Table of Contents
Mobile application development involves creating software designed to run on mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets or personal digital assistants (PDAs). This involves creating native applications for specific operating systems such as iOS or Android or using cross-platform frameworks to build mobile apps that run across multiple platforms or environments.
Differences between Native and Cross-Platform Development
Native:
Native mobile application development involves building apps specifically for a single platform such as iOS or Android using programming languages such as Swift (iOS) and Java/Kotlin (Android). While this method is very important because it offers the best performance and access to platform-specific features, it requires separate development efforts for each platform.
Cross-Platform:
Cross-platform app development uses frameworks such as React Native or Flutter to develop apps that have the capability to run on multiple platforms using a single codebase. This method saves time and resources but may not have comprehensive access to certain platform-specific features which may affect performance. This method is cheaper compared to platform specific iOS app development or Android app deelopment.
App Development Process:
The development process for mobile apps is
1) Strategy
2) Planning
3) Design
4) Development
5) Testing
6) Deployment or release
What is mobile application development?
Mobile app development is the process of creating and developing software applications that are designed to run on mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets or personal digital assistants.
The development of these apps involves a series of activities ranging from initial planning, design, development, testing, deployment or release and maintenance. These apps are mostly designed for specific environments or operating systems such as Android and IOS.
Key Aspects and Features of Mobile App Development:
Platform-Specific Development:
Mobile applications are often designed with specific features and capabilities suited to a particular device or platform such as Android or IOS. The apps may take advantage of an iPhone’s accelerometer or a smartwatch’s temperature sensor. Android and IOS are the most popular platforms with all stores that support most app development.
Types of Apps:
The different types are:
1) Native Apps
2) Web App
3) Hybrid App
Native App
A native app is a software application that is specifically developed for a particular mobile operating system (OS) and uses tools and programming languages that the OS supports, such as Java for Android and Swift for iOS. Most businesses require mobile application development for iOS and Android systems to reach a wide audience.
Native apps are installed on mobile devices and can communicate and interface with hardware devices such as cameras, GPS, accelerometers, file explorers etc. Native or platform-specific mobile application development provides feature-rich and advanced capabilities for iOS and Android OS.
Web App
A web app is an application that is accessed through a web browser over the internet.
Web apps are developed using standard web technologies and computer languages such as HTML, CSS and JavaScript, allowing the application to run on multiple platforms irrespective of the operating system. Web apps are platform-independent, hosted on servers and accessed via web browsers.
This method allows app developers to build single versions of the application that work across multiple platforms.
This is in sharp contrast to native apps that are developed specifically for a single platform and installed directly on the device.
Hybrid App
Hybrid apps are applications that combine elements of both native and web apps to achieve extensive functionality. Web technologies and computer languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript are used to develop hybrid apps and later wrapped in a native container using Apache Cordova (formerly PhoneGap) or Ionic. These apps are developed to run on multiple platforms and are available in App stores. Native containers allow hybrid apps to access device-specific features similar to native apps. Hybrid apps can be installed on devices with improved performance and cross-platform compatibility.
Mobile Application Development Company
A mobile app development company is an agency that provides professional app development services for both iOS and Android OS. Most companies use a combination of both native and cross-platform technologies for app development.
Key Steps in the Mobile Application Development Process:
I1) Ideation and Planning:
This involves defining the app’s purpose, target audience and key features.
2) Design:
This involves creating an intuitive user interface (UI) and a positive user experience (UX).
3) Development:
The development stage is mostly the coding phase that allows a mobile application developer to code the app’s logic and functionality.
4) Testing and Quality Assurance:
This is targeted at ensuring the app is stable, bug-free and has satisfactory performance.
5) Deployment:
This means uploading the app to app stores such as Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
6) Marketing and Promotion:
This involves taking steps to make the app discoverable by marketing and promotion.
7) Maintenance and Support:
These are technical measures implemented to improve features, update apps and address issues.
Need Web Solutions?
Factors to Consider in Mobile Application Development:
Monetization:
Most apps are designed to make money to cover the cost of development and maintenance.
Determining how the app will be monetized to generate revenue such as in-app purchases, subscriptions and advertisements is critical for the survival of the app.
Target Audience:
Apps must have a potential target audience and hence understanding the needs and preferences of the app’s users is important.
Competitor Analysis:
Mobile Application development must take into account other apps in the market or specific industry and make a unique app that stands out.
Platform Selection:
A clear choice should be made when choosing the target operating system, such as iOS, Android, or both.
Development Method:
This involves deciding between native or cross-platform development.
Security:
Measures must be implemented to protect the app, secure user data and prevent malicious attacks.
