your way. You pass by more stalls and shops, a few owners try to lure you in with the promise of cheap or other high-quality products, waving about sausages and roasts. You manage to resist the temptation and continue onward. The street expands into a small plaza. Statues and styles surround you, including a new one which depicts the victory of the new king over the city of Naloch and its allies. The carving of King Akard, dressed in royal regalia with the Ram-horned goddess at his side, stands above you, carved in sandstone. 

 Four streets branch off from this plaza, including the one you just came from. The ever-growing smell of fish indicates that the path forward is to the west.  Before you can get there, however, you find your path blocked by a large swell of people. You strain to see what they are looking at when you hear (and feel) something strange. You look up to search for clouds but find nothing but the blue sky stretching endlessly. Then you hear it again, a rolling boom that you can feel vibrate through your entire body. It comes again and again, each boom coming in ever rapid succession. It is only then that you realize that what you are listening to is music. You push forward from the crowd to the front. There you find a large platform, its exact construction is a mystery to you. But you have little time to ponder on the platform before you finally find the source of the music. Two Kishite women, bare save for the green paint adorning their arms, chest, and belly as well as the thin ribbons of red fabric tied to their wrists and ankles, are leaping and spinning around one another. They look at the crowd with exaggerated facial expressions, grimacing, grinning, and rolling their eyes. Each time one of their feet hits the platform it produces one of those loud booms. A third woman seated on the edge of the platform plucks at a lyre-like instrument and sings a song about the Hoopoe King.

You have stumbled upon a Thunderstep/Stormstep performance. The style of theater combines dance with music and song to tell a simple narrative. The dances are performed on specially made hollow wooden platforms, producing loud thundering sounds, thus giving the style of theater its name. Thunderstep originates from the pre-Kishite inhabitants of the peninsula, specifically the Karaki people who once inhabited the region where the Kishite city of Seha sits now. Thunderstep has historically been dominated by women, and more often, women are in romantic relationships as this is believed to improve their performances. Thunderstep has been banned off and on throughout Labisa's history, most recently by the previous King Hutbari. Luckily for you, King Akard legalized such performances yet again.

As the performance finishes, people place bronze coins, fruits, and other trinkets and small objects on the stage. You are free to do so yourself.

NOTE: Place your offering on the stage; do not throw it. Throwing it may cause another boom and is viewed as disruptive. Do not try to get the performer's attention as this will almost certainly earn you some annoyed glances from other members of the audience.

The Fishmonger's Street

As you approach the Fishmonger's street, the smell of fish and rot intensifies, there is perhaps a reason why you see fewer foreigners there. As you near the first shop you are waved down by an older woman seated before a large bronze inlaid chest. She holds out her hand expectantly and demands a single bronze coin.

One bronze. Ku Zubakip.

As you try to ponder what exactly she wants, another person slips around you and places a coin in her hand. She nods and hands the man a small clay vial, no larger than your thumb. The man pours the contents in his hand and then smears it over his mustache before walking into the fishmarket.

The woman turns back to you, raising her hand once again. After a moment of hesitation you hand her a bronze and she places a vial in your hand.

You do as the man before you did, though a bit more conservatively, and apply some of the contents to your upper lip. The effect is eye-wateringly intense. Its a perfume, highly potent. Rosemary and pine resin dominate. The purpose becomes immediately clear as the intensity of the perfume means you can no longer smell the fish, or much of anything.

Continuing into the market, you find locals buying fish caught in Lake Shebali; small minnows, trout, carp, eels, and more. Someone has caught a massive sturgeon and is now auctioning it off bit by bit to a jostling group of customers. At another stand, people crowd around to gawk at a rare import from the west: oysters and scallops. Some bid, not for the meat, which is far too expensive and will almost certainly end up at the table of nobles, but rather for the shells.

In between the shops and stands selling fish are homes. Outside some of these, the owners sit with small portable clay ovens and grills, offering to cook up the purchases of passing shoppers. However, you are still full from your breakfast and decide to move on. The sellers here are somewhat less aggressive than those on the Butcher's Street. Soon enough, you come to the base of a small hill, far smaller than those previously mentioned. At the top of the hill is what you initially mistake for a temple, its walls carved and painted with grand murals of conquests in foreign lands. You have found the Hall of Gods.

The Hall of Gods

You enter the hall and find yourself surrounded on all sides by statues of deities, their styles varying wildly. Some are simple, little more than columns with faces carved into their curved surfaces, others are animalistic, others are quite abstract. There is no rhyme or reason in their ordering. There is only one thing that all of these strange statues have in common: none of them are Kishite.

This is not a temple, it is a trophy room. The deities which surround you are captives, taken from their native lands during the wars and conquests of Labisian kings, starting with Tamel. Fifty-seven statues and idols can be found in total. Ikopeshi, Apunian, Makurian, Korithian, Baalkic, and more are all represented. Perhaps you spot a deity from your own homeland.

Workers on ladders work to fix cracks and apply fresh paint to the strange faces. As you contemplate one of the statues, you feel a hand on your shoulder and turn to find yourself face to face with a Labisian guard. You are steered out of the hall and initially assume that you must have done something wrong, but it is then that you see the procession of priests approaching the Hall. You have done nothing wrong, you were merely in the way. This particular procession, banging at bronze bells and wailing, belongs to the temple of the war god Orikki. The head of their orders holds up a dragon bone spear, as old as the city itself. Two men lead jackals with leather leashes. Gripped in their other hands are gold-sheathed knives. As they enter the hall, the doors are shut behind them. Unfortunately (or perhaps not so unfortunately) you, as a foreigner, are not permitted to see the rituals they are about to perform.

The Lower City

With exploring more of the hall out of the question, you decide to follow the road to the part of the market that seems busiest, though you have little interest in cutting back through the Fishmonger's Street. You soon enter the Lower City, so called because of its elevation in comparison to the Palatial and Temple Hills, not its location on the map. The Lower City is made up of many small, cramped hovels of mudbrick and straw, interconnected through various doors and halls to form a sort of hive. There is no such thing as a private home in the Lower City. A man could walk from one end of the district to the other without ever stepping onto the street. Peasants lie on their roofs, chatting, trading, and playing games of dice. Unlike the rest of the city, many here are practically nude, dressed in little save for a loincloth (besawi), some wear even less than this. Nudity is far less of a taboo in Kishetal compared to many other regions.

There are far fewer travelers here than in any other part of the city you have been to thus far, for it is where the city's poorest live. There are no statues, only a stele or two, the beer halls are puny, and there are no shops. Yet as you walk you find people smiling at you and waving. A few old men try to beckon you over for beer and dice. Though far from perfect, the lives of the least fortunate have improved tremendously since the assassination of the old king. Of course, this does not stop the children on the street from calling themselves Narul or Princess Ninma as they go about their games.

You almost don't want to leave as you hear the bustle and noise of the markets up ahead.

The Weaver's, Perfumer's, and Potter's Districts

The transition from the Lower City to Weaver Street is jarring. These three streets are some of the largest and the most visited of the 26 streets. Visitors rush to gawk at and purchase bits and pieces of Lebanese clothing or textiles. Garments of imported Mu silk, Apunian linen, and Kishite wool of every color are waved by enthusiastic shop owners and hawkers seated in front of the flat-topped brick and wood buildings that function as stores, workshops, and homes. Unlike the plain mudbrick homes of the Lower City, the shops here are colorfully painted with whites, blues, reds, and greens, in the hopes that their bright tones will draw in curious patrons. The pungent smell of dye lay over the district like a blanket and the squeals and clicks of the looms and wheels fought to be heard over the many chattering voices. Unless you plan on buying something and are prepared to haggle its best that you do not look at any of the wares for too long, lest you attract the attention of an overly zealous seller.

Through the dye and the ever-present stench of the city, something more appealing catches your attention. The smell of frying dough. One of the shops selling wool tunics (sakalu) is also selling fried dough stuffed with sheep's cheese (Hasolikip). The shop, it seems, is run by a mother and daughter, both dressed in rust-colored fur coats and tunics, despite the heat. The daughter tends to the cloaks while the mother tends to the bubbling pan of sheep's fat. Your stomach growls, and you approach the woman to order a treat, but she simply points to her daughter. The daughter informs you that the pastries are free, so long as you buy a tunic. Her accent is odd, as are her proportions, her arms are longer than they should be and her shoulders broader. What you assumed was a coat was not a coat at all, but rather a thick layer of fur growing across most of her body, save her face and hands. These two are Hillfolk. More specifically, they are Uteshites who have come from their home in the hills to sell their wares for the festival.

