How are Mobile Applications Made? How Can I learn to Make Them?
As the market demand soars for apps running on iOS, Android and other operating systems that will power smart devices in future, companies are facing a dire need of mobile development talent. IT professionals with programming skills now have a fresh opportunity for a career makeover. Although there are ample pools of Java and Web development talent, experienced mobile development professionals with skills in building native apps are in short supply.
How Mobile Applications are Made through Software Development
If you want to create an application, there are several stages that you have to follow.
The first step is having an idea: Whether you’re brainstorming or you woke up one morning with an idea, all mobile applications start with an idea. Regardless of whether it’s a small or big idea, when it’s there you have to polish it, narrow it down and research before you start the actual developing process. You will find millions of applications in the Apple App Store and Android Google Play, and the odds that someone has already come up with a similar idea are quite high. Therefore, you need to conduct your research, determine your specific target audience, and the main goal that you want to achieve with your app.
The app development process: Because native apps have to be written separately due to varying operating systems, the developing process will differ depending on the platform you intend to use. Keep in mind that developing mobile applications is not an easy task and it requires you to have in-depth knowledge. This means that you should be an experienced developer for you to write your app.
iOS and Android App Development
Developing iOS Applications
All the iOS applications you develop should be on a Mac and you have to be a registered Apple Developer. The Apple Developer registration fee is $99 per year and as a member, you will have access to all the latest tools that you need to create mobile applications. Being a registered developer is also important because after completing your application, you will submit it to apple for review and approval. This ensures that your application is free of bugs as per the compliance with the Apple Developer Terms of Service. After approval, your application can then be distributed or sold on the iTunes app store.
iOS applications are developed in Apple’s Integrated Development Environment (IDE) which is referred to as Xcode. This is a multifunctional program where you can write your app simulate it using the latest iOS, and then deploy it to the App Store. Xcode has all the latest iOS, iOS simulator, latest SDKs (Software Developer Kits) and LLVM compiler. Note that, while Apple recommends that you write apps in their latest program, Swift, it’s up to you to determine the best program.
Developing Android Apps
All Android native apps are developed in Android Studio. This is similar to Apple’s Xcode and it contains the latest SDK tools, newest Android version, and emulator that contain Google APIs. Such an emulator will enable you to test how the applications will use Google services such as Gmail, Maps, Translate, and Drive among others. As a developer, you will pay $25 for your Google Play Account per year, and you can develop and publish your final app on the Google Play App Store. However, you won’t need to submit your applications for review or approval. But, there are terms of service and your app can be flagged for removal by other users.
What You Should Know to Make a Good Application
When navigating this new realm, you need to cover certain aspects, from screen size to memory to create a good application.
User Experience
Your first step should be to reduce navigation and take the users directly to the content they want to work with. You should also focus on delivering a rich user experience (UX) and push the boundaries of what devices can do but still make them usable and reliable.
Deal with Memory and Bandwidth Constraints
Memory and bandwidth problems are common with mobile devices. The biggest difference between PCs and mobile devices is the memory. Although a PC can have 10GB memory, a smartphone can have just 2GB. Therefore, loading several high-resolution images on a phone will cause them to run out of memory. You have to develop your apps on some parameters such as memory, battery life, and space.
Listen to Feedback
Feedback from real live users can be incredibly valuable to you as a developer. No matter what you meant to do with the app, if no one can manage to navigate it, they're not going to see your full vision. Be sure to listen and take all feedback seriously. Decide later how to implement changes that can enhance the usability of your application.
Do you want to create mobile apps? If you are interested in earning a Bachelor of Science in Computer and Information Science Degree with a Major in Software Development - Mobile Development Track, ECPI University offers this program at an accelerated course of study. For more information about this exciting degree, connect with a knowledgeable admissions counselor today.
It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!
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Gainful Employment Information – Mobile Development Track – Bachelor's
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