Sagara Asia Blog

Author: Sagara Technology

  • Fundamentals of Front End and Back End Development

    Fundamentals of Front End and Back End Development

    For anyone who doesn’t work directly with web development, concepts like fundamentals of front-end vs back-end development can be challenging to wrap your head around. Pile on all of the frameworks, programming languages, APIs, and libraries that front-end developers use to build apps, and it can get very confusing. For anyone who doesn’t work directly with web development, concepts like front-end vs back-end development can be challenging to wrap your head around.

    To help you become a pro in all things front-end and back-end development, we’ve written articles about this area fundamentals of front-end and back-end development — in a way non-developers can understand.

    The front-end and the back-end development

    Two keywords to understand how websites work you might have heard before are the frontend and the backend. These are often talked about (and taught) separately and seen as two very different things, but they are both essential and closely connected in most web development projects.

    The front end, also called “client-side” programming, is what happens in the browser. It’s everything the user sees and interacts with.

    The back end, also called “server-side” programming, happens on the server and the database. It’s the machinery that works behind the scenes to power those fancy features users interact with on the client side.

    Read more: What to Choose between Native or Hybrid Development

    Difference between Front-end and Back-end

    Role of Front-end vs Back-end

    Both play a crucial role in web development and although they have their fair share of differences. Front-end is all about the visual aspects of the website that a user can see and experience. On the contrary, everything that happens in the background can be attributed to back-end web development. It’s more like an enabler for the frontend web experience.

    The developer of Front-end vs Back-end

    The web designer is the most common job title for frontend web development and the role of a web designer is to design and rebuild websites keeping the visual aspects in mind. Backend developers handle everything that happens in the background. Backend developers are the ones who make sure the data and systems requested by the frontend application or software are efficiently delivered.

    Essentials of Front-end vs Back-end

    Front-end is also referred to as the “client-side” as opposed to the backend which is basically the “server-side” of the application. The essentials of backend web development include languages such as Java, Ruby, Python, PHP, Net, etc. The most common frontend languages are HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

    The Basics of Front-End Tools & Technology

    Back in the day, websites were simple, static text sites with a bit of formatting and maybe even some animation. That was all thanks to HTML and CSS.

    It’s important to note that front-end development has changed significantly over the past 10 to 15 years with the explosive growth of JavaScript, which wasn’t as ubiquitous on the front end.

    Some of the core technologies used in front-end web development include:

    HTML: The Organizer

    • HTML is how every site on the web is organized, so it’s a big one you can’t live without in front-end development.
    • HTML5 is the latest HTML specification. Get a full run-down of this evolving backbone of front-end web technology and learn about one of its cooler features, Canvas.

    JavaScript: The Multitasker

    What was once a supplementary tool to make web pages more interactive is now the most ubiquitous client-side technology. JavaScript is more than just a language — it’s an entire ecosystem that spans frameworks, task runners, server-side development, and more.

    CSS: The Stylist

    Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) is how developers add styling and effects to a website. Styles can be added globally, then layered on without changing that fundamental styling that gets applied to a whole site.

    • CSS is always evolving. Get to know what’s new with the latest and greatest version, CSS3.
    • Many front-end developers use a CSS preprocessor to make writing lots of lines of CSS even faster.
    • CSS front-end frameworks like Foundation or Bootstrap can help you create polished websites in a snap.

    UI and UX Design: Bringing the Front-end to Life

    We’d be remiss to talk about front-end development without mentioning the design aspect — two things that go hand in hand in website and app development. Many front-end developers wear a few hats, with web designers and UI/UX skills in their toolbox.

    The Basics of Back-End Tools Technology

    Back-end development can be much more varied than front-end development, which is largely driven by JavaScript, HTML, CSS, and various front-end frameworks using these languages.

    To simplify things, we’ll break the server-side down into four main components of a software stack: the server, the database, the operating system, and the software.

    Here’s some more information about each of these components of the backend.

    1. Languages & Frameworks

    A variety of programming languages and frameworks are involved in building the software aka back-end. Frameworks are libraries of pre-written code with a pre-imposed structure that a back-end developer can use according to the requirements and needs. Whereas, a programming language is a superset of scripting languages like Ruby, Java, Python, PHP, which can be used to write instructions for execution.