Fun Fact: The Hillfolk are fur-covered beings often naturally capable of very minor magic (true magic, not sagecraft, a competent human sage is typically capable of far greater magical feats, though with the drawback of physiological and psychological wear and tear). They are one of the Awakened Races alongside humans and giants.  They are genetically and phenotypically most similar to the now extinct Stonefolk, and this can be seen in their typically short and broad physique. They are differentiated by their covering of fur, which can vary in color and texture in a similar nature to human head hair, and by their sixth digit found on each hand. It is not unusual for Hillfolk living in human settlements to shave their bodies in an attempt to fit in. Across Hillfolk cultures, a love of perfume and of combs is almost universal. The largest Hillfolk culture inhabiting the land now called Kishetal, are the Uteshites.

After considerable haggling and indecision, you finally agree to buy a tunic, white with green trim, and quickly also get a pastry. The pastry is split open and stuffed with a mixture of cheese, honey, and pistachio. The Labisian love of fried foods may not be particularly healthy, but it is delicious. You quickly finish your snack, your new tunic draped over your shoulder, and continue onward.

As you pass into the Perfumer's district, the smell of dye is quickly overwhelmed by a headache-inducing mélange of fragrances. Jugs and bottles of dozens of sizes, from the size of a child’s palm to the height of a grown man, line the street. Images have been painted on their surface to advertise their contents. Perfume is of immense importance throughout the lands of the Green Sea, but especially in Kishetal. No person leaves their home without first scenting themselves; slaves are typically the only exception. Indeed, among some peoples, like the Makurians and the Korithians, the Kishite people were thought of as feminine for their love of perfume, adornment, and their extravagant bathing practices. Even the presence of public toilets was at times considered to be unduly opulent.

Any combination of the scents listed below (and more) can be found. Certain shops may even allow you to combine perfumes to create your own bespoke scent. Each shop marks the jars and bottles containing their product with their own personal stamp, pressed into the clay while it was still soft. Just cataloging these stamps would take hours to complete.

Common Scents/Ingredients in Kishite Perfume: Rose Haasir (Fireflower) Peach Blossom Apple Blossom Thyme Rosemary Jasmine Cedar Myrrh Pine Lavender Fennel Lotus Dill Iris Pomegranate Cinnamon Cardamom Corriander Saffron Beeswax Clove Musk

Above: An example of a Kishite Stamp used to signify the origin of goods like perfume.

Well you could spend hours looking and sniffing the vast array of perfumes, you find your head is beginning to hurt. Perhaps its best to get away from all of these potent smells for now.

To finish this first part of the guide, we'll quickly introduce you to some of the sorts of pottery you might find in the Potter's Street.

You quickly move onwards towards the Potter's Street. Soon enough, the smell of rose and cinnamon declines, replaced by the earthy scent of clay and the sharp tang of kiln smoke. Potters line the streets, hawking their wares, hands stained with the rich red brown of freshly fired earth and glaze. From tiny, ornate perfume bottles to massive pithoi, many of which you recognize from the previous district. Some of the pots, jugs, and jars are adorned with intricate designs, some depicting scenes of daily life, others abstract patterns that seem to dance around the curves of the vessels, still others are unglazed, fiery orange or ashy gray.

Many of the ceramics being sold here were originally created for other purposes. Korithian and Apunian wine amphora, once used to ship expensive wines across the Green Sea, are now empty. A keen eye might recognize a royal pithoi, likely thrown away by the Palace, the crack in its side hastily patched by the merchant that found it. The merchant approaches you eagerly but you aren't in a position to be carrying around much of any sort of pottery, much less an entire pithoi (this one being larger than you). You politely decline and go on inspecting the wares of the various shops.

Each region produces their own distinct shapes and decorative traditions. Below are some examples: A Labisian Oil Jug

An Apunian Wine Amphora

A Korithian Water Jug

An Ukarrian Beer Mixing Bowl

A Burric (Eastern Kishite) Perfume Bottle

If you've read this far, thank you! Stay posted for Part 2, coming soon! (I am also going to try to post some story relevant content soon rather than just worldbuilding)

Taglist:

@illarian-rambling, @mk-writes-stuff, @kaylinalexanderbooks, @willtheweaver, @patternwelded-quill

@elsie-writes, @elizaellwrites, @the-ellia-west , @the-golden-comet

@finickyfelix, @theprissythumbelina, @autism-purgatory, @diabolical-blue , @tildeathiwillwrite

@katenewmanwrites, @leahnardo-da-veggie, @paeliae-occasionally, @melpomene-grey

@drchenquill, @marlowethelibrarian, @phoenixradiant, @pluttskutt, @3-2-whump

@dyrewrites, @unrepentantcheeseaddict, @roach-pizza, @rivenantiqnerd, @pluppsauthor

@flaneurarbiter, @dezerex, @axl-ul, @surroundedbypearls

@treesandwords, @the-golden-comet

[stuarttechnologybob]

Benefits of Hybrid App Development Services for SMEs and Startups.

Hybrid App Development Services

For small to medium-sized enterprises/organizations (SMEs) and startups, building a mobile application is more often essential, but resources are limited. That’s where Hybrid App Development can be utilized as it becomes an innovative and cost-effective solution to opt. As it offers the flexibility and scalability needed to grow without the heavy investment usually required for traditional native apps.

One Codebase, Multiple Platforms

One of the most significant benefits of Hybrid App Development, is its ability to craft a single codebase or script that works across both iOS and Android devices and their OS. This drastically reduces development time and costs, making it easy option for startups and SMEs to get their product to market faster.

Faster Time to Market

Hybrid applications can be developed and launched quickly as compared to other mediums. With pre-built components and frameworks like React Native or Flutter, developers can roll out features at speed. This is crucial for startups that need to test and recheck their product in the market quickly and make improvements and suggested changes based on user feedback.

Budget-Friendly Development

Hybrid App Development helps save on both development and maintenance costs. You don’t need to hire a separate team for iOS and Android app development. As the single team and workforce can handle the entire project with ease, which is ideal for small businesses at the ground level with tight budgets.

Easy Maintenance and Updates

Managing updates is simpler with hybrid apps. Instead of making changes to two separate codebases, updates can be pushed from a single source of truth. This assures that all the users or accesses, regardless of their device and OS, have access to the latest version or the updated system of the app.

Broader Reach

Since hybrid apps work on multiple platforms, businesses can reach a wider audience from the start. This helps in acquiring more users, collecting more data, and scaling operations faster, without requiring a doubling of effort.

Designing an intuitive and sleek dashboard that is meant to be good across different screen sizes and devices is another big challenge and task. While the hybrid design guidelines help, customization and creativity are needed to stand out with its adaptation.For SMEs and startups and businesses, Hybrid App Development offers the perfect balance of speed, cost, and performance within itself. Leading technology providers, such as Suma Soft, IBM, and Cyntexa, specialize in building scalable, secure, and engaging hybrid applications that help smaller businesses to grow quickly in competitive markets.

[elementramarketing]

Fuel Your Growth with Performance Marketing

Turn clicks into customers with laser-focused strategies and real-time results.

Introduction: Marketing That Delivers, Not Just Promises

In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, businesses no longer have the luxury of spending blindly on ads and waiting for miracles. What they need is performance marketing—a results-driven approach that focuses on conversions, not just impressions. It's data-backed, ROI-focused, and scalable, making it the future of modern marketing.

🎯 What is Performance Marketing?

Performance marketing is a digital strategy where advertisers pay only for measurable results—be it clicks, leads, sales, or app installs. Unlike traditional branding methods, performance marketing demands proof. Every campaign is trackable, every rupee spent is accountable.

Key components include:

Pay-Per-Click (PPC) advertising

Affiliate marketing

Social media paid campaigns

Native and display ads

Retargeting & programmatic advertising

💡 Why Businesses Love Performance Marketing

Performance marketing offers powerful benefits for brands across industries:

✅ Cost-Effective – No upfront lump sums; pay only for outcomes ✅ Trackable & Transparent – Live dashboards show real-time performance ✅ Highly Targeted – Reach only your ideal audience with pinpoint accuracy ✅ Scalable – Start small, test, and grow based on results ✅ Optimized for ROI – Every ad is backed by metrics that matter

From startups to big brands, everyone wants results—and this strategy delivers.

📈 Lead Generation: The Lifeline of Sales

No leads = no business. Performance marketing supercharges your sales funnel with high-quality, intent-driven leads across platforms:

Google Search & Display Network

Meta (Facebook/Instagram) Ads

LinkedIn for B2B targeting

YouTube & OTT for awareness-based targeting

Landing pages with integrated lead capture forms

By using tools like A/B testing, heatmaps, and behavioral tracking, marketers ensure that visitors convert—not just click.

🔧 Tools & Techniques that Drive Results

The magic lies in optimization. A great campaign uses:

Advanced analytics (Google Analytics, Meta Pixel, UTM tracking)

Retargeting to re-engage bounced traffic

Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO) for better lead quality

Funnel building with precise customer journeys

AI and automation for budget control and ad performance

When campaigns are backed by smart data, results are not left to chance.

