Mango, though a rather strange name for a program, provides a neat solution for managing our favorite web applications. Mango converts web applications or simply websites into an executable file that runs directly on the desktop on it’s own window independent of the browser installed on your system. An executable file of a website means that to open this site, it neither requires to have Mango installed on the computer nor even a browser. You can convert your favorite sites into EXE files, carry them with you on a pen drive and access them from any computer with an internet connection. What’s more? You can even lock these executable files with a password so that no one else can access these sites.
The web applications are configurable, like you can add your own icons or add a splash screen to the file and even create customizable menus, according to Mango’s website, though I’m unable to figure out how to create menus.
The idea was good, but lack of some basic features can make it frustratingly difficult to use. For instance, there is no back button and no address bar. So if you click on a page there is no way of returning back to the previous page unless there is a link on the site like Home or previous etc. The developer needs to work out these problems. Let’s wait and see what new features the next release brings in.
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Dear Kaushik
I am unable to understand the purpose of this “mango”. You say a website can be converted as .exe file and to read it you say an internet connection is required. If there is a net connection, that web site can directly be viewed. How mango helps? I am unable to understand. Please brief on it some more
I
You are correct up to a certain extent, that if you have a browser why do we need to have an exe file of a site. Actually, it depends on the user. Some people spend literally the whole day in some web applications like Gmail or yahoo mail. They might then prefer to convert gmail or yahoo into a separate application, since they use it so often, and keep it running in their system tray. Use the browser for general browsing. There is a reason why people use separate applications for reading email (an email client) and reading feeds (feed reader), even though they can be accessed through the browser.
If you feel that you don’t need to use a separate application, then don’t use it. An email client or feed reader does not necessarily increase your productivity and usability. The same is the case with mango.
The reason why mango looked interesting to me is because of it’s ability to make EXE files out of websites, completely independant of the browser. Useful if certain websites are blocked in an office or school.
Thank you Sri Kaushik
This just looks like a browser emulator which renders the web page for you once connected to the web. From what you’re saying, it doesn’t even work like a browser properly. Personally, I dont see much value in this. More like a hobby project 🙂
can i convert executable file into web application
Also if it possible to convert executable file into web application, I want to know how its possible. May I got solution or some clues plz.
This app goes in the opposite of computing tendency which means less local applications (executables) and more web applications. Useless unless you're in Biafra.
Good post Kaushik, your solution is clear but can you please seperately what is executable file and Web application? Is there any inter-relation between them? Expecting this in next post. Thanks for your effort.
http://gloriatech.com/microsoft-net-development-services.aspx