Category: SDV602

What have i learnt?

When it comes to Mobile application there is an architecture known Model View View Model or better known as (MVVM) the principle of using this model when it comes to mobile application development is code reuse. MVVM helps developers structure their code in such a manner that it can be shard across platforms with only a adjustments to the code relating to the UI, as User interfaces change based on the platform it is being displayed on

The View block of code holds the UI elements that the user sees on the screen and interacts with, there is no code it is purely responsible for human interaction.

The ViewModel segment of the code is where the logic is located. It is responsible for communicating between the user interaction through the UI and the data stored in the database.

The Model is where the data is stored

Data binding is when the dependency objects such as a button is linked with the logic via properties. In order for use data binding we can use Icommand in place of a click event handler with. The Code that is linked to the button is located in a class, chances are if there are properties the information being accessed are locked away in private classes

Why have i learnt it?

With such a wide range of devices out in the marketplace it is important to design code in a manner that can be easily adapted to suit a wide range of devices and Operating Systems (OS). As technology advances the power in cell phones and tablets are negating the need for a computer as all the tasks such as online banking and more power hungry apps such as Youtube can be accessed and used through mobile devices.

How have i learnt this?

Currently the best method i have discovered to understand this information is through the links provided to me through Moodle. So far the best explanation i have received so far is through a Youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k77dqVVWgB8&list=PLdkt3RKz_b0w9Ouo03ZGMbXIOreJ7bE9C

What do I know now that i did not know before?

Before today i was unaware that there was an architecture specifically designed to for Mobile Applications. As Mobile applications is the field in which i potentially may find myself working in the future i need to have a strong grasp of how MVVM works and implemented.

What is the point?

To best set me in the right direction to develop mobile applications in the future.

What will i do to fill in any gaps in my understanding?

In order for me to keep expanding my knowledge and expertise on this subject matter i will utilize all the resources available to me such as Youtube and Linkedin.

What have i learnt?

We had the chance to work on our Assessment 1) documentation. What i have learnt was that before coding even takes place it is important to have good documentation in order to make the development of a game or application much smoother. For the game I’m currently working on I have crafted a storyboard with screenshots of the game and all its main activities the player will need to undertake in order to complete the game.

Why have i learnt it?

Regardless of how big or small the project may be, having good documentation will ensure that all the people working on the project stay within scope and deliver a finished product that the client may expect.

How have i learnt this?

The hard way. In the past when developing application for web based or desktop applications i jumped straight into the coding side with little or no documentation to help guide me and to keep me focused on task.

What is the point?

The idea is to expose ourselves to an environment that best fits the environment in the real world. It is important to know what is expected of you and what are the current industry standards.

What are the real life applications?

When you enter the workforce it is very likely that we will be working in teams with other developers and clients. It is vital that we know the development life cycle and know how to read and write good documentation that will satisfy both the company and the client.

What will i do to fill in any gaps?

These is only so much that the Tutor can do for us in the small amount of time they have in class. It is important to continue research outside of class and get some clarity on topics that are confusing. The web is filled with great resources that can greatly improve ones understanding of each element of the documentation.

What have i learnt?

Unity was founded by David Helgason and Nicholas Francise along with David helgason back in 2004, they were small time developers who released a game called Gooball back in 2005.

the game failed to take off but the founders decided to change the direction of the company to democratize the game development and offer small time developers the means to create their games.

fast forward a to the present and Unity supports a wide range of platforms covering all aspects of game development from 2D, mobile , 3D and virtual reality.

Unity offers an wide range of assets on their store which is a good base for developers to start.

Why have i learnt it?

Even though Unity is seen as a game development tool it has offer potentials such as mobile applications. There are a large number of game development companies that use unity in their business activities and by having exposed ourselves to the platform which uses C# as its base language, It is a good platform to have exposure too.

How have i learnt it?

Unity has such a steep learning curve that could drain valuable class time our lecturer suggested we follow a game called “Bunny jump”. This youtuber takes people through all the needed aspects of Unity.

By following this Bunny tutorial more time can be spent teaching about Software development rather than Unity tutorials.

What do i know now that i did not know before?

Before SDV602 I thought that Unity was only a platform for creating a game. When i did some background research i discovered that unity is used to create mobile application

What is the point?

Unity has a foothold in today’s society ranging from AAA games to single developer indie games. Unity can be a powerful program that can be used to create application for mobile application.

What will i do to remember this learning?

In order to retain and further my knowledge on Unity I will continue to explore the possibilities that the program can offer. The further you dig the more possibilities the program provides.