Salesforce Mobile SDK 3.1

Software Development Kit is typically a set of software development tools that allows the creation of applications for a certain software package, software framework, hardware platform, computer system, video game console, operating system, or similar development platform.

Salesforce recently launched Mobile SDK 3.1 which includes some upgrades and enhancements by which you can enhance your native and hybrid mobile applications. It's an open source pack of technologies like REST API and OAuth 2.0. As mentioned earlier it supports native and hybrid app development.

Here is the link where you will find most helpful resources to get started.

In a nutshell

-> CocoaPods for iOS : You can now use CocoaPods to merge Mobile SDK modules into your apps. No more tedious downloading, copying, and re-configuring. CocoaPods does it all for you.

-> Gradle for Native Android Apps : Android Studio and the Gradle build system are now fully supported for native apps.  Gradle support for hybrid apps will arrive after the next Cordova update.

-> iOS 7 is now the minimum OS version of iOS supported.

-> Raised the minimum Android OS version required by Mobile SDK to v4.2.2 (API 17).

->Supporting libraries upgraded to the latest versions

-> Flows to initiate authentication with an enterprise certificate

-> Unified SmartSync APIs (full offline support for application)

In case of queries and questions, feel free to reach out on discussion boards or StackExchange.

Cheers!!

Trailhead!! Developer Training Modules

Fantastic tool to make anyone comfortable with Salesforce. Are you new to Salesforce or searching for any topic in detail. Here you go.

Here you will find info specific to each topic and in detail. I would recommend all to go though this specially those who are thinking to give certification exams.

The only problem while registering is I was not able to associate my DE with trailhead because I've registered a namespace. So I created a new profile and completed some of the courses.

So steps are pretty simple

1) Go to this link

2) Select the module which you want to start with and then start your challenge.

(i) Getting Started with Force.com Platform

(ii) Intro to Visual App Development

(iii) Intro to programmatic App Development

Every time you complete a challenge you get points against it which is awesome. To get the points either you've to answer some questions which are related to the specific topic or you need to follow some instructions in your organisation.

Like recently two new modules have been added

1) Data Security

Here explained all aspects of securing your data, like privacy of one's data from another. Or if records are visible to others they can't be edited. Or if can be edited then only few specific fields.

This excersise is super helpful for all those who are struggling with the sharing rules, permission sets etc..

2) Change Management

Must read module specially for developers. This will help you better understand what you should follow while developing a functionality like first develop in sandbox, then deploy it to UAT/Testing org to make sure everything is working fine as generally UAT is full copy sandbox and exact replica of production. And then deploy it to production, this way you can ensure that your functionality is bulletproof and your production is safe to run on it.

These are just sample explanations, don't miss looking in all modules and many more are being added.

Cheers