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Basics of App Development

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rehan sardar
Basics of App Development

Whether mobile, web or multi-platform app, the development of small applications is no magic. Before an app is commissioned, however, there are some important requirements to be clarified. Because the app is not the same app - and the terms should be clear. Take a look at my recently completed project Wadav.com

 

Just quickly an app programming? This can be very simple: Especially when using free developers this is relatively fast and cost feasible. And in-house programming is not a problem if you only have the right people.

 

When planning apps for Smartphone, Tablet, Mac and Windows PC, however, some basics must be considered in advance and some things clarified. After all, app development is not magic - but it's not child's play either. The more solid the base, the easier it is later to support new systems or models or to put the app on a completely new operating system basis.

 

What content should be delivered?

 

In the first instance, it should be clarified which content should be delivered with the app. First of all, here is the question of what kind of software it is at all. While complex programs - such as games or system-related tools - are usually relatively complex to port, there are also rows of apps that use primarily a custom version of their own website except for a few APIs of the system.

 

Many social media services such as Facebook and Twitter have such apps, and the various shopping platforms work with this kind of "simple" app, even if they are basically just slightly better web apps: The actual app is little more than an adapted Browser, in which the content is delivered exclusively by one provider.

 

These so-called hybrid apps are easy to program and easy to port; After all, the core of the development, the creation of the native app, has already taken place through the development environments of the mobile system in the form of the respective browser. Developers can access Safari's (Mac / iOS), Web view and Chrome (Android) or Edge (Windows 10) features already implemented in the system.

 

The development effort consists primarily of the adaptation of the website, which limits the development effort for the actual app. At the same time, it is represented by its application in the app marketplaces and can actively promote them.

 

Consider the pros and cons of native apps

 

Of course, this type of hybrid app is not always ideal. For example, if the app requires a lot of system functionality but it does not deliver much information, it's almost always advisable to use a native mobile app. This is developed from the ground up in the respective programming language or the software development kit (SDK) of the respective platform.

 

Under MacOS and iOS, for example, this is the free programming environment XCode from Apple, with the Android SDK, Google offers corresponding software for mobile devices with the in-house Android system. Microsoft makes it particularly easy for developers with the Software Development Kit for Windows 10 because apps can be developed with the same code base for all types of (Microsoft) systems: Mobile and desktop app created in a wash.

 

A native app has the advantage that it does not rely on an Internet connection, can access numerous system-related programming interfaces in the system while optimally working on the respective system platform. A disadvantage is the significantly higher porting effort compared to web and hybrid apps, for example, if parallel development is to be developed for Windows, Android, and iOS.

 

That is also the reason why, for example, Windows 10 is currently falling behind as a smartphone operating system more and more: developers often have no desire or no budget to support this comparatively unimportant platform. Exotic systems like Ubuntu Mobile or Firefox OS have the same problems.

 

Web apps without a native base

 

A third way is the use of so-called web apps: This is software that works exclusively in the browser. Mainly in HTML5 or Java, these apps are largely independent of the operating system on which they should run. All that is needed is a reasonably modern browser, as it now comes with every operating system.

 

The advantage of this solution is obvious: Instead of spending money and working hours for planning and programming native apps, the app is simply created as a browser app. This allows it to work with almost any operating system. For example, Google relies heavily on this technology. Although the software giant on iOS, Android and Windows also use native or hybrid apps - most Google services work without further ado in the web browser - regardless of whether under Windows, MacOS, Linux, iOS, Android or other systems.

 

So why not always rely on web apps? Well: Web apps have some tangible disadvantages compared to native and hybrid apps. Thus, the exchange of data between the operating system and web app is often difficult and access to system functions (such as the iPhone camera) is usually prevented as far as possible. In addition, web apps naturally rely on a functioning online connection.

 

However, it is still problematic. Dead spots are everywhere, Wi-Fi hotspots are still expensive in many hotels and on air travel is usually the flight mode prescribed. In such situations, web apps are largely useless.

 

On which devices should the apps work?

 

A not insignificant advantage of web apps is the fact that the application can be programmed server-side and adapted via the stylesheet. Instead of natively supporting the numerous screen resolutions that can cause display problems, especially on Android systems, you can conveniently maintain the web application on the server and make bug fixes here. App updates including the time-consuming review routines in the Apple, Google and Microsoft stores are eliminated.

 

Before placing an application in an app, it should nevertheless be carefully considered on which systems and with which functions the app should actually work. It is also important to clarify in advance whether the app should be offered for a fee or free of charge. If the actual product is an online service, we recommend using a web app in combination with a hybrid app. If the app itself is the product, native apps are usually more obvious, since the customer with the offline use receives added value, which he may pay.

 

Only when everything is clear, you can start

 

If these three questions - what should the app deliver, how should it work, and where should it work - are clearer in project planning, putting together a precise specification. Not only does this enable effective developer engagement, but it also helps prevent exploding costs and time.

 

Especially in app development, it often depends on precise deadlines, so as not to be outstripped by the competition. With decent planning, these can be met much better.

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