All posts by Mindfire Solutions

Benefits of Outsourcing Web Application Testing

Benefits of Outsourcing Web Application Testing
Benefits of Outsourcing Web Application Testing

A very large percentage of consumers nowadays access websites and web applications on their mobile devices. But several studies suggest that consumers spend most of their digital media time on specific mobile apps. While developing a web application, an enterprise must focus on its mobile user experience to keep consumers engaged and persuade them to buy. The use experience delivered by a web application depends on a number of factors – accessibility, functionality, usability, performance, and security. Also, the user experience delivered by a single web application differs across browsers, devices, operating systems, and networks. An enterprise must implement a comprehensive web application testing strategy to measure its website’s user experience accurately. Continue reading Benefits of Outsourcing Web Application Testing

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Mobile Strategy For Pure Play Retailers

Mobile Strategy For Pure Play Retailers
Mobile Strategy For Pure Play Retailers

Unlike conventional businesses, pure play retailers focus all their efforts on a single product or service. But no pure play retailer can generate more sales revenue by focusing on brick and mortar stores. Nowadays, most users prefer web stores to conventional brick and mortar stores. Likewise, they use the internet for performing pre-purchase research and experience richer shopping experience. However, a pure play retailer can no longer drive digital sales through eCommerce websites. A proper mobile strategy for pure play retailers has become absolutely necessary. Continue reading Mobile Strategy For Pure Play Retailers

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Pyramid vs Django vs Flask: Best Python Framework

Pyramid vs Django
Pyramid vs Django

Flask

Python is one of the most popular and versatile programming languages in the world. According to a recent survey, about 48% of developers from around the world prefer using Python. It has various applications ranging from web development, machine learning, data analysis, and more. The developers need robust Python web frameworks to build custom web applications rapidly according to varying business requirements. A web developer has option to choose from a wide range of Python web frameworks.

To make the most of this versatile language, it’s important to choose the right framework. At present, there are three popular frameworks for Python– Django, Pyramid, and Flask. Each framework has its own strengths and weaknesses, and commands higher value than the others depending on the nature of the project and use case.

In this article, we will compare Django vs Pyramid vs Flask frameworks. We’ll look at the strengths and weaknesses of each framework so you can decide which one is right for your project.

Comparing Three Widely Used Python Web Frameworks: Pyramid vs Django vs Flask

Django

Django is a high-level web application framework written in Python. It is an open-source framework, with a thriving and active community. The framework emphasizes the “Don’t Repeat Yourself” principle, which helps developers create highly efficient applications. Django also provides an ORM (object-relational mapping) to help manage database operations more easily and securely.

The versatile nature of the framework makes it suitable for projects of any size and capacity. IT firms leverage Django to create dynamic web pages with extensive backend and front-end support. Python web applications that need to be developed and deployed for production within short TATs are good candidates for Django. Additionally, businesses looking for an enterprise-grade solution with excellent security features should consider using Django.

Features & Benefits of Django

    • With Django’s prebuilt libraries, enterprises can develop applications faster than that with many other frameworks.
    • The framework has an MTV (model-template-view) architecture pattern that simplifies the development process and makes maintenance easier.
    • Django offers robust security features such as authentication, authorization, and CSRF protection.
    • Web applications developed with Django are highly scalable due to the framework’s ability to seamlessly handle high-load.
    • Django is a versatile framework as it can be easily integrated with multiple databases, JavaScript frameworks, CSS libraries, etc.

Limitations of Django

  • Django is a monolithic framework, meaning that all components must be written in Python and cannot be easily decoupled.
  • While the ORM is useful for managing database operations, it can be inflexible and may not support all database operations. Additionally, the ORM can be slow for complex queries, which can impact the performance of an application.
  • The learning curve of Django is quite steep and it can take some time for developers to become proficient with the framework.

Pyramid

Pyramid is a lightweight and flexible web application framework written in Python. It is designed to be as minimal as possible, allowing developers to build applications with only the features they need. Pyramid emphasizes the “Start Small, Finish Big” principle, which makes it a great choice for small- to-medium-sized businesses.

The framework supports the usage of many well-known single-file web apps like microframeworks, making it a good choice for businesses looking for an easy-to-learn Python web framework with minimal overhead. Also, Pyramid allows IT firms to cost-effectively create basic web applications and quickly deploy them.

Features & Benefits of Pyramid

    • The framework is highly extensible and modular which allows developers to add or remove components as needed.
    • It has a flexible URL mapping system, which makes it easy to create clean and intuitive URLs for your application.
    • Pyramid includes a number of built-in features such as a templating engine and a request object, which makes it easy to build web applications.
    • Pyramid offers more flexibility than Django and Flask.