    2. Web Servers

    Web servers are computer programs that store, process, and deliver web pages to the users. The most popular ones include Apache (an open-source web server that is currently used by 50% of all websites) and NGINX which is good for reverse proxying, caching, load balancing, and media streaming processes.

    3. Database Management Systems

    A Database Management System (DBMS) is a collection of programs that enables its users to access, manipulate, interpret and represent data. MySQL is the world’s most popular open-source relational database. It’s not only accessible but also free. Its ease of setup and speedy performances make it a favorite among many backend developers. On the other hand, MongoDB is an open-source NoSQL database system that is closely associated with a JavaScript-based set of technologies like ExpressJS, AngularJS, and NodeJS.

    4. Local Development Environments

    All back-end developers will swear by the importance of a local test environment. The advantage of using a local site that’s visible only to you gives you the liberty to try codes and experiments before the site goes live. XAMPP and WampServer are examples of open source windows development environments that allow users to use web applications with Apache, PHP, and MySQL databases.

    5. Collaboration Services

    Since back-end and front-end operations go hand-in-hand, it’s ideal for developers on both sides to remain connected with each other. Platforms like Slack, Asana, Jira, and Trello help teams to work effectively with better collaboration.

    6. Website Performance Testers

    In the digital age, the average attention span of a human being is a mere 8 seconds. Therefore, the speed at which a site loads influences site traffic to a huge extent. Even a one-second delay can make a customer bid farewell to your site. That’s why back-end developers consider speed testers like Google PageSpeed Insights and Full-Page Load Tester as important back-end development tools. These not only provide reports of the site speed but also recommend tweaks to make your page faster.

  • Data Science Importance in the Face of Future Trends

    Data Science Importance in the Face of Future Trends

    Many individuals have begun to notice data science or data science as the internet and digital technologies became a part of everyday life. How can a vast amount of scattered data not be valuable to a business or company?

    Recognize the significance of data science in addressing future developments

    • Increasing the number of Indonesian data practitioners
      Data professionals such as Data Scientists, Data Analysts, and Data Engineers have a bright future ahead of them, at least for the next five years. His career path is, unsurprisingly, highly promising, and the salary promised is superb. Furthermore, the demand for processed data in the organization or firm continues to rise.

    Unfortunately, Indonesia currently lacks data practitioners, as appropriate data processing necessitates certain expertise. Furthermore, the capacity to communicate the outcomes of data processing in a clear and understandable manner is critical. This suggests that one of the reasons for the future importance of data science in Indonesia is to increase the number of data practitioners.

    • Business Strategy Determination Guidelines
      You can gain important information or insight if data is correctly maintained utilizing the right way. This information can then be used to help make judgments or plan the next business strategy.

    Because so many people are starting businesses these days, the competition will only get harsher. As a result, data science is one of the unique starter packs that can help you take your business to the next level.

    • Anticipating Future Trends
      Through the industrial revolution, technological advancements have now entered the fourth phase, dubbed “Industrial Revolution 4.0.” Information technology is becoming a significant component of industrial progress, both in business and in everyday life. So it’s no surprise that learning data science is one of the most critical aspects of keeping up with the times.

    Because data science can help you analyze and have solid problem-solving abilities and additional talents in a variety of other fields of science involving mathematics, statistics, and computers.

  • Dark Web, Get to Know The Term of It

    Dark Web, Get to Know The Term of It

    The Dark Web is a portion of the internet that is less accessible to the general public. Because its sites do not appear in ordinary search engine results, it is less visible. You’ll need special software to get access to it, which will make it anonymous and untraceable.

    Terms used on the Dark Web

    According to Paul Jackson, Asia Pacific Leader on Cyber Risk from Kroll, reporting on the Chubb page, the Dark Web is an umbrella name for a group of sites that may look very similar to the sites we are used to seeing on the internet.

    Users that do not want their online actions to be discovered by third parties, such as the government, use the Dark Web. It helps this by requiring users to go through a series of servers before communicating. Encryption is used at every step to ensure that the user’s identity remains private.

