Proxima Question

The Proxima software looks really interesting. I've read most of the information about it but I guess I'm not fully wrapping my head around the concept.

I would like to have a JR site and create an app for that site. I'm not an app developer, but I'm starting to study about creating apps in Corona.

So, as an example, lets say I have an existing JR site with all the modules installed. The site is populated with tons of users and content. I'm looking at creating an app for that JR site:

1. Would I install Proxima and use that as the interface between my app and the JR site - so I would have JR core + Proxima + app OR (2)?

2. Is Proxima a separate install that works with JR OR (3)?

3. Does Proxima replace JR core?

It appears that Proxima has it's own front-end which leads me to believe that it's replacing JR core?

Let's say I don't have a site setup and I'm beginning development of both a website and a app which data will be shared between the website and app.

1. Should I just install Proxima along with all the modules?

2. Should I install JR core and Proxima? Or does Proxima replace JR core?

Sorry for the questions. If I had a better understanding of the mobile space maybe I would understand Proxima. I believe I understand (maybe I don't) that Proxima is providing a link between the data and the app, I'm just not understanding how JR core and Proxima work together or if they're supposed to be used together. I'm just plain confused.

updated by @jimmy: 02/23/15 04:44:50PM

Yes - but not quite yet I'm working on "Proxima Bridge" which is a Proxima module to do exactly that. I'm hoping to have that done shortly.


Yes and No - you install Proxima as a bundle - it runs ON TOP of the Jamroom core.


Yeah that is what I would do. The Proxima Alpha skin has been designed to "showcase" your mobile app (or desktop app or whatever) so it's a really good choice for a Proxima site.


Proxima is a set of modules that run on a Jamroom Core install - just like any other Jamroom module.

If you're familiar with the idea of a "Backend as a Service" (BaaS) - that's what Proxima is:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_Backend_as_a_service

Basically it provides API endpoints (URLs) that will respond with JSON data (not HTML) so it can be "parsed" by a mobile app. Image you want to add a "leaderboard" to your mobile app (say you're making a game) and need somewhere off device to store that data (so it can be seen by all your players) - you'd use the Proxima Data API service to "store" that data in what is best thought of as big web-connected database.

Let me know if that helps


--
Brian Johnson
Founder and Lead Developer - Jamroom
https://www.jamroom.net
updated by @brian: 01/16/15 12:18:16PM

Let me see if I understand this correctly:

If I want to focus on the App I should install Proxima. Were Proxima will be a simple front end website (promoting the app) along with the backend. Proxima would provide the services like "hosted App" websites out there. So, if I wanted to create a dating app I would use Proxima to store the data from all the members (simple example).

If I wanted to create an App for my JR core site, I would use your soon to be released Proxima Bridge or would I install JR + Proxima + Proxima Bridge?


updated by @jimmy: 01/16/15 12:49:36PM

Yep - that sounds right.


Exactly - you would have Jamroom running (which would look just like your existing site - no need to use the Proxima Skin unless you wanted to) then add in the Proxima Bundle + Proxima Bridge module, which would then provide API access to your existing Jamroom items.

Hope this helps!


--
Brian Johnson
Founder and Lead Developer - Jamroom
https://www.jamroom.net

Excellent, perfect package. Look forward to trying it out.

Maybe putting up a simple usage chart would help explain it to others who are still trying to wrap their head around JR + Proxima and are too afraid to ask on the forum. Maybe even a master usage chart for all of your projects -> how they are different, how they work together, and it which situations you would use each one.

We're good at writing code. Not so great with marketing speak. What should the usage chart look like?

Let me get back to you on that one. Maybe I'll whip something up this weekend.

For both Proxima and the Jamroom Cloud modules I do plan on having some diagrams online - just haven't made them yet


--
Brian Johnson
Founder and Lead Developer - Jamroom
https://www.jamroom.net