Considering Android app development? Learn about the benefits of Android, and how to improve your results.
- Utilize broad APIs to get beyond mobile device restrictions.
- Include services that improve the users experience and runtime efficiency
- Get free resources to improve Android development.
Are You Thinking about Building an Android Application? Dont Feel Alone. Since being released as an Open Source Project based on Linux Kernel in 2003, Android has quickly become one of the worlds most beloved mobile OS.
Installed on over two billion devices worldwide and nearly four million applications built by developers; HTC and Huawei among many major phone manufacturers use Android as well!
Experience or not, preparation is key to any projects success and having access to relevant resources and information can ensure a good start on Android development.
Why Develop for Android?
Android offers several advantages to android app developers:
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Cloud services and APIs: Android offers various APIs that will help you take advantage of cloud computing on mobile devices and overcome limitations associated with them. Mobile phones generally have less processing power and memory than other platforms; you can overcome them by designing your mobile app to use cloud services as its backend; this will lower memory requirements on the phone itself while keeping its footprint small with calls to cloud-based services like Google APIs for cloud services.
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Variants to suit different devices: Android offers developers great freedom when developing applications on this platform. While its primary use case is smartphones and tablet computers, Google has also created variants of its OS that work on smartwatches, wearable devices as well as in-car entertainment and Internet of Things devices - so creating dashboard apps compatible with all car models and makes would not be challenging at all!
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Scalable distribution: Whether youre distributing an Android app to your employees, customers or partners, Google Play will make it easy to do so. Google Play has few restrictions and a huge market for your app. Pay $25 to create an account, and then push your app onto Google Play. The app will appear in the store in a few days. Android is widely used, so your app can be run on many devices.
- Java Programming: Java is the native language of Android, and its one of the most widely used languages. Java is a simple and easy way to create apps for Android. Native programming concepts can be used to take full advantage of the native features available on mobile devices. Java is designed to allow you to "write once and run anywhere". This means that compiled Java code will run on any platform that supports Java without the requirement of recompilation. It can be run on any Java virtual Computer Regardless of the computer architecture.
What Are The Four Components Of An Android App?
1. Activities
Activities provide users with direct interaction between apps and the users themselves. Activities create a comprehensive experience for the user while acting as key facilitators between apps and the system; such as by keeping tabs on content displayed on screen so the system runs the process hosting this activity; prioritizing previously used processes so users can return easily; as well as restoring previous states for apps and implementing user flows seamlessly.
2. Services
When another app or user is actively utilizing the device, services can keep an app running. A service could be music playing in the background while the user is using another app.
There are two main types of services.
- Start Services- which run an app in the background while it is completing its process.
- Bound Services- are services that run because they are used by another app or system to function.
3. Content Providers
Content providers manage shared data sets that are stored on file systems for later access by applications, with only approved apps being able to query or modify this information.
A content provider who handles contact data would allow apps with the appropriate permissions access and write permission for reading/writing data for that contact.
4. Broadcast Receivers
Broadcast receivers allow systems to send events outside the normal user flow of an application. For instance, system-wide announcements such as shutdown notifications can be transmitted directly into an app using an alarm application which sends its alarm signal directly into a broadcast receiver so it may close until alarm sounds; systems also frequently broadcast alerts when something important has happened such as shutdowns, low battery levels or pictures have been taken.
Android App Development Process
Individual differences can affect the process of developing mobile apps. The following steps will be the most common ones you have to take:
- Strategy Development
- Analysis and Planning
- UI/UX Design
- App Development
- Application Testing
- Deployment
- Support and Performance Monitoring
Take a look at the following information to learn about the seven stages of mobile app development.
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Step 1: Strategy Development
Unsurprisingly, app development starts by outlining an approach. Care must be taken when developing this plan to consider all elements related to capabilities, goals and business model for your application.
Identifying Objectives
Youll probably start by identifying the main goals of your app. You can do this by answering these questions:
- What problems will my application solve?
- Who are the target users of this product?
- What do I want to achieve with my app?
You may not need to spend much time thinking about these questions, as you already have an idea for your application.
Its good to write down the main objectives so that you can refer to them at any time.
Research Competitors
Next, it is wise to assess your competitors.
What apps exist that fulfill a similar function? How well do they perform, are there many installations, positive customer reviews and great installations by this company?
Researching competitors allows you to avoid making their mistakes and gain an idea of the mobile applications in which similar platforms operate as well as how you can set yourself apart from them.
