Who should use the Animit Data Shortcut?

Maybe you've heard some buzz about this new data-driven application shortcut. You still need to know whether it's right for you. This post is the simple description, which should help you quickly decide whether the Animit Data Shortcut will be the right tool for you.

Who should use it now?


At this time, Jan 2012, the shortcut should be handled by a software developer. See the next paragraph for qualifications. If you're not a software developer, then consider hiring one. At this time, Animit offers a development service for those who need applications. If you are a developer, then continue reading to learn what you will need to know.


The original Animit Data Shortcut is a set of binaries and ASP.NET pages and controls, which will help a web application developer quickly build their apps. Currently, it only supports SQL Server as a data source. That means, in its original form, it is really for those who are already familiar with...

• ... ASP.NET, pages and controls.
• ... SQL Server on at least a very basic level (creation and modification of databases.)
• ... the Entity Framework to hook up your data source.
• ... Visual Studio or some other editor. 
• ... Microsoft's Dynamic Data, which is built into the .NET Framework.

If that's not you, don't despair. I will post many articles, which explain the minimal knowledge necessary in each of those topics to the developer success blog, animitdata.blogspot.com. Also, I have planned many improvements, which will open the doors to a much wider audience in the future. It will one day come with...

• ... a user-friendly installer, which will allow non-developers to create simple applications. (Those apps can be modified by experienced developers to add more power and features to the final app.) 
• ... templates for adding a better look to your app. (The templates can be modified in any way.)
• ... lots of controls for common needs. (Even the controls can be modified in any way!)
• ... providers for more data sources including additional databases and other sources such as XML.
• ... user-recommended features, which will be discovered as developers use the shortcut and uncover additional needs.