Hi.
I am new to Android and am looking to solve a problem.
I want to create an Android app that has a login and that you can send messages back and forth with the people who use that app. Similar to the Facebook Messenger App. Also similar to Facebook, I want to users to be able to log in via a web-app in their browsers and view/exchange messages.
My idea was MySQL as the database that stores all of this information. The website will then be made with a PHP framework to access that MySQL data and similarly, I was thinking the Android App would read/write to that same MySQL Database.
I already proto-typed this and was able to create an android app that posts data to a process.php file I have sitting on a web server which then queries the MySQL database, and returns a JSON object back to the Android App for consumption. I followed this guide from Stack Overflow to accomplish this and it worked good. I also searched these forums and found this: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2325799 which seems to sort of do things the same way.
My question is:
1) Is this the right way to do things for an app I want to scale to 10,000 users? I want to ask the more experienced developers if this is how they would go about creating such an app. Is there a better way besides what I described? I am a noobie so this was the best way I could come up with from searching the internet.
Much Love,
MicroR
I'm new to app development. I have spent some time building web sites using php and MySQL. I have a MySQL database that I would like to use the information from with an Android app I have in mind. Is this something I can do?
Best practice would be to create some interface on your server that has the MySQL database so that your app can call it. You can create PHP pages that you can call with your app and get back results in JSON or XML format and then process them in your app.
Android development is done with JAVA so you can do pretty much anything that you want including directly connecting to a MySQL database but I would really avoid that. Create yourself an interface.
I do not know if I am asking in the correct place, or the correct way. I am not a developer and so far attempts to use google to find the answer to my question has been in the form of developer answers which are useless to me since I am not writing a program. I am looking for one.
I am trying to build myself a database. On my desktop I can use Open Office Base to do this, but the database is only accessible on my desktop.
I have tried Momento database app and its desktop counterpart, but its limited to 3 tables only unless I buy a monthly subscription and it relys on an external web service to function.
I have looked at the Cellica program for syncing database, but it does not support the Open Office Base format, and Open Office can not export to MS Access format.
What I am looking for is the best free database program for my desktop which has an android app, which I can use to sync my database between my android tablet and my desktop over wi-fy when I'm at home.
If its good enough I may even consider a paid program, as long as there is no subscription fee.
Hello dear community,
I am looking for this for quite a while.
Is there an app that will allow me to create my own cloud based dictionary? I want to improve my language skills through creating my own dictionary.
The dictionary database has to be editable online (web based), since I would like to be able copy/paste detailed definitions from different web dicts.
And of course a sync-able android app that will allow me to check some words on the go or learn while in the train
"Now" dictionary is getting pretty closer to what I wish for, but it's only available for smartphones and no browsers.
"Anki cards" is cool too, but they focus on the flip-cards learning feature which I don't frankly need. I will be completely happy with a super simple searchable custom dict.
There are some apps that allow to create custom dict file and then upload it to the SD or whatever and use it. But I want to be able to add words constantly (web or on the go)
I'm thinking - there definitely is such an app, its just me who fail to search of it properly so please help )
cheers,
Kalin
Hi there!
I would like to encourage you to check out the Spreadsheet Memo app: http://spreadsheetmemo.com
Spreadsheet Memo is a flashcard-based learning web application (combined with the power of Google Sheets to store your content) that allows you to quickly memorize things.
Flashcards can bear vocabulary, major historical dates, chemical element names, math/physics equations or even types of dinosaurs
Simply put, any subject matter that can be learned via a question-and-answer format.
You can use it for your study, as a preparation tool, knowledge check for one of your exams or to practice new vocabulary.
Sky is the limit!
See more:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UReSmwT4O9E (everything you need to know about the Spreadsheet Memo app in one video)
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SpreadsheetMemo (news, helpful tips and updates notifications)
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SpreadsheetMemo
Example Document (updated with every new release; provides the examples of how to use the new Spreadsheet Memo features)
Chrome Web Store: https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/spreadsheet-memo/kkanmehahohgnfcncalgknpbnaiaomeb (you can add the Spreadsheet Memo to your Chrome Apps for quick access - this app is free, no ads and no hidden costs)
The main features and the main goals of the Spreadsheet Memo are:
It helps you to memorize things: and it works! Every lesson is composed with two rounds. The goal of the first (initial round) is to check your brain memory's performance (you reveal the answer and subjectively define its difficulty by choosing one of the following: "I knew it" or "I didn't know"). The second round (final round) is to make sure that you have remembered the new or troubling things. The progress of the current round is presented by the progress bars located near the Question/Answer cards.
