How To: Convert surveys From Windows To Android

Overview

Converting a SurveyToGo survey from Windows to Android is straightforward, but it requires reviewing and updating any platform-specific code before changing the survey type.

SurveyToGo supports two target platforms:

• Windows-Based Surveys support C#, JavaScript, and SurveyToGo built-in functions.

• Android-Based Surveys support JavaScript and SurveyToGo built-in functions only. C# is not supported.

If your survey uses only SurveyToGo built-in functions, it is typically already cross-platform and can run on both Windows and Android devices with minimal changes.

This article covers:

1. Switching between Windows-based and Android-based surveys.

2. Identifying scripts that must be updated before conversion.

3. Recommended steps for converting existing surveys that contain C# code.

Switching Between Windows and Android Survey Types

To change the target platform:

1. Open the survey.

2. Select the survey root.

3. Open the Advanced tab.

4. Locate the target platform settings at the bottom of the screen.

5. Choose either:

   • Windows Based Devices

   • Android Based Devices

The selected platform determines which scripting language is allowed in the survey.

For example:

• A Windows-based survey can contain both C# and JavaScript code.

• An Android-based survey can contain JavaScript only.

If the survey contains unsupported code for the selected platform, SurveyToGo will display validation errors and prevent the conversion until the issues are resolved.

What Needs to Be Changed Before Conversion?

The most important difference between Windows and Android surveys is scripting language support.

Windows-Based Surveys

Support:

• C#

• JavaScript

• SurveyToGo built-in functions

Android-Based Surveys

Support:

• JavaScript

• SurveyToGo built-in functions

Do not support:

• C# syntax

• C# data types

• C# function definitions

Common C# Elements That Must Be Converted

Examples include:

int
double
float
char

These should be replaced with JavaScript-compatible syntax, typically using:

var

Areas to Review

Before converting the survey, review all custom code in:

• Advanced Scripts

• Question Start Scripts

• Question End Scripts

• Entrance Rules

• Validation Rules

• Jump Rules

SurveyToGo built-in functions are cross-platform and generally do not need to be modified.

Recommended Conversion Process

If your survey contains C# code, follow the process below.

Step 1: Back Up Existing Scripts

Review the survey and locate all custom scripts containing C# syntax.

Copy the contents of each script to a text editor such as Notepad, including:

• Advanced Scripts

• Start Scripts

• End Scripts

• Entrance Rules

• Validation Rules

• Jump Rules

It is recommended to document where each script came from so it can be restored later.

For example:

Question 5 - Start Script
Question 12 - Validation Rule
Advanced Scripts

This makes it easier to return each script to its original location after conversion.

Step 2: Remove C# Scripts from the Survey

After backing up the code:

1. Remove all scripts that contain C# syntax from the survey.

2. Leave SurveyToGo built-in functions in place, as they are cross-platform.

Step 3: Convert the Code to JavaScript

Using your backup file, rewrite any C# code using JavaScript syntax.

Make sure all function definitions, variables, and logic are compatible with Android-based surveys.

Step 4: Change the Survey Platform

Once all C# code has been removed:

1. Open the survey's Advanced tab.

2. Change the target platform to Android Based Devices.

The survey should now switch successfully.

Step 5: Restore the Updated Scripts

Paste the converted JavaScript code back into the survey:

1. Restore the Advanced Scripts.

2. Restore all Start Scripts, End Scripts, and Rules.

3. Validate the survey and test it on Android devices.

Best Practice

When developing surveys that may be deployed to multiple platforms, it is recommended to:

• Use JavaScript for custom scripting.

• Use SurveyToGo built-in functions whenever possible.

• Avoid C# unless the survey is intended to run exclusively on Windows devices.

Following these guidelines will help ensure that surveys remain compatible across both Windows and Android platforms.