What is Mobile App Development?
The process of developing a software application that runs on a mobile device via the internet (in most cases) is called mobile app development. This involves creating an installable android application bundle that runs seamlessly on various mobile operating systems like Android and iOS.
What are the Types of Mobile Applications?
Technically, there are only three types of mobile applications: native, web, and hybrid. Let's quickly look at each of them so you can decide which one's ideal for you.
1. Native Apps
Native apps are specific to one mobile operating system. This means an app built for Android cannot run on iOS, and you will need to create separate apps for each OS. Because native apps are tailored for individual operating systems, they deliver exceptional performance and are highly reliable.
2. Web Apps
Web apps are the responsive versions of your website. They are accessed via your mobile's web browser. Whenever you install a web app, you're simply bookmarking the website URL on your mobile device.
3. Hybrid Apps
Hybrid apps are the perfect blend of web and native mobile apps. They are developed by mobile application development services using both web technologies and native APIs. The initial cost and turnaround time for developing a hybrid app is comparatively less than that of a native app. They are very fast and ideal for countries with slower internet connections.
Top 5 Most Popular Mobile App Development Platform
Mobile app development platforms can help you build an app seamlessly. To help you get started with the right one, we've prepared a list of the top 5 most popular mobile app development platforms.
1. Appery.io
It is a platform that allows you to build an app with minimal coding. You can choose a pre-built template, drag and drop todesign the App's UI, connect your database and services, and you will be good to go!
2. Mobile Roadie
Mobile Roadie is a custom mobile application development company creating apps for various industries ranging from media to music, and everything in between.
3. The App Builder
Here's a platform where you can build your apps without writing a single line of code. You can try it for free; however, their basic plan starts at just $10 per month.
4.Appy Pie
Appy Pie a platform for creating apps without any technical know-how. Trusted by over 7 million businesses across the globe, Appy Pie is certainly one of the leading app building platforms you can rely on. The basic plan starts at just $18 per month, and you can scale up with their gold and platinum plans.
5.App Machine
App Machine allows you to create an app from your website itself. You can customize the design, layout as per your requirements before publishing the App.
6.Agicent
Agicent has been in the app development industry for many years and has gained a reputation for creating innovative and user-friendly applications. The company provides a wide range of services, including app development,app maintenance, app testing, app marketing, and app support.
Major Factors That Affect the Mobile App Development Cost
There are many factors that play a crucial role in any web and mobile app development. It's important to take care of these aspects beforehand to avoid any inconsistencies post-development. Let's look at them one by one.
1. Platform
The platform for which you're creating your App significantly affects the development cost. For instance, building an app for only a single platform may cost you less than designing it for multiple platforms.Furthermore, the number of devices for which you wish to make the App compatible also affects the overall mobile app development cost. As an example, if you want your App to work with other IoT devices, it may cost you more time and effort.
2. App Size
Your App's size contributes greatly to your mobile app development cost. Building an app that has fewer features and sections will cost you less than creating one with more features and options. That's why you must prioritize things that you need in your App. Doing so will help you save on the development costs.
3. Functions and Features of App
One of the most important aspects influencing the cost of developing an app is its features. What is the main purpose of this App? Which problem will it solve for its users? What is that one thing you want this App to do?
These questions will help you gain a better understanding of the app features. The more features you require higher will be the cost of mobile application development. Thus, it is extremely important to prioritize features if you're seeking to keep the development cost minimum.
4. Backend Operations and Testing
Testing your App mainly involves ensuring all the backend operations and front-end features are working as expected. The cost of testing an app is directly proportional to its functionality.
The more functions you have more will be the cost of testing the app. Generally, testing the client-side costs about 30%, and the front-end of the admin panel costs about 10%.
5. App Security
Security is one of the most significant factors that will determine whether various marketplaces will accept your App or not. Thus, it is vital to ensure your App is 100% free from any vulnerabilities that can harm your user's data. Making your App safe can cost you a good chunk of money.
6. UI/UX Design
Design and user experience are the cornerstones of a successful app. If you get them right, rest everything will be sorted. Your UI is the only aspect your user is going to interact with. And thus, it must be seamless and intuitive.
7. Hosting
The server where you host your App significantly influences the mobile application development cost. Selecting the right server will give you optimum performance — irrespective of your traffic.
Questions You Should be Ask While Hiring a Mobile App Developer
Hiring an agency for developing your App is certainly a crucial decision. You must ensure your partner is technically sound and reliable. Here are a few questions that you can ask your technical partner before hiring them.
1. Can we see your portfolio?
Checking out a company's portfolio will give you an idea about their capabilities. You will have a brief idea of what they can build for you. Make sure you ask for a company's portfolio before proceeding further.