Select Platform
Youll need to choose the platform for your app during the strategy phase. Is it a unique Android application? Is there a better iOS app? A cross-platform app might be required.
Later, well go into greater detail about your options. But its vital to begin considering this step of the procedure.
Choose Monetization Method
The right monetization strategy is only available to those who are delivering consumer applications. You want to earn money directly from your investment.
There are several options available to you, including:
- In-app advertising
- In-app purchases
- Subscriptions
- Affiliate Marketing
- Apps that are paid
Dependent upon the nature and purpose of your app development project. If creating a dating application is among your objectives, charging download fees might not be wise; perhaps subscribing or offering in-app purchases are better solutions?
If you choose to develop a game app, chances are it will utilize in-app advertisements, subscriptions and purchases as sources of income.
Everything depends on your applications goal. Furthermore, subscription-based models of monetization have grown increasingly popular over time.
Read More: 8 Useful tips for Android App Development
Step 2: Analysis and Planning
Analyzing and Planning (Part Two). At this point, you have an idea, conducted some research, and have some sort of plan in mind for how best to proceed.
Now is the time to be practical and get all your details straight before beginning design or development of any sort.
Requirements For Functionality And Non-Functionality
As with any app development project, its purpose must be clearly articulated in advance. For example, creating one in the finance sector might necessitate creating one to manage credit cards, create accounts, generate statements etc.
Your functional requirements paper provides you with an outline of all the functions your program must fulfill and will allow you to understand which features need to be added to it.
Consider non-functional software requirements when developing software systems, since these requirements relate to performance issues that could have an effect on user experience and ultimately their perception.
Product Roadmap
Step two is to establish an apps road map. This step serves to outline your future plan and outline exactly how you will meet your end goals.
Your Minimum Viable Products (MVPs) need to be successful on day one, which requires taking note of every feature your app should possess and ranking its priority functions before considering which can be added later.
Technology Stack
At this final phase of analysis and planning, youll identify all necessary skills required for your mobile project.
Experienced iOS developers will be necessary for you to build an iOS application successfully, or someone familiar with cross-platform technologies like Titanium and Xamarin to develop multi platform apps.
Before moving ahead with anything else, dont neglect your technology stack.
Step 3: User Interface/Ux Design
App design is essential in providing users with an excellent user experience. Theyll quickly abandon your app if it looks confusing or has errors; making this step part of its success requires planning carefully if you want your app to become beloved by users.
Your user-experience (UI/UX) must be intuitive, engaging and user-friendly - these qualities must come together seamlessly as we explore each design area.
Keep this in mind as we discuss individual design areas.
Information Architecture And Workflows
One of the first steps of developing your apps information architecture is creating rules. Here you must select which data will be included, how it should be displayed and how users will interact.
Your information above allows you to construct workflow diagrams. These will prove extremely helpful in keeping track of possible user interactions while showing the navigation of your app.
Wireframes
Step two is creating digital sketches or wireframes - conceptual layouts which show all of your apps functionalities visually.
Wireframes of applications tend to concentrate on aesthetics and user experience in order to ensure an intuitive, seamless application thats simple for users to navigate and operate.
Style Guides
Style guides help to organize your branding and make it easier for you to find. These records typically contain the following design aspects of your app.
- Fonts
- Color scheme
- Instructions for spacing and positioning
- Buttons
- Widgets
- Other relevant design elements
A crucial component of any design plan should include style guides.They ensure that your apps look and feel is always consistent.
Mockups
Its now time to create mockups. These are your final visuals for your app, created by applying style guides to wireframes.
The most important step is to make sure that the design of your app is consistent.
Prototypes
Prototype development marks the final stage in the user interface/user experience process.
Prototypes allow you to simulate all aspects of an apps workflow and user experience before it has even been built, giving a much clearer sense of how the final version will function once finished.
Dont rush this step; it can take several months. A prototype should help identify any design or functionality errors you need to address and can even point the way towards improvements that should be implemented later.
Step 4: App Development
You can go to one of the most important phases in the development of your mobile application after the design phase.
Its usually made up of the backend and the frontend.
Backend
Backend development of an app involves the creation of databases and server-side objects responsible for performance optimization of an application.
Your project team will now select an appropriate programming language and begin developing your app, selecting database engines and hosting environments as necessary.
Backend development of apps is of equal importance as its overall scalability will ultimately decide their long-term viability.
If your user base grows exponentially, working with experienced software developers may help ensure a scalable system is developed.
Theyll guide you through each stage of software development so that everything runs smoothly and ensure your apps growth as your users increase.
