Using WiFi IDE while tethered

[Steve Garman]

If my only link to the internet is via my phone's data connection but I still want to use the WiFi IDE on my laptop, by default my phone refuses to start the WiFi server.

However, if I go into the phone IDE settings and check "Use ADB" the server will now fire up and it still offers an http connection on port 8088.

I need to use some other method to check the phone's ip address as it now displays a localhost address which will not work, as I am not connected by ADB.

I don't recommend trying to use an Android tablet's browser to access the WiFi IDE for at least two different reasons but it may be possible (I don't know) to use an iPad or a Windows tablet.

[Paul Norman]

Hi Steve,

Thanks for that.

Using the ADB setting (new for me), and turning tethering on, typically this IP presents, http://192.168.43.1:8088

I confirm the IP part using the freely available app "Server for PHP" (which is a useful companion for use with DroidScript anyway providing access to PHP scripts and libraries). https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.esminis.server.php

I have sucessfully used an Android tablet's Chrome browser for editing when phone and Tablet are both connected to the same external WiFi, and will give this tethering setup a go sometime soon- but you mention there are two reasons not to use an Android tablet for WiFi editing?

Paul

[Steve Garman]

The problems should be no greater in the hotspot scenario than they are under normal WiFi

One is that allegedly the ace editor used for the WiFi IDE does not work properly under Android.

They other is that if the run/debug system recognises the browsing device as being an Android device it gets severely confused about which device is which.

On many devices, you can overcome the second issue by asking the browser for the desktop version.

[Steve Garman]

Interesting, http://192.168.43.1 is exactly the address my phone's hotspot uses.

I wonder (based on no evidence at all) if this is some sort of de-facto standard.

[Warren Downs]

I also have http://192.168.43.1 as the address.  I was already used to having that address for connecting to my phone's SMB server (I use Samba Filesharing on a rooted phone).

I tried connecting using Google Chrome on my tablet, checked Request Desktop Site, and was given the password prompt.  Since the ADB dialog on the phone doesn't list the password, I used the settings to remind myself what it was, and entered that.  Then I was given the full editor, and it appears to work (though with the onscreen keyboard, there's not much room for editing-- I need to hook up a Bluetooth keyboard I guess).

In short, it appears I now have a way to portably edit DroidScript apps while using my phone as a hotspot.  This is a feature I was going to request again but I'm happy to see it has arrived (even if there are a few quirks to get to it).

[Paul Norman]

While previously using shared external WiFi, I have noticed that scrolling the editor is difficult, and the location and pagination keys on my Bluetooth keyboard are mostly ignored by the editor.

... These may be some of the things that Steve warns of..

"One is that allegedly the ace editor used for the WiFi IDE does not work properly under Android."

Being able to use Android tablet with phone as server is a great plus, and sensible for a flagship Android device development environment! May be the experience could be enhanced.

May be getting DroidScript (as server) to simply recognise when the tethering environment is on as a valid WiFi network would make things more straight forward?

Thanks for the earlier info Steve, gave me enough for the current workaround.

[Paul Norman]

Using this tethering setup - if someone had a big enough phone screen (as is becoming more common) you can use your local browser on your phone for editing (mines too small to be effective - just did proof of concept though) but it would give the advantages of the better editor and additional features.

Which makes me think an app using WebView might be able to craft a better editor just for direct use on phones anyway? Especially with the possibility discussed on another thread of having myWebView.Execute("something()") return string results to the app.