SproutCore

SproutCore is an increasingly popular framework for Ajax and JavaScript based application. Utilizing the latest technology in JavaScript as well as HTML 5, developers will be able to develop lightning speed applications that can work in any operating system. Major browsers also recognize SproutCore which means developers can fully utilize the cloud by building online applications with this framework.

But before you work with SproutCore, there are some things you need to remember about the framework. You're building an application without any plug-ins so it's best that you prepare with the right facts about SproutCore.

Understanding KVO

The ability of SproutCore to launch their applications in browsers impressively is through their binding principle called KVO. Key-Value-Observing is a form of binding that divides the application into three components. The "Key" is actually the functions that work with the application. "Value" refers to data and objects related to data while "Observing" are basically objects and additional parameters related to the application.

KVO is actually a pretty basic design of binding framework for Ajax and JavaScript. But what makes it different is the additional function “SC.Object” which helps in improving objects in the application. Learn how to adapt to this function so that additional extension will work without any problem in the application.

Working with String.fmt()

One of the small but significant tricks developers can use in the application is the method called string.fmt(). This type of function can be very handy when controlling data in JavaScript.

But working with fmt() can be dangerous without effectively using them in the application. Don't be deceived in implementing String.fmt() in any function that needs to bind data. As much as possible, use the method only in strings. Your application can still use fmt in other platforms but there are other functions that can work even better than fmt.

Know the Exact Rules of Binding

The keyword in this tip is to be "exact" in knowing the rules. Binding in SproutCore is its main feature which means developers have to know how to work with binding to get the best out of the framework.

The following are the basic rules for binding:

• Use the function solely for binding.
• Use -pass instead of ignoring the function for to bypass binding.
• Limiting view in binding in .lproj layer.
• Only one way binding should be implemented. One way binding is only optional but binding will work better without any reciprocation.

SproutCore is not a Server Side Framework

As a JavaScript based framework, developers have to remember that the function is solely client side. This means developers do not have to be concerned about server capabilities. The JavaScript engine as well as the efficient framework will ensure the application's speedy loading. The only challenge for developers is to ensure their users have the capability (internet connection, gadget capability) to load the application.

SproutCore is a highly recommended framework for developers for JavaScript and Ajax based application. As long as the basics about the framework are understood, building applications with this framework will be relatively easy.