Frontend
The frontend of a mobile app is the part that users will interact with the most. Three main approaches are used to build it.
Platform Specific- These applications are designed exclusively for each platform. The code is not reused for iOS and Android but instead optimized for both.
The cost might be higher, but it can be worth the performance and responsiveness.
Step 5: Mobile App Testing
Its now time to start testing your app. You want to ensure that the solution youve developed is secure, stable, and free of bugs.
Your app should be tested using five different methods to ensure the best quality.
Functionality- When you test the features of your app and make sure that everything is working properly.
Performance- When performing performance tests, its important to consider your apps responsiveness as well as how it will handle an increase in concurrent users.
Security- Data protection is paramount when building enterprise solutions such as mobile insurance apps or healthcare applications that operate in highly-regulated industries.
Consumer apps also need to inspire confidence in their users. Before moving onto the next step of testing, make sure that your app adheres to all security standards.
Device and Platform- As new mobile devices are released every year and operating systems are updated monthly, your application must be compatible with the latest versions.
It is important to test your application on different devices and simulators.
Extended Review- Its important to test your app with the final users before deploying it. You can either do a focus group, or a beta-launch of your application.
The key is to get as much feedback as you can.
Read More: List of the Top Android App Development Companies in 2023
Step 6: Deployment
Based on which platform your app was designed for, different distribution strategies must be employed.
Keep your mobile application deployment strategy straightforward: either privately distribute it or submit it for publication at Google Play Store and Apple Software Stores.
Both stores require you to fill out forms and submit an application, with App Stores typically being more stringent with application approval compared to Google Play or Microsoft.
Failure to meet standards could create serious complications.
For private distributions, Apple Developer Enterprise Program or Android Alternative Distributions may offer assistance.
Step 7: Supporting and Monitoring Performance
Its time for you to put on your analytical hat and start monitoring performance once your app has been launched and is being downloaded by users.
This step may take longer than developing an app and should be monitored continuously.
The following are some of the most important KPIs to consider:
- App downloads
- Active Users
- Average visit time
- Retention
- Churn
- Conversions
- Customer lifetime value
- Ratings
- Review
Dont overlook keeping track of app crashes, bugs and customer requests to allow yourself to optimize and refine your solution over time.
Keep in mind that once an application is live it does not end; rather it only marks its launch and begins its long journey of development and maintenance.
App updates must remain relevant with changes made by operating systems, review guidelines and performance standards to remain cost effective for you as an investor.
Without updating regularly you could invest in something which wont last as long before becoming outdated and useless.
Make sure that ongoing maintenance of your application is planned for, whether that means self-maintaining it yourself or hiring an outside company to handle this aspect.
Partner with an android app development company for post-launch assistance to avoid tedious maintenance work and ensure a successful product.
App Development: Key Considerations Before Starting The Process
You might seriously consider starting your own mobile project now that you understand the steps involved in app development.
Before you set aside a budget for software development, there are some things to consider.
1. Building A Mobile Application Has Strategic Relevance
Take the time to consider if you really need a mobile application for your business. Is this the next logical move in your digital plan? Are there other IT projects you need to take care of before this one?
Its not the cheapest thing to do. Even though it is possible to build a high-quality application on a budget, you should consider whether it is a priority or not.
2. The Differences Between Developing Apps For Enterprise And Consumer Use
Although the development process for enterprise applications will resemble that of consumer apps, there may be slight strategic variances depending on who will ultimately use them.
Before building something universally used by everyone else, its crucial that its unique qualities and commercial purpose are carefully considered.
Does your concept deserve such an investment?
If the mobile application will be used by employees of your organization, make sure you consider how you will incorporate their opinions and preferences into it.
Otherwise you risk creating something unappetizing to them all.
3. Outsourcing Or In-House Development
Your next decision must include whether to build the app internally or outsource to an outside partner, depending on your IT teams experience and ability to tackle a mobile application project.
If your company lacks its own developers or if they become overextended with another project, hiring outside vendors could also help reach your goals more quickly while creating tailored applications to best represent the organization.
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The Conclusion Of The Article Is:
As daunting a task as developing a mobile app may appear to be, success lies within its management and compliance with guidelines for its creation.
A thorough analysis should always precede development efforts.
Taken as a whole, these points suggest performing one task at a time and in their proper order. Avoid performing all tasks simultaneously or skipping steps - each is vitally important to ensuring a successful app development process.
Mobile applications are digital extensions of brands and provide customers with an engaging way to access your platform.
A successful app can generate revenue and gain trust among its target market.
