Apache Cordova allows developers to use web technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to develop mobile applications that can be deployed across multiple platforms. It provides a boilerplate native container application with a web view interface to access device functionality through plugins. Many large companies and organizations use Cordova due to its ability to quickly release apps on Android, iOS, Windows Phone and other platforms while reusing most of the codebase. While it has advantages, Cordova apps also face challenges from differing device behaviors and platform expectations.

1. Apache Cordova,
Hybrid Application Development
Mark Terry

2. Standard introduction
● Developer for 18 years, mostly in web.
● Currently working at Holiday Extras, Kent.
● Big fan of mobile.
● Not really a big fan of Javascript.

3. Brief History
● Originally “PhoneGap” made by Nitobi in 2009
● Adobe bought Nitobi in 2011
● Adobe contributed the source to the Apache
Software Foundation, and changed name.
● Now powers Adobe PhoneGap and others.
● Adobe provides extra functionality such as its
build service.
● Regular updates.

4. Who uses it?
● Microsoft
● Adobe
● IBM
● Salesforce
● Facebook
● Wikipedia
● RIM
● BBC
● Holiday extras!

5. What does it give you?
● Boilerplate native container application
containing a web view.
● CLI to build, emulate and run your application.
● Javascript interface to any native code.
● Native plugin repository.

6. Cover versions
● Adobe Phonegap
● Intel XDK
● Appery.io
● AppGyver Steroids
● Iconic

7. Platforms and Plugins
● Android
● iOS
● BlackBerry 10
● Windows Phone 8
● Amazon Fire OS
● Firefox OS
● Ubuntu Touch
● Windows
● Tizen
● ...
● Battery Status
● Camera
● Contacts
● Device Motion and Orientation
● File System
● Geolocation
● Globalization
● Media Capture
● Network Information
● Vibration
● And more....

8. Your browser is a platform!
● Apps are developed in your browser.
● Native plugins won't work but they can be
emulated automatically.

9. Why should you use it?
● Able to use standard web technologies.
● And nearly a similar toolset.
● Quick to release on multiple platforms.
● DRY / Code sharing.

10. Getting started
● Select target devices based on OS version.
● Single page app is the norm.
● Client heavy, with offline functionality.
● Cordova app can be nested into an existing
native app.
● Use a JS framework that you know.
● JS helpers: rachet, hammerjs, jquerymobile,
etc..

11. It's not all roses
● Need a some native dev experience.
● Still encounter differing device behaviour.
● Different platform expectations.
● Contributed plugins can be of varying quality.

12. Questions
● http://cordova.apache.org/
● #cordova #phonegap on IRC
● http://about.me/m.terry

13. Hack day project
http://production.fixie-app.divshot.io/