How To Develop Google for Drugs Using Angular

In the fast-paced world of healthcare, professionals need quick access to accurate and updated medication information. The zDrugIndex app was created to meet this need, providing comprehensive drug information at the fingertips of doctors and pharmacists. This blog will detail the technical journey of developing zDrugIndex using Angular and Ionic, incorporating the fuzzy search algorithm diff-match-patch from Google, and transforming it into a Progressive Web App (PWA).

Solution Architecture (choosing the right tools):

Angular

Angular is a robust framework for building interactive and maintainable web applications. Its powerful features, such as data binding, dependency injection, and component-based architecture, make it an ideal choice for developing a complex application like zDrugIndex.

Ionic

Ionic allows developers to create hybrid mobile apps using standard web technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. By leveraging Ionic, zDrugIndex can deliver a native-like experience across multiple platforms, including iOS and Android on the web or as a native app.

Diff-Match-Patch

The diff-match-patch algorithm from Google is used for fuzzy searching. This algorithm enhances search accuracy by accounting for minor typos and variations in user input, ensuring that users can find the drugs they are looking for even with imperfect queries.

PWA

Transforming the app into a Progressive Web App (PWA) allows users to access zDrugIndex through their web browsers with a native app-like experience, including offline capabilities and faster load times.

Development Phases

Planning and Design

The first step in the development process was to define the core features and requirements of the app:

• Search for drugs by commercial and scientific names.
• Display drug images and updated prices.
• Classify drugs by their categories and forms.
• Provide alternatives with the same active ingredients.
• Show drug interactions.

Using design tools like Figma and Sketch, we created a user-friendly interface that ensures seamless navigation and accessibility.

Project Setup

We started by setting up an Angular project using Angular CLI, then integrated Ionic to leverage its powerful UI components and native functionalities:

ionic start z-drug-index
cd z-drug-index        

1. Search Component: The search component includes an input field that uses the diff-match-patch algorithm to improve search accuracy. An Angular service handles search requests and returns the results.
2. Drug Details Component: This component displays detailed information about drugs, such as commercial and scientific names, images, prices, categories, forms, alternatives, and interactions.

Integrating Diff-Match-Patch

To enhance the search functionality, we integrated the diff-match-patch library into our Angular project:

npm install diff-match-patch        

We then utilized the algorithm in the search service:

import { Injectable } from '@angular/core';
import { HttpClient } from '@angular/common/http';
import { DiffMatchPatch } from 'diff-match-patch';

@Injectable({
  providedIn: 'root'
})
export class DrugService {
  private dmp: DiffMatchPatch = new DiffMatchPatch();

  constructor(private http: HttpClient) {}

  searchDrugs(query: string) {
    return this.http.get<any[]>('api/drugs').pipe(
      map(drugs => this.fuzzySearch(drugs, query))
    );
  }

  private fuzzySearch(drugs: any[], query: string): any[] {
    return drugs.filter(drug => {
      const diff = this.dmp.diff_main(drug.name.toLowerCase(), query.toLowerCase());
      const similarity = diff.reduce((acc, [op, data]) => acc + (op === 0 ? data.length : 0), 0);
      return similarity / drug.name.length > 0.7; // Similarity threshold
    });
  }
}        

Testing the Application

Once development was complete, we tested the app on various devices to ensure compatibility and verify that all features functioned correctly.

Deployment and Updates

The app was deployed using Vercel Static Hosting, allowing users to access it from any web browser. Regular updates include the latest drug information and improve the user experience.

Conclusion

Developing the zDrugIndex app was a rewarding experience with challenges and learning opportunities. By utilizing Angular, Ionic, and Google's diff-match-patch algorithm, we created a powerful and user-friendly application that meets the needs of healthcare professionals. Converting the app into a PWA added significant value by providing a seamless and offline-capable user experience.

Try the App

You can try the zDrugIndex app directly through this link: ?? zDrugIndex

zDrugIndex is a comprehensive drug encyclopedia that provides all the information you need in one place, helping doctors and pharmacists perform their duties efficiently and accurately.