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How to make the server side of a mobile application?

I am an Android developer and I want to create an application that shows users on a map and performs tasks based on their location.

The entire application model must run on the server. I need an API that:

  • Gets the user's location
  • Performs calculations based on user location
  • Sends a response to specific users with results

The problem is that I have 0 server side programming experience.

Can you suggest me a way to make a server?

I checked the Google Colud platform and this video. The video deals with the connection between the application and the server, but I really need to encode the model and deploy it in the cloud.

How can I create an API for an application such as a developer with no server-side experience?

Can you offer me a tutorial that goes through the process of creating a cloud backend for a mobile application?

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2 answers

That's a very difficult question. I do not recommend using a “turnkey” solution such as FireBase, because it is even harder to convert it to the “correct” API later when you need it. If you know Android, then you know Java, you will have no problems learning how to work with a framework like the Spring Framework, which I recommend. Java on the backend needs a Java Servlet container such as Tomcat. To do this, you must first configure the development environment on your machine. I recommend looking for Spring Framework tutorials for this Spring Framework REST tutorial.

Secondly, for data storage you will need a database, such as MySql or MongoDB. Spring comes with ready-made connections to most of the most common databases, so it's pretty easy to work with.

When you are ready to deploy your service, I recommend using PAAS, for example, Heroku.com, where you can first start your service for free. Thus, you yourself control everything, and you also learn a useful skill.

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Since you come from the JAVA background, you just need the basic building blocks, and you will be good to go.

  • Use PASS: they will accept any defaults on your part, which will be a great relief if you are not familiar with anything on the server side. I recommend using Heroku or App Engine. Here is a guide to App Engine with JAVA on top. https://cloud.google.com/appengine/docs/java/

  • Database: you don’t know how you save and manage your user data now, but if you need a database, various available ones are now available. The reason Firebase is the top offer is because it uses in real time and gives you control on your side, without spending a lot of time on your side.

  • API: you will use the user's geographic location and send it to the server. On the server, you will need to handle this in the real world and any other logic. To do this, you will need to use Google GeoLocation and reverse geocoding APIs. Find apis here: https://console.cloud.google.com/apis/

Also, if that helps, App Engine and Heroku offer free restrictions and should be sufficient enough for your use.

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