Hey everyone, Dave Parrish here from Knack Builders. Today, I'm tackling a topic that's been on my mind lately—the new builder. It's a significant update that's set to transform the way we create apps on Knack, and I want to give you an overview of its navigation and some initial impressions.
Embracing Change: New Builder Introduction
First off, let me admit something—I've been procrastinating on diving into the new builder. Many of us professional builders tend to stick with what we know, especially when it comes to tools we rely on daily. But with Knack moving all apps to the new builder by May 1st, it was high time for me to take the plunge.
Navigation: Old vs. New
So, what's different? Well, in the old builder, we were accustomed to navigating between the data side and the pages side. It was straightforward—schemas, objects, and tables neatly categorized, with familiar click-throughs to manage records.
Pages: Structuring Your App
In the new builder, things are organized a bit differently. While schemas and records management remain similar, the layout of pages has seen a significant shift. In the old builder, I liked how pages were grouped on the left, organized by user roles—a setup that allowed me to quickly locate what I needed.
Content Blocks: Old vs. New Layouts
One notable change is in how content blocks are handled. In the old builder, I appreciated the ability to navigate through structured categories swiftly. However, the new builder opts for a more intuitive approach with full-page layouts. This might be more user-friendly for newcomers or less technical users, offering a clearer view of how the app will look and function.
Getting Hands-On: Working with Forms
Let's talk functionality. When it comes to working on specific elements like forms, the process has become a bit more layered. Clicking through to activate a form or a detail page takes a few more steps, although the options and customization remain robust.
User Experience: A Professional Perspective
As someone who builds apps professionally and discusses these tools with peers worldwide, I can say we've all been a bit hesitant about the new builder. It's not about lacking features—it's about adjusting to a new workflow. Once you get past the initial learning curve and the occasional frustration of finding where things are, it starts to make sense.
Final Thoughts: Embrace and Explore
To sum it up, the new builder isn't a radical departure from what we know—it's an evolution. It demands a bit of patience and willingness to explore, but once you're over that hump, you might find it quite intuitive. So, my advice? Dive into it, embrace the learning curve, and soon enough, you'll be navigating the new builder with ease.
Conclusion
If you found this overview helpful, don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell icon below. I'll be back soon with more insights and tips on navigating the ever-changing world of app development. Thanks for watching!
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