Understanding the Fundamentals of Mobile App Development
In these fast-tech times, the popularity of mobile app development is rising immensely. In this era of digitization, opting for mobile app development for your business is an opportunity no business owner should ignore. Wondering why? In fact, as per the Grand View Research report, we can expect the global mobile application market to grow at a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 11.5% by 2027. However, it is not as smooth as it looks because the competition in the mobile app development market is high, yet not investing in a mobile app in the 21st century can prove to be a huge loophole for your business, since most of the world’s population today uses mobile apps.
Fascinating, isn’t it?
Hence, this short and sweet guide is for businesses who are planning to invest in mobile app development services but are confused about where to begin. This article covers everything you need to understand about mobile app development from scratch.
What is Mobile App Development?
Mobile app development is a collection of tasks and processes that involve writing code or creating software for mobile devices. These programs or software can be pre-installed on any digital device, downloaded from the Play Store or App Store, and easily accessible via a mobile web browser. Simply stated, mobile app development comprises building user-friendly applications for a wide range of devices, like smartphones, smart watches, tablets, etc. Even web developers nowadays must think thoroughly when developing web solutions because the app should be mobile-friendly and ensure that the websites or web apps look perfectly fine on mobile devices.Mobile app development is collection of tasks and processes that involves writing code or creating software for mobile devices. These programs or software can be pre-installed on any digital device, downloaded from play store or app store, and is easily accessible via a mobile web browser. Simply stating, mobile app development comprises building user-friendly applications for a wide range of devices, like smartphones, smart watches, tablets, etc. Even web developers nowadays have to think thoroughly when developing web solutions because the app should be mobile friendly and ensure that the websites or web apps looks perfectly fine on mobile devices.
Types of Mobile App Development
Following are the distinct types of mobile app development:
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Cross-Platform Applications
The cross-platform app builds a standard code application for both iOS and Android. Cross-platform app operations are teeny-tiny slower because a rendering process and an extra abstraction layer are needed. Cross-platform apps handle and maintain a similar user experience. Moreover, technologies and tools used for developing cross-platform apps are Node.js, NativeScript, and Xamarin.
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Native Mobile Applications
Native applications are directly installed on your mobile device. It is easily available for download from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. They can operate without an internet connection. Technologies and tools used for developing native apps are Python, Kotlin, and Java.
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Progressive Web Applications
The deployment of progressive web applications takes place with the help of the web, contrary to their counterparts, which are already installed on the user’s device. Moreover, it has the same effectiveness, experience, and operational capabilities as a native application. However, when comparing it to features of native app, PWAs (progressive web apps) contain limited features. Technology and tools used to build PWAs include CSS (Cascading Style Sheet), Ruby, and JavaScript.
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Hybrid Mobile Applications
Hybrid apps and cross-platform apps are not the same however, the code written for a hybrid app can function on both platforms (iOS and Android). Hence, hybrid development is easy and can be built with some basic web development knowledge and technical understanding. Technology and tools to develop hybrid apps include HTML5, Ionic, and Objective C.
Benefits of Mobile App Development
Following are some of the significant benefits of developing mobile applications:
- Enhanced Brand Recognition – Investing in mobile app development for your business helps improve your brand name and recognition. Hence, a user-friendly mobile app creates a positive brand image and enhances brand awareness.
- Better Revenue Generation – Mobile applications help businesses produce new revenue generation opportunities. For instance, you can offer unique agreements to end users, like monthly or yearly subscriptions, in-app purchases, and many more.
- Rise in Customer Engagement – Mobile apps provide businesses with utmost potential to interact with their clients on a more personal level. Hence, by building a mobile app tailored to your client’s interests and needs, you can maximize the interaction level, eventually leading to a greater client retention rate.
- Competitive Benefits – Investing in mobile app development helps your businesses gain an upper edge over the competitors. Therefore, you create your roadway to success by providing an ideal way for your clients to engage with your brand.
Prominent Features to Include While Developing Mobile Applications
Here are some of those prominent features (which you must include while developing mobile apps):
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Intuitive User Interface
The app should be easy enough to guide users, with simple menus, icons, and buttons. Moreover, the UI (User Interface) design must be visually appealing and constant across your mobile app.
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User Registration and Login
This significant functionality enables users to create their accounts and log into the mobile app. It also assists customizing the overall user experience and provides features like tracking user data, accessing content, and saving preferences.
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Push Notifications
Push notifications are messages or immediate texts that pop up on a user’s screen to deliver crucial information or any important updates from the app.
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Security Features
Integrating security features is crucial for protecting clients’ personal data as well as trust. While implementing encryption tactics, data privacy settings, and secure login processes can enhance your app’s security. Every app development company needs to consider all the security features and functionalities.
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App Analytics
Deploying app analytics enables mobile app developers to gather the required amount of data about user engagement within your mobile app. It also helps provide insights on user preferences and behavior.
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In-App Chat or Messages
This chat feature allows end-users to communicate with customer support or communicate with each other directly within the application. It proves to be greatly advantageous for apps with greater user interactions, eCommerce platforms, or social apps.
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Search Functionalities
A search functionality in your mobile app helps users quickly find any specific content or information within the application. It is particularly valuable for apps that sustain a good amount of data and offer different services.
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Offline Features and Functionalities
In most cases, an internet connection is always required for most in-app features, however, it should be integrated with offline functionality too, as it allows users to perform some basic activities or easily access some content without needing an internet connection. This overall improves the app’s convenience and usability.
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Social Media Integration
Integrating social media with your mobile apps enables users to sign in using their social media, invite friends, or share app content. Hence, depending on the purpose of your mobile app, integrating social media with your apps helps to extend the app’s reach and improve user interaction.
Summing Up!
So, are you ready for mobile app development? Well, hopefully, this mobile app development guide has covered all the important aspects that you need to know when investing in a mobile app. There are some important choices you need to make, like what type of app is ideal for your business, what type of app you want to build, how it will help enhance your revenue generation, what platforms and technologies are ideal for your mobile app development, and many more. A bit stressful!
I do have a solution! As per my experience in the technical world, I would recommend you hire app development company that specializes in building efficient mobile apps—most importantly, the kind of mobile app you want for a business that accomplishes all the needs and requirements.
Happy Learning!
Author details:
Author Name- Mr. Pratik Mistry
Author bio–
I am Pratik Mistry, a rare mix of technologist and Executive Vice President in sales at Radixweb. My passion lies in helping companies to grow revenues by delivering top notch web app development solutions and build value-based partnerships. When not driving high-impact go to market strategies, I love to try new cuisines and going to the movies.
