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Version: 1.0

Understanding App Bundles

Learn how app bundles work in ODE and how they enable custom applications and forms.

What Are App Bundles?

App bundles are packaged collections of files that define custom applications for ODE. They contain everything needed to run a custom data collection application within the Formulus mobile app:

  • Custom web application - HTML, CSS, and JavaScript files
  • Form specifications - JSON schemas defining data collection forms
  • Configuration files - Settings and metadata for the application
  • Assets - Images, fonts, and other resources

When you open Formulus and connect to a Synkronus server, the app automatically downloads the current app bundle. This bundle determines what forms are available, how they look, and what workflows you can use.

How App Bundles Work

Download Process

  1. Initial Sync: When you first log in to Formulus, the app checks the server for the current app bundle version
  2. Version Check: The app compares the server's version with the version stored locally
  3. Download: If a new version is available, the app downloads the bundle files
  4. Extraction: The bundle is extracted and stored locally on your device
  5. Activation: The new bundle becomes active, and you can use the updated forms and features

Automatic Updates

App bundles update automatically:

  • On Login: When you log in, the app checks for updates
  • On Manual Sync: When you tap "Sync Now" in the app
  • Periodically: The app may check for updates in the background (if configured)

Version Management

Each app bundle has a version identifier (typically a timestamp). This ensures:

  • Consistency: All devices use the same version of forms and workflows
  • Rollback: Administrators can switch back to previous versions if needed
  • Tracking: You can see which version of the app bundle you're using

What's Inside an App Bundle

Custom Application

The main component is a custom web application that runs inside Formulus. This application:

  • Provides Navigation: Custom menus and screens for your workflow
  • Displays Forms: Shows available forms and allows you to start data collection
  • Manages Data: Lets you view, edit, and manage your observations
  • Custom Branding: Can include your organization's logo and styling

Form Specifications

App bundles include form definitions that specify:

  • Data Fields: What information to collect (name, age, location, etc.)
  • Field Types: How to input data (text, number, date, photo, GPS, etc.)
  • Validation Rules: Requirements for data entry (required fields, value ranges, etc.)
  • Layout: How the form is organized and presented

Configuration

Bundles may include configuration files that:

  • Define Settings: Application-specific settings and preferences
  • Specify Behavior: How the application should behave in different scenarios
  • Set Permissions: What features and data access the application needs

Using App Bundles

Accessing Your Application

  1. Open Formulus on your device
  2. Log in to your account
  3. Wait for sync to complete (if first time or after update)
  4. Your custom application loads automatically as the main interface

Working with Forms

Once the app bundle is loaded:

  1. Navigate through your custom application's interface
  2. Select a form from the available forms list
  3. Fill out the form with the required information
  4. Submit the form to create an observation
  5. View observations in your data management section

Updating App Bundles

App bundles update automatically, but you can also manually trigger an update:

  1. Open Formulus → Settings → Sync
  2. Tap "Sync Now" or "Force Download"
  3. Wait for download to complete
  4. App restarts or refreshes with the new bundle

Troubleshooting App Bundles

Bundle Not Downloading

Problem: App bundle fails to download or sync.

Solutions:

  • Check internet connection
  • Verify server is accessible
  • Try manual sync: Settings → Sync → Sync Now
  • Clear app cache: Settings → Storage → Clear Cache
  • Restart the app

Forms Not Appearing

Problem: After sync, forms don't appear in the app.

Solutions:

  • Verify bundle downloaded successfully (check Sync screen)
  • Check bundle version matches server version
  • Try force refresh: Settings → Sync → Force Download
  • Clear app data and re-login (warning: deletes local data)

Outdated Forms

Problem: Forms show old fields or structure.

Solutions:

  • Check if bundle update is available: Settings → Sync
  • Force download latest bundle: Settings → Sync → Force Download
  • Verify server has the latest bundle version
  • Contact administrator if issue persists

Bundle Version Mismatch

Problem: App shows different version than expected.

Solutions:

  • Force sync to get latest version
  • Check server is serving the correct active version
  • Verify you're connected to the correct server
  • Contact administrator to verify bundle version

App Bundle Best Practices

For Users

  1. Sync Regularly: Keep your app bundle up to date by syncing regularly
  2. Check Version: Verify you're using the latest bundle version
  3. Report Issues: If forms or features don't work, report to your administrator
  4. Backup Data: Ensure observations are synced before major updates

For Administrators

  1. Test Before Deploy: Test new bundles thoroughly before activating
  2. Version Control: Use clear version identifiers (timestamps recommended)
  3. Rollback Plan: Keep previous versions available for quick rollback
  4. Notify Users: Inform users when major updates are deployed
  5. Monitor Usage: Track which versions are in use across devices

Technical Details

For technical information about app bundle structure, format, and development, see: