withoutnumber

Hi everyone,

I'm interested in getting some opinions on the best way I should develop (what I believe should be) a simple app. I've looked at Filemaker Pro and other options and really, I'd just like some advice on what it is that I should learn. I'm a full-time internet entrepreneur that's more designer than developer so I know very little and I'm trying to figure out what to learn! I really appreciate any feedback, so thanks ahead of time. Here's what I'd like to do...

Let's say I have a relatively simple database. I can use Access, or probably any database related software to make it with query functions and simple forms. It's very easy to create a complete, simple, question and answer database that I can use on my desktop. What's the shortest path, or best piece of software with the smallest learning curve (even if it's relatively steep) for a non-developer type to build this app for web or phone?

To be clearer, here's a very simplified example:

Say my database just contains numbers, and the entire database is...

012
894
823
009
483
230
450
708
509

I have a form with two entries, "A number that begins with ___" I enter 8 "And Ends With ___" I enter 4 and the database returns "894".

Simple! Best and easiest way to make this a phone (and/or web) app? Filemaker Pro? SQL Lite... somethin' or another? Tutorial videos? Books!? =O

Thanks everyone! (It would be great if I could create the overall look of the app in Photoshop. I guess I don't even care if it's just a white screen with field entries though)

El Presidente

Welcome to AF!

We've an entire section for devs where your question might be more relevant, the link is here: Application Development - Android Forums. I can move this post there if you like?

I'd also recommend you check out this thread, it contains a load of useful info: Welcome! - Start here for FAQs, tips, learning resources, tutorials and helpful threads

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withoutnumber

Sure, please move it. Sorry for the hassle.

El Presidente

Done, no hassle at all.

alostpacket

Learning Sqlite would be an excellent start -- it's a full fledged SQL language and very common on Android -- but not too hard to learn.

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withoutnumber

Ok, sounds good. Again, I'm very thankful for any advice. I know how tiring these questions can be but I have a few more.

You almost certainly recommend learning SQLite over trying to use some other database related software for non-programmers like Filemaker?

Is SQLite as easy and common in use for web apps as it is for Android devices?

This will probably hint to the very little knowledge I have of web development but...

using Photoshop, Dreamweaver and writing a SQLite database will be all I need to create a web app in terms of building a user interface?

...and...

If I wanted to create the simplest database question and answer app like I explained with very little graphic content, SQLite will provide me just the backend or will I also be able to create a user interface? If not, what would you recommend for creating the simplest of user interfaces?

alostpacket

I recommended Sqlite because it's built into Android. When you use the Android API for creating a local db on the users phone it creates an sqlite db.

However, if you are trying for something simple you might consider just using XML and using the DOM parser and avoiding database stuff entirely. Sometimes trying to learn everything at once can be tough.

Also, if your database will live on the web then your choice of SQL only matters based on what your web host offers.

hope that helps and no worries about the questions, it's what this forum is here for!