🧠 Who Should Use Performance Marketing?

E-commerce brands looking to scale sales

Startups wanting fast market penetration

Service-based businesses aiming for qualified leads

Real estate, education, fintech, and healthcare sectors for niche targeting

Agencies managing multiple client portfolios

🌟 Final Word: Measure More. Waste Less.

Marketing budgets are shrinking, but expectations are growing. Performance marketing strikes the perfect balance by focusing only on what works. It’s not about shouting louder—it’s about reaching smarter.

🔗 Ready to generate real leads and real growth?

Start your performance marketing journey today!

👉 [Click Here] to explore high-ROI digital strategies!

[onewaveofficial]

EVM Compatible Blockchain 2025: The Backbone of Web3 Scalability & Innovation

As the Web3 ecosystem matures, 2025 is shaping up to be a transformative year, especially for EVM-compatible blockchains. These Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) compatible networks are no longer just Ethereum alternatives; they are becoming the foundation for a more connected, scalable, and user-friendly decentralized internet.

If you’re a developer, investor, or blockchain enthusiast, understanding the rise of EVM-compatible blockchains in 2025 could be the edge you need to stay ahead.

What is an EVM-compatible blockchain?

An EVM compatible blockchain is a blockchain that can run smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps) originally built for Ethereum. These networks use the same codebase (Solidity or Vyper), making it easier to port or replicate Ethereum-based applications across different chains.

Think of it as the “Android of blockchain” — a flexible operating system that lets developers deploy applications without needing to rebuild from scratch

Why 2025 is the Breakout Year for EVM Compatible Blockchain?

1. Scalability & Speed Are No Longer Optional

In 2025, network congestion and high gas fees are still major pain points on Ethereum. EVM compatible blockchains like Polygon, BNB Chain, Avalanche, Lycan, and the emerging Wave Blockchain are providing faster throughput and significantly lower transaction costs. This allows dApps to scale without compromising performance or user experience.

2. Interoperability Becomes a Standard

Web3 is no longer about isolated blockchains. In 2025, cross-chain bridges and multichain apps are the norm. EVM compatible blockchains are leading this interoperability movement, enabling seamless asset transfers and data sharing between chains — without sacrificing security or decentralization.

3. DeFi, NFTs, and Gaming Demand EVM Compatibility

Whether it’s a DeFi protocol like Uniswap, an NFT marketplace, or a Web3 game, developers want platforms that support quick deployment, lower fees, and a large user base. EVM compatible blockchains offer all three. That’s why platforms like OneWave, a next-gen multichain ecosystem, are being natively built on EVM-compatible infrastructure to unlock full utility across DeFi, NFTs, GameFi, and beyond.

Key Benefits of Using an EVM Compatible Blockchain in 2025

Lower Development Costs: Developers can reuse Ethereum-based code, tools, and libraries.

Wider Audience Reach: Most wallets like MetaMask, and protocols support EVM chains out of the box.

Cross-Platform Utility: Launch on one chain, expand to others seamlessly.

Greater Liquidity & Ecosystem Integration: Easier to tap into existing DeFi liquidity pools and NFT communities.

The Future Outlook: What Comes Next?

As of 2025, the trend is clear: dApps will prefer chains that are fast, cheap, and EVM compatible. Ethereum’s dominance is no longer enough to guarantee loyalty. Instead, flexibility and performance are king.

With the rise of modular architectures, Layer 2s, and zkEVM rollups, the EVM ecosystem is expanding at an unprecedented pace. EVM compatibility isn’t just a feature anymore — it’s a requirement.

For more visit: www.onewave.app

[drodriguezz]

How Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) Can Benefit Fitness App Development

In the ever-evolving world of fitness and technology, app developers are constantly looking for ways to improve user experiences. With millions of people using smartphones for fitness tracking, workout routines, and health monitoring, fitness apps are more popular than ever. However, traditional native apps have limitations, especially when it comes to reaching a wider audience and providing smooth user experiences across different devices. This is where Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) come in, offering unique advantages for fitness app development.

In this blog, we'll explore what PWAs are, how they work, and the key benefits they bring to fitness app development. By the end of this, you’ll have a clear idea of why PWAs are becoming a game-changer for the fitness industry.

What Are Progressive Web Apps (PWAs)?

Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) are a type of application software that is delivered through the web but functions similarly to a native mobile app. Unlike traditional apps, PWAs are accessed through a browser but can be installed on a user’s device, just like an app from the App Store or Google Play. They combine the best of both worlds by offering the flexibility of web-based apps and the user experience of native apps.

PWAs are designed to be fast, reliable, and engaging. They use modern web technologies like service workers and caching to work offline or with poor internet connections. They can also be installed on the home screen, send push notifications, and offer smooth performance without the need for app store downloads.

Benefits of PWAs for Fitness App Development

1. Faster Load Times and Better Performance

In the fast-paced world of fitness, users want instant access to their workout plans, progress trackers, and nutrition guides. PWAs are optimized for speed and can load faster than traditional apps. This is especially important for fitness apps that require real-time updates, such as syncing data from fitness trackers, recording steps, or tracking calories burned.

PWAs cache data, which means users can access the app almost instantly even if they have a slow or unstable internet connection. For fitness enthusiasts who need a quick and responsive experience, this is a huge advantage. Faster load times can also improve user retention, as users are less likely to abandon an app that lags or takes too long to load.

2. Cost-Effective and Easier Maintenance

Developing a native fitness app for both iOS and Android can be costly and time-consuming. You have to create two separate apps, each with its own codebase, and maintain them over time. With PWAs, you only need to develop and maintain one version of the app that works across multiple devices and platforms (iOS, Android, and desktop).

For fitness app developers, this means fewer resources are needed for development and maintenance. Updates can be pushed instantly to all users, eliminating the need for app store approvals or long wait times. This is especially beneficial in the fitness industry, where new features or workout programs need to be updated frequently.

3. Wider Accessibility and Reach

One of the main challenges with native fitness apps is that they’re limited to the App Store or Google Play Store. Users must download the app before they can use it, which can be a barrier for some people. PWAs don’t have this limitation. They can be accessed through any web browser, and users don’t need to go through an app store to download them.

This means a wider audience can access your fitness app without the need for a download. Whether they’re on a smartphone, tablet, or even a desktop, users can easily access your fitness app and start using it right away. For fitness businesses, this means more potential users and less friction when it comes to acquiring new customers.

4. Offline Capability

Imagine you're in the middle of a workout, and your internet connection drops. A traditional fitness app might stop working, and you might lose access to your workout routine or tracking features. PWAs solve this problem by offering offline functionality.

By using service workers, PWAs can cache important data, allowing users to access their fitness routines or monitor their progress even when they don't have an internet connection. This is particularly useful for users who like to work out in areas with weak or no internet connection, such as in a gym or during outdoor activities like hiking or cycling.

5. Push Notifications for Engagement

Keeping users motivated and engaged is crucial in the fitness industry. PWAs offer the ability to send push notifications, even when the app is not open. Fitness apps can use this feature to send reminders for scheduled workouts, motivational messages, or notifications about new content (like workout challenges or new nutrition tips).

Push notifications can help increase user retention by keeping your app in front of users and encouraging them to stay on track with their fitness goals. For instance, a fitness app could send a notification when it’s time for a user’s daily workout or when they achieve a new milestone, like hitting their step goal for the day.

6. Easy Installation and Updates

While native apps require users to go to the App Store or Google Play to download and install, PWAs can be installed directly from a website with just a few clicks. This makes the installation process much easier and faster, especially for users who don’t want to go through the app store.

Once installed, PWAs behave just like native apps. They can be launched from the home screen, and users can enjoy the same features without needing to open a browser. Additionally, updates to PWAs are seamless, as they’re delivered through the web. Users don’t need to worry about manually updating the app, and they’ll always have access to the latest features without delay.

7. Improved SEO and Discoverability

Since PWAs are essentially websites, they can be indexed by search engines like Google. This is a huge advantage for fitness app developers who want to improve their app’s discoverability. With native apps, you rely heavily on app store optimization (ASO) to attract users, but PWAs can be easily found through a simple Google search.

This gives PWAs an edge in terms of visibility, especially if you want to drive traffic to your fitness app through organic search. For instance, users who search for “home workout routines” or “calorie tracking apps” might discover your fitness app right from the search results, making it more likely for them to give it a try.

Conclusion

Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) offer numerous benefits for fitness app development. From faster load times and offline capabilities to cost-effective maintenance and wider accessibility, PWAs are a powerful tool for reaching more users and delivering a seamless experience. For fitness app developers and businesses looking to expand their reach and offer an engaging experience, PWAs are an excellent option to consider.

