Table of Contents
Intro
Custom Apps allow you to create small applications or automated online web pages and publish them as apps within your Account.
There are several options and technologies that you can use to do this. Each has advantages and disadvantages; you should investigate which fits your case better.
Options for Building a Custom App
Here is a quick list of all current options for developing a Custom App.
Web App
A Web App is based on an online web page (a URL) and uses our scripting engine to automate and modify that web page.
We already provide examples: Baremetrics, ChartMogul, Google Calendar, Google Analytics, and Instagram Apps. These Apps load up a web page from the respective service; they log in, then navigate to the selected page and show the data you need
HTML App
An HTML App is based on a ZIP package with HTML files you upload to your account. This package is then unzipped inside Raspberry Pi Players and is displayed locally.
Quick Comparison of Custom App Options
Each App type has its pros and cons.
| Status | Web App | HTML App |
|---|---|---|
| Internet Access | Required | Optional |
| Code | Scripting Engine + Javascript (optionally) | HTML + Javascript |
| Difficulty | Easy and fast | Needs coding skills and time |
| Upload Required | No | Yes |
| Can access Filesystem and GPIO Pins | No | Yes |
| Cross-origin Requests | Restricted | Unrestricted |