User Experience (UX):
This takes into account the design of an intuitive and user-friendly interface that provides a positive user experience.
Mobile Application Development Tools and Technologies:
Programming Languages:
1) Swift (iOS)
2) Java/Kotlin (Android)
3) Dart (Flutter)
4) JavaScript (React Native).
Framework:
1) React Native
2) Flutter
3) Apache Cordova
4) Xamarin
5) Ionic
Integrated Development Environments (IDEs):
1) Android Studio
1) Xcode.
Cloud Platforms:
1) AWS
2) Azure
3) Google Cloud.
Mobile Application Development Challenges and Opportunities
Challenges:
Some of the challenges include:
1) Limited skill sets
2) Complex processes
3) Potentially weak user experiences
Opportunities:
The mobile app market has grown enormously over the last couple of years, offering a wide range of opportunities for businesses and individuals.
Importance of Mobile Application Development
Why Mobile App Development is Important:
1) Business Growth:
Mobile apps can promote business growth by helping brands and businesses to reach a wider audience, engage with customers, and drive sales.
2) Efficiency and Productivity:
Mobile apps promote efficiency by streamlining workflows, improving communication, and enhancing productivity.
3) Innovation and Creativity:
Mobile app development brings about the creation of new and innovative solutions that can increase productivity and convenience.
4) Career Opportunities:
There are numerous career opportunities available for mobile app developers, designers and other professionals.
Mobile Application Development Services
These are tailored services with a focus on creating, designing and developing mobile applications for a wide range of uses and functionality.
Requirements For Mobile App Development:
Programming Languages:
Mobile app development uses programming languages such as Java, Korlin, Swift, and C#.
Framework and Tools:
Several frameworks and tools are used to streamline the mobile app development process. They are:
1) React Native
2) Flutter
3) Apache Cordova
User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI):
Mobile app design mostly focused on creating a user-friendly and intuitive user interface as well as a positive user experience.
Testing and Quality Assurance:
Apps must be thoroughly tested to ensure optimum functionality, stability and performance.
App Stores:
Completed mobile apps are usually deployed to app stores such as Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
What is a mobile app?
A mobile app is a software application that is designed and developed to run on mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets, with various capabilities and functionalities from productivity to entertainment.
Mobile application development mostly targets specific mobile operating systems such as Android or iOS, although certain apps may be hybrid.
Mobile Apps are mostly downloaded from app stores or accessed through web browsers in the case of web-based apps. More than 3.3 million apps are hosted on Google Play Store, while more than 1.8 million apps are hosted on Apple’s App Store.
The 3 types of mobile apps you need to know
They are native apps, web apps and hybrid apps.
1. What is a native app?
A native app is an app developed specifically for one platform or operating system, using the development tools and programming language that the platform supports.
Swift or Objective-C are used for iOS mobile application development, while Java or Kotlin are used for Android app development.
Examples of native apps:
1) Spotify
2) Google Maps
3) Instagram
4) Splitwise
Top 5 advantages of a native app
Advantages:
1) Optimized performance
Native apps are optimized for speed and responsiveness with the potential for higher performance than web or hybrid apps.
2) Better user experience:
Native apps provide an intuitive and user-friendly design with an overall positive user experience and engagement since they are designed to match the look and feel of specific platforms. Mobile application development on native platforms is mostly focused on ease of use to allow users to easily navigate and find what they are looking for.
3) Full access to device hardware:
Native apps are developed to allow access to device hardware such as camera, GPS, microphone and features to improve functionality and capability.
3) Reliability and security
Native apps leverage the security of the platform to protect user data and protect against vulnerabilities. Mobile application development for native platforms promotes advanced security and reliability.
4) Offline functionality:
Native apps can offer full or partial offline access to content and features. This allows the app to be used even without internet connectivity.
Top 5 disadvantages of a native app
Disadvantages:
1) Higher development cost:
Native apps are mostly developed separately for multiple platforms with separate versions for each OS, thereby raising development costs.
2) Longer development time
Native apps take more time to develop since they must be developed separately for each operating system. The time taken for mobile application development on native platforms is significantly higher than for web apps.
3) More complex maintenance and updates
Native apps are updated and maintained based on their platform-specific versions. This makes it more complex for bug fixes and roll out of new features simultaneously.
4) Platform dependency:
Native apps are platform-dependent, which poses some limitations when users switch to a different OS.
5) Skillset limitations
Native apps require proficiency in platform-specific programming languages and tools, thereby limiting the availability of developers for specific platforms. Mobile application development using native environments may require additional skills and may be a little more difficult for beginners.
2. What is a web app?
A web app is a website that is accessed through a web browser such as Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Opera or Safari on a mobile device. Web apps are developed using computer languages such as HTML5, CSS and JavaScript.
