Expo has rolled out version 52 with a set of features and enhancements aimed at improving developer productivity and app performance. This update addresses critical pain points, introduces new capabilities, and refines existing tools, making it a significant release for mobile app developers. Here's a quick look at what Expo 52 brings to the table and how it compares to version 50.

This upgrade stabilizes the platform to support the latest up-to-date Expo 52 features, minimizing the gaps between the Expo and WaveMaker platforms and improving the development experience with enhanced tools and support.

WaveMaker Studio delivers consistent, predictable updates to provide users with an evolving, secure, and feature-rich experience. This document outlines our release schedule, versioning practices, and support lifecycle for both online and enterprise versions of WaveMaker Studio.

Versioning Scheme​

• WaveMaker Studio Release versions indicate the level of changes that are introduced by the release. WaveMaker Studio release versions have three parts: major.minor.patch.

• For example, version 11.8.5 indicates Major version 11, minor version 8 and patch level 5.

  • Major version includes platform-level upgrades or significant architectural changes
  • Minor version includes feature updates, improvements
  • Patch version includes bug fixes, minor enhancements, and security patches

• Each release type (major, minor, and patch) has a specific purpose and cadence.

Over the years, our low-code platform has empowered developers to build hybrid mobile applications with ease using Cordova. Cordova played a significant role in enabling cross-platform compatibility and helped countless users achieve their mobile application goals. However, as technology evolves, so do the expectations for performance, user experience, and scalability in mobile development.

In recent years, we have transitioned our platform to focus on React Native as the standard for mobile application development.

With this upgrade, we will be sunsetting Cordova-based app generation. This decision aligns with the industry's shift toward frameworks that deliver better performance and user experience for hybrid mobile applications.

In our commitment to keeping WaveMaker Studio fresh and user-friendly, we’ve added an exciting new feature: the Gift Box icon! This feature aims to provide you with real-time updates, making it easier than ever to stay informed about new features, how-tos, blog posts and changes within the platform.

Why the Gift Box?​

We understand that our users want timely information on updates to make the most of WaveMaker Studio. With the Gift Box, we’re making it simple and accessible for you to know what’s changed.

We’re thrilled to announce the release of WaveMaker Studio 11.9.0, packed with powerful enhancements designed to elevate your app development experience. This release focuses on stack upgrades and compliance with the latest industry standards.

In WaveMaker Studio version 11.9, we're excited to introduce a host of new features, enhancements & stack upgrades that further empower developers and improve the overall experience of app development. With this release, we’ve upgraded the underlying technology stack to support Java 17 & 21, along with Spring 6.x. We’ve also enhanced usability with a redesigned database designer, added real-time data handling with WebSocket services, and improved developer experience with features like zoom functionality in Canvas and enhanced file upload capabilities.

Additionally, we're making a significant move towards accessibility by ensuring that all generated applications are compliant with WCAG 2.1 AA standards, helping developers build inclusive apps for all users.

This article provides an in-depth look at the WaveMaker Studio 11.9 release, covering the migration to the latest technology stack, what to expect, and how to prepare for the upgrade.

Here’s a closer look at what’s coming in WaveMaker Studio 11.9.

As highlighted in one of our previous posts, starting with version 11.9, WaveMaker applications will be transitioning to Java 17/21 and Spring 6. This is a significant upgrade, and as noted earlier, regarding the shift from javax to jakarta namespaces, there is a namespace change in the dependent libraries that necessitates the migration of your WaveMaker applications.

This post will guide you through what to expect during the migration process. We'll cover which components are automatically updated by the platform and which areas may require manual intervention. By breaking down the migration of Java classes, dependencies, and other elements, you'll gain a clear understanding of how WaveMaker manages this transition and what steps you can take to ensure a smooth upgrade.

WaveMaker Studio is evolving its canvas layout options to provide developers with more precise control. We're excited to introduce Zoom Level settings, which will replace the previous MDPI options while offering greater flexibility in how you view and work with your app screens.

Currently, WaveMaker Studio offers two layout options for the canvas size, as outlined below:

1. Fit to Screen -​

This option ensures that the entire app screen being developed fits within the available display area without requiring any scrolling or resizing. It automatically adjusts the content to match the screen's resolution or aspect ratio for optimal visibility.

2. Laptop with MDPI Screen -​

This layout displays the app screen at MDPI resolution, which may be higher than your current screen resolution, providing a more realistic view of the actual app resolution.

At WaveMaker, we’re always striving to enhance our tools to better align with the needs and workflows of our customers. One area we’ve been paying close attention to is our Database Designer. While our previous designer offered comprehensive features — such as allowing users to create and alter schemas, applying database constraints, establish relationships, and many more — it became clear that it was too bulky for most use cases. Many of our customers prefer to manage their database schema outside of our product, typically handled by their organization’s Database Administrators (DBAs).

After gathering feedback and analyzing how the tool was being used, we’ve redesigned the Database Designer from the ground up. Our new, sleeker version focuses on simplicity and clarity, ensuring that users have a smoother experience while keeping the core functionality intact.

In our previous post, we explored the importance of transitioning from the javax to jakarta namespace and why it is essential. Now, the next major step is upgrading the Servlet and Spring Framework used in WaveMaker applications.

This upgrade entails moving from Servlet 4 to Servlet 6 and Spring 5 to Spring 6, ensuring that applications stay aligned with the latest web standards and development practices.

Why Is the Servlet and Spring Upgrade Required?​

As of August 31, 2024 Spring 5 has reached its end of life. To stay up-to-date with the latest web standards and receive ongoing updates, upgrading to Spring 6 is crucial.

Spring 6 has been redesigned to support Jakarta EE, which in turn requires Servlet 6. Therefore upgrading to Spring 6 also mandates an upgrade to Servlet 6.

Additionally, Spring 6 requires Java 17+ and brings significant performance, compatibility, and security improvements. However, both Servlet 6 and Spring 6 are not backward compatible, so applications still using Servlet 4 and Spring 5 must be upgraded.

For a detailed list of changes refer to the official Servlet 6 and Spring 6 documentation.