Summary
Highlights
The video introduces the process of converting JavaScript, CSS, and HTML web applications into mobile applications using online services. It highlights that some services offer a 'one-click' conversion.
The video showcases a JavaScript HTML5 tip calculator application as the example to be converted. It explains that the application currently runs in a browser as an HTML file and demonstrates its functionality by inputting a meal price and selecting a tip percentage.
The first step in converting the web application is to zip the project folder containing the JavaScript, CSS, and HTML files. This is because the chosen conversion service requires a zipped package.
The tutorial guides viewers on how to find web-to-mobile app conversion services by searching on Google. It mentions that there are both free and paid options, and briefly touches upon more technical alternatives like Apache Cordova for future advanced tutorials.
The video demonstrates using a specific online service (Web into App HTML to App) that offers free conversion for Android apps. It advises users to create a free account, as it's necessary to download the generated app package. The presenter logs in to the service.
The presenter clicks 'make app', sets a custom icon for the application, and uploads the previously zipped HTML files. They fill in basic app details like name, version, company, and package name. The option for a free Android app is selected, and the service begins building the app.
Once the app is built, the presenter navigates to the app list, clicks to download the free zipped file containing the Android app. They then move this downloaded zip file to their project folder and extract its contents, revealing the APK file for Android.
The APK file is transferred to an Android phone via USB. The presenter connects their phone to the computer, ensures USB file transfer is enabled, and pastes the APK file into the phone's internal storage.
On the Android phone, the presenter locates the APK file in the file system and begins the installation. A warning about 'Play Protect' not recognizing the app is shown because no developer credentials were provided; the presenter proceeds to install anyway. After successful installation, the app is opened, and its functionality (tip calculation) is tested on the phone.
The video concludes by encouraging viewers to experiment. The presenter mentions plans for future, more advanced tutorials using tools like Cordova, which offer more power and flexibility for creating both Android and iOS apps, often free and open source, without requiring payment.