Developing A Mobile Application For Kingston Library Computer Science Essay

Developing A Mobile operation For capital of Jamaica Library Computer Science EssayAs power of my course, I go out be developing a fluent covering for capital of Jamaica University Library for my dissertation. The finishing return out be designed for android devices. I chose android weapons platform because it is distri neverthelessed under open source pass and becoming hugely popular. Also mechanical man app developer can take avail of the mobile hardw atomic number 18 design and can sell the app easily in android market. The main users of my application pass on be students where they can memory access the system by login using their ID and password. My application will cast a library catalogue search feature which will return a brief summary, book details and availability for separately entry. The application will also include basic information around all libraries, much(prenominal) as locations, opening times, contact details etc. Accessing the online resources and Epay ar presently not included in the requirements but which can be downed if time permits or at a later stage.As the cipher will be written in Java, JDK from Sun has to be installed on the system. I will be using Eclipse IDE to develop the application. android developer website offers all the guidance and required tools needed to develop an Android app which will be extremely beneficial for me as I am completely new to mobile application education. The initial stages in intention development will include SWOT analysis, Use Case diagrams, requirements specification, and UML diagrams.A honk plan and a risk analysis has been devised for the smooth running of the be after by taking into consideration of the varying demands of each phase.Introduction and earthMobile devices direct evolved significantly during the last decade reservation it a necessity in everyday life. They are now more than barely a means to make a phone conversation. The smart phones put up for all k inds of users whether they want to do business or just to have fun. This created a boom in mobile software applications ranges from simple games to mingled navigational systems. There are apps suitable for every customer making them a must have to make life a fate easier in todays busy lifestyle.The most popular Smartphones in the electric current industry are Apple iPhone, Blackberry, Microsoft Windows Mobile, Android and Symbian. I have chosen Android platform by Open Handset chemical bond to develop my application because it is open source and its members such as Google, HTC and T-mobile offers gigantic developer support through its developer website. According to market research Android phones are set to increase their current market share of 9% to 30% by 2014.As the Android market offers an online application store to transfer both paid and free apps for its customers it is easier to access a variety of Android apps.I will be developing an Android application for Kingston University Library System that will change the students to access the library direct to login, search books, renew books and access library hours, location and contact information. My initial approach will be to focus on Android platform but if possible I would develop this app compatible with other(a) platforms as well.Some institutions such as Cambridge University have their library app already implemented. So this will be a first step towards having a mobile library application for Kingston University. I will be expression into other organisations mobile library applications as well to give me an sharpness into the field.The major stakeholders of this application will be I and students of Kingston University but maybe in the future this learning experience will enable me to develop apps for other institutions or create a universal library system by collaborating with other institutions.Aims and ObjectivesThe main aim of the project will be to design and deliver a mobile app lication for the Kingston University Library on time. During this process I can learn about the a la mode(p) trends and technologies available in the market so that after the cessation of my course I can either secure a personal credit line in the mobile app development or work as a freelance app developer.This project will enable be to implement the skills I have learned so far during the course and widen my intimacy about mobile application development tools and techniques. I am hoping to invoke a professional and effective library app for Kingston University.I will take this learning experience as an opportunity to explore the latest standards and approaches towards developing effective mobile applications. I am planning to implement extra functionalities that are not already available in other mobile apps such as adding credit to library card, though the surety in mobile devices is questionable.Technologies and ResourcesAndroid software comes with an operating system, a midd leware and primaeval applications. It is a multi user Linux system in which each application is treated as a different user. The platform uses Java programming language. Android 2.3 is the latest version of Android operating system for Smartphone which will be utilize in developing my application.Android ArchitectureFollowing are the major development tools requiredSuns Java education KitEclipse IDEAndroid Software Development KitThe Android Developer tool (ADT) Plug-in for EclipseThe Android emulator can be used to debug applications but latest Android phones such as Samsung wandflower S which uses Android 2.3 can be used to run the application in a real time environment.Kingston Universitys current library system uses Aquabrowser by Serial Solutions which has a user complaisant interface and a feature rich environment. It will be a challenge to implement all the features of Aquabrowser for a mobile device. So at this point I am concentrating on the basic library operations. During the project analysis phase, SWOT analysis will be bring aboutd to get a better understanding of the industry. A requirements analysis will be carried out to specify the functional and non-functional requirements. UML diagram is also very multipurpose in plotting the activity and sequence diagrams so is the Use Case analysis. I will be adopting Agile software development approach to execute my project which involves iterations that are of short time frames. support PlanningA project plan has been developed using Gantt chart by break of serve the project in to small manageable processes for the smooth operation. The duration allocated for each steps reflect the effort and skills needed, allocating maximum duration for implementation.Project focal point Gantt ChartTasksStart DateDurationEnd DateProject Proposal01/02/20113003/03/2011Analysis01/03/20113202/04/2011Design02/04/20113103/05/2011 retardation Report20/06/20111030/06/2011Poster Presentation24/06/20111004/07/2011Impl ementation03/05/20118325/07/2011Evaluation25/07/20112115/08/2011Documentation15/08/20113115/09/2011Submission15/09/2011722/09/2011Risk Assessment and EvaluationThe major risks entangled in this process that will make the project to fall fanny memorial will be lack of development knowledge, hardware failure, and requirements modifications.I have developed an action plan to minimise these risks and any unexpected circumstances not to affect the project deadline.RisksActionRequirements modifications modify the requirements and addressConflict in requirementsUpdate the requirements and continueHardware failure endlessly back up, Locate alternativesCompetitors new releasesPropose something differentFlaws in scheduleEdit and update the scheduleLagging behind schedule evermore keep a diary to note activitiesPoor productivityUpdate skills and allocate more time