Category: Mobile App Engineering

10 Most Important Strategies for Mobile App Developers to Consider in 2021

Posted on by Super Admin Testreveal

The most pivotal fact around smartphones is that 2 billion people on earth are already using mobile devices which will soar to 4 billion by 2021. Of them, nearly 80% interact with mobile apps across various industry verticals for online shopping, on-demand service booking and in-app transactions.

With mobile apps providing the colossal potential for incredible business growth and customer engagement, it becomes momentous to build solid and substantial app development strategies for mobile app developers to achieve success

Being a business entrepreneur, you must hire a mobile app developer with perceptive and innovative strategies to create a powerful, competitive mobile app.

The reason you need a strong, carefully meditated strategy is that finding a little space on users’ mobile screen and capturing their attention is deeply challenging. Hence, developers must attempt to craft a mobile app that delivers terrific enhanced user experience.

The important strategies explained here could be the finest driving force of successful app for mobile app developers.

1) Platform Development

As mobile apps are quite different from websites, the process involves good level of complications including the decision as to which platform to choose for more business benefits.

Think whether Android or iOS will allow you to accomplish your goal or developing both will draw more crowd.

Since more than 60% mobile users interact with iOS and Android devices, these major platforms will offer more visibility to your app. Make sure you know the behavior and purchase preferences of your target audience while determining the platform of app development.

2) Target Audience

This is perhaps the best way to kick start your mobile app development journey, identifying actual users who will install your app. In fact, awareness on users adds precise directions and clarity in designing the detailed scope involved in the process.

Take some time off to scour the market and find out all about the target users, their country and interests, age groups and gender, platforms they prefer, etc.

This will also help you set the right goal and minimize your guess work, keeping the risks of limited usability to minimum.

For instance, ecommerce app will demand more illustrations whereas a social app should have interesting content and functions. After all, user satisfaction will be an ultimate key to long-term business success.

3) Native Apps vs. Hybrid Apps

Native apps are built for specific mobile OS individually in platform-specific language such as Swift for iOS and Java for Android.

Native apps bring out the best features in your mobile app since it uses latest technology of mobile devices and interacts directly with local device hardware environment (GPS, figure impression locking, camera) and software.

Hybrid apps on the other hand represent the combined form of native and web apps – a write once and deploy everywhere cross-platform system that enables apps to run on multiple OS (Android, iOS, Windows) and browsers (Chrome, Mozilla, Safari).

Built usually with web technologies (HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, Phone Gap, Titanium, jQuery Mobile, etc.), these cross-platform apps are easy to release among online app stores.

Read Also : 15 Best Programming Languages For Mobile Apps

4) UI/UX Design for Enhanced Engagement

What is a mobile app without an intuitive, stunning and engaging user experience? UI/UX is very important as it is impossible to conceive a mobile app without detailed consideration on it.

After all much of the credit for mobile app’s success is enjoyed by UI/UX design perfection. Developers should know that UI stands for interface whereas UX represents entire experience with a mobile app.

What is most significant here is maintaining the delicate balance between simple-to-understand UI and uncomplicated UX.

Users mostly judge and like your app based on how comfortable and happy they feel interacting with your app’s interface in the first go.

UI/UX design is especially of massive value if it is an ecommerce, gaming or social app since it represents the feel users have for your app.

5) Back-end Architecture

Designing the back-end structure is a choice that involves heavy technical resources since what appears to users on the front-end of the mobile app is because of what goes on in the back-end process.

In many scenarios, APIs help connect with mobile devices without custom-build app back-end. You can also create a mobile app without a back-end support with only database controlling the app.

Since the need for backend system varies from case to case, developers should first assess the project requirements and focus on cost and time before making a decision.

A-simple-hiring-process-is-now-possible

6) Development Method & Guidelines

Mobile app development is favored by certain discipline and methods that guide and assist developers in achieving their goals within timeframe with minimum rework.

Usually, mobile app development method is determined by the client business information, but it is always beneficial to adopt agile method that might take a few iterations before you have the final product ready.

Even Waterfall method also drives results if requirements are clearly known at the outset. Remember that following the guideline is as important as following the unique approach that suits specific platform since single method doesn’t work for all sorts of projects.

7) Device Screen Size

A mobile application should interact with users as intuitively as it fits into the device screen. The design part of the mobile app involves trying all the variations to match diverse screen sizes, which might get somewhat hectic.

It also covers how the app looks and feels when used on respective devices. In general, most common screen resolutions to address are 1200X768, 1280 X 720 and 1920X1080. Certain apps support certain range of screen resolutions consistently but may feel better on other screen sizes.

8) Performance Analysis

Even though an app is equipped with all the features and functions, its performance must be monitored and analyzed as frequently as possible to keep its usability up. No user is going to appreciate it if they experience sudden crash and annoying downtime instances.

If that happens, frustrated users will not only leave unfavorable reviews but quit your app forever.

Hence, take reviewing the app performance as seriously as success from the moment the app is launched and don’t take anything granted even as the app is released to the marketplace.

Do have technical experts keep an eye on its network conditions, server management, bug detection, etc.

9) Information Security Management

While downloading the app, the customers want to make sure using its content is completely safe and won’t harm their data security.

Having the most sensitive user information exposed or hacked would be the most unwelcome disaster – which can terminally destroy your business reputation.

To save your app from being less recommended, you may prefer cloud-based solutions after consulting with cloud-versed tools providers who create a refined blend of their industry knowledge and business expertise. Your app development partner must be aware of all the data protection essentials.

10) Awareness on App Marketing

This is the phase where app development companies and business clients come together to harmoniously strategize everything about mobile app marketing.

Here market research done and insight gathered would keep you abreast in your marketing arena.

Make sure you have both iOS and Android experts to market the app in respective stores if you have both Android and iOS app developed.

From keywords and app store optimization to logo and media exposure, the app marketing has to be done with future goals in mind and should offer long-term boost.

Read Also : Software Development Life Cycle(SDLC)

Final Words

Before you ever go ahead and commence the development process, it is important for mobile app developers to take time to define the basis of strategies and what all objectives they aim to target.

What follows afterwards in terms of design and development endeavors should essentially be the extension of what you have already nailed in your pre-development strategy brief.

app cost estimation

Businesses that deeply explore all the aforementioned strategies would confront minimum troubles and realize that their strategic efforts focused on delivering enhanced user experience will pay off and drive mobile app successfully.

Finally, mobile app developers are set to achieve best possible results had they decided to switch to innovative thinking during the creation of strategies.

15 Best Programming Languages For Mobile Apps

Posted on by Super Admin Testreveal

Programming languages act as the backbone of successful mobile apps. We use some apps almost round the clock or multiple times, right? Such mobile apps have achieved this impact through the right technology and programming languages behind the app. It is important to choose the best programming language out of the array of options available considering all its pros and cons, popularity, etc.

For mobile app development, the best programming language is different for every individual aspiring to become a developer. Before choosing the one, you must evaluate:

  • Type of projects
  • Your educational background and logical abilities
  • Your interests in front-end and back-end coding
  • Preferences for High-level and low-level languages

In this blog, we have curated the 15 Best Programming Languages for Mobile Apps.

JavaScript C++ Kotlin
Java Python C#
PHP Objective C Swift
HTML 5 Ruby Rust
BuildFire Js Lua SQL

 

#1. JavaScript

javascript - programming languages for mobile apps

JavaScript is an irreplaceable language so far. It is a highly reputed and usable language till time. JavaScript is considered best for mobile apps active on multiple platforms, web browsing, etc. It is easy to use, compile, and debug than other programming languages. The major advantage of JavaScript is that it is flexible on different systems.

JavaScript is greatly leveraged for developing desktop apps, back-end web systems, and Android apps. Developers rely on java for hassle-free app development offering agility and faster app development stages. It is believed that Java will be relevant until people use the internet.

Features

  • Highly scalable language.
  • Robust and Platform-independent
  • Easy to create reusable codes.
  • Automatic memory allocation & garbage collection.

#2. C++

c++ - programming languages for mobile apps

Being a popular general-purpose programming language, it has created successful app solutions. The language is active in both Android and Native app development. C++ enables developers to reuse or run the same program on diverse operating systems easily.

C lacked the object-oriented data approach that is replaced by C++ today. This language is significant in gaming app development, banking apps, and cloud-supported systems because C++ is very flexible in changing the environment.

Features

  • Readymade compilers and built-ins.
  • Low-level data manipulation
  • Complete control over memory management.
  • Multi-paradigm language.

#3. Kotlin

Kotlin - programming languages for mobile apps

Kotlin is one of the best programming languages. Its striking feature includes, highly operative with other programming languages such as Java that create reliable mobile apps.

This language is popular as the advanced version of Java. It is easy to create cleaner code than that of Java and fully supporting Android and SDK installation packages.

Features

  • One-stop language for app development
  • Needs reduced runtime.
  • Boosts up productivity.
  • Developer-friendly than Java.

#4. Java

java - programming languages for mobile apps

Being an all-time favorite language of many innovative apps, Java is object-oriented and easy to handle. The language provides exciting features resulting in robust app solutions.

Best known for Android App Development such as Android games, websites, and more. Java is blessed with a large community that helps users whenever they face technical issues.