Ability to use the Google Sheet documents to store your data: with all the benefits of Google documents like sharing, editing, printing, etc.
Compatible with mobile devices: you can use it on your computer but also on all kinds of your mobile devices. You're not bound to one device. So, whenever you've got some spare time, start the new lesson. You just need a web browser!
Multiple documents: you can use as many different documents as you want. All according to your needs! You can even use the Named Ranges feature offered by Google Sheets. This is a very useful way for slicing your Spreadsheet Memo documents to a smaller parts and describe those parts with friendly names.
Responsive: no unnecessary pages loading - clean, quick and simple.
You can add links and images to your content: sometimes the words are just not enough. You can add an image or a link to the internet resources to enrich your content. It could be especially useful when you prefer some additional visualization for being able to remember things quicker and better.
You can enrich your content by using Wiki Markup - supported types are: Text formatting, Indent text, Lists, Sections, External links, Images and YouTube videos.
You can add mathematical equations or formulas using the TeX or AsciiMath notation.
Your documents stay with you: by using the standard Google Sheet documents you're able to review and edit their content even without the Spreadsheet Memo app.
Secure and safe: all of your documents belongs only to you, no personal info is shared or collected, all connections are made with secure https protocol.
No ads or hidden costs: it's all for free!
Your privacy is very important and you have the right to remain anonymous.
The Spreadsheet Memo was build on the foundations provided by Google (Google Apps Script: https://developers.google.com/apps-script/) and uses all the benefits of this platform, such as:
integration with Google services (e.g. Google Sheets)
single sign-on (you don't need to remember yet another login/password. Let the Google manage and provide access to other apps, like the one to the Spreadsheet Memo app)
built-in security, stability, scalability and efficiency
This app uses the Google Authorization. Thus, when first launched, the Spreadsheet Memo will need your authorization to run. You can read more about it here: https://developers.google.com/apps-script/guides/services/authorization You don't need to know all about this - the most important info is that your email, login, password or any other personal info will NOT be passed to the Spreadsheet Memo. They will always remain your property.
Your approval of permissions will let the Spreadsheet Memo operate properly and with full capabilities.
And I'm fully aware that all the permissions might look pretty scary at first glance. And that is exactly why I've written all of this - trying my best to make you feel safe and making sure that you are well informed.
So, let me explain those permissions:
View and manage your spreadsheets in Google Drive, View and manage the files in your Google Drive - for being able to find the Spreadsheet Memo documents. This app operates only on Spreadsheet Memo documents, it has no access or even isn't aware of the existence of any other of your Goggle Drive files.
View and manage data associated with the application - for being able to store your preferences using the user properties (those preferences are private and are connected specifically with your Google account)
Allow this application to run when you are not present - for being able to run this app without additional login prompt, when you're already logged into your Goggle account - just to save your time (standard behavior of Google related products)
Know who you are on Google - standard permission to recognize you as a google user (no information is processed or collected)
View your email address, Send email as you: for being able to send you the welcoming mail (with short summary and information about your current Spreadsheet Memo assets). And the best part is that this email will be sent from your account to your account, never leaving your own context. So your email address, as well as your identity, will stay hidden and secure.
And If you don't like this app (something that, I hope, is unlikely going to happen ) you can always revoke its accesses (uninstall it). There are two ways to do this:
Just follow the instruction from https://developers.google.com/apps-script/guides/services/authorization#revoking_access_rights
or you can use the Uninstall option provided in the mail that you will receive from Google. It will be sent right after the first launch of the Spreadsheet Memo app. Look for the mail: "More information about Spreadsheet Memo with uninstall instructions." in your inbox. Any documents that you've created will stay in your Google Drive, nothing will be lost.
Wrapping things up: remember that all of your documents belongs only to you, you can uninstall this app any time you want, no personal info is shared or collected, your identity (such as email) is and will remain your own property. From the Spreadsheet Memo point of view, you're anonymous.
You can find some additional info about the Spreadsheet Memo at the https://www.facebook.com/SpreadsheetMemo page - including news, helpful tips and updates notifications.
I've been using flashcard-based apps for quite some time (Super Memo was great!) and I've found them very useful. But every one of them had some things that just doesn't work for me (e.g. troubles with data migration, lack of support for mobile devices, no statistics, etc.) - so I've decided to write my own.
One line of code to another and the idea transforms into something with its own domain name and Facebook/Twitter page.
