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Here are the slides and links for the “Everything you need to create iOS cross platform apps” webinar presented by Embarcadero MVP Ian Barker and Tech Partner and MVP Serge Pilko on 19th July 2022. When will there be a replay of the “Everything You Need To Create iOS Cross Platform Apps” webinar? The replay will be posted on the Embarcadero social media accounts, and we’ll also update this blog post with a link. It usually takes a day or two for the reply to become available. Links mentioned in the “Create iOS Cross Platform Apps” webinar Official Apple Developer site (to register as a developer and where you need to create the various certificates you’ll need): https://developer.apple.com Read more about the the Firemonkey FMX App Low Code wizard. You can also watch the following RAD Studio Low Code App Wizard video mentioned in the webinar Here is a recent article on “how to build iOS apps without a Mac“: How To Build iOS Apps Without A Mac Copies of the Create iOS Cross Platform Apps webinar slides More information on the PAServer application: https://docwiki.embarcadero.com/RADStudio/Sydney/en/PAServer,_the_Platform_Assistant_Server_Application After adding iOS as a platform to the project – right click and select “edit connection” This is where you enter the details of your Mac which is running PAServer After making the connection, the next step is to synchronize the SDK from the Mac onto the PC and into RAD Server You can blame Ian’s wife for the kitten background! Here’s the simple app running on an iPhone – in Dark mode You can download a free trial copy of RAD Studio Delphi right now and see for yourself how easy it is to create iOS cross platform apps! Reduce development time and get to market faster with RAD Studio, Delphi, or C++Builder. Design. Code. Compile. Deploy. Start Free Trial   Upgrade Today    Free Delphi Community Edition   Free C++Builder Community Edition

To effectively answer how to build iOS apps without a Mac, we first need to know why some form of a Mac is always going to be necessary for a very small part of this process even though we discuss here how you can use a Windows computer to design and program macOS and iOS apps without needing to constantly swap to a Mac. Also, we will read how RAD studio is an excellent app builder software for Mac and iOS apps. RAD Studio is a Windows application, and you can use it to design and code your apps 100% on Windows. The only time you need a Mac is to perform the final compilation. Why do I still need a Mac for creating macOS and iOS apps? Apple have created a situation where only Xcode can be used for building and code-signing iOS apps. Xcode is only available for macOS. Thus, we need a Mac to build iOS apps. Unfortunately, having an up-to-date Mac available for everyone or the whole team is not easy, cost-effective, or maintainable. So, we need a more straightforward solution. Luckily, now there are methods available to either run Xcode without a Mac or use a Mac without owning it. To compare things with Windows, we will briefly study the app-building process on Windows. Why Is Windows the most popular development environment? Windows is the most popular environment for writing Windows software, and there are many reasons for this popularity. For example, Windows has a greater ecosystem, cheaper hardware, a bigger market, countless tools, ease of use, excellent documentation, and a stronger community, to name a few. Moreover, Windows is also a popular choice for developing cross-platform apps. Many tools like Delphi and C++ Builder are available for fast cross-platform development needs. Why develop for mobile devices? While Windows usage is widespread in desktop environments, the story is different in the mobile world. The position of Windows is unsubstantial in the mobile arena, but the web traffic dominance of mobile users [1] (currently 56%) is also increasing compared to desktop. This trend increases developers’ need to build more for the mobile world or cross-platform apps ever. Fortunately, it is easy to develop for mobile with tools like Delphi RAD Studio. Delphi and C++ are among the most popular cross-platform programming languages. For example, suppose you are searching for the best low-code app builder. In that case, you can see how to build iOS apps without a mac for developing a fully functional enterprise-grade restaurant ordering app from a template in Delphi. Two giants, Android and iOS, dominate the mobile market. It is straightforward to develop native mobile apps for iOS and Android. Take a look at how to build iOS apps without a mac to create such Apps quickly and easily. Because Android is more popular, it is easy to understand the importance of an android app builder software. But new developers should also consider iOS development with the best native iOS app builder for the following reasons. Why develop for iOS? Why should one care for iOS development if Android has a 71% market share? [6] Well, there are many solid reasons: No app can reach maximum users until it is available for both iPhone and Android. While the Android market segment size is […]