Features

  • Develop best cross-platform apps
  • Higher code portability
  • Simplified platform-independent language
  • Bug-free app development

#5. Python

python - programming languages for mobile apps

People love using python for effortless app development stages. Ample users have enjoyed the perks of this language via enterprise or multiple category apps. Many leading portals like Indeed have curated python in their list of top 10 programming languages for mobile app development.

Python is interoperable with advanced technologies of AI, Machine learning, etc. Beginners and professionals can create prototypes and ideate their projects quicker than in other languages.

Features

  • Versatile open-source language.
  • Enhanced library support
  • A huge set of frameworks
  • Quick to deploy & flexible too.

Read Also : 15 Best Alternatives for Firebase 2020

#6. C#

c# - programming languages for mobile apps

C# is a higher-level object-oriented program founded on C itself. C# is active in native app development. . With similar syntax to that of Java and C++, it offers easy learning of the language.

This is a perfect language for producing gaming apps and has an innovative power of unity game engine too. The exciting features in this will rescue developers from common programming errors and memory leaks.

Features

  • Identifiable by developers knowing C family
  • Reduced operation time
  • Better security and performance
  • Supports distributed systems

#7. PHP

php - programming languages for mobile apps

WordPress content management is very robust and reliable with the PHP programming language. Facebook created its website back-end system with PHP. I. PHP is best for creating immersive content pages and easily embed them into multiple content management systems.

It has several built-in web development capabilities and a well-known server-side scripting language. Advanced graphical applications indulge Php as their building stone that is very dynamic and interactive.

Features

  • General-purpose programming language
  • Executable with Command-line interface.
  • Simplified web app maintenance
  • Protection from security attacks.

#8. Objective C

objective c

Objective C is one of the best programming languages used for mobile apps. Objective C is a mature language among them. It is popular for iOS and macOS app development and easily managed by many developers.

Objective C follows a nest coding style with a lot of legacy codes indulging in. The language itself is derived from C. It is visible that Swift is outgrowing objective C in several aspects, still, many developers enjoy working with the latter. It is easy to manage C and C++ along with Objective C.

Features

  • Supports dynamic run time
  • Long-lasting app experience.
  • Effective Large codebase
  • Efficient in managing memory

#9. Swift

swift

A winning programming language created by Apple in 2014. As we said above, swift is replacing objective C in iOS app development. There exist greater scalability and a clear syntax compared to that of objective C.

Apple itself announced that Swift is Objective C but without C. Its language is smooth and closer to the English language for developers to write it at ease and naturally. It overcomes any limitations of both C and Objective C with a speed and interactive interface so far

Features

  • Avoid application glitches.
  • Lesser programming efforts.
  • Easy and interactive compilations
  • Less error-prone language.

#10. HTML 5

html 5

HTML is a promising solution for building web pages. Likewise, HTML 5 is used for web-based mobile app development. It is a markup language comprising tags to present and structure the web-based content easily.

The advanced exemplary features of HTML 5 include multimedia support, multi-platform functionality, and more. Html 5 is the perfect choice for location-based and web frontend apps now.

Features

  • Inbuilt tools for media formats.
  • Faster loading via local cache or storage
  • Incredible flexibility on multiple platforms.
  • Offers offline Application Cache

Mobile-App-Cost-Calculator

#11. Ruby

ruby

Ruby is one of the best programming languages for mobile apps. Like PHP, it is also a general-purpose scripting language developing some leading website portals which include Twitter, Shopify, Bloomberg, etc.

A unique ruby feature is the developers can make changes as it supports dynamic typing facility without affecting the overall app development. The Ruby on rails language is completely free and streamlining functional app development and responsive websites

Features

  • 24/7 User community for assistance
  • Includes Cost-effective processes
  • Straightforward and Viable syntax
  • Flexible Code Optimization

#12. Rust

rust

With an almost similar syntax to that of C++, it gains a place in the best programming languages for mobile app development. This language is best suitable for embedded systems with low-level language apps.

The language enables easy compilation of codes by developers and it also effectively identify any errors in between. Rust follows a functional procedure throughout the app development following an optimized code generation process.  Rust is a famous, safe, flexible, and practical programming language for sure.

Features

  • Faster performance and intuitive
  • Safer memory management
  • Time constrained app creation.
  • Strong compilation feature.

#13. BuildFire Js

buildfire

Backend development with BuildFire is rapid as it makes use of Javascript and BuildFire SDK. The operation is easy as it contains in-built plugins that leave developers with fewer errors.

The major task they have to deploy is to code for specific features and functionalities needed in the app. A lot of businesses use this language with the least efforts and eliminates the need for a separate developer. Business operations are smoother as BuildFire can design apps for specific purposes at ease.

Features

  • Easy social network integration
  • Advanced development features
  • Cut short development time to 40%
  • Work with existing frameworks

#14. Lua

lua

Lua by its advent created a lightweight scenario of mobile app development. It is a multiparadigm programming language and focused on developing successful messaging app solutions.

It is considered one of the fastest programming languages offering user-friendly mobile apps for messaging with real-time analytics and security.

The latest Lua features include two touch conference calling, dashboard facility, instant file sharing, etc. Embedded applications with improved portability and speed are easy to create via Lua.

Features

  • Cross-platform support
  • Multiple application adaptability
  • Dynamic datatypes on the go
  • Easy to use interface

#15. SQL

sql

SQL is visible in almost every leading app tech stacks. It is one of the best programming languages deployed for database management. It efficiently supports applications rather than mobile app development.

Developers have to know this language as it is single must integrate with other languages for completing the app development process. SQL is both a client and a server-side language for relational databases and easy integration with java. Now, SQL is having an active role in business intelligence too.

Features

  • Popular query language
  • Easy & Optimized databases
  • Faster search and data retrieval
  • Higher consistency of data.

Read Also : 10 Best Services to Create Android Apps without Coding

Conclusion

The languages described above as best are determined to remain best even in the constantly changing software development world. Learning one language gives you the benefit of learning another one more rapidly.

cost-in-simple-steps

Once you get started, you will realize how vital it is to learn more than one language in enhancing your excellence in the domain.

SDLC – Software Development Life Cycle: Benefits, Stages And Models

Posted on by Super Admin Testreveal

Regarded as the crucial consideration before approaching the actual software development process, software development life cycle (SDLC) defines the industry standard and shapes the segments within the project.

In the world of IT initiatives, SDLC has a great influence on creating a comprehensive, well-managed structure of a development project while taking care of all the essential technical methods required to meet the ultimate fruition.

Slightly complicated yet quite substantial, SDLC follows certain compelling models and contains different phases starting from the ideation of the product to a complete fulfillment followed by the final release for the implementation.

Here we are going to explore the highly adoptable and flexible SDLC models that are practiced in modern times along with its popular benefits and stages.

What is SDLC?

From quality, accuracy and precision, the Software Development Life cycle acts as a methodical, systematic process for building software or a mobile application.

Regarded as an industry benchmark, SDLC basically ensures the quality part of work and emphasizes smooth flow and correctness of the end product. The end results down the SDLC process is high-quality software as expected by customers.

Abiding by the SDLC rules while shaping the product also affects or determines the time and cost taken to complete the project. Due to detailed plan and road map suggested by SDLC, one can easily look ahead and plan in advance and build software of their vision.

Each phase of SDLC cycle has its own value and deliverables, which eventually impacts the coming phases.

The basic importance of SDLC

  • Forms the foundation for project planning and scheduling
  • Helps estimate cost and time
  • Includes the project activities and deliverables of each phase
  • Boosts the transparency of the entire project and the development process
  • Enhance the speed and accuracy of development
  • Minimizes the risk potential and maintenance during any given project
  • Its defined standard improves client relations

What are the stages of SDLC ?

Every software development company goes through an array of stages as they embark on systematic process of development. From planning to design and development, here is a brief glance at the six essential stages of SDLC required to create flawless software:

Planning

sdlc

Without a clear, visionary plan in place, it is difficult to align everything with your project goals and judge all its strengths, scope and challenges involved.

The planning is to ensure the development goes easy and smooth, meets its purpose and achieve its desired progress within given time limit.

Analysis

sdlc

Analyzing the requirements and performance of the software through its multiples stages is key to deriving process efficiency.

Analysis always helps be in the know of where you exactly stand in the process and where you need to be and what it takes to pass through the next step down the path.

Design

sdlc

After the analytical part is complete, design is the next step that needs to look forward to. The basic aim in this phase is to create a strong, viable architecture of the software process.

As it works by a standard adherence, it helps eliminate any flaws or errors that may possibly hinder the operation.

Development

sdlc

Once the design is ready, the development takes over along with the efficient data management and recording. This is a complicated phase where clarity and focus are of great significance.

Post development, implementation comes in picture to check whether or not the product functions as expected.

Testing

testing

The testing phase that comes now is inevitable as it studies and examines the software for any errors and bugs that may cause trouble.

Read Also: Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC)

Maintenance

maintenance

If the software has performed well through all the previous five steps, it comes to this final stage called maintenance. The product here is properly maintained and upgraded as and when needed to make it more adaptive to the target market.

What are the Models and Approach ?

