Four cloud tools to use for app development

By Joseph Parker April 23, 2013, 6:47 AM PDT

Takeaway: Cloud integrations in app development are becoming more prevalent. If you dont know where to start in terms of tools, read these recommendations. It has been a constant struggle for app developers to write server-side code that allows for payments to be accepted. The time spent writing code and integrating it with the application can almost be a separate development phase in which the developer uses cross-development platforms that translate the code into a language Android and iOS can understand. The recently announced partnership between Parse and Stripe resulting in a joint platform seems to provides a reprieve from this struggle. Stripe has been a hit with developers since 2011 because of its simplicity in setting up merchant accounts and linking with banks in secure transactions. With Parse, developers can launch mobile applications efficiently without the worry of server maintenance; plus, it is compatible with iOS, Android, JavaScript, and Windows 8. Parses code library allows developers to add push notifications, data storage, and social into their apps. This partnership allows Stripe to be added as a payment option with the 60,000+ parse-powered applications, utilizing newly released iOS and Android code libraries that allow for easier transactions for both. In essence, developers who use this tool will find collecting payments substantially easier, which should make those apps more profitable. Some developers have expressed grievances about using the cloud in app development, but I think the Parse/Stripe partnership is a great example of how developing in the cloud has its advantages. Given this partnership and the overall induction of the cloud into modern development for gaming and ecommerce, here are four cloud tools I have used that I think should be in any app developers toolbox. UmbrellaSDK: This basic IDE builds with HTML5 and JavaScript, allowing for cross-development between iOS and Android. The output is in real-time, and all native code is compiled server-side. This can be seen as an introductory cloud-based platform, so in your transition to cloud tools, this system would be a good place to start. It is easy to use, integrate, and learn. Cloud9 IDE: This aptly named platform uses the node.js framework, which is popular for its use of C#, Perl, Scala, and other languages. It also has a collaborative function that allows developers from around the world to work together and edit/write code for whatever application is being created. Because the cloud permits such a workspace, each developer can use a personal runtime environment. This is a highly recommended IDE in which the benefits far outweigh the flaws. Codenvy: This outstanding platform utilizes JavaScript, Ruby, Groovy, HTML, and many other languages. This platform is specifically geared toward Java programming, supporting both Java Server Pages and Maven. Collide: This failed Google project is still useful go figure. The source code is available to anyone who wants to use it. It runs on Java 7 JRE and uses various software tools (Guava, jkit, etc.) that provide wonderful collaborative functionality. This list scratches the surface of whats available. What cloud tools do you recommend to your fellow app developers? Let us know in the discussion.

Create iPhone and Android Apps

* Brand new cross-platform API and IDE * (all inside your browser!)

The UmbrellaSDK is the first cross-platform mobile development tool that runs entirely in your browser. There's nothing to download or install - you can start building an app like this one right now.
The iPhone Simulator to the left actually runs - click it and see that it works just like your iPhone.

Software made in the shade of the UmbrellaSDK. Wow, this is the most fun we have ever had programming! Remember the excitement you felt when you wrote your first program? You are about to feel that again. And when that one piece of code runs on all the major mobile and tablet platforms welcome to paradise. In the cloud? Yes, for the first time the entire toolset is in the cloud. This means that there is nothing to install the code editor and all the mobile simulators (iPhone, iPad, Android) are included. From inside your browser you type code, run it in the onscreen mobile device of your choice and then publish it to the App Store or Android Market. It has never been this simple.

What is UmbrellaSDK? UmbrellaSDK.com is one of the most powerful web apps you will ever see. A complete desktop including code window, file explorer window (to view online Asset like images and sounds), Log window to see errors and your debug text output and Preview window to view your Assets. All made possible by HTML5 and JavaScript. The entire online IDE is written with the new Umbrella JavaScript API that you will be using. So you know that anything is possible. Is it fast? It is blazing fast. Turn around time to see your code run is almost instant. Your app

runs clean and fast because most of the low level processing is done natively on the device. Can I test my app on my iPhone or Android? Absolutely. Just click Publish to get an App Id. Simply download the Umbrella Browser from the Apple App Store or Android Market and enter your app id and see your app instantly. Can I publish native code to the App Store? When you are ready to publish your App to the App Store, just click Publish and we will email you the native App Bundle that will run your code as an App. Easy. You can also publish as a native Android App for the Android Market . Our backend server provides all the build work and we charge only $29.95 to take care of all those complexities. If you have ever done an iPhone App Build with provisions, you will know this is a bargain. Your app, any screen. The common ground for all the new mobile devices is WebKit. JavaScript has grown up to become a full fledged powerful and expressive language. First time coders and pros alike will feel at home writing code using our API. One simple function will put an image anywhere you want it. Add Text. Add Lists and Buttons. Easy, Easy, Easy. And we have provided all the cross platform logic to make it work everywhere. JavaScript, really? Yes, and it is beautiful code when you use the Umbrella API. This is not one of those cryptic JavaScript libraries that is designed to be a crutch for html. This is brand new code designed to simplify everything so you can focus on what you want your app to do. Who made this? Zimusoft. Thousands of programmers have used our software libraries to create mobile apps. We know all about building bridges to the native devices and our specialty is creating simulators (simu - Zimusoft) thats how we got our name. Support? If you have any questions email us at: support@zimusoft.com. If there is a new

feature you need we are here to create it for you. What does it cost? Almost nothing - just $9.95/month (cancel anytime) and this includes all the cloud services you need to store your code and assets. Once your app is ready to go, we will provide you with the app bundle that is formatted and provisioned for submission to the app store for only $29.95 - this will save you many hours of work. The small expense just guarantees that the product will be well supported. We have invested in building this technology to make programming mobile apps affordable and fun for everyone.
Original: http://www.umbrellasdk.com/index.htm