Mobile app development has seen a surge in popularity over the years. This category of software development refers to applications tailored for mobile gadgets.

Such apps are created for various operating systems like Android and iOS, and by harnessing the smartphone’s inherent features, they elevate the user experience beyond typical mobile web browsing.

With over 78% of the global population owning smartphones, what’s their primary activity? Engaging with apps.

These applications fall into a wide range of categories, from games and music to calendars and messaging. You’ve likely encountered famous ones like WhatsApp, Spotify, Facebook, and Instagram.

Thinking of launching an app? Understanding its development process is key, and that’s where our guide comes in.

What Is Mobile App Development?

Developing mobile app includes creating software optimized for smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices. This process includes coding and designing the app.

While app development shares similarities with other forms of software development, such as web apps. However, the biggest disparities between app development and traditional web development is the ability for mobile apps to use native features on a device. For example, mobile apps can tap into functions like GPS, Bluetooth, cameras, microphones, and other functions pre-built in a phone.

Apple and Android apps dominate the global market share for mobile apps. While it’s possible to create apps for other platforms, most apps target these two markets.

It’s also worth noting that there are various app development frameworks available, which we’ll dive deeper into in this guide.

Mobile App Development Process

The app development process is simple when you break it down into different steps. If you want to build apps, follow the formula below:

Determine Idea and Strategy

Before you start developing any mobile app, you must first brainstorm your ideas. Some of you might already have a basic idea or concept. Others might be starting from scratch.

Here are some helpful starter questions that you should be asking yourself:

• What do you want your mobile app to accomplish?
• What are your app goals?
• What problem (or problems) will your app solve for customers?
• What features will your app include?
• How much money are you willing to invest?
• How will you develop the app? (In-house team, agency, app builder, etc.)

It’s easy to get carried away during the brainstorming process. But it’s really important to stick to the app’s core features. Forget about unnecessary add-ons or “nice-to-haves” that deviate from the app’s primary function.

Market Research

Once your idea is finalized, you need to look at similar apps that already exist. It’s rare to have a completely new concept with zero competition. 

You need to determine your competitors, your target customers. Moreover, you also need to figure out the strategy to make your mobile app stand out from competitor’s. Additionally, you also create a marketing plan to promote your app to potential clients.

Market research is an important step you can’t afford to skip or rush through. You don’t want to spend time and money developing an idea only to realize that there’s no market need for it. So you can save yourself a ton of money by getting this completed before you start developing anything.

Build UX Design

Mobile app design is a pivotal step in the development process. Begin by visualizing the app’s appearance and functionality through sketches and wireframes.

Prioritizing user experience is essential. The user interface should be intuitive and simple to navigate. Before diving into full-scale development, creating prototypes based on your wireframes. This leads to the creation of an MVP (minimum viable product) – a streamlined version of the app focused on its core objective, devoid of any extra features

App Development

Now it’s time to actually create the app. This includes all of the back-end technology, APIs, and front-end building. Here’s what you need to do:

• Choose your development method.
• Assemble your development team.
• Appoint a project manager.
• Establish a timeline with milestones and goals.
• Be agile, and prepare for changes along the way.

You might have to build separate apps for iOS and Android, depending on your chosen method. But with cross-platform tools, a single app can cater to both systems.

The journey varies for each app. Some might be ready in a month with just one developer, while others could take up to a year with a team.

The app’s nature and feature’s complexity largely determine the development timeline and budget. A straightforward app is faster and cheaper, while a feature-rich one requires more time and resources.

Testing

Before your app being released, you need to make sure that it actually works. App testing is when you’ll find bugs, glitches and anything else that needs to be fixed before it gets put in the hands of your customers. 

• Testing your app with QAs throughout the development process is the best approach.
• Make sure you test the app on both platforms.
• Test the app on different devices (smartphones, tablets, etc.).
• Run tests with real users to gather feedback and make improvements.

Apps won’t be flawless. Your testing goal is to release an app that operates smoothly without bugs, enhancing user enjoyment.

While you can always update and launch newer versions, aiming for perfection during testing might delay its release indefinitely. Focus on delivering a solid product rather than chasing perfection.

Different Types of Mobile Apps

Developing mobile apps has evolved significantly from its early days. In the past, developers had to use low-level coding for separate native apps for platforms like Apple’s App Store and Google’s Play Store.

Now, the landscape is more accessible. Integrated development tools and languages have emerged, with JavaScript enabling cross-platform coding.

This shift simplifies the process for e-commerce businesses, established companies, and budding entrepreneurs to develop native apps.

Below is a quick rundown of various app types and their distinct development characteristics:

Native Mobile Apps

Native apps are directly installed on mobile devices, usually via the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. They often operate without needing an internet connection and utilize the inherent features of the device they’re on. Developing a native mobile app means writing code specifically for the operating system of the device.

Cross-Platform Native Mobile Apps

In cross-platform app development, one codebase serves multiple platforms, allowing the app to be natively installed on both iOS and Android.

Users typically can’t distinguish between native and cross-platform apps. For developers, cross-platform is cost-effective and expedites the development process.

Hybrid Mobile Apps

While the terms ‘hybrid’ and ‘cross-platform’ are sometimes used synonymously, they have distinct characteristics. Both allow for single codebase deployment on multiple platforms.

However, hybrid development is more user-centric and less technical than cross-platform development. Cross-platform app creation is still highly technical and requires app development skills. Hybrid development is less technical and can be achieved with basic web development knowledge or no-code app builders.

Progressive Web Apps (PWA)

Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) are applications which are delivered via the web, rather than being directly installed on a device.

Thanks to advancements in technology, PWAs closely mimic the experience of native apps. They even support features like push notifications through web browsers. However, when it comes to utilizing device’s native functionalities, PWAs have certain limitations.

Conclusion

Mobile app development is multifaceted. Regardless of opting for cross-platform or native apps, the user experience should always be the priority. Numerous routes exist in app development. The ideal choice depends on your budget, objectives, timeline, tech proficiency, and the complexity of the app.

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