By leveraging the benefits of PWAs, fitness apps can be faster, more reliable, and more accessible to users across different devices. Whether you’re developing a fitness app for personal use or launching one for a wider audience, PWAs provide a flexible, efficient, and engaging solution for the future of fitness app development. So, if you’re planning to create or upgrade your fitness app, it’s time to think about the power of PWAs!

[eirawexford]

12 Reasons Why To Choose Flutter for Your Mobile App Development

In the rapidly evolving world of mobile technology, choosing the right framework for app development can significantly impact a project's success, budget, and time-to-market.

Among the various options, Flutter, Google's open-source UI toolkit, has emerged as a formidable player, gaining immense popularity for its ability to build natively compiled applications for mobile, web, and desktop from a single codebase. For a New Jersey Mobile App Development firm or any business looking to create high-quality, efficient, and future-proof applications, Flutter presents a compelling case.

Here are 12 compelling reasons why Flutter should be your top choice for mobile app development:

1. Single Codebase, Multiple Platforms

One of Flutter's most celebrated features is its cross-platform capability. Developers can write code once and deploy it across both iOS and Android, and even web and desktop.

Benefit: This drastically reduces development time and resources, as you don't need separate teams or codebases for different platforms. It ensures consistency in look and feel across all devices, streamlining maintenance and updates.

2. Fast Development with Hot Reload/Restart

Flutter's "Hot Reload" and "Hot Restart" features are game-changers for developer productivity.

Benefit: Developers can see the immediate effect of code changes without losing the application's current state. This accelerates the development cycle, speeds up bug fixing, and facilitates rapid iteration between designers and developers.

3. Expressive and Flexible UI (Widgets)

Flutter's entire UI is built using a rich, customizable set of widgets. Unlike other frameworks that rely on native components, Flutter renders its widgets directly using its own high-performance rendering engine (Skia).

Benefit: This offers unparalleled control over the UI, enabling the creation of visually stunning, pixel-perfect, and highly customized user interfaces that look consistent across different platforms, without being constrained by native UI limitations.

4. Native-Like Performance

Despite being a cross-platform solution, Flutter apps are known for their exceptional performance, often indistinguishable from native applications.

Benefit: Flutter compiles Dart code into native ARM machine code, eliminating the need for a JavaScript bridge (common in other cross-platform frameworks). This direct compilation, combined with the Skia graphics engine, ensures smooth animations, fast startup times, and a highly responsive user experience.

5. Strong Google Support & Growing Community

As a Google-backed framework, Flutter benefits from continuous updates, extensive documentation, and a vibrant, rapidly expanding global community.

Benefit: This robust support system provides developers with a wealth of resources, tutorials, and immediate solutions to challenges. The active community contributes to a rich ecosystem of packages and plugins, further accelerating development.

6. Dart Language Simplicity

Flutter utilizes Dart, an object-oriented programming language also developed by Google. Dart is designed to be easy to learn, especially for developers familiar with languages like Java, JavaScript, or C#.

Benefit: Its straightforward syntax and powerful features, combined with ahead-of-time (AOT) and just-in-time (JIT) compilation capabilities, make development intuitive, efficient, and enable high-performance applications.

7. Reduced Code Complexity

Flutter's declarative UI approach and widget-based architecture naturally lead to cleaner, more organized, and less complex code.

Benefit: This reduces the overall lines of code needed, making the app easier to build, understand, maintain, and scale. Simplified code also means fewer bugs and a more streamlined development process.

8. Open-Source and Free

Flutter is a completely open-source framework, accessible to everyone without any licensing fees.

Benefit: This significantly reduces the cost barrier for mobile app development, making it an attractive option for startups and businesses with budget constraints. It also fosters community contributions and transparency.

9. Rich Libraries & Integrations

Flutter boasts a comprehensive array of pre-built widgets and a vast ecosystem of third-party packages and plugins available on Pub.dev.

Benefit: These ready-to-use components and integrations for features like payment gateways, analytics, and device APIs drastically reduce development time. Developers can quickly add complex functionalities without building them from scratch.

10. Consistent UI Across Platforms

Due to its own rendering engine and widget set, Flutter ensures that your app looks and feels identical across both iOS and Android devices, as well as web and desktop.

Benefit: This consistency is crucial for brand identity and user recognition. It simplifies design and testing processes, as designers and developers don't need to account for subtle differences in native components.

11. Suitable for MVP Development

Flutter's speed and efficiency make it an ideal choice for building Minimum Viable Products (MVPs).

Benefit: You can rapidly develop and deploy a core version of your app to market, gather user feedback, and validate your business idea without significant upfront investment. This "fail fast, learn fast" approach minimizes risk and accelerates market entry.

12. Future-Proof Technology

Backed by Google, Flutter is continuously evolving, with ongoing investment in new features, performance enhancements, and support for emerging platforms.

Benefit: Choosing Flutter positions your app to easily adapt to future technological shifts, from new operating system versions to entirely new device categories like foldable phones or embedded systems, ensuring your investment remains relevant and competitive. This forward-looking aspect is something many in New Jersey Mobile App Development consider vital for long-term project success.

Conclusion

Flutter offers a compelling package for mobile app development, combining speed, performance, flexibility, and cost-efficiency. Its ability to deliver beautiful, natively compiled applications from a single codebase makes it an increasingly preferred choice for businesses and developers worldwide. For those seeking to build innovative and high-quality mobile experiences efficiently, Flutter provides a robust, versatile, and future-ready solution.

[16naughts]

Dev Log Feb 7 2025 - The Stack

Ahoy. This is JFrame of 16Naughts in the first of what I hope will turn out to be a weekly series of developer logs surrounding some of our activities here in the office. Not quite so focused on individual games most of the time, but more on some of the more interesting parts of development as a whole. Or really, just an excuse for me to geek out a little into the void. With introductions out of the way, the first public version of our game Crescent Roll (https://store.steampowered.com/app/3325680/Crescent_Roll juuuust as a quick plug) is due out here at the end of the month, and has a very interesting/unorthodox tech stack that might be of interest to certain devs wanting to cut down on their application install size. The game itself is actually written in Javascript - you know, the scripting language used by your web browser for the interactive stuff everywhere, including here. If you've been on Newgrounds or any other site, they might call games that use it "HTML5" games like they used to call "Flash" games (RIP in peace). Unfortunately, Javascript still has a bit of a sour reputation in most developer circles, and "web game" doesn't really instill much confidence in the gamer either. However, it's turning more and more into the de-facto standard for like, everything. And I do mean everything. 99% of applications on your phone are just websites wrapped in the system view (including, if you're currently using it, the Tumblr app), and it's bleeding more and more into the desktop and other device spaces. Both Android and iOS have calls available to utilize their native web browsers in applications. Windows and Mac support the same thing with WebView2 and WebKit respectively. Heck, even Xbox and Nintendo have a web framework available too (even goes back as far as Flash support for the Wii). So, if you're not using an existing game engine like we aren't and you want to go multi-platform, your choices are either A) Do it in something C/C++ -ish, or now B) Write it in JS. So great - JS runs everywhere. Except, it's not exactly a first-class citizen in any of these scenarios. Every platform has a different SDK for a different low-level language, and none of them have a one-click "bundle this website into an exe" option. So there is some additional work that needs to be done to get it into that nice little executable package.

Enter C#. Everyone calls it Microsoft Java, but their support for it has been absolutely spectacular that it has surpassed Java in pretty much every single possible way. And that includes the number and types of machines that it runs on. The DotNet Core initiative has Mac, Windows, and Linux covered (plus Xbox), Xamarin has Android, and the new stuff for Maui brought iOS into the fold. Write once, run everywhere. Very nice. Except those itty bitty little application lifetime quirks completely change how you do the initialization on each platform, and the system calls are different for getting the different web views set up, and Microsoft is pushing Maui so hard that actually finding the calls and libraries to do the stuff instead of using their own (very strange) UI toolkit is a jungle, but I mean, I only had to write our stream decompression stuff once and everything works with the same compilation options. So yeah - good enough. And fortunately, only getting better. Just recently, they added Web Views directly into Maui itself so we can now skip a lot of the bootstrapping we had to do (I'm not re-writing it until we have to, but you know- it's there for everyone else). So, there you have it. Crescent Roll is a Javascript HTML5 Web Game that uses the platform native Web View through C#. It's a super tiny 50-100MB (depending on the platform) from not having to bundle the JS engine with it, compiles in seconds, and is fast and lean when running and only getting faster and leaner as it benefits from any performance improvements made anywhere in any of those pipeline. And that's it for today's log. Once this thing is actually, you know, released, I can hopefully start doing some more recent forward-looking progress things rather than a kind of vague abstract retrospective ramblings. Maybe some shader stuff next week, who knows.

Lemme know if you have any questions on anything. I know it's kind of dry, but I can grab some links for stuff to get started with, or point to some additional reading if you want it.