The following are a few considerable models and approaches that you can integrate in SDLC for your organization.

Waterfall

A little too old and rigid, the Waterfall is one of the old-fashioned SDLC models that are not much preferred in modern software development ecosystem.

The reason it is not favored much is that the model is run on a fairly inflexible structure conditioning that the entire set of requirements should be determined from the very beginning of a project. This limits the freedom and flexibility of actual design and development.

Upon completing the development, the product goes though the test for meeting its initial requirements. If it not good enough, it is to be revamped– which is a lot of work.

Usually, software development companies resist dealing with Waterfall though it still appears to be an effective model for the handful of projects.

Iterative

The iterative method, as the name goes, deals with several iterations throughout SDLC cycle. By keeping it like Waterfall, the Iterative approach repeats the method in several stages of development instead of spanning it as whole across entire SDLC.

The result is, each step of it seems like a mini-project itself, making it more effective and less rigid than Waterfall itself.

Similar to Agile, the model adds value as the product advances and reduces the involvement of external customers.

Read Also: 12 Best Mobile App Development Tools 2019

DevOps

DevOps is quite celebrated SDLC approach among today’s software companies and IT firms. DevOps helps streamline the delivery and support by putting together the development teams and operational teams. Companies with advanced resources can make DevOps work successfully.

As it marries two teams active in different departments, it creates a greater advantage in the long run. For instance, the changes implemented during the process become more fluid and rapid while keeping risks to its bare minimum.

hire mobile app developers

Agile

Agile defies basic Waterfall scheme of things and makes the entire process of design, development and testing an ongoing flow where developers, managers and customers all contribute together.

In a way, it breaks the shackle of treating everything as a part of huge steps.

Agile works by dividing the work in segments of few weeks which they also refer as Sprints. Teams handle the major chunk of customer-side requirements followed by testing.

Agile is friendly to startups and small companies that expect speed to be a major element.

V-Model

V-model is an evolved version of Waterfall approach with slightly different process steps. In this model, the next phase of development doesn’t really initiate until the previous one is done with.

This strict and limiting method is not usually recommendable for small-size projects with quick requirements. Due to its high risks and inflexibility, it might sound a little unfavorable.

Still, for projects with static needs or limited scope and early testing, V-model turns out to be easily managed and controlled.

Lean

Lean shares many aspects with Agile method including the way they both support faster delivery and continuous improvement model. The only difference is that lean model emphasizes best manufacturing practices that promise reducing excessive waste and efforts.

Since Lean SDLC approach focuses on diminishing waste (cost, scope, time) involved in any phase, it is more appreciated by organizations that believe in optimization of requirements related to hardware and procurement.

Prototyping

Prototyping is highly validated nowadays since at its base lies the idea of creating an early sketch of any newly introduced software or application.

The design team takes it on them to produce a product form that still doesn’t have full set of tested functionality. However, it is built to give customers a peek at what the mature product is going to be like.

Based on response and feedback gathered, Prototyping SDLC implements changes through the next phases. This low-risk model works well for companies adopting new technologies or are in its emerging state.

Read Also: 11 Steps To Create A Mobile Application

Conclusion: Pick the best SDLC approach

As you select the best from the pool of SDLC models, you must consider where your organization stands and what clients really expect.

Much of what you choose relies on the status quo of the existing market, standard practices and suitability of resources. There is no universal approach; one model is unable to fit every business structure.

mobile app development

While orthodox Waterfall works for some, Agile, DevOps or Iterative may seem flexible for others, or Prototyping.

You would like to consider consulting with a resourceful IT company before embracing an SDLC approach for your team from the list above.

Redbytes has enough expertise to help you know how different models come handy in certain business scenarios and industry environments. From our experience, we will guide you to the best fit for your software product.

Get a Free Ebook: Download PDF

 

12 Best Mobile App Development Tools

Posted on by Super Admin Testreveal

The prospects in the world of mobile app development has never been brighter with technologies getting smarter every coming day. Due to incredible breakthroughs and sensational innovations, the role of mobile apps is growing intense rapidly, becoming more engaging than ever.

Any company selling products or services and expecting exponential growth find it viable to build a dedicated mobile app that looks after their business goals. However, developing great mobile apps requires in-depth analysis of needs and resources to support the dream.

There are plenty of mobile app development tools and frameworks that can help you create app for single or multiple platforms. If you are willing to build an app from scratch, the following are the best app development tools for 2019.

1. Android Studio

Android presents unrepressed amount of opportunities for Android developers, with density of users owning Android smartphones hitting the peak.

Android studio is without a doubt a best Android app development tool in 2019 and is likely to stay like that in coming years. Android studio presents you with incredible resources, handy tools and other important features.

Updated regularly, Android studio gives you various design dimensions including dp, pt, mm, px, in, etc. You have Logcat, Dalvik, Manifest viewers built in this tool.

The neat status bar helps you get started quickly and lets your control permission manager for access management. Android studio is comprehensive with all required user-friendly developer settings that enable creating high-quality Android apps.

2. Xcode

Xcode is considered as the best iPhone app development tool for 2019 as it is wholeheartedly dedicated to helping iOS developers build impeccable, slick and highly engaging apps for Apple’s iOS platform.

Xcode comes with professional polished editor that lets you write flawless codes with advanced code completer, syntax highlighting and code folding.

It contains message bubble as well to give you warning of errors and code-related information so that you can correct or improve it in time. You can design and test the app UI and use its graphic debugger for more refined results.

Using iOS SDK, you can build cocoa touch apps which you can run and test in Mac simulator. Due to its rich features, Xcode must cross the mind of iOS developers.

3. Xamarin

Xamarin is compatible cross-platform framework based on C# that app developers can leverage. The best trait about the tool is that it allows users to work with native IDEs, APIs or languages.

This quality makes Xamarin a preferred choice of tool for building native applications. This wonderful tool enables data access across multiple platforms and reuses business logic layers.

This attribute of Xamarin gives developers a handsome advantage while implementing specific functions such as local data, offline capability, image recognition and more.

The framework is quite useful for creating apps for popular mobile platforms: Android, iOS and Windows.

The tool also allows developers to monitor quality and function tests run on a variety of devices, which improves development efficiency and results in more robust, reliable and scalable applications.

4. XOJO

XOJO is another grand option for developing apps for iPhone devices in 2019. Revered for its simplicity, the tool allows developers to work on building mobile apps faster and experience better efficiency. It works as a cross platform tool and has all the rich features as desired by a developer.

It provides generous support for graphics, DB servers, IPs so that you can build any kind of apps, bringing imagination to reality. The tool has minimum distractions which helps developers focus on essential elements for shaping outstanding apps. XOJO is a great option especially when it comes to building a brilliant app interface.

5. PhoneGap

PhoneGap is a versatile open-source app development tool from Adobe and is most sought after by new-age app developers because of its abundant benefits.

This tool allows you to create a single app that works on most all mobile device platforms like Android, iOS and Windows.

These apps also support other platforms including BlackBerry, iTouch, iPad and Symbian. This is the biggest advantage app developers have with PhoneGap.

The app built with this tool are compatible with HTML5, JavaScript, CSS3. The tool interacts best with native device elements such as GPS, camera, accelerometer, sound and more.

The framework has broad library of components that you can use to improve app functionality. Its immense flexibility saves time and efforts spent on building apps of great quality.

6. Appcelerator

Appcelerator is the name that itself hints at accelerating the app development process, and it does so by letting developers create apps with succinctly thin lines of code.

It is basically a Titanium platform popular on Twitter, which developers can leverage to build native apps for mobile platforms, desktop ad tablet devices.

It works well with JavaScript, HTMS, Ruby, PHP and Python languages. Appcelerator has a spoken reputation of powering more than one thousand native apps every month.

The tool is quite a preferred choice for many developers as it benefits them generously in the matter of location information and APIs and customizable metrics. It also offers real-time analytics for performance monitoring and finding issues.

7. NativeScript

NativeScript is an open-source app development tool to make Android and iOS mobile apps.

The tool is free to use and does not really confine your usage with a tier unlike a few other tools providers. All its advanced features can be utilized by anyone with app development skills.

You can build mobile apps for iOS and Android using Angular, JavaScript or even TypeScript along with NativeScript.  It has incredible ability to support hundreds of useful plugins that help extend the role of functionality. NativeScript is great for those who has previous app development experience and knowhow on command line.

8. Ionic

Ionic framework is CSS based development tool that works on many OS. Simple and easy-to-use, Ionic can also be integrated with Angular JS framework especially when there is a need to build more complicated, high-performance apps.

It is an open-source SDK that is widely used for making hybrid applications along with web technologies like HTML5 and CSS.

It has an expansive library of mobile-optimized HTML, CSS and JS components and tools. Uniqueness of its features and services and good community support makes Ionic a great framework for building interactive mobile applications.

9. GameMaker

GameMaker is a cross-platform videogame creation tool to develop intricate games that can be playable on different operating systems like iOS, Android, Mac and even on HTML web.

The tool offers an intuitive interface from where developers can easily manage and monitor all the relevant phases of mobile game app development.

Its unique features and amazing functionality makes it stand out from the other game makers technologies in the market.

