Ideas to Apps, lesson 5: "Having Total Recall"

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“Think of [the backend] as the back office of a store.”

Addresses the need for data persistence, exploring options like Backend-as-a-Service platforms and simpler solutions like "Browser Storage" (specifically recommending local storage for prototyping within the AI chat environment). It highlights the trade-offs and limitations of browser storage.

Lesson Video

• Acknowledges that this lesson will go slightly beyond the limitations of the embedded AI chat preview.

• Identifies a crucial missing feature in the app: the presentation app does not have storage.

• Discusses the concept of backend vs frontend: Briefly explaining the difference between what users see (frontend) and the underlying data management (backend).

• Mentions Backend-as-a-Service (BaaS) platforms as a practical approach for more complex apps.

• Explores simpler alternatives: suggesting that a full BaaS-based backend might be overkill for personal prototypes like the slide app.

• Acknowledges that saving a file on the local computer is (unfortunately) well-supported in the current app preview environments due to security restrictions. The AI can write the code but not run the file download part (ie. the code would need to be taken out of the chat to be run elsewhere).

• Presents "Browser Storage" as a viable option within the AI chat environment for storing information locally within the browser, and mentions there being different types of browser storage, but relying on the AI to choose the most suitable one.

• Warns against storing critical, long-term data solely in browser storage as it can be wiped clean.

• Demonstrates the implementation of browser storage with a single prompt that deals with both frontend and backend (”Enable storage and retrieval of slides using local storage. Add 'New' and 'Save' buttons in the menu, and list the saved presentations below it, each followed by an 'x' for deletion.”)

• Mentions the risks of running complex prompts: AI might not always get everything right.

• Reminds viewers to take their time, experiment, and check the course materials.

Extra Materials

DEEP DIVE – Understanding Backend As A Service (BaaS)

45.1KB ∙ PDF file

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This document provides an in-depth overview of Backend-as-a-Service (BaaS), explaining its role in application development. It highlights the benefits of using BaaS, especially for beginners and those leveraging AI for code generation, such as simplified backend management, faster development, and cost efficiency. The document outlines key features to consider when selecting a BaaS platform, including user-friendly interfaces, clear documentation, and strong community support. It also compares popular BaaS platforms like Firebase, Supabase, AWS Amplify, Appwrite, and Back4App, offering guidance on choosing the right one for getting started.

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DEEP DIVE – Understanding Browser Storage

47KB ∙ PDF file

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This document provides an in-depth explanation of browser storage mechanisms, focusing on Local Storage. It covers the basics of browser storage, different types (Cookies, Session Storage, Local Storage, IndexedDB), and why Local Storage was chosen for a prototype in Lesson 5. The document highlights Local Storage's simplicity, persistence, and good capacity, along with examples of how to save and retrieve data. It also emphasizes the limitations of Local Storage, particularly regarding data permanence and security, making it suitable for prototyping but not for critical data storage.

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