How to Hire the Best PhoneGap Developers
Before you hire PhoneGap developers, it is crucial for employers or recruiters to know more about the kind of developer that you are looking for. This comprehensive article for hiring PhoneGap developers will answer questions that you might have in order to hire the best PhoneGap developers.
But first, let’s define PhoneGap. A popular open source framework for building mobile applications, PhoneGap uses web technology to write applications in order to remove the difficulties of creating apps in multiple languages (such as Java and Objective-C). As such, PhoneGap allows developers to build cross-platform apps using popular web technologies HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
What sets PhoneGap apart from the rest is its robust tools which include:
- PhoneGap Desktop app
- PhoneGap Developer app
- PhoneGap Build
- PhoneGap’s command line interface
Now, when you look up the term ‘PhoneGap’ on search engines, the results would mostly show ‘Apache Cordova’. Because of its close relationship, it is often mistaken as one and the same, and used interchangeably. However, while the two platforms are connected, it is definitely different from each other.
Simply put, PhoneGap is an open source platform while Apache Cordova serves as the engine that powers PhoneGap. In a sense, it is just like the browser engine WebKit which powers search engines such as Safari.
Knowing this difference can also save you from confusion when hiring PhoneGap developers.
Why should you hire a PhoneGap developer?
When you hire PhoneGap developers, your business can create a wide range of mobile applications depending on your business needs. Hiring a PhoneGap developer will help your business reap the following benefits:
Rapid Development
Its rapid technology makes PhoneGap the best tool to transfer web development skills to mobile app creation. By leveraging popular web technologies, PhoneGap developers can easily and quickly produce new app features or versions. In turn, this allows businesses to satisfy the needs of their customers.
Cross-platform Functionality
Using only a single code base, PhoneGap developers can create applications that can run on multiple platforms. Being able to showcase your mobile app on different platforms will allow your business to reach greater potential customers.
Native APIs
PhoneGap allows developers access to all native device APIs such as GPS, accelerometer, and camera, among others. With this, even if you’re using web technologies to build your mobile app, your app will still behave as if it were a native app.
Open Source
PhoneGap’s free and open source technology allows developers and businesses to conveniently create mobile applications. The platform also boasts great community support which means there are more developers who can help provide you assistance or guidance and keep the platform robust and updated.
What technical skills should you look for when hiring PhoneGap developers?
When hiring PhoneGap developers, one must properly evaluate a candidate’s expertise and experience to ensure that you will be working with a PhoneGap developer who fits your mobile app needs. Aside from finishing a degree in Computer Science, IT, or other related tech degrees, here are must-have PhoneGap developer skills that you should look for:
Strong understanding and experience of Javascript OOP
This is one of the most important skills to look for when hiring PhoneGap developers as PhoneGap apps will involve a lot of JavaScript. Some of the must-have JavaScript OOP skills include knowledge in the following:
Class
This is a sample code on how to define a class:
var ProductEditor = function(productId) {
this.productId = productId;
};
ProductEditor.prototype.save = function(callback) {
//todo: save the form
};
Namespace
For example:
if(window.demo == undefined) {
demo = { };
}
if(demo.services == undefined) {
demo.services = { };
}
//define a class under the namespace
demo.services.ProductService = function () {
};
demo.services.ProductService.prototype.getProductById = function(id) {
//todo: return product
};
//to use the service
var service = new demo.services.ProductService();
var product = service.getProductById(1);
Class inheritance
For example:
demo.services.EmailServiceProvider = function() {
this.host = "smtp.gmail.com";
this.port = 587;
};
demo.services.EmailServiceProvider.prototype.sendEmail = function(subject, body, to, cc) {
};
//define another that inherits the above provider
demo.services.ContactUsEmailServiceProvider = function() {
demo.services.EmailServiceProvider.call(this);
};
demo.services.ContactUsEmailServiceProvider.prototype = new demo.services.EmailServiceProvider();
demo.services.ContactUsEmailServiceProvider.constructor = demo.services.ContactUsEmailServiceProvider;
//override the parent method
demo.services.ContactUsEmailServiceProvider.prototype.sendEmail = function(body) {
demo.services.EmailServiceProvider.prototype.sendEmail.call(this, "contact us", body, "[email protected]");
};
//define new method
demo.services.ContactUsEmailServiceProvider.prototype.saveToDB = function(body) {
};
Skilled in other programming languages
Other programming languages and technologies that a PhoneGap developer should know are HTML5, and CSS. In addition, they must also be adept in desktop and mobile app development.
Capable in touch event handling
Even though third-party libraries (e.g. as jQuery mobile, Sencha Touch, KendoUI, and Nova PhoneGap framework) can already handle touch events, PhoneGap developers must know these three important touch events: touchstart, touchmove, and touchend.
Knowledgeable in PhoneGap API
Skilled PhoneGap developers must be able to know which features can and can not be supported by PhoneGap, what its free plugins are, and which projects are suitable for the platform. In addition, they must also keep up with the latest API updates.
Take note that these technical skills are the basic skills that eery PhoneGap developer must possess. Your technical requirements may still vary depending on your specific project needs.
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