As a methodology for software development, cross platform applications development has been rapidly gaining traction – and for good reasons too. Putting it simply, cross-platform development means developing software that will work across multiple platforms and types of devices. Unlike traditional frameworks that limit your application to a specific type of device or operating system, cross-platform applications can function almost anywhere, certainly on the most popular and recent equipment. However, we’ve only covered the tip of the iceberg regarding cross-platform app development. So, what are the options? When it comes to cross-platform development frameworks, there are a few options available – yet not all of them are created equal. Some are better suited for certain types of applications than others. In this article, we will take a look at some of the most popular cross-platform development frameworks and see which ones might be the best fit for your project. Single Platform vs. Cross platform applications development – how do they differ? In the world of applications and software development, there are two main types of development frameworks: those that allow you to develop native, vertical, single target applications and those that will enable you to create cross-platform apps which will target multiple devices and operating systems from the same code base. As mentioned above, native vertical single target applications are specific to a particular individual operating system. Namely, they are written in the language and framework “native” to that operating system. Cross-platform applications, on the other hand, are not tied to any one operating system. They can be run on multiple platforms with little or no modification. The code for cross-platform applications is usually written in a language that can be compiled into bytecode or interpreted by a virtual machine. As long as the code can be correctly interpreted and translated into bytecode, any device that has a processor can work with it. This additional layer of interpreter can add a significant overhead in terms of memory and processing speed. Also, the byte code runtime often doesn’t give full access to the device’s sensors and hardware since it is a ‘one size fits all’ approach which compromises on low level accessibility in exchange for ease of development and deployment. However, some cross-platform frameworks are available which do not use this additional interpretative layer but instead compile down into native binaries. One such system is RAD Studio Delphi which allows you to have all the benefits of writing a single set of source code yet produce fully native applications which embrace the full power and range of capabilities of the operating system and hardware of the device on which the apps are running. RAD Studio offers two main development frameworks – VCL, which is aimed at Windows, and FireMonkey FMX. So, which type of development frameworks should you use? Well, there is no 100% correct answer, as it really depends on your needs. If you need to develop an application with RAD Studio that will run on multiple platforms, then a cross-platform framework is definitely the way to go and FireMonkey FMX makes a lot of sense. However, if you definitely only need to build an application for a single platform the VCL Windows native framework might be a good choice as it brings with it some specific benefits for Windows […]

In this fast-paced tech world, no business would like to miss the chance to have their own mobile app in the market of Google play store or App store. To make the most of it, it is essential to create an app that runs on as many operating systems as possible. Building a cross platform app can play a key role in this. In this article we’ll explain what we mean by that statement. Why choose to develop cross platform apps at all? If you choose to go down the route of developing separate apps for each of the platforms you want to target, for example Windows, macOS, iOS and Android, this separate app philosophy can attract a number of significant disadvantages which can outweigh any potential benefits. Apart from the version problems of having several different code bases and deployable packages, there are other intangible things like budgeting for potentially different development environments and suppliers. Using a single environment and IDE such as Embarcadero’s RAD Studio which can produce cross platform apps to target all your desired platforms in one place and yet create native apps focuses your development efforts, simplifies your resource requirements and budgeting into one quantifiable number. This is why cross platform app development has become the undisputed option for businesses seeking a presence on both Android and iOS platforms. Cross platform apps are popular because they reduce – in fact completely mitigates – the need to create a separate codebase to make an app for all the different platforms. A cross-platform app can run on a variety of devices and platforms. In this article, I’ll give you a run down on native vs cross platforms, the benefits of building a cross platform app, how to build a cross platform app and we’ll discuss the best cross platform app builder. Let’s start! What is the difference between single platform and cross platform apps for mobile? The debate on choosing between individual, vertical, single platform – where there is a different app for each target – and cross platform development – where there is one code base which can be compiled to produce apps and packages for all the desired targets – has been significant, often dividing opinion in the tech world. Some believe that creating separate apps for each individual platform is superior to a cross platform apps approach. Companies like