We are thrilled to share some significant changes to our open source app project that will enhance your experience and simplify usage.

TL;DR

The app is now fully focused on the frontend, eliminating the backend. This simplifies installation and development but means the iOS and web versions are discontinued. Users will need to re-enter their data in the new version. Upgrade if you want a better app; iOS/web users should not upgrade.

Background

The previous setup of our project, which included a backend (Spring Boot) and a frontend (Flutter), has proven to be quite error-prone. The majority of issues stemmed from the backend and its complex setup, leading to unnecessary complications in our architecture. This complexity has resulted in errors and slowed down development, making it challenging to deliver a seamless experience.

Key Updates

The app is now fully focused on the frontend, eliminating the need for a backend. This means you can simply install and launch the app on your mobile device without worrying about backend deployment issues. With the codebase now exclusively in Flutter, we can develop and resolve bugs more quickly than ever before. This shift makes the project significantly simpler and more efficient.

Important Changes

While these updates bring many benefits, there are some downsides to consider:

• No More iOS/Web Version: Unfortunately, the iOS and web versions of the app will no longer be available. Although the iOS version was not accessible before, users could install the web app on iOS devices. This option is now discontinued.

• For iOS Users: We understand that some of you may be unhappy with this decision. If you are currently using the app on iOS, we recommend sticking with version 0.10.0. This version will remain available but will not receive further updates.

What Now?

You can download the first release from the release asset. Please note that you will need to re-insert all your data (plants, photos, reminders, etc.), as there is no mechanism to copy the database due to the architectural changes. We welcome your feedback to help us enhance the app further.

Who Should and Should Not Upgrade

If you want a better app and future updates, you should definitely upgrade to the new version. However, if you are an iOS or web user, we recommend that you do not upgrade.

Future Possibilities

We are actively exploring alternatives that may allow us to reintroduce iOS and web support in the future. Stay tuned for updates.

Thank you for your continued support and understanding as we make these changes. We believe these improvements will lead to a better user experience and a more robust app overall. Happy gardening! 🌱