GameMaker is a complete, simple and fully-fledged video game development tool that provides a range of options and intuitive flexibility to build fascinating games.

10. Monocross

Monocross is yet another open-source cross-platform mobile development framework with which you can build dazzling apps for Android smartphones and tablets, iPhone iOS and iPad systems, Windows, etc. It relies on C#, .NET and Mono framework in order to create mobile apps for multiple platforms.

Versatile and efficient, Monocross makes it easier to port apps across platforms and works nicely for any devices that are webkit-enabled.

We find the tool singular solution for mobile app development in 2019 because it helps businesses extract the best from the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of mobile platforms.

11. RAD studio

Quick, rapid and user-friendly, RAD studio is a great mobile app development solution especially for integrated build of modern apps.

It works surprisingly well with all sizes of target device screen and completes the mission quite speedily. Its speed for designing a better UI gets a boost from live data, making the development process a lot easier.

Depending on how UI design receives data, the tool helps build prototype in no time. Highly feature-rich, the tool also allows you to run your app’s UI on multiple Operating systems by means of flexible FireUI multi designer. RAD studio can therefore be considered as a terrific app development tool in 2019.

12. MoSync

MoSync comes handy for standard web programming and as an SDK tool for multi-platform mobile app development. The unique and most commendable aspect of the tool is its ability to offer generous libraries, compilers, device profiles, runtimes and many other vitals.

MoSync is quite compatible with programming languages including PHP, Python, JavaScript, Ruby and even Eclipse-based IDE for C/C++ programming.

Apart from Android and Windows, it also supports other popular operating systems like Symbian, Linux distro and Moblin. For these traits, MoSync becomes a considerable mobile app development tool for 2019.

Conclusion

These was the list of a few best mobile app development tools you can adopt for 2019. Efficient and unique, each of them has amazing potential to fulfill your project requirements and deliver an app for both Android and iOS. Hope you will find them usable in 2019 while building mobile apps with these tools.

9 Most Essential Tips For Successful Mobile Game Development

Posted on by Super Admin Testreveal

The mobile game development market is both rewarding as well as challenging, stimulated with a lot of incredible opportunities for mobile game developers. Many companies have hit the top notch by making stunning games. However, it is undeniable that only a few games become profitable and joins the league of successful games. While the speculations about game’s future are high, certain important guidelines can help you improve your chance to beat others in the app store.

In this blog you are about to dive into top 9 most essential tips to develop a successful game for popular mobile platforms. Implementing these ideas, you can ensure that you game get acknowledged quickly in today’s booming mobile game market. Let’s start with major reasons for game failures:

Factors that impede mobile game success

Usually, mobile games often fail to capture its audience and get low scores because:

  • Lack of creativity and innovative appeal
  • Interesting monetization tactics
  • Banal features and lack of engaging elements
  • Poor user acquisition
  • Complicated or confusing game play

To help your game acquire more users and reach smashing success, the following are the essential tips:

1) Research to outsmart the competition

Online app stores are infused with tens of thousands of games at the moment. Hence, there is a pretty enough chance that there is already a few good games similar to the one you are trying to build. This is why it is crucial to do serious research on your game idea to ensure it is original or has original, more appealing elements for users. Download and explore all the games that fit close to the one you have in mind.

Determine the game platform

After you are sure you have a clear vision and a viable idea of game type, it is time to identify the best platform for success. Think of what platforms are trending and have humongous influence on users. Mobile Platforms (iOS, Android, Blackberry, Hybrid) set the foundation for game development. Since every platform comes with its own pros and cons, it is important to pick the right choice which depends on:

  • The target audience for your game
  • Technical requirements and graphics
  • Processing speed and available resources

If you are muddled between iOS and Android, it is judicious to opt for both the platforms as long as you believe your idea is resilient and functional. When you launch games on multiple platforms, you can reach maximum audience with increased visibility.

UI/UX Design should be a stunner

You have a greater chance to attract and engage more users if your mobile game carries an intuitive, user-friendly and compelling UI. In an effort to make UI more appealing, make sure you don’t overwhelm users with too many complicated controls. If you game promises massive play, design a set of instructions that introduce users to game structure and get them on board.

Also, your game design graphics should not blur or create distorted pictures on high resolution screens. Consider all screen sizes and resolution quality well before actually designing the game graphics.

Create addictive stories

Stories sell quickly especially if it is mobile game development. Be it fantasy games or strategy gameplay, beautiful stories fascinate users, bring objects and characters into a context and enhance game’s worth. A good meaningful storyline makes players addicted to your game, ultimately increasing user interest and engagement.

There is no specific formula that turns your game into an addiction. Keep up your creativity and find out why these big titles are big. You may require multiple iterations before the game is what it should be.

Create social engagement

Social media a blazing fad that drives engagement to your mobile game. People love to share victories, rewards and performance score with other members and connect with more users. Integrating social elements  improves community value and triggers word-of-mouth publicity.

Hook users with sensational sound effects

Every mobile game development buff knows how important it is to include music that obsesses users with the game. The best way to weave a musical surprise for users is to leverage open source library of game sounds. You can either pick free audio effects or custom-create your own. Your game has a better chance to be a brand and attract more audience with custom music. Users appreciate creativity of sound effects especially if it is in mobile games since it sets gaming vibes and mood.

Don’t prioritize Monetization

Although the mobile game development has business expectations, while building beautiful games of immense value it is better to keep aside the intents of monetization. Dedicate your time to creating the best game play possible. Make a monetization strategy after the game is up and in demand.

Read also : How To Create an App and Make Money

The stacks are high: you have to beat thousands of competitors, create the original and addictive and attract maximum users. If you fulfil all these criteria, the game will definitely earn you well.

Practice relentless testing standards

It is every game developer’s religion to test the game app for bugs, crashes and functionality of games they build. Users don’t install the game to experience obstacles in their play. They seek smooth, hassle free performance and enjoyable hours of engagement. Prepare a draconian testing format and pass your game through all the rigorous test routines on target platforms. Don’t limit the testing to just yourself. Instead, you can hire game testers or QA freelancers and ask your friends to for honest opinions.

Introduce frequent updates

The best way to receive more retention for your mobile game is to launch MVP with a promise of scaling it up with additional characters, levels and essential layered elements. This can be done during marketing and promotional campaigns as well. Asking people for their initial feedback can help you design new creatives and introduce more updates. Gradually, you will see a viral wave around the game. As you evolve game constantly with new features and updates, user retention improves.

Be creative and proactive for Marketing

Game will not become famous on its own. You have to be proactive and prepare for the launch from scratch. Your branding activities must reflect your ultimate goal and vision so that it becomes easy to launch and promote the game, and for the game to be absorbed in the market.

Blogging: Pull in massive traction from online influencers and communities who share similar tastes in the field. If you are not good with words, you may contact bloggers who can write about your new game, promote it and help make it more discoverable and visible. Blogging is also effective for increasing downloads and branding.

KPIs: Determine the clear objective and vision along with key performance indicators (KPI) from the beginning. Try to figure out custom KPIs to go beyond the general factors and dig up more specific changes that can boost game’s performance and put big impact on different user groups.

Localization: To make your mobile game achieve wide éclat, you ought to constantly seek stepping into new markets. Localizing the mobile game makes global distribution much more effective, rapid and profitable. The faster you reach the target user community, the more chance for terrific success.

Final words

Despite general belief that mobile game development is only full of fun and no challenges, bringing the concept to reality for game developers is a cumbersome process.  The job is both stressful and rewarding. Set clear and realistic expectations from the very beginning. Mobile game development success formula involves solid development skills and creative marketing. Those who have clear vision and awareness of upcoming challenges can attain gratifying results.

Read also : How To Create A Chat Application Successfully

App Development Challenges And How To Overcome Them

Posted on by Super Admin Testreveal

The mobile app development market is flooded with countless apps that are designed across different platforms. However, only a few of them could achieve a firm space on users’ mobile screens.

A perfect mobile application is a result of an intuitive interface, speed of loading, attractive features, offline functioning, ease of navigation, and security of in-app data.

With the availability of cutting-edge technologies and widespread use of mobiles, many enthusiasts are funding new mobile applications for their business. Making a mobile app a huge success means overcoming certain hurdles encountered during the development process.

app cost estimation

So, why is mobile development difficult, and how we can overcome that? Challenges can include everything from the basic app performance and productivity, integration challenges to the end-user experience.

The app developers should make a dedicated effort to address the old as well as the unseen challenges to make a long-lasting impact. More importantly, they have to find effective ways to monetize the efforts.

The blog lets you learn about the diverse challenges in mobile app development and the comprehensive solutions to overcome them.

Technical Mobile App Development Challenges

Creative and Natural interactions: The way the internet has offered an interconnected world and how we all remain connected in two-way communication has triggered a lot of interesting discussions.

Read Also : 15 Best Programming Languages For Mobile Apps

In fact, users can interact with their mobile screen with even more speed and ease if in-built advanced sensors of the devices are leveraged. This presents as another challenge as well as an opportunity for developers during the development.

