6.3 :: WAPL and Canvas

What is Canvas?

Canvas is Wapple's WYSIWYG mobile site builder. It is build around the same core technology as WAPL, and makes use of Wapple's powerful organic device profiling system, Exhibit, to deliver dynamic, engaging sites perfectly to every single mobile device.

To learn more about Canvas, go to the Canvas information page.

Why do we need both?

Canvas and Architect (WAPL) are aimed at two different methods of developing.

Canvas allows you to build the design and structure of a site in no time at all, and add all sorts of extra features with the click of a button.

Architect allows you to mobilise an existing website by making use of WAPL. It allows your application to run from your own web servers, only communicating with Wapple to parse the WAPL generated by your application.

The great news is, it'a possible to use both in conjunction so that you can benefit from the advantages of both products.

By using Canvas, you can create the barebones structure and design of your site in record time. Combining this with WAPL 'chunks', you can import all the dynamic functionality you need from your own application.

Using WAPL in Canvas

To use Wapple Canvas, you'll need to sign up for a Canvas Account.

Once you're into Canvas, you can build your page structure and design as you wish. As you can see below, I've made a basic layout for my test site.



Now, all I need to do is add a WAPL chunk to my page. Click the Add a Chunk drop down, and select WAPL.

Now, enter the URL of your application. This should be an application that outputs pages of WAPL. Note that you do not need to call the Wapple web servies in your application - the WAPL chunk handles the markup generation for you.

For now I'm going to use a static file as an example, but this app at this url could do whatever you like, as long as it outputs WAPL. I'm using http://wapl.info/files/examples/chunks/rss-detailed.xml as my location.

Once the chunk is added, the WAPL gets parsed and included into your page!



As you can see, the chunk automatically inherits all the styling and layout controls that I've defined in my Canvas site.

It's as easy as that - quickly design your layout and styling in Canvas, then add as much extra functionality as you like by referencing urls that output WAPL.

Canvas and WAPL Vs. Pure WAPL

Using Canvas and WAPL allows you to rapidly prototype a site design and structure, adding in chunks of WAPL functionality as and when you please. If you need to get a brand new site up and running quickly, consider this method.

However, if you have an existing application which you wish to migrate to mobile, pure WAPL gives you the flexibility of being able to define your entire page in WAPL, whilst maintaining your existing business logic and data storage.

It all depends on the way you prefer to design your site, the complexity of the project, and the speed at which you need to build the site.

If you would like any advice as to which solution is right for you, Contact Us and we'll be more than happy to discuss your options.