Frequently Asked Questions
What is an App?
An 'app' is simply a word in technical lingo that is short for 'application'. In programming, an application is just a program, which has a particular functionality (can be used to), which can be 'applied' to perform a particular task or solve a particular need. A Web App is a type of App that has been created to run on a Website on the Internet. Regular Apps generally run on local computers and must be compatable with the type of computer. One advantage of a Web App is that it can be run from anywhere on any kind of computer platform.
Return to top
What are Data Entry apps?
Data Entry apps are specifically designed programs (apps) that allow users to enter data into a database. They are generally comprised of a list of data entry items which have a lable that describes the type of data to be entered and an entry area into which to type in the data
Return to top
What is Custom Programming?
Many computer systems are made up of software that has been bought off-the-shelf for general usage. For example, a company would usually buy an accounting system this way since accounting is generally done the same way everywhere. However, there are always needs, especially for a company that has come up with a new, inovative business model, where no packaged software exists. Custom programming involves writing new functional parts of a system from scratch.
Return to top
What are open source software tools?
'Open Source' just means software that has been written to exist in the public domain with its source publicly available for review and enhancement by qualified programmers. Most commercial software is not open source because there is no profit structure involved in open source. Some of the most popular open source tools available on internet today include the Apache Web Server, MySQL database, PHP server scripting language and the JavaScript client scripting language
Return to top
What are the advantages/disadvantages of using open source software tools?
Advantages
- No cost to acquire or use
- Can be customized if needed
- Open access causes bug fixes to happen sooner
- Security tends to be stronger because there is more exposure to leaks which then get fixed fast.
- Plenty of freely available support (lack of support was once thought to be a disadvantage)
- Efficient performance (tend not to become 'bloatware')
- Less Vendor 'lock in'
Disdvantages
Development enhancements tend to be slower because there is no profit motive
Keeping track of versions is slightly more complicated
Some Open Source Projects die because the principle programmers loose interest
Return to top