Examples of web apps:
1) Google Docs
2) Canva
3) Trello
Top 5 advantages of a web app
Advantages:
1) Cross-platform compatibility
A web app can be used on any device with a web browser, making it unnecessary to build separate versions for different operating systems, as in the case of platform-specific mobile application development.
2) Ease of access and distribution
There is immediate accessibility of web apps without the need to download and install from app stores. Web apps are usually updated directly on the server while updates for native apps are made available on app stores, allowing users to update directly on their devices.
3) Lower development costs:
There are significantly lower development costs associated with web apps since they use standard web technologies and do not require platform-specific development or maintenance. This is in sharp contrast to mobile application development in native environments.
4) Scalability
Web apps are easily scaled to support more users by enhancing server capacity and optimizing the application code.
5) Reduced storage space on user devices:
A web app typically takes less space on user devices since it is accessed on mobile devices compared to native apps that require direct installation on user devices. However, emerging technologies in mobile application development provide for file size compression to allow native apps to use less space.
Top 5 disadvantages of a web app
Disadvantages:
1) Limited access to device features:
Web apps are unable to directly access device hardware and features such as cameras, GPS, accelerometers, or storage. This has the potential to limit functionality. Native apps usually have full access to device hardware.
2) Safety concerns
Web apps are often susceptible to web-based vulnerabilities and security threats such as cross-site request forgery (CSRF) and cross-site scripting (XSS). Web app development requires proactive and enhanced coding practices, regular updates and strict adherence to security standards. Mobile application development often leverages the security of their specific environments.
3) Internet connectivity dependence:
Most web apps require active internet connectivity to function, which can limit availability. This is in sharp contrast to native apps, a product of platform-specific mobile application development.
4) Browser compatibility issues:
Web apps are designed to function across multiple browsers, often leading to increased compatibility issues and inconsistencies in appearance and functionality across devices and browsers. This is in sharp contrast to platform-specific mobile application development.
5) Visibility and discovery ability
Web apps are not readily visible and discoverable since they are not available in app stores, requiring effective marketing and search engine optimization (SEO) strategies.
3. What is a hybrid app?
A hybrid app is a combination of native and web apps to achieve multiple functionalities. Hybrid apps are developed using a blend of technologies such as HTML, CSS and JavaScript, used mostly for web apps and then wrapped in a native container using platforms such as Cordova or React Native.
Examples of hybrid apps:
1) Uber
2) Evernote
Top 5 advantages of a hybrid app
Advantages:
1) Cross Platform Mobile Application development:
Hybrid apps are usually built using a single codebase that can be deployed on multiple platforms such as Android and iOS.
This significantly reduces development time and associated costs because developers do not have to write platform-specific code. Mobile application development for native environments can take more time to develop since they have to be developed for each platform.
2) Access to device features:
Hybrid apps can access device hardware such as cameras, GPS, accelerometers etc, through the native container, despite being developed with web technologies.
3) Ease of updates
Hybrid apps can be easily updated by pushing certain updates directly to the web portion of the app without any requirement for users to download updates from app stores. This update is similar to web apps but simpler than native apps.
4) Wide audience reach
Hybrid apps can potentially reach a wide audience across multiple platforms since their development combines the cross-platform compatibility of web apps with the distribution model of native apps. Mobile application development for specific platforms is usually restricted to users on such platforms.
5) Balanced performance and development efficiency:
Hybrid apps combine the flexibility and functionality of both web and native apps, offering balanced performance and efficiency.
Top 5 disadvantages of a hybrid app
Disadvantages:
1) Performance limitations
Hybrid apps have performance that is limited in terms of speed and responsiveness when compared to native apps that offer support for high-performance or advanced graphics apps. Mobile application development for targeting native platforms promotes high performance.
2) User experience challenges
Hybrid apps may experience difficulties with user experience as compared with native apps due to differences in UI elements and navigation patterns that may not be completely integrated with the device OS.
3) Complexity in assessing device features
Hybrid apps require additional plugins or frameworks to access device features which can cause potential performance and compatibility issues. Mobile application development for specific native environments provides easy access to device features.
4) Third-party platform dependence
Hybrid apps depend mostly on third-party platforms such as Cordova, Ionic, etc. for their development and maintenance. However, potential discontinuation and changes to these tools may require adjustments and can significantly impact the app’s performance and viability.
5) Challenges with advanced features and customisation
Hybrid apps tend to experience more difficult implementation of highly customised features and advanced functionalities that require deep integration with the device hardware and operating system. This makes it more complex and less reliable or efficient.
Need Web Solutions?
