- What Is A Markup Language?
- WML Terminology
- WML Syntax
- WAP Design Considerations
- Programming Considerations
- Creating the WML Deck
- Summary
WAP Design Considerations
When developing any type of WAP applications, keep in mind that WAP devices contain limited network bandwidth capabilities and memory compared to a PC. As a result, WAP developers must strive to create applications that are compact and efficient, but that do not lack the functionality users desire.
Part of the reason WML is such a great language for WAP development is that it is compact by design. WML doesn't take up much space within a WAP device. By using WML, you're halfway to creating compact and efficient code.
Of course, just because you're using WML doesn't guarantee you'll develop efficient applications. WAP developers must also remember that the devices they're developing for differ greatly from one another.
Some devices have display screens that support sub-VGA graphics, whereas others can't display any more than four lines of 32 characters at a time. As a developer, you must strive to create applications that work with the widest range of devices possible.
The following are a couple of tips to keep in mind when creating WAP applications:
Keep WML decks and images to less than 1.5KBTo see the size of a file or graphic, find the icon for that file on your PC. Then, right-click the icon with your mouse, and select Properties from the drop-down list.
Avoid overuse of imagesUsing a couple of images within an application is acceptable. However, several graphics will slow down a WAP application. In addition, many devices do not support images at the time of this writing.
Use simple and brief text within your applicationsYou should avoid having users scroll within the applications if possible.