Issue
I would like to develop Android application using HTML, CSS and JavaScript with Android SDK. I dont want to use another tool like Titanium or PhoneGap.
Is it possible to make application using the HTML, CSS and JavaScript?
Are Android web apps as good as native apps? Can the same functionality be achieved through web apps?
If it is good in comparison of native applications, can any one tell me the proper way to do this or provide me good tutorial?
Solution
The Short answer: Yes, you can develop apps using HTML / CSS / Javascript. Take two WebView Tutorials and call me in the morning.
The Long Answer: If you want to write apps for Android that use HTML / CSS / Javascript, you'll have to at least create a native WebView wrapper. This is relatively easy to do -- unless you want to hook into native functions, such as the accelerometer, camera, or even the Toast Messages (the little messages that pop up when something happens).
Accessing the native hardware and software through a webview requires you to write a JavascriptAdapter (available in Android 2+), and define some custom Javascript methods in the JavascriptAdapter. Those methods map to a java function, which DOES have access to the native OS facilities.
Frameworks such as Appcelerator and PhoneGap do exactly this, except they've already written the javascript functions for you, so it saves you from having to write those yourself.
In that sense, if you're going to write an app for Android using HTML / CSS / Javascript, it makes sense to use a framework. Otherwise, you're doing that work yourself.
Answered By - John O'Connor
Answer Checked By - Marie Seifert (JavaFixing Admin)
