Top Apache Cordova Interview Questions and Answers

Here are top Cordova interview questions,

1. What is Apache Cordova?

Apache Cordova (formerly PhoneGap) is an open-source mobile development framework that allows developers to build cross-platform mobile applications using web technologies such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

 

2. How does Cordova work?

Cordova acts as a bridge between web technologies and native mobile device capabilities. It provides JavaScript APIs that enable communication with native device features through plugins.

 

3. What are the main components of a Cordova application?

The main components of a Cordova application are HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Cordova plugins. The HTML, CSS, and JavaScript files form the user interface and logic, while Cordova plugins provide access to native device features.

 

4. What are Cordova plugins?

Cordova plugins are packages of code that provide access to specific native device capabilities, such as camera, GPS, file system, etc. They enable Cordova applications to interact with the underlying device hardware and software.

 

5. How can you install a Cordova plugin?

You can install a Cordova plugin using the Cordova CLI (Command Line Interface) with the following command:

```

cordova plugin add plugin_name

```

 

6. Explain the Cordova directory structure.

The Cordova directory structure contains folders like `www` (HTML, CSS, JS files), `platforms` (target platforms like Android, iOS), `plugins` (installed Cordova plugins), and `config.xml` (project configuration file).

 

7. What is the purpose of the config.xml file?

The `config.xml` file is used to specify various settings and preferences for your Cordova application, including app metadata, permissions, plugin information, and platform-specific preferences.

 

8. How can you test a Cordova application on a real device?

To test a Cordova application on a real device, you need to connect the device to your development machine, ensure it is recognized by the computer, and then use the Cordova CLI to deploy the app to the device.

 

9. Explain the difference between Cordova and Ionic.

Cordova is a framework that enables building cross-platform mobile apps using web technologies. Ionic is a UI framework built on top of Cordova, providing a set of pre-designed UI components and a responsive design system for creating mobile applications with a native look and feel.

 

10. What are the advantages of using Cordova for mobile development?

- Cross-platform compatibility

- Reuse of web development skills

- Access to native device features

- Rapid development and prototyping

 

11. Can Cordova apps work offline?

Yes, Cordova apps can work offline since they are essentially web applications. You can use client-side storage, caching, and other techniques to enable offline functionality.

 

12. What is the significance of the `deviceready` event in Cordova?

The `deviceready` event is a crucial event in Cordova. It is fired when Cordova is fully loaded and the device's native features are accessible. It signals that it's safe to execute Cordova API calls.

 

13. What are some common challenges faced while using Cordova?

- Plugin compatibility issues

- Performance concerns on older devices

- Limited access to certain device-specific features

- Differences in UI rendering across platforms

 

14. How can you handle different screen sizes and resolutions in a Cordova app?

Use responsive design principles, such as CSS media queries and relative units (e.g., percentage widths), to ensure your app adapts to different screen sizes and resolutions.

 

15. What is the purpose of the `www` folder in a Cordova project?

The `www` folder contains all the web assets of your Cordova application, such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, images, and other resources.

 

16. Explain the role of the `platforms` folder in a Cordova project.

The `platforms` folder contains the target platforms (e.g., Android, iOS) for your Cordova application. Each platform has its native code and resources to allow the Cordova app to run on that platform.

 

17. How can you handle application versioning in Cordova?

Application versioning can be managed in the `config.xml` file by updating the `<widget>` element's `version` attribute.

 

18. What is the process of debugging a Cordova application?

You can use the developer tools provided by the webview on the device or emulator to debug your Cordova app. You can also use tools like Chrome DevTools or Safari Web Inspector when running the app in a desktop browser for remote debugging.

 

19. How can you secure a Cordova application?

To secure a Cordova application, follow best practices for web application security, such as using HTTPS, validating user input, avoiding inline scripts, and using proper authentication and authorization mechanisms.

 

20. How can you improve the performance of a Cordova app?

- Minify and concatenate JavaScript and CSS files

- Use hardware-accelerated CSS animations

- Optimize images for mobile devices

- Limit the use of plugins to essential functionalities

- Implement lazy loading for resources

 

Above are few top Cordova interview questions. Remember to prepare and expand on these answers.

Good luck with your interview!  👍