    It is perfect for becoming a hotbed for many hackers and crackers due to its anonymous nature. As a result, crucial data can be stolen through the Dark Web. Furthermore, it is rife with viruses and phishing sites.

    So, what exactly is the Dark Web’s content?

    It is well-known for being a hub for unlawful online activity. In 2016, King’s College London researchers Daniel Moore and Thomas Rid discovered that 48 percent of the 5205 Dark Web domains were dormant. Moreover, half of the 52 percent of active sites are utilized for illegal operations like drug trafficking, money laundering, credit card theft, and even terrorist support.

    Behind the shadows of the Dark Web’s enigmatic side, there are still some who use it for good. For example, it is a secure place to store content that isn’t accessible to the general public, such as firm internal server data or government-related information.

  • Benefits of Fintech and Business Development in Indonesia

    Benefits of Fintech and Business Development in Indonesia

    Fintech is a digital financial service with various fintech benefits that are beneficial for all circles. Not only from the community but also for developments in the business world in Indonesia.

    Various Real Benefits of Fintech for Business and Society

    In the past, when making financial transactions, you had to spend time and energy because it was done directly. In addition to saving time and energy, there are still many benefits of fintech for the business world.

    Improving the Development of Start-up Companies and MSMEs
    Fintech is very useful in helping the development of the business world, especially the emergence of new startup companies. Various innovations have emerged from young people or millennials, especially financial service products in this field.

    A simple example is that many digital companies provide peer-to-peer (P2P lending) services. So that it can bring together the owners of funds with people who need funds in an easy, fast, and online system.

    Improving People’s Living Standards
    Another example of the benefits of fintech is being able to improve the standard of living and purchasing power of today’s people. So it’s not just for the sake of pursuing profit for companies that use digital financial technology.

    People’s purchasing power is increasing along with the various conveniences offered today. For example, when making a purchase transaction, you do not have to use cash but can use an online system.

    Loans with High Interest can be Reduced
    People can feel the benefits directly because they can get loans with reasonable interest. There are many loan offers that are very easy and the process is fast but the interest rates are very high.

    Fintech offers convenience in a transparent loan system and is supervised by the OJK. Interest rates are also officially regulated by the OJK so that they do not exceed the rules that apply in the banking world.

  • Two Types of P2P Lending in Indonesia

    Two Types of P2P Lending in Indonesia

    When it comes to types of P2P lending, every website advertises itself so that it looks different from its competitors. For example, Crowde always associates itself with ‘helping Indonesian farmers’, Mekar always associates itself with ‘supporting Indonesian women’, or Ammana whose identity is very closely related to ‘Sharia lending’.

    This article is an additional supplement to understand the business model of P2P lending websites in Indonesia and other countries, which are actually only divided into two major groups: the Shared Economy and the Consumptive Economy.

    Shared Economic Model

    Examples of websites: Modalku, Koinworks, Investree

    The shared economy model is more common in Indonesia. Where capital from investors is used to fund borrower activities related to business activities.

    The advantages of this model is:

    Transparent: You choose who you want to fund, what business, and what activities. Almost all websites of this model provide fairly clear information about the loan that you will fund. Koinworks even provides financial data from the borrower for your consideration.

    There is a social value: By investing in this lending model. You can be a little proud because it indirectly helps the country’s economic development.

    Because all the loans are related to business activities carried out in Indonesia (except Modalku, which has loans outside Indonesia).

    Many options: If you have a concern for the Indonesian agriculture sector, you can choose to only fund agricultural lending such as Crowde. Education? Many are also available on KoinWorks. SMEs? Moreover.

    Whatever industry you want to support, you can choose freely.

    But there are also drawbacks to this Shared Economy model:

    Liquidity tends to be slow because you have to wait for the loan you choose to be fully funded. For example, the loan is worth 50 million, you only fund 5 million, then it still takes 45 million before the loan runs. If the loan has not run, then your money has no interest and cannot be withdrawn. This is what I call “dead money” – it can’t be used, it doesn’t pay interest either.

    It is difficult to diversify if you do not know the basics of investing. There is quite a lot of information that needs to be processed in a lending model like this, such as tenor, interest, loan nominal, lump-sum loan installments or not, and what the loan will be used for. As a result, beginners will find it difficult with this lending model.