Choosing the right mobile application type:
Choosing the right mobile application development type depends most importantly on your brand or business requirements, budget and potential market reach.
Performance requirements:
Native apps are most suited for apps that require high performance for complex calculations, graphics or animations, especially in the case of gaming apps.
Development budget or resources
Depending on your budget, web or hybrid apps are known to be more cost-effective due to their cross-platform capabilities. Mobile application development for native environments is less cost-effective since separate versions are developed for each platform.
Access to device features:
Native apps tend to provide more access to device features such as cameras, GPS, or accelerometers.
Update frequency and maintenance:
Web apps provide for frequent updates and maintenance at the server-side, making updated apps easily available to users without users updating from their own end.
Internet connectivity dependency
Native apps offer robust offline functionality and may not require internet connectivity to function optimally in certain circumstances. Most brands require native mobile application development to leverage offline functionality.
Development timeframe
Hybrid and web apps have shorter development timeframes since the apps can be easily deployed across multiple platforms.
User experience and interface
Native apps leverage the platform’s user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) conventions to deliver user-friendly UI and positive UX. Native mobile application development offers excellent designs.
Market reach and distribution channels:
Web apps can be easily distributed and are capable of reaching a wider audience through web search engines, since they are not confined to app stores and are easily shared and linked.
Long-term scalability:
Native and hybrid apps are easily scalable.
Hybrid apps offer more scalability across multiple platforms.
Security concerns:
Native apps offer more robust security features because of their close integration with the device operating system and hardware.
How much does it cost to develop a mobile application?
The cost of mobile application development depends on a number of factors including features, scalability and complexity. Mobile applications with fewer features may cost up to $70000 depending on regional considerations and developer experience. Feature-rich and scalable apps may cost up to $500000 while complex and enterprise apps may cost above $500000.
How to grow your mobile apps through user engagement
Mobile application development can grow your business and increase reach. Once your mobile app is developed and deployed, user engagement such as in-app communication is key to growing your app.
In-app communication allows users to communicate with each other and also allows your brand to communicate with users. Chats, calls, notifications and live-streaming are some of the most important in-app engagements that allow users to reach out and provide robust customer support. Programmable messaging such as those offered by the AI chatbot can increase user engagement through automated messaging and notifications to users while they are using the app.
How to develop mobile application
Mobile application development requires high-level programming skills. Follow the steps below to develop a mobile application.
1) Choose a platform for app development.
2) Learn Java or Kotlin to develop Android apps.
3) Learn Swift or Objective-C to develop iOS apps. Familiarise yourself with Apple’s Integrated Development Environment (IDE)
4) Beginners can use low-code or no-code platforms for mobile application development as well as for web application development.
5) Design and develop your apps
6) Deploy
Categories of mobile apps
There are several categories of mobile apps. Some of the most popular category types are:
1) Lifestyle Apps
2) Social Media Apps
3) Utility Apps
4) Games/Entertainment Apps
5) Productivity Apps
6) News/information Apps
Lifestyle Apps
These are apps that help users to search and meet their daily needs and are related to fitness, dating, food, music and travel. Users use these apps to find fitness tips and centres, relationships, restaurants, new songs and travel destinations.
Some examples of lifestyle apps are:
1) Spotify
2) Trip advisor
3) Uber
Social Media Apps
Social media apps are used to create social interactions, providing advanced features for file sharing and user engagements.
Examples of social media apps are:
1) Facebook
2) Instagram
3) Pinterest
4) Snapchat
Utility Apps
Utility apps provide specific services and help us to solve problems and provide solutions to pressing issues. Most businesses may request mobile application development to build utility apps to solve specific problems.
Examples of utility apps:
1) Reminders
2) Calculators
3) Flashlight
4) Weather
Games/Entertainment Apps
These apps usually engage users in specific tasks and entertainment. The gaming and entertainment industry requires more complex mobile application development depending on features and customisation.
Examples of games/entertainment apps are:
1) Angry Birds
2) Clash of Titans
3) Subway surfer
Productivity Apps
These are apps that help users to quickly achieve certain tasks quickly and with ease.
Examples of productivity apps are:
1) Docs
2) Sheets
3) Wallet/Pay
4) Evernote
5) Wunderlist
News/Information Apps
These apps provide users with the latest news and information on different topics. Mobile application development is critical for building apps for news and media organisations.
Examples of news/information apps are:
1) Buzzfeed
2) Smartnews
3) Google News & Weather
4) Feedly
5) Flipboard
6) Yahoo News
7) Digest
8) Reddit
9) LinkedIn
10) Pulse
Most businesses require web and mobile app development to optimise workflows and develop business-friendly tools for smooth operations. Mobile apps are increasingly important for businesses to increase reach and conversions.