Uber, on the other hand, are rewriting their driver app using a cross platform app framework. Cross platform development has become increasingly common in recent years. To be clear; cross platform app development is the process of designing mobile (and in some cases desktop) apps that can run on a variety of systems. Developers choose this type of development because it requires only one programming effort and the app can run on Android, iOS, or Windows. In the case of RAD Studio, cross platform apps written using its FireMonkey FMX framework can run Windows, macOS, Android, iOS and, with FMXLinux, Linux computers too. Compare this to single target vertical mobile apps. These kinds of apps are usually only able to operate on one vendor’s platform and, in the case of Apple, for example, also require you to use their own IDE which only works on their hardware. The work done for on such a vertical or narrow […]

Coming up with the right software ideas is important. Without the right concept, you cannot effectively address the issues of your target consumers. As a result, your application will miserably fail on the market. How can you come up with effective and productive software ideas? How can you find the real problem and the need of users? Which IDE software can help you quickly turn your idea into reality? In this post, you will find all the details. How can I come up with successful software ideas? Coming up with the right software idea can be tricky. You might have a lot of concepts in your mind. But only a few of them will be successful. To find the best software idea, you need to ask yourself the following questions: 1. Am I focusing on a real problem or need? Successful software ideas begin with identifying the real problems and needs. What are the issues people are facing in the real world? Is there a need for a solution? These are some of the questions that you should ask yourselves. There are different sources for finding the real problems and needs. Here are a few of them: Personal problems and needs: Successful software ideas are often generated from personal issues. Are you tired of constantly facing a problem and finding nothing to solve it? It’s the right time to come up with a great software idea. External problems: These are the issues that the people around you face. Are they frustrated with the complexity of an existing solution? What features are they looking for? These are some of the things that you should keep a close eye on. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs: Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is a theory of motivation. It helps you define the urgency of needs based on their importance to survival and happiness. It focuses on five categories of human needs that dictate an individual’s behavior. They are physiological needs, safety needs, love, and belonging needs, esteem needs, and self-actualization needs. 2. How can I qualify each need for finding effective software ideas? The second step is to qualify your needs by applying Michael Skok’s 4Us approach [1]. It will help you identify whether the issue is unavoidable, urgent, unworkable, or underserved. Unavoidable problems are those that you cannot change. But you have to accept them. On the other hand, urgent needs require a timely solution, which might not be the best. However, it serves the needs because of the urgency. Unworkable issues are problems that you cannot fix with your best effort. For instance, you have spent a lot of time trying to find a solution. But it doesn’t work out. Underserved problems refer to the issues without an obvious solution. They can be a great source for finding your next software idea. Now, take each problem from your list. Ask yourself whether it is unavoidable, urgent, unworkable, or underserved. You should cross off problems that have 4 ‘NO’s. You are doing the right thing if you get a definite ‘YES’ for most questions. Otherwise, you have to revise your software ideas. 3. Do I need to narrow down possible solutions to determine the best software idea? Most problems around you have solutions. However, they haven’t been found yet. This is a great opportunity for […]

So, what do you need for Apple app development on Windows? What if you could use a single IDE instead of combining different IDE software or tools from different vendors that will take more space and resources from your workstation, potentially all working in different ways which will add massively to your learning curve? What you need is a cross-platform development like Delphi which can create applications for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS and Linux, all from the same single codebase and in the same IDE. Delphi offers a native development environment that works efficiently on the Windows OS and can deploy apps to Android, iOS, macOS, Linux, and of course, Windows. Including Delphi what you need is a macOS device—either you get a real one or rent it in the cloud. And if you are using a Windows device, you will have to go with the latter. Alternatively, you can use one of the VM solutions like Parallels to run Windows and Delphi on a macOS device. What is Delphi, really?  Delphi is one of the fastest ways to write, compile, package and deploy cross-platform native applications on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux. In our case, we are working with Windows, so Delphi harnesses the power of its cross-platform FireMonkey framework to allow you to write Apple software on Windows hardware.  