    Consumptive Economic Model

    Examples of websites: Kreditpintar, Asetku, Rupiahplus, Easycash

    The second model offered by lending websites in Indonesia is in the form of a consumptive economy – a term that I coined although it is not entirely correct. This model is still rarely used in Indonesia and very common in China.

    In this model, your money is spread along with other investors’ money to fund personal loans from many people at once. Usually, the ones who spread this money are robots (artificial intelligence). The robot also analyzes the risk of borrowers. The loans that are funded vary from buying pulses to car installments.

    The advantages of this model is:

    Liquidity is very fast because your funds are “matched” automatically to various borrowers instantly at any time without the need to wait for new loans to appear or wait for the loan value to be met.

    Interest tends to be higher because personal loans do have a higher interest rate than corporate loans (although the risk is higher too).

    Simple. We don’t need to choose a product that fits your criteria. You just need to choose a tenor without worrying about a lot of other information.

    While the disadvantages are:

    You support unhealthy consumption. The money is borrowed for ‘non-essential’ purposes – eating luxury, buying credit, buying luxury goods, and so on. There is no pride because you do not contribute to the country’s economy.

    You don’t know what money is used for. Because the website automatically distributes the funds without providing information to the borrower.

    So, Which is Better?

    Both are good, depending on what you invest in lending for. If you want the highest profit, then it is more suitable to accumulate funds on a website such as Assetku, which currently offers the highest interest plus 100% capital protection.

    However, if you invest also to have a social impact, maybe you can choose a website that supports MSMEs such as Amartha, agricultural supporters such as iGrow, or Investree.

    Read more Sagara’s article here.

  • Mobile Apps Development and Benefits

    Mobile Apps Development and Benefits

    Mobile Apps are applications for devices such as Smartwatches, Smartphones, Tablets, and many more. It is this software is the result of mobile programming that is designed using a certain programming language.

    Mobile Apps Development in Indonesia

    Every year, there is data on the internet and social media user trends released by Hootsuite, namely social media content management sites such as Twitter, Facebook, and so on.

    The Benefits of Mobile Apps:

    1. Provide Direct Marketing Channels
      The first benefit of Mobile Apps is to provide direct marketing channels. Deployment made with Mobile Apps can be done in various ways ranging from news feeds, prices, orders, user accounts, messengers, and many more that customers will receive very easily.
    2. Give More Value to Customers
      With Mobile Apps, customers can take advantage of and get Mobile Apps with the loyalty digitization program that you have provided. Generally, if customers want to earn points with the card they have, it can now be done with Mobile Apps.
    3. Build and Know the Brand
      Mobile Apps Development , especially for business, are not only a means of disseminating information but also building and introducing brands.
    4. Engagement increase
      improvement and building customer engagement can also be done with Mobile Apps. For example, customers can connect to the help desk feature or message feature so that there will be a different way of communicating between you and the customer.
    5. Leading the Competition
      Mobile Apps are not widely used. This is a small chance you can take as a good opportunity in the competition. You can be the first to use and develop Mobile Apps to start offering to your customers.
  • Cryptocurrency Controls 8 Percent of the Fintech Market

    Cryptocurrency Controls 8 Percent of the Fintech Market

    Cryptocurrency still has the potential for future development assessed Economists from the Institute for Development of Economics and Finance (Indef) The reason is, based on data from Fintech News Singapore, in 2020 the market share of crypto money in financial technology (fintech) was still 8 percent.

    “The opportunity is a potential investment alternative because so far it’s only 8 percent market share. With the widespread use of crypto money, supply-demand is expected to increase so that the price goes up,” said Nur Komaria, a researcher at Indef’s Center for Innovation and Digital Economy, in an online discussion Indef Plus- Minus Crypto Asset Investment on Thursday, June 24, 2021.

    The majority of the fintech market is dominated by fintech lending

    Meanwhile, Nur continued, the majority of the fintech market is controlled by fintech lending by 50 percent, followed by fintech payments by 23 percent.