Remedy:

  • To ensure that your app has the best interactive design that is user friendly, make it an essential part of the design strategy
  • Do not place the interactions design in the later phase of the development as it will cost a lot of time
  • Give users more to play with and introduce more than basic (swipe and tap) physical gestures of interactions
  • Improve their app experience by allowing them to play with different motions like tilting, shaking, and flipping

The simplicity of UI: Unlike a fashion house where fancy haute couture is highly appreciated, the mobile app user interface is something where simplicity is expected. Making the UI complicated or confusing will repel users and give them a reason to uninstall your app.

Remedy:

  • Make UI easy-to-understand
  • Create consistency in navigation
  • Utilize a clear and simple structure
  • Avoid adding complexities within functionalities
  • Make the menu titles and content comprehensible

Creating apps with remarkable aesthetics: Your app will have no value and receive a weak response if it does not offer pleasant aesthetics to users. Users tend to choose apps that instantly capture their eyes and compel them to look inside. The pressure of creating noticeable apps, therefore, is high, which poses a big challenge.

Remedy:

Make your app a stunner by introducing the finest visual elements that leave a lasting impression for users. Try to design the kind of graphics and features that seems simple but having the potential to amaze users. To address this challenge, do the following exercise:

  • Research into popular apps
  • Know your target audience
  • Remember the aim of the app
  • Find out the colors of attraction
  • Incorporate purpose with icons, buttons, and navigation
  • Be unique and innovative

Data security: Digital interactions are wireless and offer great convenience though it comes with a price. It creates an opportunity for hackers to breach and steal data of value. Also, your apps could be vulnerable to malware attacks. This could be a serious problem when users engage with your app and give away their personal information.

Also, software or hardware disintegration issues can cost you a lot of money and time to resolve. Unlike iOS, Android has no specific instructions and guidelines for data security which means that developers will have the added responsibility of developing and maintaining a data security approach.

Remedy:

  • It is advised that developers engaged in a project should practice encrypting anything shared by users while interacting with the app
  • It is a good practice to encrypt everything inside your app’s DNA
  • You can also protect the data by developing a backup of the program so that it goes to the archive at regular intervals

Non-Technical Mobile App Development Challenges

In-depth market insight: Before marketing comes the term ‘market.’ If developers are not conversant with what trends and technologies are making rage in the market, it will be a terrible hardship to meet the purpose for which the app is built. Market knowledge also refers to the competition existing in the similar target market you pitch for.

Remedy:

  • Find out the reasons for the popularity of competitor apps
  • Learn about modern trends, techniques, and technologies
  • Gather insight about your audience’s behavior
  • Discover the problem points that only your app can solve
  • Know about features that can touch the lives of users
  • Grow awareness about app store optimization
  • Give a sharp eye to mobile app statistics

Development approach: As we know, the right start always takes you in the right direction and the same is the case of mobile app development. Choosing the suitable from the many development platforms and frameworks available is the key. Lack of proper development approach and development timelines can screw up the whole process.

Remedy:

  • Do a detailed study to decide whether to go for simple web-based development or choose a hybrid or native development.
  • Strategize UI & UX needs before finalizing the decision
  • The nature of the business and the possibility of plans in the future should be considered
  • Integration challenges should be met by handling diverse SQL and back-end databases
  • Know your target audience and the exact purpose for which the app is built

Customer Reviews & Experience: The app design should always be built with end-users in mind. After all, they will be the ones who use the app and do real-life evaluations. With options for customer reviews and experience in app stores, negative reviews and comments can affect the popularity of the app and this can lead to losing potential customers.

Remedy:

  • Make sure to keep your app design as simple as possible
  • Include icons and thumbnails to improve end-user experience
  • Effortless navigation within the app should be given priority

Improving performance: Apart from design elements and interactive capabilities, app performance also plays a vital role when impressing its users. The performance of the app should not be at the cost of draining battery life.

Also, the least expectation of the users is to have an app with no crashes or bugs. Moreover, the app should be using very minimal space on their device. So, the challenge is to create something that is flawless, intuitive, and aesthetic but that consumes optimal power.

Remedy:

  • Always test your app for its general and battery performance.
  • If possible, create a Beta version and run test cases
  • Analyze the results fed by test users to take remedial actions
  • Launch an MVP to minimize the damages

Win the attention of potential users: The reports say almost a million apps got submitted into the app store in the last 3 years. And that is why being a good app and a successful app makes the difference.

There are many good apps that just got vanished from the app market in a matter of a few months or years. Making a successful app is another big challenge faced by mobile app developers.

Remedy:

  • The prime strategy is to win the attention of the potential users
  • Perform good research to know what an end-user expects out of such apps
  • Build good strategies to penetrate the market effectively
  • Make the client understand the importance of app marketing and promotion

Challenge In Mobile Design

Tackling different screen sizes: To surprise and delight worldwide mobile users, makers introduce devices with varied screen sizes. So, developers must develop a mobile app that functions consistently across multiple devices. Screen quality is another major challenge down the path of app development.

Remedy:

  • Responsive design is an ideal solution to this problem as it offers flexible adjustments to fit the screen size
  • The one-size-fits-all solution adjusts itself across a range of device platforms and screen sizes

Compatibility with different handsets: The limitations of devices based on their in-built technologies is one of the biggest challenges for mobile app development. Making sure that the app reaches the end-users despite the type of devices they are using is a big challenge.

Remedy:

  • Like we have already mentioned, the app design should be inclusive of various screen sizes, resolutions, and pixel densities
  • The app should be equally accessible for users with mobile devices, tablets, or other smart devices

Dealing with different operating systems: In addition to all, one of the major problems faced in mobile application development is the efficiency of the app while running on different operating systems. In most cases, they stick to just 1 or 2 common operating systems to develop an app, but it will cost you many potential users.

Remedy:

  • To address OS-related compatibility, it is a good plan to first release a Beta version
  • The bug fixing process needs to be performed in all available operating systems.
  • Make a detailed app design suitable for cross platform development
  • Consider the diverse UI objects and patterns that are specific to certain operating systems.

Challenges In App Development as A Developer Working on A Client Project

The pressure of limited time frame: App development companies are told to provide an estimation on the timeline along with other project essentials. Promising a fixed time frame to complete the project can result in pressure among developers and it can get even worse if some sudden technical challenges come from nowhere.

Remedy:

  • If it is necessary to give an estimation, make it a little flexible. Consider unexpected hurdles and the time it may take to solve them before finalizing on project delivery date
  • If possible, stay away from committing a precise date and try to give a rough month of delivery so that you will have some time to fix the uninvited tech problems

Estimating the proper funding: Building an app is never a one-time investment as it seems from a distant view. To cope up with the competitive apps and to improve the performance on the go, the app should be updated at least quarterly or as and when it needs.

Read Also : Software Development Life Cycle(SDLC)

The client may not be aware of this while deciding on the funding and it can lead to later chaos.

Remedy:

  • The app developer should be able to do a rough estimate of the possible updates needed in the future.
  • Give a clear idea about the extra funding needed for updates beforehand to the client.
  • Make presentations regarding the usual cost needed for regular updates and what you will be doing differently to make it optimal. This move will surely win the confidence of the client.

The difference between concept and reality: There is often a huge divide between the way clients envision the app to be and what developers visualize it during the design. There will be a lot of requirements regarding app design from the client-side and developers can come across many surprises while trying to make it practical. The difference between the concept and reality is a challenge that puts a lot of pressure on developers.

Remedy:

  • Keep your client updated on how the process is going and what resources will be needed to fight the challenges
  • Persuade the app owner to understand the adversities involved in the process, which may require frequent iterations before the app approval.
  • Clarify on points that signal any doubts. Avoid any confusion and find a way to resolve it before it is too late to turn back. Make sure that the product at the end of the work looks the same as discussed at the beginning

Best Tips for App Developers to Be in The Game

Going by the trend in the last decades, technology will only get better and intelligent day by day. So, in order to stay in the limelight, app developers should make serious efforts to grow with the technology.

This simply means to stay updated by learning new skills and do enough research and learning to think differently and be ready to do more than normal. Here are a few tips that might be a great help for developers to stay in the game:

  • Educate others and learn new skills from others
  • Always use healthy, updated, and well-known libraries
  • Always choose from widely used design patterns and not your favorite
  • Make use of all available resources to keep yourself updated
  • Develop a strategic approach to the app development, deployment, and management

Final Words

In a nutshell, before the outset of the mobile app development process, the concept of the app idea always looks practicable. However, as it moves to different phases, mobile app developers begin to encounter unforeseen challenges.

Only the veteran app development firms can invest industry-grade resources, innovations, and creativity required to overcome them in the first place itself.

However, we hope this blog has given even the fresher developers enough idea to anticipate the possible unseen circumstances and make adequate preparation to overcome the various challenges.

More than just the technical skillset and the experience, it is all about how you respond to the different situations. The key is to build a better user experience and app developers should make the best use of the boundless opportunities around them.

How to Build an App?

Posted on by Super Admin Testreveal

If you have never attempted for building a mobile app, the idea of building one now may seem a little more challenging. Let’s face it, if you are going to make an app from scratch, you will encounter tons of advices and recommendations. Of course, you can think of hiring an app development company. However, one must realize the purpose of building the app.

