Mobile app development is a fantastic career choice for developers who want to join the mobile app development companies. Mobile apps are a great tool for organisations that want to grow and scale. It is undoubtedly a promising choice to consider if you intend to follow suit. But before you go out, you need to be aware of its subtleties.
The processes and procedures used to produce mobile apps have undergone significant change over time. App development has evolved to keep up with the technology and take advantage of the growing network connectivity and computing power.
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Mobile App Development Statistics Worth Knowing
Let’s start by learning how the market for mobile apps develops and how important apps have become to our daily lives. This will assist you in weighing the pros and cons from a statistical perspective and in comprehending how and why mobile application development may be advantageous.
The following are some statistics about mobile apps to know:
i. There will be about 255 billion first-time mobile app downloads in 2022.
ii. By 2023, mobile apps are predicted to produce 613 billion US dollars in sales, according to Statista.
iii. Apps take up 90% of users’ mobile time, while mobile browsers only account for 10%.
iv. 85% of consumers prefer mobile applications to mobile websites when purchasing online.
On their smartphone, the average American has about 80 apps downloaded.
These data points were chosen to give you a better idea of where mobile app development is headed in the future. In the upcoming years, it is anticipated that the industry will continue to grow at its current rate.
Introduction to Mobile App Development
What is the creation of mobile applications?
The process of developing software for portable devices like smartphones, tablets, smart watches, etc. is known as mobile application development. Bundles of software are created by mobile app developers and installed on mobile devices. In reality, it might already be pre-installed on a device or be made available through app stores and mobile web browsers.
Although it may seem straightforward, creating a mobile app is a difficult process that involves more than just writing coding and compiling software. Notably, 99% of mobile apps are created for the two most widely used mobile operating systems, Android and iOS. As a result, there are two more categories for mobile app development: iOS app development and Android app development.
Making apps for Android smartphones is different from making apps for Apple devices like the iPhone and iPad. For instance, Java is the programming language of choice for Android developers whereas Swift and Objective-C are primarily used by iOS app developers. In fact, new technologies have emerged that could eliminate the need for programming languages altogether.
Reasons for Pursuing Mobile App Development
Why is it vital to design mobile apps? What advantages come with studying app development? Why even bother making apps? All of these inquiries about app development are addressed in this section. Discover why you should pursue mobile app development by scrolling:
1.) Clients Favour Mobile Apps
It’s obvious why apps are so popular. Most of us prefer to consume, buy, and explore goods or content via mobile applications if given the option. Apps are more accessible, more practical to use, and easier to navigate. These are just a few of the many explanations for why users adore applications.
Nearly every other study and poll shows that mobile apps are becoming more and more popular with consumers. The numbers will only grow as more apps become available that don’t need to be installed. So now is the ideal time to take advantage of the market and plug into it.
2.) Companies are Spending Money on Applications.
According to data, over half of all small businesses—48 percent—have a mobile app. In the foreseeable future, 27% of small firms intend to develop an app. These statistics amply demonstrate that companies are spending money on applications. This applies to both small and large businesses.
In addition, businesses, government agencies, institutions, even famous people and professions individually, are developing applications to communicate with their audiences. All of these enterprises and entities can be served by app developers, who can also make considerable money.
3.) A Career in App Development is Quite Promising.
By default, there is a demand for developers due to the popularity of mobile apps. According to statistics, there will be a 26% growth in the number of positions for software engineers. Above all, app development is a lucrative career field with good income.
4.) Using new Technologies, Creating Apps is Simple.
App development has become much easier with the introduction of low-code and no-code technologies, automated mobile app development software, and other auxiliary tools. The best moment to start your own app development business or become an app developer is right now.
With the help of these technologies, you may expedite the development process and produce apps in record speed. You can offer apps to customers even if you don’t want to get involved in app creation yourself by joining an affiliate programme or becoming a reseller.
Types of Mobile App Development
There are a variety of methods for creating apps for mobile operating systems, and these often include bespoke, low-code, and no-code methods. (We have covered these in depth later).
However, it could be helpful to learn about the different kinds of apps you can design before learning about the techniques and technology used to create apps. Explore the sections below to find out more about the various app types that developers can produce.
1.) Based on Operating Systems
There are more mobile operating systems besides Android and iOS. But the two together account for the majority of the market. Therefore, these two operating systems are the focus of the majority of app development initiatives.
It’s up to you whether you want to work as an iOS or Android developer. Due to its greater user base, Android is where most development teams begin. However, many people favour iOS apps since they bring in more money.
While we advise building apps for both platforms, you can learn more about iOS and Android app development in-depth and then come to your own conclusion.
A.) Android app development
The most widely used mobile operating system, Android, was introduced as an open-source project based on the Linux kernel in 2003. Because of its adaptable and inclusive foundation, so many different businesses produce hardware for Android.
Android developers can easily design high-functioning apps that are not primarily dependent on device memory and processor thanks to Android’s limitless APIs and rich cloud services. The majority of Android developers write their apps in Java since it is simpler to use.
B.) iOS App Development
The second-most common operating system is iOS, which is particularly well-liked in first-world nations and upscale markets. Making apps for Apple devices like the iPhone, iPad, and other models is the main focus of iOS app development.
