I love Wappler, and enjoy learning and prototyping with it, as it is the natural evolution for Ultradev users in the past century. However, at work it is hard to use it for larger production applications in environments that use Angular as a front end to a REST backend (or React). I know that the Wappler front end framework is great, and more importantly, fully under control to optimize the integration. But I thought I could post this comment as a constructive suggestion/question rather than a critique.
I would like to see the wider adoption Wappler deserves, and while there are some Angular code generators (e.g. JHipster), they don’t have the sophistication of Wappler. Is there any plan or consideration to create/develop an Angular or React front end (as there are several alternatives for the backend like Node, etc.). That would be amazing and probably quite attractive to larger developer shops with established code bases/components/services (I don’t think it is worth for indepedent or solo developers, small teams, or internal applications)
Thanks in advance for any input, please understand we are not criticizing, just asking whether alternatives for front end framework are considered (or if there is any interest) as there are for back end frameworks.
I am not comparing Wappler with other tools that generate Angular front ends because I do not feel they can compete with Wappler. I am mostly referring to Wappler vs Wappler potential evolution.
I have the same suggestion / need. Since Wappler generates Node.js on the backend, it only makes sense to work with React on the front. This would accelerate rapid and wide adoption. From then, forward growth should support popular open source libraries and frameworks (like it does with Bootstrap!) rather than the proprietary AppConnect. To my knowledge, no tool does that and I think the devs at Wappler could pull it off!
This is sort of like saying that Shell service stations should also allow the sales of BP and Mobil products. This would increase their customer base.
Normally, proprietary software requires a license to use. There is no such license required to use App Connect. In other words, App Connect can be classified as open source. The difference is that App Connect has two genius developers who are contactable at any time, while the other frameworks have a bunch of developers who are not quite as flexible.
If you prefer to use one of the other front-end frameworks, then maybe contact them to create a Wappler-type IDE. Tell them that Server Connect is available for the back end. Another option would be to create your own IDE based on React hint...hint.
Taking a slightly different view of the OP’s question - I think a valid question is what’s on the Wappler roadmap for front end frameworks? Is Bootstrap viewed as a long term foundation for the platform? Are web components still on the roadmap? There have been many posts about how frameworks like Flutter or Svelte, even Tailwind, feel better and more modern. There have been explanations why they are different and not supportable on Wappler, but again the spirit of the question is valid IMO.
Your Shell analogy doesn't quite cover it, but I get your point. It's more like if Shell sold only diesel, and I was trying to encourage the market expansion of selling gasoline like BP and Mobil. Yeah, diesel can power some cars, but being able to use regular gas would be very successful.
I've been getting great results since diving into Wappler and viewing your tutorials. Creating more apps more quickly! It would be great if it also generated React code.
Finally, I think creating my own IDE is well beyond my skill level!
Wappler's Connect frameworks are a competitor to React and other reactive frameworks though and trying to wire React into Wappler's IDE would probably be a massive undertaking.
You could possibly build only the backend of your app with Wappler and use another frontend low-code/no-code builder that generates React code.
Also, "Ultradev!" Wow, I haven't heard that in a long time. I was actually an Elemental Drumbeat user. Those were great tools, for the time. We've come a long way indeed!
Wow. Now there's a blast from the very distant past. That was my introduction to web development. Then it was bought by Macromedia and ditched before Ultradev coming out.
hint...hint.