    “By diversifying investment products, crypto-assets can become a potential investment alternative,” she added.

    However, in the midst of these opportunities, Nur said there are still a number of threats in the development of crypto money. He said data security regulations in cryptocurrency trading are still not comprehensive.

    “The threat itself is because borderless benefits are fast, but the negative thing is that there is still no rapid supervision and this security regulation is still not comprehensive,” said Nur.

    Potential scamming and phishing actions

    In addition, Nur continued, there are still many potential acts of scamming and phishing or fraudulent methods via email or text messages. The trick is that fraudsters disguise themselves as legitimate institutions so that their targets provide sensitive data. In addition, cryptocurrency trading is still overshadowed by price fluctuations.

    “The price fluctuations are very volatile so it really depends on supply and demand. So, the risk of the price of crypto itself can be very high in price and can be very low,” said Nur.

  • Getting to Know Indonesian Fintech Startups

    Getting to Know Indonesian Fintech Startups

    One of the most developed online businesses in Indonesian society is e-commerce or online stores. This business makes it easy for all people to market their products. Even so, e-commerce is not the only vertical startup that is developing in the country. Apart from them, technology players were also surprised by the emergence of a new industry called FinTech startups (financial technology).

    Definition and types of Indonesian FinTech startups

    The term Fintech, or Financial Technology, was originally used to describe new technologies that can help improve and automate financial services. Especially those related to the backend system of existing financial institutions.

    Today, the term has expanded to include more consumer-related sectors, such as:

    • Innovation and automation for financial services,
    • Improved literacy,
    • Financial assistance and education,
    • Money management,
    • Borrow and borrow,
    • Retail Banking,
    • Fundraising,
    • Money transfers and payments,
    • Investation,
    • Use of virtual currency (cryptocurrency).

    Currently, there are even FinTech companies in specialized fields, such as educational fintech and agricultural fintech.

    Millions of people without a bank account

    In 2016, global audit firm KPMG reported that only 27% of people in Southeast Asia had a bank account. This means, there are around 438 million people who do not have a bank account in this region. Indonesians alone can make up 40% of the total population in Southeast Asia, making it known as an untapped market for fintech. As of July 2018, 50% of Indonesians still do not have a bank account. Many Indonesians currently still receive salaries and make payments in cash.

    Focus on payments and loans

    The combination of increasing digitalization and financial awareness shows that fintech startups in Indonesia have very different challenges from other developing countries in the West and East Asia, which use credit cards more. Of the 167 fintech startups in Indonesia, 38% of them are in the payments sector and 31% in the loan sector. This shows the main needs of the Indonesian people, the majority of whom do not have bank accounts.

  • How to Take Advantage of Digitalization Investment to Get Future Profits

    How to Take Advantage of Digitalization Investment to Get Future Profits

    Sagara Fintech Roundtable Day 3 – Tuesday, July 6th, 2021- Sagara Technology held a Talk Show on Fintech by inviting C-levels who are experts in the fields of technology development from various existing fintech companies. The main discussion of the talk show was talking about managing our finances by investing in digital investment platforms for future profits. Starting from why investing in digital investment platforms is important, to differences between investing and saving, ways to start investing, as well as how to manage our finances. Therefore, this discussion aims to educate the public so that people are more sensitive to technological advances, so they can take advantage of the technology fintech development properly and wisely. If you would like to know how to take advantage of digitalization investment take a look at the following reviews from the speakers of the Sagara Fintech Roundtable.

    Rieka Handayani, Head of Public Relation TokoCrypto

    Fintech is a very interesting topic at the moment because fintech in Indonesia is experiencing very significant growth and is recorded at approx as many as 140 fintech companies registered with the OJK. As a technology-based financial service, customers need adjustments to get used to it with existing features. However, along with the development of the financial market, Fintech began to be in great demand by developed and developing countries such as Indonesia.

    Tokocrypto builds a technology that is not just for a crypto trading platform but wants to show that blockchain technology is under construction in Indonesia. The background of the investment platform can be accessed anywhere using a cellphone too, anytime 24/7 and with only Rp,50.000, you can start investing. Especially with the pandemic situation where we are only at home, doing an online investment can be profitable.

