Hello, my name is Sigi!
You’re starting to work with Simplifier but don’t know how to start? Been there, done that. I understand you, because I was in the same or at least a similar situation. Therefore, I would like to help you with this blog post and tell you about my experiences with becoming familiar with Simplifier.
A couple of months ago I began my apprenticeship as IT specialist for application development at Simplifier AG. Thus, I support the core team in the (further) development of Simplifier.
Before I started here, I studied human-computer systems. However, that was short-lived. I am more of a ‘practical’ type – I prefer doing something instead of learning it in theory.
My knowledge in advance
Mainly from my time studying, I brought basic knowledge of Java with me. Apart from that, I honestly had little to no idea. I didn’t know much about JavaScript before working here, but let me put it this way: You can transfer a lot of things to JavaScript, especially basic things like “What are operators?”, “What are variables?”, “How do functions or loops work?” The syntax is pretty much the same and that’s why I definitely found it easier to get used to it.
Preparation
In addition to JavaScript, it was also important that I learned HTML, CSS and UI5. I mainly learned it with the courses on w3schools. Then I made my way through the UI5 framework walkthrough – it took me a while.
In fact, the UI5 Walkthrough took the longest. The w3schools courses in HTML, CSS and JavaScript were quite fast. Of course, if you want to make it more intense and understand everything, you should schedule a little more time. I only worked through the beginner courses and that was enough for now. Working through the UI5 Walkthrough is recommended but, at least in my opinion, not necessary. However, to understand everything in Simplifier, it would be an advantage.
I was ready to start
I felt confident about using Simplifier in my approach to create applications. Through the knowledge I acquired, I had an understanding of how individual elements interact with each other.
With the help of the online trainings I was already able to build my own app. In addition to that, I also tested the existing apps of my Simplifier Freemium instance and checked their functionalities.
When I created my first app, I noticed the well structured and graphical interface. I really appreciate the structured context and the ease of building apps with the UI and Process Designer.
Conclusion
Now that I have successfully completed both – the external and the Simplifier online trainings – I can definitely recommend that you do the same. It helps to understand how individual elements interact with each other. Especially, such scenarios as “What happens after pressing a button that is navigated to another page?” Understanding that there is a function behind it is definitely helpful.
To be honest, what surprised me about Simplifier is that professionals as well as beginners can use it. By using predefined widgets (the predefined elements you can work with) you can already create simple apps. Nevertheless, there is also the possibility to create or change these widgets in the deepest level, e.g. completely based on code. Assuming, of course, that you have an idea of it.
Here comes my advice
Online trainings. Complete the online trainings. Really. This is my most important piece of advice. Work through the trainings – skimming over them is not sufficient. If something is unclear, read the material several times in order to comprehend it completely. Moreover, watch the embedded videos – they are pretty short and lead to a better understanding.
If something is still unclear, you should learn JavaScript, HTML, CSS and maybe even UI5 in advance. Maybe before you even start with Simplifier.
Cheers and good luck on your own journey,
Sigi