The creation of software for smartphones, tablets, and digital assistants, such as Android and iOS operating systems, is known as mobile application development. The software can either come preinstalled on the device, be downloaded from a mobile app store, or accessed through a mobile web browser. Programming and markup languages like Java, Swift, C#, and HTML5 are commonly used in this type of software development. If you want to know in detail what is mobile application development, then read the entire article carefully.
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A large number of independent app development teams opt to prioritize building their apps for Android. This is due to the fact that approximately 70 percent of smartphones operate on Android, and the Google Play Store imposes fewer restrictions compared to the Apple App Store.
Conversely, iOS mobile applications have a smaller range of devices to cater to, making the optimization process more straightforward. Additionally, user retention rates are generally higher for iOS apps.
When deciding on the platform for your mobile app, it is crucial to consider the specific use case and target audience. For instance, if you are creating an app for your company’s employees, you may need to support multiple platforms, leading to the development of cross-platform apps compatible with both Android and iOS.
If your target audience primarily consists of iPhone users, prioritizing the development of iOS applications is essential. Other factors to consider during app development include monetization strategies, user behavior expectations, and the influence of geographical and cultural aspects.
Improve efficiency and bolster security by integrating the development platform with a device management tool.
Develop for both Android and iOS: Native apps or hybrid apps?
When it comes to mobile application development for both Android and iOS, determining the best software development approach is crucial.
Developing two native applications can be advantageous, as it allows you to leverage native APIs and OS-specific programming languages to create a robust app, especially for enterprise apps with significant API traffic.
If you opt for developing native applications one by one, starting with Android first is recommended. This is because focusing on Android initially can lead to better success, allowing you to develop the full application as an MVP before converting and optimizing it for iOS.
Despite the benefits of native development, debugging and rewriting the code for each native language is necessary, along with redesigning the front-end user interface due to the differences in operating systems.
Starting from scratch may seem daunting, but replicating the back end cross-platform is possible. By utilizing frameworks, libraries, and third-party extensions that function similarly in both environments, you can avoid extensive reworking. Additionally, leveraging prebuilt mobile cloud services like IBM Mobile Foundation can help manage the web back end efficiently.
Another approach is to go hybrid, using a write-once-run-anywhere strategy. Hybrid apps utilize a single codebase that can operate on both platforms, typically coded in universally recognized languages like Java, JavaScript, HTML, or CSS. While hybrid development may limit access to native APIs, it is suitable for simpler web applications or mobile apps with limited functions.
Think light: Building for a mobile platform
Whether you opt for native or hybrid mobile app development, one of the initial obstacles you will face is the relatively limited resources available on mobile devices. Compared to desktop computers or enterprise servers, your target mobile device possesses significantly less processing power and memory.
These limitations may appear to be a substantial challenge, particularly if you are more accustomed to the seemingly boundless resources available for traditional software development for web applications.
The restricted resources of mobile platforms necessitate a modification of your app design goals.
Throughout the process of developing a mobile application, developers must strive to ensure that their app is less resource-intensive compared to a typical desktop application.
Providing an exceptional user experience is crucial. This begins with recognizing that the user interface for a mobile app should be simpler than that of a desktop application. By creating a straightforward UX design that focuses on essential functions, you can offer a superior user experience while utilizing fewer resources.
Your mobile app interface should be tailored for touch interactions. Mobile app users must have a seamless navigation experience and be able to input data without the hassle of excessive typing.
More Info: Importance Of Mobile App Development and Its Benefits
Fortunately, these requirements for efficient, touch-based apps align well with user expectations. Mobile users generally desire to accomplish tasks easily with just a few taps. They prioritize apps that are fast, convenient, and simple to use on their mobile devices.
Offload processing to the cloud
By utilizing APIs effectively, you have the ability to link your mobile application to cloud services and databases in order to incorporate more advanced features without causing any lag or overloading the device. Additionally, you can transfer data storage and caching to a cloud server, minimizing the amount of data stored on the device itself.
Extend your app with advanced cloud services
Utilize APIs to incorporate additional functionalities, like cutting-edge cloud services, into your mobile applications. These can range from push notifications to AI analytics powered by IBM Watson®, IoT smart device integration, and various other enhancements.
Join a developer program
Dear reader, neither Android nor iOS is an open environment. If you want to officially distribute your application, you will need to join the appropriate developer program.
Google Play, the official Android store, enforces quality standards that must be satisfied before your app can be published. However, these standards are more like guidelines than strict rules. As part of the app development process, you have the option to distribute your apps outside of Google Play, allowing users to download and install them directly.
On the other hand, the Apple mobile application development program has a rigorous entry requirement. You are required to pay an annual program fee of USD 99 and maintain high standards. As a member of the program, you gain early access to beta versions of operating systems and exclusive frameworks or APIs. Meeting the stringent criteria for the App Store also demonstrates to users that you have created a top-notch app.
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