Chapter 9. iPhone and Ajax

In this chapter, we will cover:

• Building a touch version of a website (with jQTouch)

• Leveraging HTML5 features in iPhone Ajax

• Building native apps with PhoneGap

• Speeding up a PhoneGap project

• Building a currency conversion hybrid app

iPhone was launched in 2007 by Apple Inc. It redefined the smartphone arena with its unique design, touch screen, and refreshing user interface. Apart from telephonic features and support, it bridged the Internet experience gap prevalent in other smartphones. It is loaded with the Safari web browser, an e-mail client, and an iPod, for a complete web experience.

The following screenshot shows the Home screen of iPhone 4 with the default built-in apps:

Like a PC, iPhone has some useful utilities called "apps". All the apps can be accessed from the Home screen. We have two ways to program apps:

• Native apps

• Web apps

The interface is consistent with menu bars on top, and also at the bottom, when necessary.