Do you want to become an app entrepreneur, or resolve a certain problem? You must have a clear idea in your brain before you venture into the domain of mobile app development. Once you do, you can gather strong insight to make your vision a reality.

To give you a brief sketch, here is the list of steps you need to build a successful mobile app:

1.Put Your Objectives on Paper

Before you start thinking about complex coding and design elements, define what you wish to achieve. The technology part comes much later. First, some of the questions you need answers to are:

  • What is it that your app would do for you?
  • What problems is it going to address?
  • Will users fall for your app design or idea?
  • How will it add value to the life users?
  • Have you thought about app marketing?
  • How a mobile app will drive growth to your business?

These questions are goal finders and will help you come up with a strong strategy to achieve it. A lack of direction and vision means fruitless efforts. So try to define the clear objective of having an app.

To envision the app success, first try to figure out your audience and why they would interact with your business. Whether online or offline, users want to see what benefits they would get from it. If they find none, they will simply abandon your app.

After the audience comes your own business plan. Your future app can touch many areas of your current business like customer retention, ROI, repeated business, brand engagement, productivity, operational cost and brand awareness.

2.Define Your App Functionality & Features

After following the first step, you are sure about what you want to accomplish by making the app. Now its time to consider the internal content of your app. At this stage, you can go on to be creative and define your mobile app’s scope that includes most functionalities and features. Note down all these essentials you need to perfect the solution and achieve desired goals.

You can do as much as you imagine especially when nowadays there are many paid as well as open source plugins shared by online community. Make sure you add features that truly add value to customers.

The mantra is, to first start with all the typical elements followed later by innovative tweaks that can interest and engage the audience gradually.

3.Wireframes and Use cases

Wireframe means a lot in the world of mobile app development as it adds vivid clarity to the app making idea. Wireframe is a stage where foundation of your app is built. With a mature, well-shaped sketch of what your app will look like, Wireframe contains the skeleton of your design and its functional elements. It walks you through your app’s layout and flow.

As you go online, you will discover a reliable amount of wireframing websites that help you bring your idea to life and see the possibility becoming a reality. You are through with the objectives and desired functionalities of your app and have done your market research.

The visual guide of your wireframe helps you:

  • Measure what all users can achieve
  • Clarify your app’s future potential
  • Grasp the thought process involved in use cases
  • Understand the stages and steps required to complete each task
  • Optimize the flow and user’s journey to fulfil each goal
  • Revamp the design layout and find the most functional screen
  • Eliminate unnecessary flaws and confusing elements
  • Reduce development hours and even resultant cost

You can prepare the wireframes both online and offline. Offline method involves pen and a paper or ready made templates. Some of the thinkable online options include: Fluid UI, Adobe Suite, Proto, Moqups, Gliffy, Mockflow, JustinMind, Pidoco, Protoshare etc.

For better results, you may try one mock-up for each use case which includes the entire screen flow users take from opening your app to completing a task.

4.Shape the back-end of your app

At this stage, you go a step beyond building a wireframe and truly start developing your app. Using the storyboard of app functioning, you can design back end and examine the functionality.

Create the clear flow of diagrams that contains servers, APIs and database. For this purpose, you can either choose do-it-yourself app builders or go for tools that do it for you. Alternatively, if you are fresh in the business, you can ask reliable back end service providers that offer services of hosting and app data usage.

Don’t lose the clarity or add confusion in this phase. Create clear diagrams so that everyone working on the project can work in precise directions. In case of technical struggle, your wireframe should reflect the changes.

Here are the good examples of back end services for you: Parse, Kumulos, QuickBlox, Amazon AWS, Appery.io, Kony, Microsoft Azure etc.

5.Test the Wireframe

Before you move on to the next crucial phase of app development, it is time to test the user experience and flow of your app based on its visual representation.

Testing the wireframe will result into understanding of the ease of screen flow, detailed use case analysis and areas where improvement is needed. This exercise will save you frustrating repeated hard work in the future.

Testing Solutions

There are certain online prototyping tools that allow designers to generate highly interactive wireframe. You can even connect the static mock-ups and use cases with its online capabilities to simulate the wireframe for the purpose of testing.

All you have to do is simply put your project in there and create a new prototype and start testing the screens. Some of them are all-in-one tools that also enable you to share it with your colleagues and customers to assess users’ full journey in the app. Some of the useful tools for use case simulation are InVision, Justinmind, Marvel, Photo.io, Sketch etc.

6.Build the app

This step is the most crucial to seeing the well-determined face of your mobile app. At this stage, a lot of things are mulled over before implementing any app development action. One of the points of brainstorming while building the app is whether to choose Native app development or Hybrid apps.

            a) Native app development:

Based on a chosen operating system, you build your app from scratch for separate OS. In native app development, it takes heavy coding efforts as one needs to focus on both Apple app store (iOS) and Google Play store (Android) independently.

Despite being gruelling and expensive, native apps will result into robust and reliable performance. The downpoint is, two separate developer teams are employed for both the platforms for separate code bases. For this reason, any custom feature will take a few weeks or months before its deployment.

            b) Hybrid apps:

It uses cross platform mobile app framework that allows you to build apps across multiple platforms. The pro is that the same code base is distributed across different OS.

If performance is not a big problem for developers, Hybrid apps offer amazing ease and speed of app development. They work on a single code base that is deployed on both Android and iOS.

Some of the widely preferred framework options for hybrid apps are Xamarin, Phonegap, Ionic, Framework7, Appcelerator Titanium, Onsen UI, Sencha Touch, Kendo UI.

With the help of app builders, the puzzle will make sense as database, server and APIs are synchronized to work together. During the app building process, you may sign up and make an account in Play store or Apple store to launch the app in time.

7.Create User Interface

Creating a finest UI for your app is again one of the most critical stages of app design and development process. Here designers will use their creative knack and imaginative mind to carve the design of interface that can attract millions of users.

Always remember that UI is not just about creating fascinating aesthetics, but it should also reflect how easily app users can navigate. Try to process every feedback you received from testers so that your final interface design reflects them and leaves no scope of disappointment.

Ask your graphic expert to give you high resolution screens with impressive visual appeal from the wireframe you prepared earlier. To reiterate, always prioritize the need of users when working on the look and feel of your app. User feedback are indeed the best resort for building an impeccable UI.

8.Test your app

After your have accomplished developing the mobile app, it is time to test your product. This is to ensure your app is bug-free and delivers intuitive user experience.  There are two types of tests: internal and external.

Internal testing has you and the people from your own team pretending you all are users. It helps identify any bugs or UX problems.

In external testing, people who test and try your app are not familiar with your app. This tests help scoop up the kind of bugs and UX flaws that you could not detect through internal testing.

Some eminent app testing tools you may consider are: Katalon, Appium, Ranorex, eggPlant, Calabash, Sauce Labs, Robotium etc.

Live Environment Beta testing

You have already filtered your app through many stages of testing to produce an excellent, fully functional app. Now you need to test it for the live environment.

For Android app, the process is simple unlike iOS where the environment is austerely controlled. For Android, just upload your app apk file on any Android device and start testing it.

For beta testing, iOS urges you to use a special platform called TestFlight. Apple believes in specific discipline and precise directions to use its beta platform. Here you have an opportunity to get reviews about your app from beta testers so that your app will be polished further before going live.

9.Release and Launch

At this point, you can see your app idea transformed into an app reality. Hopefully, your app will solve users’ problem or has features that will attract them. Now the product is ready to venture out in the world. So start distributing.

When it comes to marketing and launching your app, Android and iOS both work differently. It is easy to release the android version to Google Play store and see your app getting downloaded. In Apple store, your app will be reviewed first. Hence, it may take a week or so before it goes live in iOS market.

To make your app visible and searchable in the app store, you will need to optimize the app for respective stores, which is called ASO (app store optimization). Many a time, ASO tricks are enough to get your app to be noticed by users within the store.

However, there are many other ways to promote your app outside the app store such as:

  • Email Marketing
  • Content Marketing
  • Social Media Marketing
  • Press Releases

Last Word:

Either your hire an app development company or do it all yourself, make sure you have all the knowledge and resources for building a successful mobile app. You must be conversant with what all the efforts that go into creating a functional, aesthetically pleasing and user-friendly app. You will find a wealth of resources and community online to usher you down the path. Hopefully, the steps explained here will ease your concerns and enlighten you.

Fundamentals of Mobile App Development for a Start-up

Posted on by Super Admin Testreveal

Year after year, the need to realize that mobile apps has become the formidable tool to attract customers and drive sales has inspired businesses to invest in mobile app development. The mobile-first strategy stems from the fact that the use of mobiles not only helps customers engage with the products but also allows them to interact and respond to what they experience. Be it shopping online or chatting with friends, mobile app users remain increasingly dedicated to their personal devices for assorted purposes.

The reason why today’s companies, big or small, are thinking of having a business mobile app is that more than 50% of people in the world uses smartphone. It comes as no surprise that nearly 70% of the global internet traffic is coming from mobile devices.

Such an enormous amount of mobile users offers a solid ground for business owners and marketing strategists to build a viable app.

A survey from Clutch.co reveals that close to 47% of small businesses across the US view the launching of their mobile apps as a wise investment and a fruitful plan for future profit.