Limitations of Pyramid

  • The framework has fewer pre-built libraries than other frameworks meaning that developers may have to write code from scratch more often while using Pyramid.
  • The framework is relatively new and has a smaller developer community.

Flask

Flask is a web application micro-framework, which is highly flexible and extensible. Flask also has an extensive library of third-party extensions which can be easily integrated into any application. The framework’s easy-to-use development server also allows developers to quickly test their applications without having to install or configure additional tools.

The framework is the best for creating static websites, rapid prototypes, MVPs, and RESTful web services. IT firms also use Flask to create simple business applications that don’t require the full-stack features of Django or Pyramid. Furthermore, it is used to develop projects where the architecture is based on microservices.

Features & Benefits of Flask

    • Flask offers built-in debugging and unit testing tools which makes it easier to develop and maintain applications.
    • Flask is incredibly lightweight, allowing developers to quickly build basic applications with minimal effort.
    • Flask uses Jinja2 as its templating engine which allows developers to create dynamic webpages using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

Limitations of Pyramid

  • The framework does not have an ORM (Object Relational Mapping) library like Django or Pyramid so developers must use an external library for database operations.
  • It is suitable only for static web pages.
  • Flask can also make it difficult for developers new to the platform to determine which libraries and frameworks should be used for certain tasks.

Related Case Study – Python Intrusion Detection System For tracking and analyzing network statistics and application logs by Mindfire Solutions

Conclusion

When choosing the best framework for Python, developers should consider their project’s size and complexity. Django is an ideal choice for large-scale projects due to its robust set of features, whereas Flask is great for small to medium-sized projects with fewer requirements. Pyramid is also a great option if you need flexibility in small projects. Ultimately, the final decision should be based on the specific needs of each project.

If you’re not sure which framework is right for your project and want expert guidance, reach out to us at Mindfire Solutions. We specialize in Python development services and can help you choose the best technology stack for your needs as well as build high-quality software quickly and efficiently.

Visit Mindfire Solutions, to learn more about us.

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Important Enterprise Mobile App Development Facts

Enterprise Mobile App Development Facts
Enterprise Mobile App Development Facts

An enterprise mobile app will help you to solve specific business problems, improve business processes, and make employees productive. But enterprise mobile app development is more complex that consumer centric app development. In addition to identifying and defining your business requirements, you need to explore ways to make the app accessible across devices, platforms, and networks. Also, you have to ensure that the app allows employees to access and store corporate data securely, while being compatible with the existing software systems and solutions.  At the same time, you also need to keep in mind a number of facts to simplify and accelerate enterprise mobile app development. Continue reading Important Enterprise Mobile App Development Facts

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Ruby Version Management Tool Comparison: rbenv vs RVM

Ruby Version Management Tool Comparison rbenv vs RVM
Ruby Version Management Tool Comparison rbenv vs RVM

In the world of Ruby development, one essential aspect that developers must tackle is managing different versions of Ruby on their machines. This necessity arises due to the ever-evolving nature of the language and the need to ensure compatibility with different projects. Two popular Ruby version managers that aid in this process are Rbenv and RVM. This blog explores the intricacies of Ruby version managers – Rbenv vs RVM. We compare features, performance, and compatibility with other development tools.
Continue reading Ruby Version Management Tool Comparison: rbenv vs RVM

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Why should you outsource Software QA Testing?

Outsource Software QA Testing
Outsource Software QA Testing

Nowadays, consumers access the same software application on varying devices, platforms, and browsers. Your software application must functional flawlessly and deliver richer user experience across different user environments to become profitable. You need to perform elaborate software QA testing to assess the quality and user experience of the software properly. To assess the quality of the software properly, you need to perform various types of software testing – functional testing, performance testing, usability testing, integration testing, acceptance testing, and beta testing. Also, you have to repeat the tests across various devices, platforms, browsers, and networks to generate more reliable test results. Continue reading Why should you outsource Software QA Testing?

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New Features in CakePHP 3.5 that PHP Developers are excited about

CakePHP 3.5 New Features
CakePHP 3.5 New Features

At present, CakePHP is one of the widely used web frameworks. In addition to being written in PHP, it supports simplifies development of large and complex web applications by supporting model-view-controller (MVC) programming paradigm. The PHP 7 web framework further provides built-in features to simplify common web development tasks like database access, caching, authentication, validation and translation. PHP Developers always keep a track on CakePHP releases and new CakePHP features which comes along with the releases.

