The Ultimate Guide for Beginners – Developing Mobile Applications

Alternatives for Mobile App Development

Prior to commencing the development phase, critical decisions must be made regarding the mobile app. The initial choice often pertains to selecting the app development platform. Subsequently, you have the opportunity to explore four distinct approaches for creating mobile apps, each of which is outlined briefly below.

1. Native Mobile Applications

Native mobile apps leverage the operating system and frameworks provided by the platform. Key attributes of native apps include:
– Accelerated development timelines
– Capacity to develop robust applications
– Access to platform-specific features
– Enhanced development environment

2. Cross-Platform Native Mobile Applications

An alternative approach involves developing apps using a single language and then adapting the codebase for multiple platforms. These apps are constructed using standard frameworks compatible with both Android and iOS platforms. Cross-platform mobile apps are compiled into native applications that seamlessly operate on the device’s operating system.

3. Hybrid Mobile Applications

Similar to cross-platform apps, hybrid mobile applications are built using frameworks that function effectively across various platforms. Instead of being compiled into native apps, they are installed as bundles operating within web containers upon user initiation.

4. Progressive Web Applications

In contrast to traditional mobile apps, progressive web apps are not specifically designed for mobile devices. Rather, they are web applications that provide a mobile app-like experience when accessed on smartphones. Progressive web apps are not distributed through app stores but can be accessed directly through web browsers.

Comparing Native Apps vs. Hybrid Mobile Applications

When you have an app concept but are uncertain whether to develop separate native apps for each platform or opt for a hybrid solution, understanding your target audience’s expectations is crucial in determining between native and hybrid mobile app development.

Let’s explore the distinctions between them, as outlined in the comparison table below:

Native app	Hybrid app
Best runtime performance	Unable to access native APIs, reducing runtime performance
Best runtime performance	Accesses device hardware plugins and native modules, which restricts the performance
Separate codebases for each platform need to be maintained.	Single codebase that runs on each platform.
Uses platform frameworks	Uses web frameworks
Higher app building cost	Less cost as compared to native application development

If you lean towards native apps, you can concentrate on one platform initially and then adapt the code for the other platform. However, be prepared to redesign the interface due to differences in rendering the app on users’ screens between the two platforms. Alternatively, with careful selection of language and framework, code reuse can be maximized.

How do Hybrid/Cross-platform Frameworks Operate?
Non-native applications lack direct access to device hardware or software. Hybrid or cross-platform apps are crafted using universal languages like JavaScript, CSS, or HTML that can run seamlessly across all platforms. These applications operate within a container upon user launch, enabling them to mimic native app behavior. If you already have a web app, a significant portion of the code can be repurposed for mobile app development.

There are two primary approaches to developing cross-platform apps:
1. Utilize platforms like ReactJS and NativeJS offering native modules.
2. Leverage platforms such as Flutter and Xamarin that compile code into native code.

Hybrid apps are most suitable for smaller applications with modest resource requirements.

Mobile Application Development Lifecycle.

The mobile application lifecycle closely mirrors that of software or web applications. It commences with an idea that necessitates thorough research to ascertain its viability in the current market landscape. Once confident that your app addresses a user need, you can proceed with the development phase.

Wireframes and Prototyping.

Prior to diving into the coding phase, meticulous planning is essential to determine the app’s value proposition to users. Wireframes serve as a valuable tool to conceptualize the app’s functionality without incorporating design elements. Key information to include in wireframes encompasses:
– How the app benefits users
– User journey within the app
– Anticipated challenges
– Layout of essential menus, navigation, content areas, and other components

Wireframes offer a two-dimensional visualization of your app. Following the creation of wireframes, design elements should be integrated to produce a clickable prototype for the app. Prototyping affords a preview of how users will interact with the application, featuring clickable buttons that simulate navigation through various screens, mirroring the real user experience.

Defining the Frontend and Backend

So, you’ve got your prototype all set up, and now it’s time to dive into the exciting world of defining the frontend and backend for your app. Back in the day, mobile apps were like lone wolves, doing their thing on users’ phones without bothering to connect with the outside world. But hey, as internet data became more abundant, some of that data and functionality decided to take a trip to the cloud for a change of scenery.

Why the sudden change of heart, you ask? Well, smartphones are like the younger siblings of web apps – they have fewer resources and often get the shorter end of the stick. But lo and behold, with the magic of cloud storage and the internet spreading its wings, a fully-loaded mobile app dream became a reality. Developers, always looking to up their efficiency game, started shipping tasks off to the cloud as part of the backend crew.

Mobile Application Front-End
Ah, the front end – the charming face of your mobile app. It’s all about crafting that user interface, sprinkling it with awesome visuals and interactive goodies to create a delightful user experience. When a user hits that download button, it’s the front end that waltzes into their mobile device, ready to be unveiled with a tap on the screen.

Curious about the Front-end Development Workflow?

Well, it’s like a party – the number of guests depends on how big your app bash is. For a tiny app shindig, one or two developers might handle everything. But for those grand enterprise-scale soirees, you’ll likely see dedicated teams taking charge at each stage of the workflow dance.

Mobile Application Back-End

When it comes to the back end of a mobile application, you have the option of keeping it in-house with the app owners or outsourcing it to a third-party cloud service provider. In this era of lean and agile methodologies, developers often lean towards the latter, entrusting the backend responsibilities to external service providers who handle the infrastructure setup and maintenance.

Integration of Mobile Apps with the Backend

The front end typically relies on APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) to establish connections with the backend. These APIs can be furnished by the backend service provider or developed internally. However, in-house development is becoming increasingly rare as readily available, fully customizable Software Development Kits (SDKs) are gaining popularity. With a plethora of APIs at your disposal, there are numerous ways to access and utilize them.

Interaction with Backend Data

Backend data is typically stored in the cloud rather than on the device itself, making the app more lightweight. However, this setup can lead to increased latency between user requests and responses. It’s crucial for developers to program the APIs effectively to minimize any perceived delays caused by the data being located away from the user’s device.

Testing on Local and Global Scales

In the dynamic landscape of mobile applications, where apps extend beyond users’ devices, developers are required to conduct comprehensive testing at both local and global levels. Local testing ensures the smooth operation of local servers and guarantees users receive the exceptional experience intended for the app. It also validates the functionality of the APIs responsible for integrating the front end. Global testing is particularly crucial for applications that leverage cloud-based backends, a prevalent practice in contemporary mobile app development.

Submitting Your App to the App Store

In order to submit your app to the app store, you need to enroll in the App Store’s developer program. Upon enrollment, you gain access to native APIs, beta releases, and exclusive frameworks. Adhere to the store’s guidelines and standards to create high-quality applications.

Joining the Android developer program is straightforward if you already have a Google account. The Google Play Store has more flexibility regarding app distribution. You have the option to distribute apps outside the store, allowing users to download and use them directly.

Throughout our interactions, we have covered various topics related to mobile application development, including defining the front-end and back-end, selecting programming languages, comparing native apps vs. hybrid mobile applications, understanding the mobile application development lifecycle, and testing locally and globally. We also discussed aspects like choosing device platforms, developing for both Android and iOS, and publishing apps to the app stores.

In conclusion,

mobile application development involves a series of crucial steps such as ideation, wireframing, prototyping, backend development, testing, and deployment. It’s essential to consider factors like platform selection, programming language choice, front-end design, backend integration, and thorough testing to ensure the successful creation and launch of high-quality mobile applications. Each stage requires attention to detail, adherence to guidelines, and consideration of user experience to deliver functional and engaging mobile apps to users.