[cyberanalyst023]

Exploring the Azure Technology Stack: A Solution Architect’s Journey

Kavin

As a solution architect, my career revolves around solving complex problems and designing systems that are scalable, secure, and efficient. The rise of cloud computing has transformed the way we think about technology, and Microsoft Azure has been at the forefront of this evolution. With its diverse and powerful technology stack, Azure offers endless possibilities for businesses and developers alike. My journey with Azure began with Microsoft Azure training online, which not only deepened my understanding of cloud concepts but also helped me unlock the potential of Azure’s ecosystem.

In this blog, I will share my experience working with a specific Azure technology stack that has proven to be transformative in various projects. This stack primarily focuses on serverless computing, container orchestration, DevOps integration, and globally distributed data management. Let’s dive into how these components come together to create robust solutions for modern business challenges.

Understanding the Azure Ecosystem

Azure’s ecosystem is vast, encompassing services that cater to infrastructure, application development, analytics, machine learning, and more. For this blog, I will focus on a specific stack that includes:

Azure Functions for serverless computing.

Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) for container orchestration.

Azure DevOps for streamlined development and deployment.

Azure Cosmos DB for globally distributed, scalable data storage.

Each of these services has unique strengths, and when used together, they form a powerful foundation for building modern, cloud-native applications.

1. Azure Functions: Embracing Serverless Architecture

Serverless computing has redefined how we build and deploy applications. With Azure Functions, developers can focus on writing code without worrying about managing infrastructure. Azure Functions supports multiple programming languages and offers seamless integration with other Azure services.

Real-World Application

In one of my projects, we needed to process real-time data from IoT devices deployed across multiple locations. Azure Functions was the perfect choice for this task. By integrating Azure Functions with Azure Event Hubs, we were able to create an event-driven architecture that processed millions of events daily. The serverless nature of Azure Functions allowed us to scale dynamically based on workload, ensuring cost-efficiency and high performance.

Key Benefits:

Auto-scaling: Automatically adjusts to handle workload variations.

Cost-effective: Pay only for the resources consumed during function execution.

Integration-ready: Easily connects with services like Logic Apps, Event Grid, and API Management.

2. Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS): The Power of Containers

Containers have become the backbone of modern application development, and Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) simplifies container orchestration. AKS provides a managed Kubernetes environment, making it easier to deploy, manage, and scale containerized applications.

Real-World Application

In a project for a healthcare client, we built a microservices architecture using AKS. Each service—such as patient records, appointment scheduling, and billing—was containerized and deployed on AKS. This approach provided several advantages:

Isolation: Each service operated independently, improving fault tolerance.

Scalability: AKS scaled specific services based on demand, optimizing resource usage.

Observability: Using Azure Monitor, we gained deep insights into application performance and quickly resolved issues.

The integration of AKS with Azure DevOps further streamlined our CI/CD pipelines, enabling rapid deployment and updates without downtime.

Key Benefits:

Managed Kubernetes: Reduces operational overhead with automated updates and patching.

Multi-region support: Enables global application deployments.

Built-in security: Integrates with Azure Active Directory and offers role-based access control (RBAC).

3. Azure DevOps: Streamlining Development Workflows

Azure DevOps is an all-in-one platform for managing development workflows, from planning to deployment. It includes tools like Azure Repos, Azure Pipelines, and Azure Artifacts, which support collaboration and automation.

Real-World Application

For an e-commerce client, we used Azure DevOps to establish an efficient CI/CD pipeline. The project involved multiple teams working on front-end, back-end, and database components. Azure DevOps provided:

Version control: Using Azure Repos for centralized code management.

Automated pipelines: Azure Pipelines for building, testing, and deploying code.

Artifact management: Storing dependencies in Azure Artifacts for seamless integration.

The result? Deployment cycles that previously took weeks were reduced to just a few hours, enabling faster time-to-market and improved customer satisfaction.

Key Benefits:

End-to-end integration: Unifies tools for seamless development and deployment.

Scalability: Supports projects of all sizes, from startups to enterprises.

Collaboration: Facilitates team communication with built-in dashboards and tracking.

4. Azure Cosmos DB: Global Data at Scale

Azure Cosmos DB is a globally distributed, multi-model database service designed for mission-critical applications. It guarantees low latency, high availability, and scalability, making it ideal for applications requiring real-time data access across multiple regions.

Real-World Application

In a project for a financial services company, we used Azure Cosmos DB to manage transaction data across multiple continents. The database’s multi-region replication ensure data consistency and availability, even during regional outages. Additionally, Cosmos DB’s support for multiple APIs (SQL, MongoDB, Cassandra, etc.) allowed us to integrate seamlessly with existing systems.

Key Benefits:

Global distribution: Data is replicated across regions with minimal latency.

Flexibility: Supports various data models, including key-value, document, and graph.

SLAs: Offers industry-leading SLAs for availability, throughput, and latency.

Building a Cohesive Solution

Combining these Azure services creates a technology stack that is flexible, scalable, and efficient. Here’s how they work together in a hypothetical solution:

Data Ingestion: IoT devices send data to Azure Event Hubs.

Processing: Azure Functions processes the data in real-time.

Storage: Processed data is stored in Azure Cosmos DB for global access.

Application Logic: Containerized microservices run on AKS, providing APIs for accessing and manipulating data.

Deployment: Azure DevOps manages the CI/CD pipeline, ensuring seamless updates to the application.

This architecture demonstrates how Azure’s technology stack can address modern business challenges while maintaining high performance and reliability.

Final Thoughts

My journey with Azure has been both rewarding and transformative. The training I received at ACTE Institute provided me with a strong foundation to explore Azure’s capabilities and apply them effectively in real-world scenarios. For those new to cloud computing, I recommend starting with a solid training program that offers hands-on experience and practical insights.

As the demand for cloud professionals continues to grow, specializing in Azure’s technology stack can open doors to exciting opportunities. If you’re based in Hyderabad or prefer online learning, consider enrolling in Microsoft Azure training in Hyderabad to kickstart your journey.

Azure’s ecosystem is continuously evolving, offering new tools and features to address emerging challenges. By staying committed to learning and experimenting, we can harness the full potential of this powerful platform and drive innovation in every project we undertake.

[fabvancesolution]

The Future of Web Development: Trends, Techniques, and Tools

Web development is a dynamic field that is continually evolving to meet the demands of an increasingly digital world. With businesses relying more on online presence and user experience becoming a priority, web developers must stay abreast of the latest trends, technologies, and best practices. In this blog, we’ll delve into the current landscape of web development, explore emerging trends and tools, and discuss best practices to ensure successful web projects.

Understanding Web Development

Web development involves the creation and maintenance of websites and web applications. It encompasses a variety of tasks, including front-end development (what users see and interact with) and back-end development (the server-side that powers the application). A successful web project requires a blend of design, programming, and usability skills, with a focus on delivering a seamless user experience.

Key Trends in Web Development

Progressive Web Apps (PWAs): PWAs are web applications that provide a native app-like experience within the browser. They offer benefits like offline access, push notifications, and fast loading times. By leveraging modern web capabilities, PWAs enhance user engagement and can lead to higher conversion rates.

Single Page Applications (SPAs): SPAs load a single HTML page and dynamically update content as users interact with the app. This approach reduces page load times and provides a smoother experience. Frameworks like React, Angular, and Vue.js have made developing SPAs easier, allowing developers to create responsive and efficient applications.

Responsive Web Design: With the increasing use of mobile devices, responsive design has become essential. Websites must adapt to various screen sizes and orientations to ensure a consistent user experience. CSS frameworks like Bootstrap and Foundation help developers create fluid, responsive layouts quickly.

Voice Search Optimization: As voice-activated devices like Amazon Alexa and Google Home gain popularity, optimizing websites for voice search is crucial. This involves focusing on natural language processing and long-tail keywords, as users tend to speak in full sentences rather than typing short phrases.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning: AI is transforming web development by enabling personalized user experiences and smarter applications. Chatbots, for instance, can provide instant customer support, while AI-driven analytics tools help developers understand user behavior and optimize websites accordingly.

Emerging Technologies in Web Development

JAMstack Architecture: JAMstack (JavaScript, APIs, Markup) is a modern web development architecture that decouples the front end from the back end. This approach enhances performance, security, and scalability by serving static content and fetching dynamic content through APIs.

WebAssembly (Wasm): WebAssembly allows developers to run high-performance code on the web. It opens the door for languages like C, C++, and Rust to be used for web applications, enabling complex computations and graphics rendering that were previously difficult to achieve in a browser.

Serverless Computing: Serverless architecture allows developers to build and run applications without managing server infrastructure. Platforms like AWS Lambda and Azure Functions enable developers to focus on writing code while the cloud provider handles scaling and maintenance, resulting in more efficient workflows.

