[Tutor] Design question: Web-based vs. desktop-based vs. desktop-based with data backed up to web server with a tablet thrown in for all cases?

[Alan Gauld]

On 18/07/15 04:20, boB Stepp wrote:
> My wife (a Montessori teacher

No idea what that is but I'll assume its pretty much
a regular type teacher...

> For her most urgent project to be done before school starts in 5 weeks

For the *urgent* project I'd consider using Sqlite for the data and 
store it on a cloud server. That will enable sync between devices, 
provided they don't both make changes at once. Its not super secure
but it does provide some level of access control on the cloud and the 
data isn't in a simple text file so can't be trivially read.

You can migrate to a bigger client/server solution later if needed 
provided you build a data access API from the start. And the more 
extensive security features need to be added later. Treat the 5 week 
project as a semi-throwaway prototype learning experience.

Other than that Laura's advice is pretty much spot on.

> I do own server space and a domain name that I have never used, but
> should be adequate for my wife's needs.

What software will they allow you to run? The server owners restrictions 
are likely to be a major factor in your choice
of solution. For example do they allow you to install a web
framework like Django? Or do you have to use Wordpress or
similar?

Not all web providers are equal. You may find you are better
off using something like Google or Amazon web services.

Finally, for a really modern feeling web app you are going to
have to use Javascript, possibly quite a lot of it. If you
don't already know it, it will be a steep learning curve, so
you might want to start reading now!

-- 
Alan G
Author of the Learn to Program web site
http://www.alan-g.me.uk/
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