improve API - redesign - IN PROGRESS

[jacobg]

Update from @brodybits: redesign with preview now available is now discussed in: brodycj/ask-me-anything#3

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This issue is to initiate a general discussion about improving the plugin API beyond WebSql. Some potential goals of a new API would be:

• cut loose the baggage of the deprecated, and soon-to-be defunct WebSql API standard
• more control over transactions (db.transaction() is very limited)
• more fluent, less opionated, and easier-to-understand
• promise based
• multiple connections (concurrency) - separate issue to be created on that

A more general description of the purpose might be to: create a core transport and connectivity layer from the web view to sqlite, with all the expressivity that sql offers, in an intuitive api, and using modern javascript tools, such as promises and typescript.

Perhaps this might need to become a new plugin altogether?

For anyone also interested in a new API, please add your feedback and +1's, in order to let gauge demand.

@brodybits

[brodycj]

Thanks @jacobg, I definitely want to look into this. May be related to #548 (possible redesign).

[brodycj]

In case the redesign (#548) comes with a new API, the new API would likely be pretty simple and low-level. I would very strongly favor keeping the fluent API in higher-level JavaScript libraries, outside the Cordova plugin, that supports use in both Cordova and web browser.

[brodycj]

I would also like to clarify that I would likely need an investment in order to justify the several months of time that would be needed for this work. As already communicated in private, I would be looking for a certain level of investment (keeping discussion private for now) to justify this work at this point. I would be happy to consider multiple investors, with a minimum investment of 20% each.

[brodycj]

FYI I have already started the redesign based on Android-sqlite-evcore-native-driver-free, more details and maybe some updated pricing should be coming soon.

[brodycj]

FYI I have already started the redesign based on Android-sqlite-evcore-native-driver-free
[...]

Here is the new experimental plugin version with GPL v3 and new premium commercial licensing options (updated February 2020):

• json-sqlite-engine-pro-wip-archive / cordova-json-sqlite-memory-engine-pro-wip-free

with some promise wrapper, demo app, and other related projects in (updated February 2020): https://github.com/json-sqlite-engine-pro-wip-archive

Here are the next steps I can think of right now:

• do some cleanup of the implementation
• make a new plugin version with permissive licensing terms
• improve support for concurrency (Support concurrency with connection pool #864)
• add support for named parameters (How to use named params? #717)

At this point I am looking for some investment (keeping in private discussion for now) to justify and prioritize this work, would be happy to work with up to 3 a limited number of companies. Anyone interested may contact chris@brody.consulting for more information and discussion.

[brodycj]

At this point I am working on a new Android JAR library, with a new Android NDK component, that should enable better concurrency in order to fulfill a specific customer need. One open question is whether or not to enable access from another, custom plugin on Android. I may need 2-3 more weeks to have something ready to demonstrate.

[brodycj]

I have started working on the redesigned plugin, with a preview demo already available, as discussed in this new issue here: brodycj/ask-me-anything#3

I would like to continue discussions in the new issue.