Apple has higher submission requirements, despite the fact that iOS app creation is easier than Android app development. Xcode, an integrated programming environment (IDE), and other user-friendly SDKs (Software programming Kits) are part of Apple’s user-friendly development ecosystem.
The current programming languages for creating iOS apps are Swift and Objective-C. To be able to publish iOS apps, iOS developers must have a MAC computer and an Apple Developer Account.
2.) Based on app type
The method used in app development and the kind of app being created may both be categorised. Based on the project’s specifications, the delivery schedule, the availability of resources, and client demand, developers can pick from the following options:
A.) Native Mobile Apps
The process of developing mobile apps specifically for a certain platform is known as “native mobile app development.” The apps are created using tools and programming languages designed expressly for the platform (such as Swift and Objective-C for iOS and Java and Kotlin for Android).
The apps are created for certain platforms and gadgets. Eventually, the creation of native Android apps will continue to be distinct from that of native iOS apps. Notably, many people choose native apps because they guarantee greater performance and functionality.
B.) Cross-Platform Mobile Apps
The process of creating native apps can be time-consuming and expensive. For this reason, a number of developers favour cross-platform programming. The development of cross-platform apps frequently makes use of programmes like React Native, Xamarin, Flutter, etc.
While creating cross-platform apps is quicker and simpler, native development often yields more effective outcomes. When compared to native apps, these apps’ functionality and customizability may be constrained because they share a single code base.
C.) Progressive Web Apps
PWAs, or progressive web apps, are the greatest replacement for developing proprietary apps. Let’s say a company wants its consumers to function in a manner like an app without requiring them to download or install an app. PWAs can be used in this situation because they are independent of app stores.
PWAs can be delivered online and are created utilising web technologies including HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and WebAssembly. These apps can function offline and offer additional app-like features without sacrificing quality.
D.) Hybrid Mobile Apps
Mobile hybrid apps are web applications that include a native shell. Web technologies including HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and others are used in the development of the apps. Hybrid apps, to put it simply, are webpages that are presented as apps.
To connect native devices with the web environment, many tools are employed. PWAs have changed the game, making hybrid app development less important. However, hybrid app creation is simpler, more cost-effective, and appropriate for those looking for a quick fix.
Stages and Process of Mobile App Development
The process of creating an app consists of a number of steps and procedures that work together to finish the cycle. While each project’s app development strategy may be different depending on its nature, available resources, and objectives, the fundamental processes of app development might stay the same. These procedures and steps are as follows:
#1 Research & Planning
Although having an app concept is fantastic, there is still a tonne of work to be done before turning the concept into an app. It goes without saying that the quality of your research will determine how effective your project is. It will enable you to conserve resources and utilise them to their full potential over time.
Therefore, before you begin the development, conduct significant investigation and planning. Start by determining the answers to queries such as “Is there a potential market and audience for the app?,” “How strong are the competitors?” “What will be the unique selling proposition of the app?” and similar ones.
#2 Wireframing
A wireframe is a rough draught that serves as a template for software. Developers and other team members can better comprehend the requirements for the programme and its fundamental principles thanks to this skeletal representation.
Make a two-dimensional visual blueprint for your app or its basic structure. Keep in mind that the main goal of wireframing is to demonstrate how your product will function rather than how it will look. As a result, you must specify the navigation, page components, item categories, conversion zones, Call to Action buttons, and more.
#3 UI/UX Design
Designing the UI/UX (User Interface/User Experience) is one of the most important components of creating mobile apps. The process of developing elements that let consumers interact with your programme is known as user interface designing. This could apply to the app’s buttons, controls, and other components.
UX focuses on making sure that users interact with the programme naturally, whereas UI is concerned with developing components. It is the process of creating a seamless user experience for the app. Your design must guarantee usefulness, easy accessibility, frictionless navigation, and desirability even though the experience may be subjective.
#4 Development
You may put together the technological stack and begin the core development process once the research is complete, your wireframes have received input, and you have described your UI and UX design.
Depending on the programme or development method you use, this stage will go in a certain order. For instance, you will need to begin the coding process at this point if you are creating a bespoke app. On the other hand, if you select automated tools and software, you can need to submit your needs, begin low-code programming, or use a drag and drop app builder that doesn’t require any programming knowledge.
#5 Testing & Deployment
Testing the software thoroughly comes after the development phase is over. In order to do this, it may be necessary to evaluate the app’s UI/UX, design, features, functionalities, buttons, and overall appearance, functionality, content, and feel.
Although it may seem straightforward, testing is a meticulous process that is essential for any app development effort. To prevent post-launch risks, it’s crucial to find any bugs, defects, or deficiencies now. You can test your mobile apps like a pro by using our comprehensive mobile app testing guide.
#6 Post-launch Support
Your app will have cleared the review by this point and be available for people to download and install. To ensure better rankings and visibility, we advise optimising your app for the app stores. Your team should be prepared to provide any post-launch assistance to the users and stakeholders after the app is operational.
Assist both new and current users in learning about and becoming comfortable with your product. Start gathering feedback from users and using it to improve the features, content, and appearance of your app. Release app updates based on user feedback to improve your offering. Go ahead and promote your app to boost usage.
If you’re looking for a Mobile App Development Company or more specifically a Mobile App Company in Selangor, then Digitalfren is the right choice for you!
Contact Us and book yourself your first consultation with us today.