However, to meet the rising demands from customers is a massive challenge for both business app owners and developers. Building complex enterprises apps could be quite a leap for start-up organizations who have just ventured a few good steps in this area. In order to fulfil the expectations from client’s side and of consumers, these start-ups require a strategic investment of exceptional research abilities, flexibility and stringent work methods while developing an app.

Here are some of the most essential fundamentals of mobile app development for every mobile app creating start-up company who wants to make it big in the business:

1) Cross-platform Enterprise Mobile Apps

Despite the fact that any start-up can achieve their goals through gradual from-basic-to-scalable process, the best way to hit the mark in quick efforts is to conform to cross-platform app development standards. To elaborate it further, startup companies that start building apps that work equally well across all device platforms are among those getting recognized faster in the world.

From utility, banking & finance, travel & booking appointments right down to social media and online shopping apps, modern customers are looking for sophisticated apps that accommodate all of their needs, the smallest and the biggest. Hence, the enterprises that deliver the software products and services desire to shake hands with those developers who have world-class expertise to take up sharp challenges and develop multi-facility apps designed to work across many available platforms.

2) An Approach Towards Dynamic Functionalities

Since enterprise mobile applications clearly mean developing apps with dynamic functionalities, startup industry must work on providing high-end superior-quality apps from scratch. The end users of such apps can be business users or, alternatively, consumers. They like to explore a heterogeneous set of interactive functionalities such as GPS, transactions, messages, responsiveness, sensors, and even audio/video. This should support their phones, tablet, wearable devices and IoT connected gadgets.

For this dream to be real, your mobile app development startup firm must be conversant with using right tools, technologies, research capabilities and development processes.

3) Innovative Apps can Accelerate Startup Growth

Now a days, enterprises refuse to compromise on developing apps that are creative, innovative and thoughtfully designed. Corporate Enterprise companies are especially interested in having an app that helps them connect with their customers and represent their business like a tangible brick-and-mortar structure. They demand dynamic app options for managing their account and customers, tracking their online behaviour, or creating a rich social media for enhanced level of engagement.

With large number of apps being developed and released every day, it is pivotal for mobile app development startup industry to give shape to an influential, result-oriented app that befits all magnitude of businesses and acquires maximum customers.

4) Discern the Clarity of your Goals:

Knowing your goals enrich your vision and helps you develop apps that hit the precise pain point and transform into a remarkable success story. Define and set your final goals where you want to reach so that you can make a clear strategy and avoid confusion down the path of development. Once you are aware of the outcome, it becomes easier to face the challenges down the line.

The primary goal of having an app is to penetrate the existing digital market, engage customers and boost sales number.

Proper analysis:

detailed analysis of the product and target audience helps you build an effective app. Find out the actual behaviour of the target market and trends that are heating up, which will in a way determine the demographics of end users – business customers or youngsters or children. Align with customer’s exact requirements so that you will be able to match the developed product perfectly with the envisioned product.

Test of compatibility:

If you are on your way to build an impeccable mobile app, make sure it is compatible across all platforms and devices used by the target audience. Cross-platform mobile app  development therefore is preferred more than native apps to reach maximum users.

5) Choice of Technology

Before choosing any technology platform, one must ensure it is feasible in every way possible. The final product must come out robust, usable and highly functional. The most ubiquitous platforms are iOS, Windows and Android, and they are evolving rapidly with frequent handy updates. These platforms make it practically possible for developers to build unique features and impressive interface to deliver outstanding user experience. Choosing the right platform means your apps will be supported by numerous devices used by customers.

6) Security and Speed Efficiency

Monitoring the responses of the app functionality is conceived as the best idea. Doing so eliminates the scope of errors and eventually builds an engaging and interesting app. Make it a practise to identify obstacles in the existing product and improve its standard before its finally deployed.

Security problems are potential threats to customers who will become the end users of the app. Choose a reliable, secure, authentic resources and industry-standard processes to build the app to ensure its highly secure.

The app you design must be able to function and run in the normal internet environment. Make sure the app remains effective and healthy so that users can access it all the time. Also, the app should respond instantly to process customer requests in time.

7) Testing Quality and Consistency

Testing the app is a crucial stage for any developer as it confirms whether or not the app is ready to venture into the online app store. Anideal app testing method must include testing on different devices of varied screen sizes in order to measure its performance and view its compatibility. Check its quality and how it appears on all the devices. This will help you check if all the features and functionality of the app works consistently on all devices that customers are likely to use.

Apart from this, the developer must also necessarily maintain the consistency while coding the app to make sure the entire mobile app development process, along with its documentation and program updates and interface, is genuine, consistent and unblemished.

8) Introduce a Pilot Version

Once the development team is confident that they have built a well-tested, mature and fully functional app, they can go for launching the pilot product. The course of ideal mobile app development must end with the launch of pilot version. It helps developers receive the feedback and responses from the users and judge the success of the app. you can approach your colleagues, friends and family to use the app so that you can practically find loopholes if any. Their feedbacks can be taken and processed to assess the functioning of its top features so that you can determine its most admired and underrated features.

Finally, get ahead of the competition

Mobile apps are in great demand, and enterprises require better face of apps to accelerate the growth prospect of their respective business and improve their existing working system. The challenges are intense and need your skilled efforts. One of biggest challenges in this area is fierce competitors. Therefore, start-up mobile app development companies must invest their focus to deliver the highly evolved and innovative product that gratifies customers, earning them high ROI.

The best way to get ahead of the competition is to extract feedback from experts who have substantial experience in using or reviewing the similar product. Being in involved in the competitive IT scene, your app must have something unique to offer and have better run speed, stunning aesthetics and good accessibility.

The 15 Crucial Mobile App Development Process Steps

Posted on by Super Admin Testreveal

The mobile app development process streams through a variety of phases from market study to development to deployment and support. It should be noted that many of these phases are often overlapping.

Here is a close look into the major steps of the development process of an app.

1. Project Proposal

Before the proposal of your project, there should be a great deal of homework done to determine the purpose and validity of your idea. This is a very difficult task requiring expertise, experience, and exposure. The right knowledge of business, audience preferences, user stories, market trends, risks etc are critical to accurately predict the success or failure of an idea. The clients could draw conclusions themselves if they have enough knowledge about the field or could approach a number of mobile app development companies with their project to get a clear picture.

mobile app development

There are several things that you should discuss before committing to a project like your requirements, budget, time availability etc. A lot consultation with your mobile app development company is to be made before signing the contract.

2. Sketching Your Idea

Handrawn or otherwise sketches should be created that could depict your idea roughly. This would be your inceptive step in the documentation process and it lays the foundation for future UX designing. The sketch should include the approximate features that you want to include in your final product.

3. Developing a Strategy

This step is the planning phase, which forms the backbone of the entire procedure. The process is given a compact framework and implementational directions are set. You should schedule each phase in the project by allocating time and resources. Decisions about the approach, focus, and business model are taken during strategy development.

4. Prototype Building

During wireframing, the architecture of each single page is defined. Prototypes are created using wireframing tools like Balsamiq and Visio. This serves as a neat mock-up of what you have to develop in the end, along with visualizing user interaction by various demonstrations.

5. Defining the Back-end

The backend services that could support your app by linking them to the cloud storage, backend application APIs and a lot of other features are defined in this step.

6. Testing the Prototype

Once the prototype is finished, testing should be done. You can approach your friends, colleagues, family members, and other experts that you may know, as well as attend an event or festival and meet strangers who have similar interests to test run the prototype and find any working defects or dead ends. Ask them for their honest feedback and suggestions for improvement. Based on these information, you could streamline the features and functionalities of your app before beginning to code.

7. Starting with the Initial Steps of Marketing and Collection of Maximum Feedback

Actively attending events and festivals also has another major advantage. You can meet your potential customers, publishers, and other professionals like you. If lucky, you may even get a chance for media exposure.

Marketing early will help you to improve your app’s visibility. You could start marketing by building a landing page, advertising through social media, blogging, video promotions etc. If you do not concentrate on finding your place in the market from the beginning itself, you may have to deal with a tough job later on.

8. Building the Back-end

The back-end generally handles data storage, and security. Most of the apps rely on certain features that uses back-end. Usage analytics, push notifications, extended security, communication and monetizing the app through ads are the most common examples that use a back-end service.

9. Building the Designs for Your App

Here, you are stepping on to the visual designing stage, where you actually flesh out your app. You have to fashion the different skins for your app in terms of color scheme, style, layout, fonts etc. The graphic designers’ expertise will determine the perfection of the user interface.

10. Testing the UX

Testing the UX is unavoidable because, user happiness is very important for the success of any app. For success, it is not just enough for your app to acquire customers. You should know how to keep your customers engaged and continue using your app, once you’ve acquired them. Apps that undervalue UX design, often end as a failure.

11. Continue with Development

This is where the actual coding of the app begin. The client will be frequently updated about the progress made by the mobile app development company. This is because, coding is an expensive process and efforts should be taken in order to minimize the possibility of mistakes. The tools and SDKs used will depend upon factors such as the platform for development and programmers’ skills.

