What should I use for an Android database / GUI front end?

[Emmette]

I want to create an app that is a GUI front end on a database of text and pictures.

For example, I want a package that runs on a PC that will print out bar codes that I can use to label my houseplants. On the PC, I'd call up the entry for a particular plant, and it would show a picture, care info (watering, soil, light, special details, etc), and from there, could print a bar code on a label. I'd attach the label to a plastic stake, and attach it to the plant.

I'd then like to be able to shoot the label with the camera and an app on my Android phone, and from that bar code, have the app show me the same picture / care info that I have on the PC.

If I want to do this, what DB should I use, and what development environment should I choose to write the app?

I've never done this before.

Thanks

 

[Deleted User]

Welcome to AF. Thread moved to Android Development forum.

Interesting project, and not a trivial one to tackle as a first application.
In terms of the database, your description implies that you'll need a centrally located database. You achieve this in a couple of ways - either use a cloud based storage solution (Amazon and Google offer such services), or you can host the database on a PC located on your local network. Obviously the PC has to be on and available to communicate with.

I'm not sure what bar code creation software to recommend, but a cursory Google reveals there are software packages that can do this.

My question to you is, what experience do you have in developing Android apps? If you're a total beginner, start by reading the sticky posts at the top of this forum. They contain many useful links to other web resources, which will get you started.

 

[lunatic59]

I've never done this before.

As a horticulturist, what would you say to someone who asked you how to grow a Redwood from seed? That's kind of what your asking here.

If you truly have no experience with development or database structure, hosting and (especially) security, I think your best bet would be to find a developer who thought your idea has legs and would work with you for a cut of the pie.

 

[Emmette]

I plan on getting help, but I need to know what kinds of things I should be hearing from someone making suggestions. Something along the lines of "If I was doing this, I'd use SQL lite on the android, and visual basic for the GUI.

Or something like that.

I would prefer to put equal databases on the android and the PC. No cloud. No server. I've done basic Access databases, but nothing in SQL.

 

[lunatic59]

It seems to me that trying to maintain and synchronize multiple identical databases on different platforms would be problematic.

 

[Deleted User]

It seems to me that trying to maintain and synchronize multiple identical databases on different platforms would be problematic.

Exactly.
Although, if the intention is to allow the app to function while not connected to a remote database, then local storage would be required, and syncing of local and remote databases at some point. Not the easiest thing in the world to manage, but it depends how the OP intends to use the app.

 

[lunatic59]

If it's for personal use only, then I guess it might work, but it's a kludge. If at any point it is meant to be publicly distributed then some form accessible database must be setup.

 

[Emmette]

It seems to me that trying to maintain and synchronize multiple identical databases on different platforms would be problematic.

The database is not going to change once it's set up, unless there are errors. So sync is not going to have to happen frequently.

 

[nycbill]

You may want to look at something like DroidDB by syware. It's a GUI builder/database that doesn't require you to learn Java or SQL. I wouldn't say it's easy to master, but it's much easier than the Java route - though not nearly as pretty. In an odd way, it may actually be easier to learn as a non programmer.

While you could use the smartphone cam you may find that cumbersome and slow. If you're willing to spend a few $$ you could get a small handheld barcode scanner like the ScanFob and use their bluetooth drivers to get it to talk to the smartphone.