    “Investment is very important, especially now that there are many choices of investment types. A lot of millennials often spend money on lifestyle. Why not set aside money for investment and savings, especially at a young age. The investment objective is for the long term. Maybe, it will not be felt if it is still 4-6 months but in the next 2-5 years you will see the results.” said, Mrs. Rieka.

    According to Mrs. Rieka, Saving is when we set aside funds. Usually, the funds are for children’s schools, building houses, and others. While investing is useful for the long term where we set aside our assets and earn profits. At the time of managing finances, set aside everything in advance for every need.

    When investing, it’s better to set aside money specifically for investment, it is best not to use daily needs money. The nominal for investment can be adjusted according to the situation, it won’t be a problem regardless of the amount as long as it is always routinely separated for investment and saving. Also, it is better to allocate lifestyle and entertainment costs for investment.

    For now, in Indonesia crypto assets are still commodities or investment tools not like in El Salvador where the country has inaugurated crypto to become a medium of exchange, namely bitcoin. However, it is necessary to know the decision to make bitcoin the official medium of exchange in that country due to the applicable population where they see that there is an opportunity to make bitcoin as a medium of exchange. Mrs. Rieka concludes that “In Indonesia, it is also possible for crypto to become a medium of exchange. But first, an infrastructure must be built and regulations are needed because it is not that easy to make crypto as a medium of exchange. Many losses will occur if there is no proper preparation.”

    Indra Sjuriah, CO Founder & CMO IndoGold

    Investing can secure your financial condition in the future. However, you still have to consider what type of investment is the most suitable and profitable to run according to current financial conditions. If you want a safe investment with low risk, then the gold investment is the right choice. According to Mr. Indra, there is a world price for gold, in Indonesia, there is an exchange rate of rupiah against the US dollar where the price of a gold dollar per ounce must be converted again to rupiah per gram. Another uniqueness is the price of gold in Indonesia never goes down it always goes up.

    There are various types of gold, ranging from coins, gold bars, and jewelry. At Indogold, 24 karat pure gold bars are included in the investment category where the production cost is much cheaper than jewelry. For the brand that IndoGold provides there are, Antam which belongs to state-owned enterprises (BUMN), and for private company Untung Bersama Sejahtera (UBS) which is the world’s gold exporter today.

    Mr. Indra said that “We must ask ourselves how important it is to do investing, we also have to invest according to our financial stability and awareness. Investment is not something that is instant because the results will be visible at least the next 5 years at least 10 years. To invest, we must have a strong goal and determination because investing requires discipline to continue set aside the money for investment.”

    Investment is a long-term goal where it is hoped that the investment results can benefit us, in contrast to saving where saving is used for the short term such as for an emergency fund where we can use it when needed. For investment, it is best not to use the necessary funds even though the market goes up or down, the money for investment is better set aside from the start.

    In investing we must know each of the advantages and disadvantages of the product. For gold, the investment results will feel more profitable in the long term, 5 years and above, for 1 year or 2 the benefits won’t be felt significant. Mr, Indra also added that it is best to use the SMART method to make our goals clear and reachable. SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timely.

  • Tips for Choosing a Good Software House

    Tips for Choosing a Good Software House

    Software house is a company engaged in the field of software development. The software house itself was born due to the demands of increasingly rapid technological developments. This can be a positive thing for their service enthusiasts because there are more and more choices that can be taken officially. However, choosing an option should not be hasty. In order to make the right choice, consider the following.

    Check Portfolio

    In general, long-lasting businesses are good quality businesses. In addition, pay attention to the clients being handled. The more prestigious the company that has been a client, the better the quality is usually.

    Customer Reviews

    Compare the number of comments that seem satisfied or disappointed. By looking at the largest number, an assessment will be obtained about the level of professionalism of the software house in outline.

    Price and Lead Time

    Before deciding to use the services of a software house, it is necessary to determine the maximum expenditure that the company will set aside for this project. In addition, it is also necessary to consider the estimated processing time offered. A good estimate should not be too long and not too fast either.

    Working Hours

    The same working hours will certainly facilitate communication. If the working hours are different, more additional information will be needed, especially if the destination is in a different country.