IoT Platform provides app source code templates to help you build custom applications and simplify the development process. After a simple configuration, you can package and build your own branded app to list on an app marketplace.
Understand the app templates
IoT Platform provides two types of app source code templates. Each type differs in its use cases and the scope of its open-source code. The following table describes the differences.
| Template type | Template description | Open-source code scope |
| Basic Edition | This is a smart life app based on the open-source Cloud Intelligence App, also known as the public edition app. After a simple configuration, build your own Cloud Intelligence App. For more information, see Introduction to the Cloud Intelligence App series templates.
This is a paid template. For more information, see Service billing. |
This template supports general modifications and additional custom content. For more information, see Introduction to the Cloud Intelligence App series templates. |
| Free Edition | This free demo app template helps beginners get started quickly and learn how to use the software development kit (SDK) and plugins. | This template only supports general modifications. For more information, see General modifications for app versions. |
Understand template versions
Each app template is continuously updated. When the platform releases feature updates or bug fixes, a new version of the template is published. Use the latest version to access the newest features.
When you upgrade your app version, be aware of the template upgrade mechanism.
- Within the same template, you can upgrade your app, but not downgrade it.
- After an upgrade, you must regenerate the app source code.
The source code between versions of the same app template usually has only minor differences. Therefore, after regenerating the source code, you can easily merge the code locally.
Note Different app templates have completely different code frames. Do not merge code between different templates.