Mobile App Development Process - Step-by-Step Guide
Introduction to Mobile App Development Process
Did you just light up with a fantastic idea for a mobile app that will revolutionize the world? Or are you part of an existing firm looking to expand its business through mobile app development to reach more clients? Well, you would surely need a basic idea of how to start with your mobile app development journey and how to take it forward.
But, especially if you're a beginner, it seems you've come to the right place for that. This blog gives a step-by-step guide on mobile app development.
Those who might possess minimal knowledge of how to create a mobile app or rather how to 'code' a mobile app might think it is an easy task to get an app in the market and hit big with it. But app development is not only restricted to bits and pieces of coding.
There are many components in mobile app development or, to be precise, multiple things to be taken care of. For example, the UI/UX interface, market demand, testing, etc. are also some major components in mobile app development.
Hence, the steps given in this guide involve everything you might need to care for while mobile app development.
Steps for Mobile App Development
👉 Step 1: Boiling the idea
To start with the first step, boil the idea down or precisely describe your app's main motto or objective and what purpose your app fulfills. When you get your first idea, you might constantly get more and more upgrades on the idea in your mind with time.
So, take a notepad and write your first idea down as it was in your mind without any alterations or upgrades. Then, take a few moments more to brainstorm any more important upgrades you need.
Finally, write your app's main objective in as few words as possible.
After finally coming up with the main objective and purpose of your app, you need to ask yourself a few more of the following questions, as these questions are important to get the main idea about how you need to proceed in the development of the app and marketing it, etc.
Who is the target audience for this app?
Is it a specific regional or ethnic group? Is it a specific community? Is it a specific type of businessman?
What is the USP of the app?
What is the eye-catching 'punchline' that will convey the motto of the app and will also invite people to download the app? For example, Rapido is an app whose target audience is middle-class Indians who need faster and cheaper bike rides and auto-rickshaw rides.
Who are the competitors for the app?
Even though it might seem that your USP is very original, and no doubt it might be. But, at the same time, it might be a subset of the USP of an already-existing app.
How will you attract users?
Prepare your pitch to attract more users. More than half of your pitch can be prepared if you have appropriate answers to the above questions.
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👉 Step 2: How much can you sell?
Selling does not mean how much you can earn from a product. Rather, it means how many people take your product home and how many people use your product. Research and survey how many people need or might need your app.
How can you make space in the market for your app while competing with the already existing apps? Try to modify your idea according to people's demands. Try contacting more businesses and people already in contact with the target audience who can help you with your market research.
👉 Step 3: Design the app layout
There are many other options available as well, but these are some of the suggested options by experienced app developers.
You might still be budding up with ideas to make your design better. But this might result in your app design looking disoriented due to uneven and unnecessary new additions. The best method to avoid this is the "Design Sprint." It is a proven and scientific method of brainstorming.
Write down your ideas, condense them into the most required ideas, and discard the rest. It will also help if you're facing design problems. Steps to do for design sprint:-
1. Understand the problems you're facing in your design or what you want to add exactly.
2. Define how you will add the new design or solve pre-existing design problems.
3. Device new solutions as rapidly as possible.
4. Choose the best idea and generate a rough prototype possible.
5. Add the finalized solution to your app design.
👉 Step 4: Let the Code begin!
Before we start the coding part of the app, we need to decide on what platforms we need to release the app on. Since it is a mobile app, it would release only on 2-3 platforms, i.e.:-
1. Native App: These are the apps only available for one platform like Android or IOS. If your target audience might only be one selected community or a selected group from the masses, then this is the best type of availability you should give.
2. Hybrid Apps: These are the apps available on Android and IOS platforms. The apps are made using HTML5 and work well on both OS. Hybrid apps are the best to make if you are making an app that needs to reach larger masses.
3. HTML5 Web app: These are the apps that are available through online websites. These apps are available even on Mobile browsers, are not very good in user experience and functionality, and are platform-independent. This app is the best release method if you are developing an app whose main purpose is not getting massive downloads.
Find out more about how we can help you with the Android App Development & IOS App Development services to get the best ROI for your business.
After crossing the endeavors of deciding, searching, designing, and looking over the market, we have finally arrived at the destination of coding our revolutionizing idea. But, of course, the coding of an app has explained in different stages:
Front-End Programming
The front end of any app or program, or website is the parts of how it looks from the front or, to be more precise, how it shares with the viewers. It involves the app's design, wireframe, and HTML & CSS section. Apart from HTML and CSS, most developers also use JavaScript for a better interface, especially if the app is big or complex or the interface matters a lot. Front-End is also known as "Client-side programming." Suppose you are a pro at front-end programming. In that case, you may move forward to do it.
