I developed software for a client using SQL Server on the back end and Microsoft Access on the front end. I have supported it for about 18 years and it has changed a lot over the years. The client now wants an app that can be used by a team member on their phone in the field. So it would either need to be an app that runs over the Internet and connects to the SQL Server database or a phone app that connects to the SQL Server database. I am pretty proficient in SQL Server and have been working with HTML, CSS, Java Script and Visual Studio. Can you recommend the best language or tool to meet the project requirements. I am hoping to study deeply one or two technologies or languages to get me over the hurdle. My primary problems are finding the right technology that can be used with a phone and that can connect to my SQL Server database. Please advise. Thanks!
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Accessing an SQL Server db through a web app
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Hey Michael,
Technology analysis paralysis. That is my favorite kind of feeling (sarcasm).On a serious note, there are a few things to consider:
- You are going to be have to build a service that lies between the phone application and the database as providing direct access through a phone could be disastrous.
- For me, I tend to build these web-based services in Python or NodeJS. I am not saying the best, but pick these as I am familiar.
- The phone application is can go one of three ways:
- Build a native application for Android and iOS
- This requires maintaining two codebases as well as requires you learning technologies that you have not listed.
- Must submit and get approved by app stores as well as maintain that.
- Build an application using cross-compilation tools
- React Native (JavaScript-based), Flutter (Dart programming based), Ionic, etc.
- Again, this would require you learning something new and maintaining the infrastructure for rebuilding and distributing new versions
- App store fun times again
- Mobile-first web application
- Built with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
- Just styled with work best with a mobile device
- Can look close to a native application if you build it as a Progressive Web Application (PWA)
- This can take some work so I wouldn't worry up front.
- Build a native application for Android and iOS
In summary, you would build a service that would proxy user interactions into queries against the SQL Server database. These requests would originate in your phone application and be relayed through the web application.
If you have more questions, then just ask away.
- You are going to be have to build a service that lies between the phone application and the database as providing direct access through a phone could be disastrous.