Static Site Generators (SSGs): SSGs like Gatsby and Next.js allow developers to build fast and secure static websites. By pre-rendering pages at build time, SSGs improve performance and enhance SEO, making them ideal for blogs, portfolios, and documentation sites.

API-First Development: This approach prioritizes building APIs before developing the front end. API-first development ensures that various components of an application can communicate effectively and allows for easier integration with third-party services.

Best Practices for Successful Web Development

Focus on User Experience (UX): Prioritizing user experience is essential for any web project. Conduct user research to understand your audience's needs, create wireframes, and test prototypes to ensure your design is intuitive and engaging.

Emphasize Accessibility: Making your website accessible to all users, including those with disabilities, is a fundamental aspect of web development. Adhere to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) by using semantic HTML, providing alt text for images, and ensuring keyboard navigation is possible.

Optimize Performance: Website performance significantly impacts user satisfaction and SEO. Optimize images, minify CSS and JavaScript, and leverage browser caching to ensure fast loading times. Tools like Google PageSpeed Insights can help identify areas for improvement.

Implement Security Best Practices: Security is paramount in web development. Use HTTPS to encrypt data, implement secure authentication methods, and validate user input to protect against vulnerabilities. Regularly update dependencies to guard against known exploits.

Stay Current with Technology: The web development landscape is constantly changing. Stay informed about the latest trends, tools, and technologies by participating in online courses, attending webinars, and engaging with the developer community. Continuous learning is crucial to maintaining relevance in this field.

Essential Tools for Web Development

Version Control Systems: Git is an essential tool for managing code changes and collaboration among developers. Platforms like GitHub and GitLab facilitate version control and provide features for issue tracking and code reviews.

Development Frameworks: Frameworks like React, Angular, and Vue.js streamline the development process by providing pre-built components and structures. For back-end development, frameworks like Express.js and Django can speed up the creation of server-side applications.

Content Management Systems (CMS): CMS platforms like WordPress, Joomla, and Drupal enable developers to create and manage websites easily. They offer flexibility and scalability, making it simple to update content without requiring extensive coding knowledge.

Design Tools: Tools like Figma, Sketch, and Adobe XD help designers create user interfaces and prototypes. These tools facilitate collaboration between designers and developers, ensuring that the final product aligns with the initial vision.

Analytics and Monitoring Tools: Google Analytics, Hotjar, and other analytics tools provide insights into user behavior, allowing developers to assess the effectiveness of their websites. Monitoring tools can alert developers to issues such as downtime or performance degradation.

Conclusion

Web development is a rapidly evolving field that requires a blend of creativity, technical skills, and a user-centric approach. By understanding the latest trends and technologies, adhering to best practices, and leveraging essential tools, developers can create engaging and effective web experiences. As we look to the future, those who embrace innovation and prioritize user experience will be best positioned for success in the competitive world of web development. Whether you are a seasoned developer or just starting, staying informed and adaptable is key to thriving in this dynamic landscape.

more about details :- https://fabvancesolutions.com/

[stuarttechnologybob]

How can progressive web apps benefit online stores?

PWA Development Services

In the fast-moving world of eCommerce, providing a smooth and engaging customer experience and offering is key to success and achievement. This is where PWA Development (Progressive Web App Development) comes in. PWAs combine and merge the best of web and mobile apps into one system as its support to offer online stores powerful functionality, enhanced speed, and user-focused experiences—all without the need for a traditional app download.

Improved Loading Speed -

Online shoppers expect quick load times. If a website is slow, they’ll likely abandon it. PWA Development assures that lightning-fast performance by caching content efficiently as its helps users to stay on the app. This means pages load instantly, even on slower networks, keeping visitors engaged and reducing bounce rates of the app or portal.

Mobile-Like Experience Without the App Store -

PWAs behave just like native mobile apps— as the users can install and save them directly from the browser and access them from their home screen with ease. For online stores, this eliminates the friction of going through app stores by increasing the chances of user retention and repeating the amount or number of visits.

Offline Functionality -

A key benefit of PWA Development is offline access. Customers can continue to browse products or even complete transactions when they're temporarily disconnected from the internet. As this add-on feature is especially useful for users in the areas with unstable connectivity and helps the businesses to retain their potential buyers.

Better Conversion Rates -

The seamless performance and driven approach and app-like experience of PWAs lead and drive towards improved user engagement and ultimately sees higher conversions. PWAs minimize and lower barriers like slow checkout processes or poor navigation, ensuring customers move smoothly from browsing to purchasing and get a sale ticket generated or conversion.

Lower Development Costs -

Developing separate apps or platforms for iOS and Android is costly and time-consuming. PWA Development allows online retailers to craft a single and one handheld application that works and is supported across all platforms and devices, drastically reducing the development time and costs. PWA Development is helping online stores evolve by offering faster, more reliable, and engaging shopping experiences. Trusted companies like Suma Soft, IBM, Cyntexa, and Cignex specialize in building custom PWAs that cater to unique business goals—helping online retailers grow, retain customers and users, and stay competitive and dominant in the digital marketplace and industry with its smooth implementation.

[myresellerhome]

10 Mind-Blowing Ways Cloudflare is Transforming the Tech Industry

It is crucial to ensure your website has strong security and optimal performance in the ever-changing IT world. Here's where Cloudflare becomes a revolutionary solution. Here we will explore Cloudflare, its many uses, how it is revolutionizing the tech industry, and how you can use its features to improve your online visibility.

The Background of Cloudflare-

The goal behind starting Cloudflare was to assist website owners in improving the speed and security of their sites. When it first started, its primary function was to use its content delivery network (CDN) to speed up websites and defend them from cyber threats. To put it simply, Cloudflare is a leading provider of performance and security solutions.

What is Cloudflare?

Cloudflare is the leader in CDN solutions that make connections to your website safe, private, and quick. It is a provider of online architecture and website security services. In its most basic definition, a content delivery network (CDN) is a collection of servers located all over the world. Their primary purpose is to collaborate in order to accelerate the transmission of web content.

In modern times, websites and web applications are widespread. We can find a website or web application to accomplish a variety of tasks. The majority of these websites and web applications are designed to be private and safe, but many small firms and non-techies have restricted access to their security guidelines. These kinds of websites benefit from Cloudflare's performance and security enhancements. Enhancing the security, performance, and dependability of anything linked to the Internet is the goal of Cloudflare, an Internet organization company. The majority of Cloudflare's essential capabilities are available for free, and it has an easy-to-use installation process. Cloudflare offers both UI and API for administering your website.

How Cloudflare is revolutionizing the tech sector-

IT and security teams will have to deal with emerging technology, risks, laws, and growing expenses in 2024. Organizations cannot afford to ignore AI in particular. Those who can't immediately and drastically change will find themselves falling behind their rivals. However, given that 39% of IT and security decision-makers feel that their companies need more control over their digital environments, it is more difficult to innovate swiftly.

How can you regain control and guarantee that your company has the efficiency and agility required to develop while maintaining security? A connection cloud is an all-in-one platform that links all of your domains and gathers resources to help you take back control, cut expenses, and lessen the risks associated with protecting a larger network environment.

Cloudflare is the top and best cloud hosting provider for connection. It enables businesses to lower complexity and costs while enabling workers, apps, and networks to operate quicker and more securely everywhere. With the most feature-rich, unified platform of cloud-native products and developer tools available, Cloudflare's connection cloud gives every organization the power to operate, grow, and expedite its business.

How does Cloudflare work?

Cloudflare improves website speed and security. It offers a content delivery network (CDN), DDoS defence, and firewall services. It safeguards websites against online dangers such as viruses and DDoS assaults. In short, Cloudflare protects websites from internet threats and improves their performance. Additionally, because of its global network, Cloudflare can efficiently handle online traffic and maintain site security.

How to Use Cloudflare?

Website owners must create an account and add their websites to the Cloudflare dashboard in order to use Cloudflare. In addition to automatically configuring its CDN and security capabilities, Cloudflare will check the website for DNS (Data Name Server) records. Website owners can use the dashboard to monitor and modify Cloudflare's settings after they have been set up.

What Makes Cloudflare Useful?

Cloudflare ensures that your website is always accessible, minimises malicious traffic, and speeds it up. Sites maintained using this are more dependable, quick, and safe. Using technologies like SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) and firewalls also simplifies handling DNS (Data Name Server) and security related to websites. It is accessible to all users, regardless of the size of the business. Your website will remain safe, load swiftly, and function flawlessly, thereby ensuring that users are satisfied with uncommon moments of inactivity.

It is a valuable tool for individuals and businesses, is a smart investment for website owners. It enhances the speed, dependability, and security of websites, all at a reasonable cost. This cost-effectiveness ensures that website owners, regardless of their technical proficiency, can feel financially secure and smart.

Benefits of Cloudflare:

The primary benefit is that it offers performance and security at no cost on a bigger scale.

