A brief guide to the basic features of HTML Canvas

In this article, we are going to show you how to use the <canvas> element as outlined in Skilled.co's Canvas cheat sheet. You will have a basic understanding of how to write script using this element by the end of this article.

Keep in mind that the skills outlined in this brief tutorial are only the barest skills needed to use the <canvas> element. Even so, they are among the most critical skills and commands that you will need throughout your entire experience with...

30 March 2017 | Development Tools

Take a page out Googles (Play)book with news app for Android developers

(Image Credit: iStockPhoto/JasminSeidel)

Google has launched a news app called 'Playbook for Developers' which offers a centralised place for Android developers to stay updated with all the latest on the world's most popular operating system. 

After opening the app for the first time you'll have the option to personalise the content to your individual needs and interests. There are categories spanning a variety of...

22 June 2016 | Android

Opinion: Bridging the gap between design and development

(Image Credit: iStockPhoto/AlexAndrews)

Stereotypically, design and development teams within any agency are like warring factions. Design, led by creativity and optimism; development, grounded in reality and pragmatism. Surely it’s no surprise that, on paper, these two polar opposites clash so badly.

Except that they’re not polar opposites at all. The two are completely interlinked disciplines that should, by their very nature, work more closely than any other teams...

10 March 2016 | UX/Design

A call to app developers: 3D Touch and Proactive sweep away the need for splash screens

(c)iStock.com/Pekic

For years, Apple has been trying to push developers to abandon splash screens, wanting them instead to use a still image of their apps to give the impression that it is loading up. Splash screens are a hangover from the past, where software could be slow to load. Apps are meant to load quickly and allow users to do what they need to do.

With iOS 9 and 3D Touch, Apple is taking the war on splash screens to the next level. Not only will 3D Touch make splash...

8 October 2015 | Developer

Google advances its Material Design takeover

During I/O last year, Google announced its new 'Material' design language based on the "Cards" motif seen in Google Now. Since then, many Android developers have adopted some form of the language (whether a complete makeover or just borrowing some elements to fit-in with the rest of the OS.)

Google announced MDL (Material Design Lite) earlier this week to help web developers bring the design to their websites...

8 July 2015 | Android

Users won’t tolerate sub-quality enterprise apps

(Image Credit: iStockPhoto/Andrew Rich)

There is certainly no shortage of enterprise software – but there is a shortage of enterprise software that is actually used by employees. Why? Because most enterprise app development teams make software the way they always have: They focus on the value that the app provides to business managers and not enough on how the app could add value to the end user.

It’s easy to forget, but your enterprise employees are app consumers...

3 July 2015 | UX/Design

The art of creating a mobile application development strategy

(Image Credit: iStockPhoto/cnythzl)

Ask any Internet user and you shall have your answer - the future of the web belongs to mobile. An increasing number of consumers are accessing information and data via tablets, smartphones and other digital devices. Users prefer mobile apps for managing data, navigation, shopping and connecting with others.

Mobile apps have revolutionized the way we communicate with our smartphones as apps are quick, visually pleasing, and more interactive...

24 June 2015 | Android

Opinion: Why the “Native vs. Web” contest doesn’t really exist

(Image Credit: iStockPhoto/BartekSzewczyk)

Web developers have suffered from debilitating cases of “app envy” by believing that GUI components traditionally used on native platforms represent the ideal, when instead they ought to be secure in the strengths of the web platform whilst honestly facing the challenges.

The truth is that “native vs. web” is a false dichotomy - the correct path to take for development is always dependent on the circumstances....

16 June 2015 | Android

I/O 2015: Heres what to expect from Android M

Another year means another I/O, and eyes from around the world will be on Google's annual developer conference to see how the giant plans to lead the way forward in exciting new areas such as wearables and connected cars. 

Google will want to ensure its operating system is found wherever there is technology to power, but such a bold ambition can only be realised with some important changes. In this article we will rundown what to...

28 May 2015 | Android

Responsive Web & Mobile Apps: How to approach your digital roadmap

(Image Credit: iStockPhoto/tumdee)

The details of a company's digital roadmap can seem daunting; what to do, and when to do it can seem like a never ending list of possibilities, but really all it comes down to is what do the customers need and what does the business need?

Answering these questions within the context of "now, next and later" helps to demystify the roadmap no matter how large the organisation or ambitious the startup.

If you’re...

20 January 2015 | HTML