Learn CORDOVA with Real Code Examples

Cordova allows web developers to create mobile apps without learning platform-specific languages like Java or Swift.

It provides access to native device APIs (camera, GPS, file system) through JavaScript plugins.

Ideal for building hybrid apps that need to run on iOS, Android, and other platforms from a single codebase.

WebView-based app container for iOS, Android, Windows

Cordova CLI for project creation and building

Plugin architecture for device APIs (camera, GPS, notifications)

Platform-specific configuration via `config.xml`

Hot code push and live reload during development

Projects have `www/` folder for HTML, CSS, JS

`config.xml` contains app metadata and settings

Plugins provide access to device functionality

CLI commands handle platform management and builds

Platform-specific overrides can be added in `platforms/`

www/ - core web application files

config.xml - global project configuration

platforms/ - platform-specific builds

plugins/ - installed Cordova plugins

node_modules/ - npm dependencies

Create project using Cordova CLI

Add desired platforms (iOS, Android, etc.)

Install required plugins for device APIs

Develop web app inside `www/` folder

Build and run on simulators or devices

Beginner: simple web app wrapped in Cordova

Intermediate: adding plugins like camera or geolocation

Advanced: optimizing performance across platforms

Expert: creating custom plugins or native code integration

Community: contributing to Cordova plugins or CLI

Cross-platform vs native apps

Hybrid WebView apps vs Flutter/React Native

Rapid development using web skills

Large plugin ecosystem vs platform-native APIs

Good for enterprise apps but limited for high-performance graphics

2009 – PhoneGap initial release

2011 – Donated to Apache Software Foundation

2012–2015 – Core Cordova CLI and plugin ecosystem established

2016–2020 – Improved platform support and plugins

2021–2025 – Ongoing maintenance and community contributions

Hybrid app: web app wrapped in native container

Plugin: JavaScript interface to device API

WebView: container for running web code inside native app

CLI: command-line interface for building and managing projects

config.xml: configuration file for Cordova project