Likewise, the built-in security tools provided by CakePHP help PHP developers to prevent security threats like form tampering, SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS) and cross site request forgery (CSRF). The CakePHP core team has been upgrading the PHP framework consistently to simplify and accelerate custom web application development. In August, the CakePHP core team released CakePHP 3.5 officially after releasing two candidates. Continue reading New Features in CakePHP 3.5 that PHP Developers are excited about

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Best Resources To Learn Java

Best Resources to Learn Java
Best Resources to Learn Java

The usage statistics posted on various websites depict that Java is the most popular programming language of 2017. At present, programmers use Java for developing desktop graphical user interface (GUI) applications, web applications, and Android mobile apps. Java also has been evolving consistently to simplify applications for both large and small devices. In addition to featuring a modular architecture, Java 9 also comes with several new language features and redesigned APIs. But a beginner cannot learn various aspects of the popular programming language simply by observing various applications written in Java. Continue reading Best Resources To Learn Java

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Geospatial Targeting App using Beacon Technology

Geospatial Targeting App

Michael, a software designer, was about to stumble upon an idea that would change his life. He had recently moved to Lisbon, and was living alone. But he did manage to find a date and was hoping for this to be the great start to life in this new city. He did not have the right shirt. He wanted to wear a classic white button-down but the few shops he visited, it was too expensive. He had one long-lost friend in the city, whom he decided to call for advice.

The Hiccup

“Hey Sam, it’s Michael.”
“Oh, hello Michael! Great to hear from you! What’s up?”

“I’m alright. Just moved to Lisbon. Was hoping if you could help me out with something.”
“Great! Tell me, what do you need?”

“Could you suggest a relatively inexpensive place where I could get a classic, white shirt?” he asked.
“Ah yes. You could try the Acropolis Mall. It’s got a whole lot of shops. I’m sure you’ll find something in your budget there.”

“Thank you so much! I’ll check it out and let you know.”
“Sure, anytime. We should catch up soon!”

“Yes, we should. I’ll give you a call tomorrow, and we’ll figure something out!”
“Sure thing! I hope you find the shirt you’re looking for. Ciao!”

“Thanks Sam! Ciao.”

The Challenge

Michael went to the monstrous mall that Sam had suggested, but he had a nagging feeling it wouldn’t work. After spending more than three hours in the mall, having visited at least 12 different stores, he gave in, and bought a rather expensive shirt.

On his way out, he saw a sign inside another store which seemed to have a rather hefty discount on shirts.

On closer inspection, he could spot a white shirt hanging with a price of nearly half of what he had paid. With a sigh, he shuffled out of the mall, when the idea struck him.

The Solution

Michael called Sam, his software designer friend from college, to explain his idea.

“Sam, what if there was a way to know the promotions in each store, without having to explore all of them?”
Sam was unsure how to respond. “How would you do it?”

“It’s simple. Stores can install beacons. Customers like us, can install apps on our phones. Every time a potential customer passes by, the beacon can push a notification of the store owner’s choosing to the customer. This has the potential to influence the customer’s decision-making, while also informing them about the in-store promotions. Win-win for both.”

“That is brilliant, and simple too!” she replied ecstatically. “I know just the people who can help us bring this to life!”

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Interested to get a more detailed account of the solution, Download the Case Study; No Email Ids/Contact Numbers needed.

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The Experts

We were well-acquainted with Sam; we had worked with Sam on other projects as well. Sam and Michael reached out to us with their idea.

We realized its potential went far beyond stores, and could also be used as an interactive tool in events, exhibitions, airport, hotels, and other places, and helped them create a well-rounded product applicable across sectors and domains.

Our mobile app development team designed an app solution for iOS and Android, that would have two types of users – subscribers (business owners) and end-customers. They loved the design and we allocated senior iOS app developers and Android developers to develop the custom app.

The subscribers could choose from a list of templates, the kind of message they wanted to send to their customers through the location-based technology offered by beacons.

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Sam and Michael are now successfully running their venture and come back to us often to help them customize and update the app to meet specific needs.

Talk to Mindfire Solutions, and we’ll help you push your idea to the real world!