During the coding phase itself, quality assurance testing will be initiated to remove all the major bugs present and avoid crashes. For e.g., testing will be done to detect issues arising due to the particular hardware, network availability or the application components itself. Testing is also done to ensure that the required specifications, feedback suggestions etc. are included.

12. Test an App

Finally, when your app is built, the next step is testing. The main purpose of testing is to validate end to end business flow. There are two ways to test your app:

• UAT testing (User Acceptance Testing): This step of testing falls on the final phase before moving on to the marketing or production of the app. It is done to clarify whether all the necessary things are added within the app

• BETA Testing: Allow the beta users to test your app either via an open solicitation for participants or enrolment of groups identified previously. Their feedback will help you figure out whether your app’s functionality operates well or not

13. App Security

Most of the app development companies now spend immense amount of money and time to protect their systems from hackers and online risks. Mobile apps are the most susceptible area in a system. Besides the lack of protection, such damages can also happen through insider targets. Therefore, it is important to identify the cyber threats at the start and implement necessary counter measures.

14. Release to the Market

Once your app development has completed, and you’re happy with the final product that you have in hand, it’s time for you to launch your app into any digital app repository of your choice, if it is not meant for in-house deployment alone. This process can be time consuming depending on the stores that you opt for your app’s release.

mobile app development

Regardless of the stores, it is important for your app to have interesting screenshots, description, app title, and logo so that it will catch your customers’ attention. After all, you spent all this time waiting for your app’s release and getting people to click the download button. For that, you should also continue with your marketing efforts even after the release.

15. Maintenance

You’re thoroughly mistaken if you think that your job is over, immediately after you release your app into the market. Apart from marketing help, there are other services that every app owner needs to take from the mobile app development company viz., post-launch support and optimization. Based on the user reviews that you get, you would have to optimize your app’s features and functions. You should incorporate platform updates and release newer versions, if you want to survive the competition and retain the audience base.

Conclusion

The process of making a mobile app/mobile app development process  i.e, from concept to its launch undergoes many crucial steps. So it’s important for developers, organizations and project heads to understand all the stages before getting started.

14 Best Cross-Platform Mobile App Development Tools

Posted on by Super Admin Testreveal

Mobile applications are no more a luxury. They are now an everyday necessity. One of the biggest challenges that app developers faced earlier was creating applications that work well on multiple platforms. But not anymore, here we are sharing the top 9 Cross-Platform Mobile App Development tools that would help them in designing cutting edge and productive apps in short duration of time.

The latest app codes support the concept of write once, run anywhere (WORA). The developer writes code once on a platform, and run on multiple platforms. The purpose of such tools is to save time and effort on the part of the developer. Developers can reuse the code and can design apps that can work efficiently on multiple platforms, including Android, iOS, windows and much more.

1) Google’s Flutter:

Flutter is Google’s new cross-platform tool that lets you make native app for Android or iOS in a very short time. Perhaps a competitor for Xamarin, Flutter is written using Google’s dart language along with C++ runtime and also has a set of user interface widgets for both Android & iOS.

Eventhough you don’t have a previous mobile app development experience, Flutter is easy to use and fast in developing beautiful apps. The public beta of the tool has already released and Google has started internally working on a few apps with Flutter.

Pros:

  • Fast development
  • Expressive and highly flexible UI
  • Provide complete native performance on both Android and iOS

2) MoSync:

This is a complete rich, open source free cross-platform development SDK designed for the upcoming upcoming mobile app developers. Using this tool, you can create richer and faster mobile apps for Android, iOS and all other major platforms.

Pros:

  • A software development kit that can be used to develop apps using a single environment & C/C++ code base on OS X/Windows.
  • Can be seen as a virtual OS, where apps are created for universal use
  • Has a community that has a wide range of developers who together work in to take software development to the next level.

3) iFactr:

Without giving any compromises in app development, this tool is here to empower the app developers with plenty of rich features. In this case, you just need to concentrate on your app functionalities as iFactr handles complexities of making the app in any device.

Pros:

  • Accelerated app development
  • Reduce developmental cost
  • Compelling UI experiences
  • Support every platform
  • Can re-use code logic from any business

4) 5App:

Compared to other tools, this is quite unique as this mainly targets on businesses that develop apps for their employees. For coding it uses JavaScript and HTLM5 and has better emphasis on security to any enterprise system using standard API.

Pros:

  • It ensures that the users automatically have the latest version of software available
  • Brings the benefit of transactional management capabilities and workflow to design the perfect business mobile apps

5) Alpha Anywhere:

This tool mainly focuses on enterprises and can be used to create apps for various OS as well PC and Mac. Using JavaScript and HTML for coding, this tool also has the feature to work in offline mode. This multi-platform app development tool undoubtedly meets the need for better mobile experience without expense of native development.

Pros:

  • Build apps quickly
  • Vast library of tutorial make it easier for developers to make apps in no time
  • Includes reports, charting, mapping, GPS, video and image support, data connectivity etc.

6. Codename One:

Codename; this cross-device platform helps the developer in developing industry based applications. The platform supports rapid application development. The developer can write code in Java, the application will be tested & verified with Codename One’s simulator devices and test automation tools. The framework supports popular IDE’s like NetBeans, Eclipse, IntelliJ IDEA. The most interesting feature about its build server is, the developer can build native iOS apps as well as native Windows app without Mac machine or Windows PC. The platform is recommendable for developing iOS apps.

Cons: Codename graphic UI does not match the requirements of large projects and its visual themes are not updated. Another major flaw is, all the event handlers are stored in a single file, it makes development part more cumbersome.

7. PhoneGap:

This open source platform can make building cross platform apps a lot easier. The tool works best for mobile applications that do not rely on device’s native features for performance. A product of Adobe, one can use it to translate code from HTMT5, CSS, and JavaScript. The PhoneGapplatform allow the developers design app for platforms like iPhone, Android, Windows, and BlackBerry. This free resource is high in demand among the developers due to its features and support that it offers to the developers.

Cons: The only limitation in this tool is it is not suitable for graphic intensive apps.

8. Appcelerator:

This tool makes it possible for coders to create cross platform apps with fast speed. The tool deploys JavaScript codebase. The plus point of this tool is it is extensible and open. The developer can create apps for platforms like iOS, Android, and BlackBerry; it even supports HTML5 and hybrid apps. The Appceleratortool has an open-source SDK and it supports more than 5,000 devices and OS APIs, Eclipse-based IDE Studio, and the MVC framework Alloy.

Cons: The only disadvantage that we have come across so far about the tool is, its support team, especially developer community is slow in response.

9.Sencha Touch:

Sencha Touch, the platform is an ideal choice for a cross platform mobile app framework. The framework allows developers to build cutting edge apps using hardware acceleration techniques. What makes this highly recommendable among developers is it allows developers to develop well-tested apps, the framework is ideal for designing large business application. It offers built-in themes for every popular platform. Sencha Touch supports Android, iOS, BlackBerry and Windows platform.

Cons: The native looking themes are limited. The commercial licensing feature is not easy to comprehend.

10. Monocross:

If you target to build interactive and interesting apps for Smartphone and tablets, then Monocross is the framework is for you. This open source, cross platform framework supports C#, Microsoft, .NET and Mono framework. What makes this tool interesting is, it allows developer full access to the native device APIs while still coding in C#.

Cons: The document and support for Monocross framework are few in number on the internet, so developers may find them in a tricky situation while developing the app as they don’t have enough resources to learn about the framework.

11. Kony Mobile Platform

Here comes the platform that is laced with features like automatic coding, app preview facility, API connection along with various other surprising features. This Kony Mobile Platform lets developers to build multi platform mobile applications. It has pre-built apps, that make it easier for novices to develop an app easily.

Cons: The scarcity of documentation and resource support can create a peculiar situation for developers.

12. Native script:

Here is another wonderful open source platform for building cross platform compatible mobile apps. The framework provides native APIs in JavaScript. The developer can easily reuse the available plug-in npm directly in NativeScript projects. It provides support for Angular.js 2 and TypeScript.

Cons: The resources are not extensive, one may not find useful examples and documentation on each of its features.

13. Rhomobile

The Rhodomobile framework offers application tools to developers for developing multi-platform, native mobile users and enterprise applications.

RhoStudio comes along with a free Eclipse plug-in, it allows developers to generate, develop, debug and test applications, even in the absence of other hardware or emulator. Here developer can easily access an offline data with Rho Connects.

Cons: One of the biggest disadvantages with Rhomobile is Its RhoElements RFID plug-in is not freely available for Windows Mobile/CE.

And the number one is

14. Xamarin

Xamarin has made it possible for the developers to design native apps for multiple platforms using only C# code base. The tool allows developers to use same IDE, language, and APIs everywhere. The Xamarin cross platform development has been adopted by big names like Microsoft, Foursquare, IBM, and Dow Jones. If a developer wants to use Ruby or C#, then it is one of the most suitable development platforms for them. Xamarin platform allows the developer to share code that means an app can be created in a lesser time and in decreased cost.

Cons: The free version of Xamarin offers limited features and it does not allow a developer to use open-source libraries due to compatibility issues.

If you seek a cross platform compatible application for your business or looking for Xamarin app developers then Redbytes can be a right choice for you. Our team of developers has caliber and exposure to develop quality applications for different purposes.