So we've covered how to disconnect from the Buzztouch control panel, but what do we need to do when we want to reconnect to make an update? Do we just put the Data URL back in?

Were trying to get a release out Sunday night (the crash-n-burn didn't help!) that includes our first go at Ad Support, the Search Screen you and I have talked about a few other goodies. We're also trying to get a document together detailing how to disconnect from our backend. This is hugely important for tons of reasons. But, the ability to tinker, create, adjust is also important. Because of this, there are a few approaches. Again, more details coming but here's the basics: Approach 1: No dataURL in the BT_config.txt file that comes with the download. This is the simplest approach but the least flexible. App updates are required to change the layout. You could add content by using dataURL's pointing to your backend for each screen but it can get complex. Approach 2: dataURL in BT_config.txt that points to the your own configuration file that resides on your webiste. Example: You got to Core Settings in control panel, click the link to show you configuration data, save the file as a text file the upload it to your website: http://www.mydomain.com/myAppConfig.txt becomes the dataURL in your control panel and in your downloaded project. This approach allows modifications without re-compiling / submitting but does require you to use the control panel to make changes, then re-upload your configuration file each time. Not ideal but better. Approach 3: Too complex for most but totally doable with some skill. Same as 2, you host the configuration file on your site. However, the file is generated dynamically using some backend technology like .PHP. Example: .PHP calls the buzztouch servers and downloads the latest config (from the default URL you see in your Core Settings) as often as it wants and saves it on your website. Phones never communicate directly with the buzztouch servers, always your backend. If you wanted to get super-duper fancy you could save a back-up configuration file on your webiste and only use it if the buzztouch servers were not fast enough, down, etc. There are countless ways to do this and all have valid use cases. Long term we hope to make this much much easier and offer you a package to download that would be designed to put on your site to power your app. This package would magically talk to the buzztouch backend on an as-needed basis. 1) Get the app on your phone. 2) get this folder of goodness on your site. 3) Use the control panel at buzztouch to tinker without worrying about the 'published' results until you're ready to release to the public. As usual, hope this makes sense.

I think it does. I haven't quite figured out how to make a text doc a page in iweb (which is what I've been using for webdesign), but I can figure that out via google. Or use an online server? Something I can look into. In option 2, would you only be able to see your changes once you reuploaded the config file? As always, thanks. Usually, the way I learn is by trying to explain the process back to you, and it sticks if you confirm it. Lets take option 1. I make an app and download after I remove the data url. I then submit that to the app store. Its accepted, so that version is live. Can I then recompile the Buzztouch app with the default Data url, so that I can make and see changes in the simulator? If I'm understanding this, I can then make changes in the simulator without it affecting the live version at all. When I want to make the new version of my app live, I just submit a new update to Itunes?

Sounds like you have it figured out. If you have an app in the App Store without a dataURL then you can freely do whatever you need to the app running in the simulator without affecting the App Store version.

Great! Thanks a lot.

David, I'm trying to disconnect the control panel too. The one thing I have I can't figure out is where the configuration for the Layout page in the control panel is. Specifically, where is the configuration for which of the screens should be the home screen. I'm sure it is staring me in the face, but I can't for the life of me find it. Thanks! -- Nilay

Control Panel > Layout For a non-tabbed app, enter the Nickname of the screen you want to use as your home screen. For a tabbed app, enter up to 5 nicknames and choose a title, icon, etc.

David, Sorry... I wasn't clear in my question. I know where in the control panel I can set the home screen. My question is where in the omitted configuration files (JSON) are these parameters listed? I would expect to see it in the main app configuration BT_appConfig. If I set a Tabbed Layout in the control panel, I see it defined in BT_appConfig/BT_tabs... for example. But, I don't see where the Home Screen Nickname is stored in that JSON output. Thanks!

David, I think I figured it out... The homescreen is the first screen defined in BT_screens. Whatever screen sorts to the top of this, becomes the home screen, right? -- Nilay

Looking forward to playing with v1.5