Mobile app development refers to the process of developing applications for mobile devices such as cell phones or tablets. The market for mobile applications is growing steadily, and nowadays it is almost surprising when a company or service does not offer an app.
Within just a few years, we have become accustomed to using apps in all situations. Our cell phones are always within reach, allowing us to quickly and conveniently make bank transfers or order food while on the go, pay for purchases, open office doors, or book our next flight. Apps have become an integral part of our everyday lives. According to a representative survey Germans will have an average of 31 apps installed by 2023, compared to 25 in the previous year. App usage is also expected to increase in 2024.
We spoke to Bartek, a computer scientist specializing in app development who has been working at Vialutions for two years, about app development.
Quote: “Developing apps is a lot of fun; every project is unique and interesting. The best feeling is when the app is available in the store and I can install it on my own cell phone knowing that I created it.”
Types of apps
Mobile app development is not just about applications installed on the device itself that are downloaded from the app store, but also responsive applications and web applications. The applications are divided into different types:
Native apps
These applications are usually created using tools and programming languages supported by the manufacturer of the respective platforms, e.g., iOS from Apple or Android from Google. For iOS, for example, the coding language Swift or Objective C is used, while for Android, Kotlin or Java is used. A native app is therefore developed for a specific operating system. Native apps offer the best possible performance and user experience for the respective operating system.
Hybrid apps
These apps are essentially browser applications in native guise. They are based on common web technologies but are packaged as native apps in a webview container. Hybrid apps can be used on both mobile devices and in browsers. According to Bartek, this approach is less popular, partly due to poorer performance. In addition, access to native functions is restricted.
Web apps
From a technical perspective, web apps are equivalent to mobile websites that can be accessed via a web browser. They are developed once and can be used with any operating system.
Mobile app development with Flutter
At Vialutions, we prefer to develop mobile apps using the Flutter framework.
Flutter allows apps to be developed cross-mobile, i.e., for iOS or Android as well as other platforms and even for web applications and desktop apps (Windows Client, MacOS App) based on a common code base. This makes it possible to develop apps for different platforms in just one framework, which saves a lot of effort both in the development itself and in future adjustments or enhancements.
As specialists in the development of customized software solutions and applications, our approach is agile. The advantage of this is that the customer is always closely involved in the development process, which increases the quality of the app and reduces effort and costs.
The phases of mobile app development
Consulting and concept phase
Do you have an idea for an app, ideally even with a business plan and marketing plan? Perfect. During the consulting and conception phase, we hold a joint workshop with the customer to discuss their wishes and requirements. We clarify the functionalities and discuss questions such as: Who should use my app? Which functions are necessary and which are nice to have? Which type of application is best suited to my idea? Once these basics and questions have been clarified and both sides agree on the way forward, the project can begin.
UX/UI design and klickdummy
Whether a design has already been finalized or there is only a rough idea, it is essential to consult UX/UI specialists at an early stage. This allows the app developer to concentrate on functionality while ensuring an optimal user experience. Design is even more important in the mobile environment: after all, the app has to look good on countless different devices, both in portrait and landscape format. Interesting insights can also arise when it comes to multilingualism, for example, if a longer German translation of a fairly short English term suddenly no longer fits on the designed button.
You can read more about the importance of UX/UI in our interview with our specialist Iga.
In this phase, a click dummy is often created first to show the customer visually how to navigate through the app. This enables a better mutual understanding of the project and can also facilitate the definition of the necessary functionalities. Startups often use the click dummy to illustrate their idea to potential investors.
Programming the mobile app
The next step is the actual programming of the app, or rather, enriching the click dummy with functionalities. As already described, there are various languages and approaches here, which we tailor to the customer's specific needs.
Testing the app
Extensive testing is essential before the app is released. At Vialutions, an experienced and well-coordinated team of testers ensures that the app does what it is supposed to do. With the agile approach, the app is improved iteratively anyway, so that no major problems usually arise at this stage.
Delivery and maintenance
Vialutions also provides support when it comes to the App Store. After all, apps don't just appear in stores by themselves. This process can be quite complicated in some cases. All apps are checked very carefully by Apple, Google, and others based on various guidelines. This can lead to pitfalls that an experienced app developer knows how to avoid. Normally, it takes about a week for an uploaded app to become available.
The ongoing maintenance and updating of the application should not be left out of the project. Changes and enhancements usually arise naturally from user feedback and your own ideas.
Bartek: “It's really cool to see that the app I developed is being downloaded by more and more users. The positive reviews are great feedback for me.”
Depending on the size of the project, the entire app development process can be completed in a few weeks, from the initial idea to sketching out the functionalities, design, and programming, right through to delivery. We are proud of our app projects, such as App DoctoRead, which enables medical texts to be translated into simple, understandable language.
Do you have an idea for an app? Feel free to contact us without obligation!