On the other hand, suppose you're a beginner or someone with no coding knowledge. In that case, you can hand it over to a freelancer or an app development assisting company - one such as ours, i.e., Kanak Infosystems. We can help you with coding your mobile app's backend and frontend programming and can quickly assist your business, whether in Android or IOS.
Application Programming Interface (API)
An API is a set of tools or protocols to help build software applications. It specifies how different software components in an app or program will interact.
Back-End Programming
Back End programming refers to the programming done on the network and server side and is used to connect it to a network. Backend programming is just as important or more critical than frontend programming in some cases. For example, Back-end programming helps in channelizing and storing data & databases collected and generated from the app into servers.
For backend programming, you can use languages like Python, Java, C++, Ruby, etc. Some developers might possess complete knowledge of frontend and backend programming and are known as "full-stack developers." You can hire such a developer if you do not know how to code.
👉 Step 5: And, it's exam time!
In this step, finally, you have completed your dream project in your mind and practice. But you can't just jump into the market with a product you have made. It mostly said, "Patience yields sweeter fruits." Just like that, you need to be a bit more patient. You need to give the final exam of testing your app.
However, testing an app involves checking its overall working and detecting bugs. But it isn't only limited to these two tests. Many other types of tests need to be done on your app before you can launch your app in the market. These tests include: -
- Documentation testing: This testing involves testing the design, navigation options, and how it looks after the download.
- Security testing: This is especially important if your app allows in-app purchases or has any confidential information about the user. It ensures that no one can manipulate the app and the app databases.
- Compatibility test: You would need to test it on different operating systems.
- Functionality test: This includes efficiency, speed, and how satisfactory the app is to use.
- Certification testing: This test examines if your app is ready by industry standards.
You can test your app by using different tools available for it. Multiple testing tools are available for programs and apps such as Selendroid, Appium, Robotium, etc.
👉 Step 6: Time to Launch! Time to take-off
For using this final step of mobile app development, you should launch your app in stages. Well, you need to add this in multiple stages or multiple versions, but the suggested minimum number would be two versions.
The first version would be the beta version, where people would try your app out, give reviews and responses, and if your app is a good one, there's a fair chance you will get your marketing done through word-of-mouth.
You can later work on upgrading the flaws in the reviews and finally launch the full version of the app and start its proper advertisement and marketing.
✍ Conclusion
This blog summarizes all the steps that you need to follow and keep in mind while developing an app or ideating one in your mind. It also points out all the stages where you might need professional assistance during the development.
These six steps summarize your mobile app development journey and can lead to an amazing app if you follow each step properly.
However, even though it is essential to follow each step religiously, you might not know where to start, even if you're a solo developer or a company trying to get their app. In such desperate times, you might need professional consultancy and assistance at Kanak Infosystems.
Software companies like ours ensure you get the best assistance and consultancy possible to develop the best mobile app. In addition, we provide software assistance and consultancy to launch the application in the market and whether it would need extrinsic financial aid.
Even though it might seem a hefty task to get your dream app out in the market, we make sure it is easy for you with our assistance, as anyone can innovate in this era of the internet and technology.
Ready to create a standout mobile app? Reach out for expert mobile app development services.
General FAQs❓
How much time does it take to make an app?
It can typically take between three to nine months to develop an app. It depends on how complex your app's structure is and how much time you invest in accomplishing a given step in the guide.
Do I need advanced knowledge of coding to make my idea a reality?
No, you do not need much or any coding knowledge for this. You can plan out all the languages your app needs to be coded in and learn that language if you want to do it yourself. Furthermore, you can easily hire a company or even individual freelance coders to code your project and help you out. One such company is ours, i.e., Kanak infosystems.
Will I own the source code if I code it?
Yes! Irrespective of the fact that you code it or get it done by a freelance coder or a company, you will be the owner of the source code having its copyright and licensing certificate.
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Sean McCue - 20 Nov 2023 Kudos to the author for this comprehensive guide on mobile app development! The blog by Kanak Infosystems offers a clear roadmap, making the app development process seem less daunting. Insightful and well-written, it's a valuable resource for both beginners and seasoned developers. |