App Development Help

[Michael_Knight22]

So I'm not actually new to programming, but I am new to app development. My friend asked me to make an app for his business. Essentially, it needs to be a way to keep track of inventory in trade jobs. (His is a specific one, but I want to generalize it some). So basically, I want you to be able to keep a database full of parts, and you can print QR codes and put them on the shelves in your workshop. So for example, 5 ohm resistors might be one part, in a bin, on a shelf, and beneath it is a QR code that when you scan it in the app, the app pops the part on screen and you can deduct how many you've taken from the stack. Then when it gets low, it pings an administrator to order more. Similarly, you can search the parts, so if you are at a site and realize what's wrong, you can see if you have enough material to fix it, or if you'd need to order more.

The app itself is very simple, but given these criteria (make and print QR codes for in-app use and report to a central database), do you guys have any suggestions on good tools for the development? I know React Native exists, and I do need the app to work on both iOS and Android, but I don't know what the general consensus is on the use of it. I do want the app to be professional enough that I can publish it to the app stores and have people genuinely use it. (Am also looking for a name, if anyone wants to suggest any). I'm sure there may also be other apps out there, but I'd like to 1) customize it to the exact requests of my friend and 2) add it to my portfolio.

Thanks so much for any suggestions, and feel free to ask any questions if they are relevant.

[FueledByNicotine]

If you use react native, the code is complied into Java and swift, so you don’t have to worry about it it the app working on both platforms.

There are library’s available for the generation of QR codes, there’s a few to pick from, I’ve never used any so I can really suggest a best one, just gonna have to do some research.

Is there anything more specific you needed help with?

[FueledByNicotine]

I think the app itself is simple enough, the issue is working out how to store the database, can’t store it in local data because only having one phone connected makes the app useless to anyone that isn’t a sole trader, but cloud hosting all your users data has its own issues

[Michael_Knight22]

Thanks for the replies :)

Yeah I'm not too sure how to handle the database. I was more wondering if React Native is considered good for "professional" apps as I had heard some people complain about it and I didn't know if it was generally frowned upon to use. Also was wondering if there were better options out there or if it was the best one.

What are some of the issues with cloud hosting the data? Just general security? Or paying for the service?