Abstract
In this chapter, the development and evolution of mobile applications is viewed from an engineering perspective. A methodology for deploying patterns as means for improving the pragmatic quality of mobile applications is proposed. In doing so, relevant quality attributes and corresponding stakeholder types for mobile applications are identified, the role of the development process is emphasized, and the challenges in making optimal use of patterns are presented. The underling feasibility issues involved at each step are analyzed. The activities of selection and application of patterns are explored. The use of patterns during macro- and micro-architecture design of mobile applications is illustrated. The implications of the use of patterns in a Mobile Social Web context are briefly highlighted.
TopBackground
In this section, the motivation for a systematic approach to addressing the quality in mobile applications and a synopsis of patterns is presented.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Semiotics: The field of study of communication of signs and their representations.
Delivery Context: A set of attributes that characterizes the capabilities of the access mechanism, the preferences of the user and other aspects of the context into which a resource is to be delivered.
Mobile Web 2.0: The evolution of the Mobile Web in a direction that is driven by collective intelligence, realized by information technology, and characterized by user participation, openness, and network effects.
Pattern: An empirically proven solution to a recurring problem in a given context.
Mobile Web Engineering: A discipline concerned with the establishment and use of sound scientific, engineering, and management principles, and disciplined and systematic approaches to the successful development, deployment, and maintenance of ‘high-quality’ mobile applications.
Personalization: An individualization strategy that enables delivery that is customized to the user and user’s environment.
User Profile: An information container describing user needs, goals, and preferences.