Most of its essential functions are available on a free account.

It functions as a CDN to speed up the speed at which websites load.

It prevents DDoS attacks and harmful bots.

It offered short TTL-managed DNS (Data Name Server).

It offers a free SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate that is updated yearly and is fully maintained.

It offers serverless features and forwarding rules.

Different independent add-ons for different services are available on it.

It offers services for registering domains.

Offers an API to control the majority of the services.

HTTP/2 Protocol: Utilize Parallel Loading to Accelerate Your Website

The outdated HTTP/1.1 standard is replaced by the faster and more modern HTTP/2 protocol. Because it can load page elements concurrently, your website will load more quickly. Because Cloudflare supports HTTP/2, you may benefit from this cutting-edge technology without having to perform any extra effort.

2. Free SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) Certifications

To ensure safe data transfer between your website and users, Cloudflare provides a free SSL certificate. Because search engines give priority to particular websites, this safeguards important information and improves your website ranks.

3. DNS Security: Boost Domain Protection with DNSSEC DNS Security Extensions

DNSSEC confer an additional degree of protection to your domain by authenticating DNS answers. The DNSSEC functionality from Cloudflare is simple to set up and guards against cache poisoning and DNS (Data Name Server) spoofing attacks on your website.

4. Limiting Rates to Prevent DDoS Attacks

A security measure known as rate limitation restricts the quantity of queries visitors can make to your website in a certain amount of time. Because of Cloudflare's rate-limiting feature, your website is shielded from unwanted traffic and DDoS attacks, making the internet a safer place.

5. Image Optimization: Utilizing Compressed Images for Quicker Loading

With Cloudflare's image optimization tool, your website will load faster by resizing and compressing photos. It reduces bandwidth utilization and enhances user experience, which lowers hosting expenses.

6. Page Rules: Edit Specific Pages' Settings

You can adjust caching, security, and other configurations for specific pages on your website using Cloudflare's page rules feature. You may customize the performance and security of your website with this level of control.

7. Browser Caching: Quicken Page Loading

Through browser caching, you can speed up subsequent visits to your website by saving its content on the user's device. The browser caching function from Cloudflare dynamically adjusts cache settings to guarantee peak performance.

8. Network Routing Optimization

Data is transferred effectively across Cloudflare's global network thanks to its improved network routing technology. This leads to enhanced website performance and quicker load times.

9. Minimization: Simplify Your Files to Allow for Quicker Loading

To minimize file size and speed up load times, minimization eliminates superfluous characters from files, like whitespace and comments. By supporting HTML, CSS, and JavaScript files, Cloudflare's minimization functionality makes sure your website functions properly.

10. WebSockets: Allow for Real-Time Interaction

With the help of web sockets, your website's server and browsers may communicate in real time, providing functions like live chat and notifications. WebSockets can be easily implemented on your website using Cloudflare's support for them.

11. AMP Genuine URL: Present Source URLs in Google AMP Search Results

Although they may show a different URL in search results, Google's Accelerated Mobile Pages (AMP) can enhance your site's performance on mobile devices. Maintaining your brand identification and search engine rankings is made easier with Cloudflare's AMP Real URL functionality, which makes sure that your original URL is displayed.

12. Cloud WAF: Protect Your Website from Common Attacks

Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) defend your website against DDoS attacks, cross-site scripting, and SQL injection, among other major online dangers. Strong defence against these attacks is offered by Cloudflare's Cloud WAF, guaranteeing the security of your website.

13. Load Balancing: Allocating Traffic to Ensure Maximum Efficiency

To ensure steady performance, load balancing divides traffic among several servers. Your website will always be quick and responsive, even during spikes in traffic, thanks to Cloudflare's load-balancing technology, which helps avoid server overload.

Conclusion-

You can protect yourself from online threats and gain technologies like Content Delivery Network (CDN) and (Secure Sockets Layer) SSL/TLS encryption with Cloudflare. It keeps your website safe and quick, and it's simple to use. But if you want to get the most out of your website, don't wait to start using Cloudflare right now. You can be sure that your website is secure and operating efficiently using Cloudflare.

With a free plan for essential functions, Cloudflare provides reasonable price options. For small businesses who require website security and Search Engine Optimization (SEO) but want to save money, this makes it the perfect option. Plus, compared to other CDN providers on the market, its premium plans are fairly priced.

Janet Watson

MyResellerHome MyResellerhome.com We offer experienced web hosting services that are customized to your specific requirements. Facebook Twitter YouTube Instagram

[sprybit-agency]

Contract Hiring Mobile App Developers in 2024-25

In this digitally dependent world, one of the fastest-growing technologies is the introduction of mobile apps for brands. Businesses utilize apps to drive creation, quick access to information, customer communication, and engagement with the brand.

The growth rate of mobile-based applications is expected to be 14.3% from the year 2024 to 2030 – Grand View Research 

This makes mobile app developers one of the most in-demand skills in the market. For a successful project, the presence of skilled professionals is essential and businesses are also inclined to hire app developers remotely. Read the complete guide and let’s reveal how contract hiring mobile app developers is beneficial for businesses.

Why is Contract Hiring Beneficial?

When to Hire Mobile App Developers on Contract and Not on Employment?

Identifying the Technology & Scope of Work for the Mobile App Project

Sources of Contract Hiring

Interviewing and Screening Candidates 

Ideal Terms & Clauses for Contract Hiring

Setting up effective Remote Communication and Collaboration

Conclusion

Why is Contract Hiring Beneficial?

Contract work also commonly known as the gig economy is highly popular in the market. Businesses can easily fill the temporary skill gap in the company by indulging with contract workers on project to project basis.

However, the key aspect is that businesses should know when to opt. to hire remote app developers on a contract basis.

When to Hire Mobile App Developers on Contract and Not on Employment?

Project & Talent wise need only 

If your project needs short-term assistance from a developer it’s best to hire contractors. And, if the requirements increase, you can scale up the work with the hired professional.

Cost Considerations

Organizations easily save money and resources by opting for contract developers instead of permanent employees. If you’ve tight budgets and short-term requirements, this would be the best option.

Requirement of a Specialized Skill

Contract developers are often specialized in one specific skill like React Native or Swift. When the project is dependent on one skill that you do not have in-house, then you can hire a professional from a pool of Talents who best fits your requirements.

Identifying the Technology & Scope of Work for the Mobile App Project

Before you start hiring mobile app developers, it’s critical to understand the scope of the app and project requirements in detail.

Understand the Problem the App solves and for whom

Perform market research to identify the need for an app among your target audience. Plan how the app is going to benefit the users and what is a list of problems that need to be solved via developing the app. The classic example could be the problem of consumer interaction. With the app’s introduction, a brand can promote more engagement and interaction with the target audience.

Understand the project requirements and related core features 

Discuss with decision-makers what features the app must have for the users (the core feature and the differentiable features). Decide on the platforms the App will support (android, iOS, or both). You must also finalize project details beforehand like deliverables and deadlines.

Choose the right Technology Stack

Selecting the right technology stack sets the correct foundation for the app. Consider the purpose of the app while keeping the target audience in mind and select either a native or cross-platform stack.

1. Native Mobile App Development ensures optimal performance and ‘platform-specific’ capabilities.

iOS: Swift or Objective-C for programming, Xcode for development, UIKit for interface design.

Android: Kotlin or Java for programming, Android Studio for development, Android SDK for interface design.

2. Cross-Platform Mobile App Development ensures quick deployments, reusability of codes, and coverage of both platforms (Android & iOS).

React Native, Flutter, or Xamarin Frameworks offer the ability to write code once and deploy it across multiple platforms.

3. Other Tools, Libraries, and Databases to be identified might include Android Studio, Xcode, Firebase, Restful, SQLite, Room DB, SQL, MongoDB, Redux, etc.

Outline the Scope of Work & Document in detail 

A well-defined scope of work sets the wheels in motion for an app development project. The clear SOW acts as a roadmap for the developer and client and reduces any chances of misunderstanding in the process.

Also well document the Team requirements, their roles & responsibilities, features & functionalities, tasks & deliverables, milestones & deadlines, expectations for UI/UX designs, testing guidelines, deployment & maintenance guidelines, etc.

Sources of Contract Hiring 

Here are a bunch of options that one can select from to hire mobile app developers in 2024.

Leveraging Specialized Platforms,

There are freelance platforms available in the market like Upwork, and Fiverr, that have professional freelancers who can provide you with one-time developer services.

IT Agencies (B2B contract Hiring)

Consider hiring IT agencies like Sprybit that have a pool of talent who are not only pre-screened but also reliable for the project.

Networks

Ask in your Network, post on Facebook – LinkedIN – Reddit groups, reach out to Industry people, and ask for references.

Interviewing and Screening Candidates  

Following a pre-decided screening process is essential to finding the right talent for your organization.