2. Can we contact your past clients?
Ask if there was a way you could contact their previous clients. Generally, every mobile app development company in India will have a page showcasing client testimonials. It is recommended that you get in touch with at least three of them to have an idea about the company's after-sales support, overall work quality, etc.
3. What type of mobile app development services the company offers?
Ask the mobile application development company what kind of apps they develop. And more importantly, for how long have they been building apps? Having a clear idea about a company's offerings will help you understand whether or not they can build an app you need.
4. Can they provide a dedicated team to work on the App?
How will be the team formation while working on your project? Ask the company if they will be able to provide you a dedicated team to work for you. If not, what number of hours will they be working dedicatedly on your project? This will help you project the timeline for yourapp development. You can also check if the people working on your project are technically sound enough or not.
5. How to achieve exceptional user experience?
What will be done to achieve a great user experience? Inquire about the strategies they use while building your App's UI/UX. How will they create the buyer's persona, what things will be considered, etc.?
6. What mobile application development servicesare involved in Post-launch?
This is certainly one of the most important questions you should ask your agency. Is the post-launch support chargeable? Or what if you would like to make a few changes to your App? Getting this cleared beforehand will help you keep a lot of confusion at bay.
7. Are they well specialized in Industry & Domain similar to yours?
Is the agency you are working with well-versed with your industry/domain? Have they worked on similar projects before? If so, which are the mobile applicationdevelopment companythey have worked with so far? Check the apps they have already developed for those companies. Having a technical partner who has good exposure to your domain will make a lot of things easier for you.
Understanding the Mobile App Development Process
Effectively developing an app involves a seven-step process irrespective of the size and complexity of it. Let's quickly look at each step of the mobile app development process.
1. Defining a Strategy
The Mobile development process starts with a strategy. This phase is all about understanding the App's goals and objectives, target audience, and competitors.
2. Analysis & Planning
The second phase is about identifying the requirements and planning your roadmap. This involves prioritizing your App's features and projecting them into delivery milestones.
3. UI/UX Design
During this phase, the App's wireframes and prototypes are developed. This includes everything from creating style guides to mockups and the final layout design. Here, the user's journey is mapped so the App's UI can be highly intuitive, interactive, and user friendly.
4. App Development
Once the design and layouts are ready, it's time to initiate the programming/development process. During this phase, you identify the technical architecture, define mobile app development trends, goals, and create milestones.
5. Test your App
Quality Assurance will help you ensure the application is stable, usable, and secure. This phase includes creating test cases, testing the App on various platforms, and verifying its functionality.
6. Prepare for Launch
Now when your application has passed all the tests, it is ready to be published on various app marketplaces. It is recommended that you roll out the App in different phases to ensure there aren't any critical issues in it. Meaning, you must release the initial version of the app in batches.
7. Releasing the App officially
The final step, of course, is about making the App live on app marketplaces. This requires you to adhere to all the guidelines of respective app stores. You must make sure your mobileapp meets all the requirements.
Challenges Faced While Finding a Reliable and Best Mobile App Developer
Finding a developer who can create an ideal mobile application for your business isn't that easy. There are several factors that come into play. Here are a few of the most common challenges you might face while hiring a developer.
1. The balance between the Price and Quality
With developers, you'll have a hard time finding the right balance between price and their quality of work. This is because most mobile app developers charge as per their experience in the industry and not their capabilities. While more experienced developers may have better skill sets than newbies, that isn't always the case. There will always be a few experienced developers charging reasonably good prices, and you will also find newbies charging ridiculously high prices for the same amount of work.
2. Deadlines
Individual developers are always juggling several projects simultaneously. And thus, managing deadlines can be a huge challenge for them. While working with developers, you may find them frequently missing deadlines and delivering work way after the date prescribed.
3. Design
All the developers are not necessarily great UI/UX designers. Creating a seamless UX requires a UI/UX expert. On the other hand, developers have limited experience when it comes todesigning user interfaces. This means you can neither expect a bespoke design nor a seamless user experience from just a developer.
4. Maintenance
Maintaining an app is as important as building it in the first place. When you're working with an individual developer, you cannot rely on him to maintain your App. Because they simultaneously take on several projects, they may not be able to keep your App up to date.
Wrapping It up
Building an app from scratch is certainly challenging. Starting from the idea of developing your App to finding an ideal agency — every step has its own set of challenges. However, with the right technical partner, the entire process can be seamless. Thus, picking an ideal top mobile app development companiesin India is extremely crucial to your App's success.
With our topmobile app development companyin India, we hope to help you pick a partner tailored to your needs. If you're still having a hard time deciding, let us know. Our experienced consultants will be happy to help.
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