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New Features and Enhancements in iOS 11.1

New Features and Enhancements in iOS 11.1
New Features and Enhancements in iOS 11.1

Apple unveiled iOS 11 at its Worldwide Developer Conference 2017. It subsequently rolled out iOS 11 officially in September for iOS, iPad, and iPod Touch. In addition to providing a number of new features and enhancements, the 11th edition of iOS also facilitates multitasking. It even comes with an upgraded Siri with the capability to translate the same sentences into multiple languages without any error. At the same time, the version 11 of Apple’s mobile operating system also brings augmented reality (AR) to iPhone and iPad through a new framework called ARKit. Apple subsequently rolled out several beta versions of iOS 11.1 for testing and evaluation. The company recently rolled iOS 11.1 as a major iOS 11 update. The version 11.1 of iOS comes with several new features, enhancements and bug fixes, along with 70 new emojis.

Overview of New Features and Enhancements in iOS 11.1

Improved Photos

The version 11.1 of iOS resolves some of the problems related to photo apps caused by iOS 11. It resolves the issues that made certain photos appear blurred and slowed down playback effect of Live Photo. Likewise, iOS 11.1 also resolves the issues that impact performance when a user swipes screen shots. It even comes with fixes for an issue that prevented the photos display as part of People album while being restored from the iCloud Backup.

Refined Accessibility Features

IOS 11 comes with several enhancements to improve accessibility of Apple devices. It even provides a number of new Accessibility functions including improved Braille support, improved VoiceOver rotor actions for announcing incoming notifications, and improved VoiceOver access to multi-page PDFs. Many users are expected to install iOS 11.1 to improve accessibility of their iPhones and iPads.

Enhanced Battery Life

Many Apple device users experienced battery problem after upgrading to iOS 11. The version 11.1 of the mobile operating system addresses and resolves the battery problem. It comes with enhancements to fix the battery problem caused by iOS 11. Hence, a user can easily extend the battery life of his device by upgrading to the major iOS 11 update.

Fixes for Key Reinstallation Attack (KRACK)

IOS 11.1 comes with fixes for a Wi-Fi vulnerability called Key Reinstallation Attack (CRACK). KRACK affects the security of iOS devices by cracking the widely used Wi-Fi standard –WPA2. WPA2 is used by most device manufacturers to protect Wi-Fi passwords. The updated version of iOS 11 comes with fixes for KRACK. Hence, users can easily enhance the security of their iPhones and iPads by installing iOS 11.1.

Restored 3D Touch App Switcher

After installing iOS 11 on their 3D touch equipped devices, users noticed the absence of 3D Touch App Switcher gesture. Apple intentionally removed the gesture during beta testing of iOS 11. It even released iOS 11 without implementing the 3D Touch App Switcher gesture. But Apple has restored 3D Touch App Switcher gesture with iOS 11.1. A user can avail the gesture on his 3D touch equipped device after installing iOS 11.1.

Changed Reachability Behavior

While using iOS 11, users lack the option to access Cover Sheet or Notification Center after enabling Reachability. IOS 11.1 allows users to access Cover Sheet even when Reachability is enabled. A user can access the Cover Sheet simply by swiping down from the top half of the screen. The Plus model users are expected to upgrade to iOS 11.1 to take advantage of the restored Cover Sheet access option.

Over 70 New Emoji Characters

Most mobile device users nowadays look for new and appealing emoji characters. IOS 11.1 enables users to avail over 70 new emoji characters. The new Apple emoji characters provided by the updated version of 11 includes expressive smiley faces, gender-neutral characters, mythical creatures, animals, food items and clothing options. The largest batch of emoji icons provided by iOS 11.1 will definitely appeal young users.

Multiple Emoji Suggestions

In addition to providing over 70 new emojis, iOS 11.1 further allows users to avail multiple emoji suggestions while using the QuickType keyboard in the Messages app. The updated QuickType keyboard displays and suggests multiple emoji characters at its end. Hence, it becomes easier for the user to pick and send the most relevant emoji characters almost instantaneously.

Several Bug Fixes

In addition to the new features and enhancements, iOS 11.1 also comes with a number of bug fixes. It comes with fixes for issues that caused cleared Mail notifications to reappear on Lock screen, affected movement of data between managed apps in an enterprise environment, and prevented the VoiceOver rotor to perform precisely. At the same time, iOS 11.1 also comes with a number of bug fixes related to Apple Watch app notifications.

Apple enables users to install and update iOS 11.1 by sending automatic notifications. A user even has option to upgrade to iOS 11.1 manually. But the size of the iOS 11 update differs from one device to another. Also, Apple has already started testing iOS 11.2. It has made first beta of iOS 11.2 available to select iOS app developers for testing and evaluation. Hence, there are chances that many users may update to iOS 11.2 directly instead of installing iOS 11.1.

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