The commonplace argument on similar IDEs being inefficient or not as ‘smart’ as other Windows tools for developers may cross your mind. However, note that comparing Delphi with others is like calling a ‘c’ function in a java programming—Delphi is 5 times faster in building native apps with one codebase for Windows, Android, Linux and Apple Operating systems (iOS, macOS). And its latest version, Delphi 11.1 has newer, better features. What are the features of Delphi and what are the “7 steps to cross platform development success”? 1. Design an alluring desktop and mobile app user interface  Use Delphi’s award-winning VCL framework for Windows and the FireMonkey (FMX) visual framework for cross-platform responsive UIs. Enjoy the new high-DPI compatible IDE on 4k+ screens. Use VCL Styles at design time! Prototype stylish UIs even faster by seeing immediately at design time how your styled forms and controls will look when running. FireMonkey design-time guidelines: Prototype faster with visual lines and enhanced margin and padding support. Multi-monitor and multi-window improvements: design and edit code for the same form at the same time in multiple windows. Rapidly design your master responsive UI layout once, then easily customize it. platform-and-device-specific views without duplicating design effort. Use the visual design menu to easily drag and drop visual and non-visual components from the palette. Connect user interface elements to data sources using the LiveBindings Designer. 2. Code smarter and faster Utilize the powerful, versatile, and easy-to-learn Object Pascal language and customize the IDE to meet your coding style. Use Code Insight™ for code completion via a modern Language Server Protocol based on your code while libraries help you code quickly and accurately. Get hints and tips from inline documentation as you code. Keep development agile with the VCL designer, Agile refactoring, and Live Templates. Integrate with version control systems including Git, Subversion, and Mercurial. 3. Debugging is made easier and faster using the right IDE software Add conditional breakpoints to quickly pause program execution at […]

You have been working on a new cross-platform app using a cross platform app builder, and you’re just about done with it. You’ve tested it on your own devices, tweaked the interface until it’s perfect, and you’re ready to share it with the world! But now you have to explain it to your boss. Here’s how to do it without blowing their minds or making them skeptical about your skills as a developer.  What is a cross platform app builder? A cross platform app builder is a software development tool that enables developers to build iOS and Android apps using the same codebase. This can save time and hassle by allowing developers to create apps that work on both platforms without rewriting code or relying on third-party tools.  A cross platform app builder is also great for larger projects where multiple team members must work on the same codebase without creating various files for every platform.  A good starting point is Delphi Community Edition if you’re looking to build a cross-platform app. It’s free to try and use and has plenty of features to get you started.  Defining a cross platform app builder When you’re trying to convince your boss to invest in a cross platform app builder, it can be tough to explain just how valuable the tool can be. Here’s a guide on how to do just that.  Define the Problem Before you can even start explaining how a cross platform app builder can help, you must first understand the problem. In most cases, companies are looking for ways to reduce costs and increase efficiency.  By using a cross platform app builder, you can give your team the ability to create mobile and desktop applications for different platforms with ease. This makes it easier to manage and scale your business operations.  Emphasize the Benefits Once you’ve defined the problems, it’s time to start highlighting the benefits of using a cross platform app builder. First and foremost, this tool can save your company money in the long run. By using one codebase for more than 3 or 4 platforms, the company can avoid all the costly development costs that come with customizing each application separately. Additionally, a cross platform app builder can make it easier for your team to collaborate and share information across different platforms. This ultimately leads to increased efficiency and better communication within your business operations.  The different types of cross platform app builder Cross platform app builder allows developers to create mobile and web applications deployed on different platforms, including iOS, Android, Windows, macOS and Linux. There is various app builder out there, so it can be difficult for developers to choose the right one.  In this blog post, we’ll discuss the three most common types of cross platform app builders and give you tips on how to explain them to your boss.  The first type of cross platform app builder is called a hybrid builder. Hybrids combine features from iOS and Android app builders, making it easy for developers to create mobile apps that look and feel like their existing web applications. Hybrids also allow you to use code from either platform, giving you more flexibility when building your app.  The second type of cross platform app builder is creating native but also multi-platform applications that can […]