So, feel free to check it out. And if you have any thoughts about it (like/dislike, opinions, reviews, ideas) please leave a comment. Thanks in advance for any feedback!
Jump to the http://spreadsheetmemo.com and start memorizing now!
I need to run an app in Genymotion that is used for data entry and upload of the entered data into 3rd party sites. The logins to 3rd party sites are stored in this application (probably encrypted). The application will store multiple logins for my different customers of who need to have the data uploaded into the 3rd party sites. The data into the app will then be entered by other people to whom I outsource the data entry.
So I created Genymotion appliance, installed the app and in this application I entered logins for sites such as ebay. I am looking for suggestions on what can I do to secure the appliance to prevent the data being copied out from it.
I want to prevent the person to whom I outsource data entry to be able to install and load 3rd party other apps, modify system settings, install other apps, copy the system directory, copy the login and password information saved by the application.
Let's assume the worst possible case here when application is well written but the passwords mentioned above (for the ecommerce sites like ebay) is saved in plain text in this application in the internal application directory. What I know about the application is it doesn't support access to SD Card, only can read and write data to the internal memory.
What can I do in Gennymotion to improve the security of my appliance. Genymotion virtual machines are rooted. So I looked at following suggestions:
1. Setup restricted user on Android
2. Set restriction for the restricted user to only be able to use the one application. Disable anything else (including disabled browser, email, youtube etc..)
3. Try to get the restricted user loading on boot of Android. When Android restarts, however, it doesn't allow choice to login into the restricted user or the admin user, sort of like a Windows or MacOS login menu. To get the appliance to always start with restricted user by default, I need to add a script and the scripted will need to start using Tasker or MacroDroid.
However, how do I prevent the user from installing 3rd party apps? Is it good enough to disable all user apps (except that one used for data entry) from the restricted user? Is there any other way the user could abuse the access to the virtual appliance and load something there? Are there any system android apps I need to disable for the restricted user to prevent the user to be able to do anything bad with it?
The application used for data entry can not download any application or data, however, I believe it does use the webview because it loads sites like ebay and fills the forms on those sites. It only interacts with select websites only like Ebay to enter data into Ebay forms..
Is there anything I can do to secure Genymotion appliance any other than what I already mentioned. I would like to send the link to the Genymotion SaaS Android to people who will do data entry for me into Ebay and other sites. So I need to make sure the virtual appliance is secured as much as possible from tinkering with it. I need to make sure somebody doesn't get hand on the stored login details.
Just to clarify for the login credentials:
I am not sure how the user credentials are stored and I will find it out, however, for now, I go from the worst case scenario when the credentials are stored in plain text in the app settings. The user name and password is stored in the application with exception for Ebay because the many other sites do not have API key or any webservices interface, so the application would access those sites simply via a webview, and when it goes to login there it will do that by filling in the login information on the login form (simulates keystrokes). The user name and password is entered into the login form for the site. That's why the login info is stored in the application itself.
This question is not about how to secure the specific application I will be using, but how to secure the actual whole Android appliance from tinkering with.
I am aware I will the risks here, just want to do as much due diligence as I can.
Sources for Genymotion restricted user..
How to set restricted user as default user on reboot?
We would like to have an already added restricted user account be the default when we restart our Samsung SM-T580 tablets. At current we have 2 accounts installed, Admin and User The User is a use...
android.stackexchange.com
Root access - Device image User Guide
docs.genymotion.com
Done some digging so this cannot be done. Neither Genymobile or Appetize or other online Android emulators can offer fine-tuning in terms of user access. The closest is Genymobile because at least allows adding and removing access of users to individual appliances. That is however not resolving the issue with Android and in particular rooted Android, since all online emulators run rooted Android and I am not sure how that is secured against potentially malicious actors who receive access link.
The only easy way to solve it, kind of in a mickey-mousy way is to install Kiosk mode application. That kiosk app will run at every boot and it only shows the specific application. There is always risk of course the malicious user would do something to crash the application and the Kiosk app, but if the application is not a web browser or email client or similar it should be relatively safe.
There are plenty of Kiosk mode apps for Android but none of them is free (don't try to look, no chance to find one), the cheapest cost about 7 USD one-time purchase, the more expensive ones cost 20 per month per device or more and come with remote control etc... Not cheap but kiosk mode apps are almost exlusively used by businesses so that's why there is lack of free apps.
Anyhow I believe this is the closest as I could get to deal with this.