Review Past Work/Portfolio 

Make sure to review the candidate’s portfolio related to the mobile development projects. Examine the projects that require similar skill sets as compared to your project and judge their proficiency. You can also inquire about those projects and codes to understand their level of knowledge.

Consider requesting some sample codes. The GutHub links can act as an excellent proof of skills. This step is necessary to make a calculated decision.

Screening of Technical Skill

Shortlisted candidates must be proficient in technical skills according to the project requirements. Hiring managers must conduct the right assessment that ensures the presence of skill expertise.

These assessments must be practical and should involve coding for varied purposes. With this, you can understand data structures and algorithm knowledge in the candidate.

Identify other important factors

Apart from technical skills, other non-technical factors are essential to be considered during the hiring process. Check the candidate’s communication skills to ensure they will be able to communicate their ideas and plans with other team members. Candidates must also possess problem-solving skills to navigate technical errors in codes if required.

There are multiple design principles for mobile apps to enhance user experience. Check if the app developer is aware of such technicalities to select the best possible resource for your project.

Ideal Terms & Clauses for Contract Hiring

Whether you are a newbie or an experienced professional; while contract hiring mobile app developers; the ideal terms to keep your data, time, money & idea safe remain an unmissable necessity.

Hiring from a Freelance Portal does check many boxes with their well-established policies and processes; which might be good but not always foolproof. Hiring freelancers directly or from IT Agencies engages us in co-building Terms & Conditions on mutual consensus or are pre-defined with our experience as a Vendor Compliance Policy. But, all-in-all, making sure that every safety measure for our Project is taken care of remains our sole responsibility.

Payment Terms

Unlike full-time employees, one can’t pay to contract professionals every month. Select among a wide range of options like hourly-rate, and project-basis. Transparency from the very beginning will help smooth project completion.

IP rights

Before starting the collaboration, clarity on IP i.e. intellectual property is essential. As in who is the owner of code, design, app interface, etc should be agreed on to avoid disputes in the future.

Confidential & Non-disclosure agreements 

Once you allot work to these contract workers, you will be sharing confidential details of the company. Make an advance agreement and ask them to sign it before commencing the work.

Project Timeline & Quality Assurance Standards

Maintain the quality of the project by deciding in prior about project deadlines, submissions, and code quality in terms of programming languages.

Termination clause

State a prescribed reason for when can either of the parties end the agreement. This brings clarity to the table regarding moral, ethical and professional expectations your Organization has.

Dispute Resolution

In rare cases, the client and candidate might go into a dispute that needs to be solved for the project’s betterment. Laying out steps to clear disputes and solve them will act as guidance in case it’s required.

Indemnity & Liability

It is important to outline the obligations & responsibilities of each party during any case of losses, damages and/or legal claims arising during the course of the project.

Governing Law & Governing Body

Involving government laws, rights, and bodies can help in resolving disputes and save the project’s future. This way both parties can come to the same conclusion under legal principles.

Setting up effective Remote Communication and Collaboration 

Remote work culture creates room for misunderstanding and unclear targets. However, the issue can be tackled if there’s a pre-decided communication system planned. From work allotment to final project submission, an effective communication plan benefits all the parties involved in the project.

These can be achieved by establishing communication, collaboration & project management tools for your Project:

Inbuilt communication channels of Freelance Platforms

Slack

Microsoft Teams

Zoom

Google Meet

Jira

Asana

Trello

Basecamp

Google Workspace

Dropbox

Microsoft 365

Notion

Conclusion 

Organizations’ idea to hire mobile app developers on Contract is spreading like a forest fire. Businesses now have access to partner freelancers and contract workers for short periods with ideal skills, and reliable talent.

Before starting your journey on the same path, make sure to remain transparent and pre-decide the essential factors like payment, timelines, IP & communication; and finally proceed to give life to your mobile app.

[net-craft]

Mastering E-Learning App Development: Features and Budget Unveiled (Brought to you by Scottsdale App Development Leaders, Net-Craft.com)

In today’s rapidly evolving learning landscape, e-learning apps are taking center stage. Here at Net-Craft.com, a leading force in Scottsdale App Development, we understand the growing demand for engaging and accessible learning experiences. This begs the question: what goes into mastering e-learning app development?

This blog post delves into the key features and budget considerations involved in crafting a successful e-learning app. Whether you’re a seasoned educator or a business seeking to onboard and train employees efficiently, this guide will equip you with the knowledge needed to navigate the e-learning app development journey.

Understanding User Needs: The Bedrock of Scottsdale App Development

As with any successful app, understanding your target audience’s needs is paramount. For e-learning apps, this means considering learner demographics, learning styles, and preferred content formats.

Here’s how top mobile app development in Scottsdale approaches user-centric design:

Identifying Learner Profiles: Is your target audience composed of visual learners who thrive on interactive elements, or auditory learners who benefit most from audio lectures? Tailoring content delivery to different learning styles is crucial for engagement.

Content Accessibility: Ensure your app caters to users with disabilities by incorporating features like closed captioning for videos, alternative text for images, and text-to-speech functionality.

Offline Accessibility: Allow users to download content and access it offline. This caters to those with limited internet access or who wish to learn on the go.

Essential Features for Your E-Learning App

Now, let’s explore the fundamental features that should be considered when working with a best app development agency in Scottsdale to create your e-learning app:

Content Management System (CMS): A user-friendly CMS allows you to easily upload and manage learning materials, including videos, images, and text documents.

Interactive Learning Elements: Gamification techniques, quizzes, and interactive activities can enhance engagement and make learning more enjoyable.

Progress Tracking and Assessments: Allow users to track their progress through courses and assess their learning with built-in quizzes and tests.

Personalized Learning Paths: Catering to individual learning styles can be achieved through personalized learning paths that recommend content based on user performance and preferences.

Push Notifications & Reminders: Remind users about upcoming lessons, deadlines, and new content through push notifications that encourage consistent engagement.

Social Learning Features: Foster a sense of community and interaction through discussion forums, collaborative tasks, and chat functionalities.

Budget Considerations for Your Scottsdale App Development Project

The cost of developing your e-learning app will depend on a variety of factors, including:

App Complexity: A simple, text-based app will require less development time and resources compared to one featuring rich multimedia content, animations, and interactive elements.

Platform Development: Will your app be native (developed specifically for iOS or Android) or cross-platform (developed to function on both platforms)? Native apps offer a more optimized user experience but may require separate development processes.

Development Team Expertise: The experience and skillset of your chosen Scottsdale App Development team will impact the overall cost.

Here’s a breakdown of some typical cost components:

Project planning and design: This includes user research, wireframing, and prototyping.

App development: The coding and programming needed to bring your app to life.

Integration of features: Adding features like push notifications or social learning will increase the complexity and cost.

Quality assurance and testing: Ensuring a bug-free and well-functioning app requires rigorous testing.

App store submission fees: There are fees associated with submitting your app to the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

Net-Craft.com: Your Partner in E-Learning App Development Success

Net-Craft.com, a top mobile app development company in Scottsdale, understands the complexities of e-learning app development. We work closely with you to define your vision, understand your target audience, and create a budget that aligns with your goals.

Here’s how we can help you navigate through the process:

Experienced Team: Our team comprises seasoned developers skilled in crafting engaging and user-friendly e-learning apps.

Agile Development Methodology: We adopt a flexible Agile approach that allows for continuous feedback and adaptation throughout development.

Data-Driven Approach: By leveraging analytics, we’ll track user behavior and identify opportunities for improvement to optimize the learning experience.

E-Learning App Development: A Lucrative Investment

Developing an e-learning app represents a smart investment in the future of education and training. The benefits are numerous:

Increased Accessibility: E-learning apps provide a flexible and accessible learning format, allowing users to learn at their own pace and convenience.

Scalability and Cost-Effectiveness: E-learning apps can be easily scaled to accommodate a large number of learners, making them a cost-effective training solution for businesses and educational institutions.

Improved Learning Outcomes: Engaging and interactive e-learning experiences can lead to better knowledge retention and improved learning outcomes compared to traditional methods.

Enhanced Brand Image: For businesses, a well-designed e-learning app can showcase your commitment to employee development and innovation, strengthening your brand image.

Ready to Master E-Learning App Development with Net-Craft.com?

At Net-Craft.com, your trusted Scottsdale App Development partner, we’re passionate about helping you create a successful e-learning app that empowers learners and drives positive outcomes.

Contact us today for a free consultation and let’s discuss how we can transform your vision into a reality. Together, we can leverage the power of e-learning to make education and training more accessible, engaging, and effective.

Content Source https://www.net-craft.com/blog/2024/03/22/mastering-e-learning-app-development-features-and-budget-unveiled-brought-to-you-by-scottsdale-app-development-leaders-net-craft-com/