PastryKit for iPhone Web Apps

The buzz about Palm's Project Ares is quite good mainly because of the interesting features and possibilities that could happen with Palms mobile devices. But Apple does not want to be outdone - they don't even have to create a buzz about it as developers will naturally discover a tool for web development. Without any fanfare, Apple is now offering developers a small library called PastryKit. This library is based on JavaScript and its main aim is to provide a native application experience without full installation.

Developers are scrambling for more information about PastryKit and here are some basic facts:

• JavaScript, CSS, HTML 5 and Local Storage - PastryKit will use these three tools in iPhone in order to easily launch the web application. Obviously, JavaScript is used to control the interaction with the application. HTML 5 is used to provide a lightweight data for users. CSS of course is there to provide streaming information or other forms of media. The interesting part is local storage. When the web application is accessed online the information is downloaded in the gadget. When there's no internet connectivity, users can still access the information they previous accessed.

• The Looks (and feel) of Native Applications - The web development library offers something interesting for developers and users. Apple does not want their users to feel alienated or different when using web applications. For that reason, browsing through web application is like browsing through regular applications. The scroll bar is smooth and swapping through pages is like the native application. However, the experience of this smoothness seems to be relative to the gadget (assuming fast internet connection). The latest iteration of iPhone (3GS) is very smooth while earlier versions are a bit shaky. The reason for this is probably on the gadget's handling of JavaScript.

• No Browser but Synch with Browsing History - The web applications have the native feel and will stick to that look by ignoring the web browsing toolbar. This means there will be no shortcuts from the web application to Safari browser. As a web application, you have to stay to the same application and can only browse by switching to the Safari browser. On the other hand, the browser seemed to remember your online interaction in the web application. Your browsing history will reveal where you have been and tapping to the history will automatically connect you to the web application.

On the User's End: Creating a Library of Web Applications

Ultimately, the web applications will not be single widgets that will have their respective icons in the gadget. These online applications will be placed in local application which is basically a shortcut for the web applications.

It would still be months before we could see the first formal web application from iPhone. But PastryKit has already provided some interesting data and previews. Hopefully, the web library will live up to its expectations and provide mobile users a brand new and interesting part of the gadget. In this stage, JavaScript will be pushed to its boundaries.