Mobile apps are programs that run on smartphones, tablets, etc. They are designed for use on portable devices with small screens and limited bandwidths. Compared to other forms of computing like laptops or desktops, mobile app development is very different for many reasons. Here, I have mentioned some essential factors to be considered before starting the process of mobile app development.
These trigger questions will help you come up first during your discussion with a potential client who might want an app created for his business requirement. Suppose you would like to develop an app without much experience or guidance. In that case, it is better that you start learning through online tutorials available freely or by enrolling in an offline course at a local college/university.
Experience so far?
Potential clients often ask this as they want to know how much experience as an app developer you have. Your client must know about your work history and abilities because this would help him assess whether you are the best person for the job or not, based on his immediate need.
You can also give a presentation of your previous projects or software, which might have helped him better understand what goes into building a useful mobile app. If possible, demonstrate any application you made previously. It is most likely that he might contact those developers or service providers responsible for later stages of development like publication onto appropriate marketplaces like Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Client’s problem/requirement
It is essential to understand the client’s problem before attempting mobile app development. This is because you cannot design a practical mobile application without knowing what it will be used for or how it should function. It would help if you asked all the necessary questions, took notes, and then prepared a detailed report containing factors like choice of technology, a priority list of features, and estimated cost as mentioned in the article here:
Check Out – how much does it cost to make an app?
Communication
Timeliness plays a crucial role in successful mobile app development because your client might have a different timeline for his project. You must maintain regular communication with your potential client, especially when he is new to the concept of mobile apps.
Even experienced clients are often unaware of how much time is required to complete a project, which might cause delays if not timely informed. Hence communicate clearly about all aspects so that both parties are on the same page at every stage.
Tasks to be done
Once the communication is set between you and the client, the next step is to prepare a document that contains all tasks required for the completion of the project in an ideal manner. E.g., suppose your client asks for simple modifications within an existing application. In that case, it can be easily achieved. Still, when he asks to add new features, it gets more complex and time-consuming but manageable with proper planning and communication. It is also vital that you include price ranges to avoid unwanted surprises during later stages.
Documentation & Programming language
Documentation comprises valuable information about how an application will work. You must create your specifications, list user stories, and feature definitions, and even list market requirements if your client requires them. Documentation as a contract with the client that describes all features and functionality of your application for him to read thoroughly and sign it before you begin development.
It comes down to what programming language would be used, which decides whether you will be able to complete a project or not on time. Suppose there is a choice between a simple scripting language like HTML5 or Python or something more complex like Java. In that case, most clients prefer the latter because they understand how Android works, its vast capabilities, and safety measures due to many security checks performed at every stage of the app’s life cycle from installation, running in background mode, and even when in sleep mode.
At this stage, you can also decide whether your application will be a web-based or native/hybrid app and even identify potential clients for whom the app is being designed in case they are not accessible to you or available with you directly.
Team
It is good to plan and form a team responsible for different stages of mobile app development like designing, programming, testing, publishing, etc. It might feel restrictive, but it helps in managing projects whenever tasks are distributed among members. E.g., developers only focus on coding while designers do what they do best which results in a better end product at the client’s end. Depending on the client’s type of project, it might be beneficial to get members for different stages of the project like user interface, database administration, etc.
Testing
Finally comes testing, which is exceptionally vital to maintaining the quality of the application after development has been completed. It should be done by experienced testers who know how an app should work if it has gone through the proper coding and debugging process. Every step may produce different results due to the slightest changes that might affect its overall performance later.
For example, even minor changes in server-side code can have drastic effects when displayed on a mobile device‘s screen. So you must test your application thoroughly before sending it for approval from clients. Never ignore this stage as it can provide you with much-required feedback about where something went wrong or what needs further refinement so always make time for testing to avoid unwelcome surprises after development has been completed.
Sending app
Once all errors and bugs have been fixed and the entire application has gone through complete testing round, it is ready to be sent for approval from clients. If they accept your work, you can publish it on Google Play or App Store, depending on its platform and market availability. Always keep an eye out for new updates as they might fix vulnerabilities that your application might be susceptible to if developed appropriately, so update the app regularly just like any other software developers do with their products say RemoteDBA.com experts.
