Frequently Asked Questions
So what does ModelBaker do?
ModelBaker builds web applications backed by a database. The generated code is open code, meaning your code can be easily customized with standard web technologies, like HTML, images, style sheets, javascripts, etc. It can also build a modern AJAX iPhone, iPod touch and Google Android version of your web application.
What are the programs or technology used to run my web application?
For development, ModelBaker generates code to be run with Apache web server, PHP runtime engine and MySQL database server. When moving the generated code to a hosting server, you can use Apache, PHP and MySQL, though Apache and MySQL are technically not required. Another web server and database server configuration can be used.
Does ModelBaker generate a native iPhone application?
No. ModelBaker generates a web application. You can enable iPhone/iPod/Google Android detection and your web application renders a native looking iPhone web application to the user.
If I install ModelBaker, will my web applications stop working after the 30 days?
No. Your web applications will still work. ModelBaker will operate fully for 30 days after installation. After the 30th day, ModelBaker will still be fully functional, with the exception it will no longer build projects. To build again, you will need to purchase a license key.
What do I need to understand to use ModelBaker?
Basic concepts in programming. As you work in ModelBaker you will become to understand Models, Views and Controllers.
Do I need to be a programmer?
No. However, if you want to customize the generated code, you will need to understand how to modify HTML, style sheets and PHP code, which is typically done with a text editor.
Will it only work on a Mac?
Yes, ModelBaker is only for the Mac using OS X 10.5 or higher. We are not looking to port ModelBaker to Linux or Windows.
Will it work on Ruby on Rails?
No. At this time, the generated framework is CakePHP 1.2, which shares some similarities to Ruby on Rails. Based upon market demands, we will look at creating exporters to other similar MVC frameworks.
What is the technical stack?
Typical LAMP (Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP) technologies.
Will it work with my existing database?
No. ModelBaker generates the database and scripts from the ground up. It is possible to import your data into a generated ModelBaker project, however knowledge in database scripting will be required.
What database will it work with?
For local development on your Mac, only MySQL is required. You can use any CakePHP 1.2 database driver, which currently are ADO, DB2, Firebird, Microsoft SQL, MySQL, MySQLi, ODBC, Oracle, PostgreSQL, SQLite and Sybase.
What web browsers does the generated web application work with?
All modern class "A" browsers.
Can I customize the code?
Yes. All generated code can be easily customized. Nothing is encrypted nor compiled.
If I customize the generated code & rebuild, does ModelBaker delete my changes?
No. ModelBaker will detect that you have made changes to your code or have added new files. It will leave those changes alone.
How can a web pro use it?
ModelBaker will generate your database and code for you very quickly.
Does ModelBaker only work on Mac OS X 10.5 for Intel?
No. ModelBaker will run on Mac OS X 10.5 for PPC as well. We officially do not support the PPC architecture. We will continue to build for Leopard 10.5 for both Intel/PPC for sometime.
ModelBaker looks very similar to OS X Core Data technology.
Yes it does. ModelBaker was influenced heavily by Core Data and the MVC design pattern. ModelBaker is not a direct port of Core Data to PHP but rather ModelBaker brings object-graph management and a persistence infrastructure to your applications.
Do you have a roadmap for ModelBaker?
Yes, ModelBaker's roadmap is here.