You have a great idea for an app. Now what?
While this may be a great premise, you need to figure out how you will bring it to market. Building apps requires more than just an idea.
So what’s the first step in mobile app development? It depends.
Some of you may want to create your first app on your own. But you don’t know how to code an app and you don’t have programming knowledge. Is it possible to create apps if you don’t have the basics of coding language? Do you need to start with a beginner app?
This is the honest truth.
If you want to learn how to code an app, it will be hard. But you can definitely learn to code your first app in less than 30 days.
You can use these skills to build your own app and even other apps in the future. Like most things worth learning, the more you put in, the quicker the results.
What is mobile app development?
App development Mobile is the process of creating software applications for mobile devices.
The roots of application development come from traditional software development (such as computer software). But apps for smartphones and tablets are designed to use the built-in features and hardware of mobile devices. This includes cameras, GPS, Bluetooth, and more.
In terms of programming language, creating an app for users on mobile devices is different than creating software for computers. That said, a background in web development can make coding a mobile app easier.
The mobile app industry is booming, with apps expected to generate more than $935 billion in revenue by 2023. The rapidly growing mobile trends have made it attractive for enterprises and entrepreneurs to build apps for a wide range of use cases.
Can you code an app yourself?
You can definitely program an app yourself. . In fact, you can do this without any professional training required. Many people learn to code on their own and gain a solid foundation in programming from open source projects.
That said, it all depends on your goal. If you want to learn to code, it’s okay to go through the steps of active development, try out a list of features, and get familiar with a new programming environment.
But if you want to build an app for real users, use a builder. apps or a DIY app builder is the recommended route. These make it possible to build an app without learning Python, C++, or other languages.
App builders make it easy for anyone to build an app from scratch, with no coding or app development knowledge required.
Encoding an app for iOS
iOS apps are for Apple stores.
Xcode is the original IDE (integrated development environment) for iOS and Mac apps. Swift is Apple’s newest programming language, and you can use it to code an iOS app in Xcode. But both were developed by Apple, and each has the same basic underpinnings for coding an iOS app.
Coding an Android App
Android development is a completely separate process from iOS development. So if you want to build an app for both platforms, you have to code two apps from scratch (unless you’re using a no-code app builder).
Android has fewer restrictions than Apple for coding. But it’s still very technical. To code an Android app, you’ll need to use Android Studio, the official IDE for Android development.
The best tools to help you code an app
Using an app builder tool speeds up the coding process. It lowers the barrier of entry to application development and beginners will not need to learn a programming language. Here are some options to consider:
BuildFire
BuildFire is the most powerful app builder for iOS and Android. It does not require advanced concepts, coding skills or technical knowledge.
You can use BuildFire to create an application from scratch without writing a single line of code. Everything is managed on a web-based dashboard that is really easy to use. Just start with a template, add your features, and customize the content.
What makes BuildFire unique compared to other app builders is its unlimited functionality. If there’s a custom feature you’d like not available in the feature marketplace, the BuildFire team can create it for you.
Try it free with a 14-day trial.
React Native
React Native is an open source Javascript framework. The tool is designed to create web apps, iOS apps, Android apps, Windows apps, TV apps, and more.
This is technically a hybrid platform, which means you can build an app using the same language and source code for multiple implementations.But it does have a lot of native features (hence the name).
Unlike an app builder, React Native requires coding skills and programming knowledge. You can potentially reuse a block of code or helper functions to speed up the learning process, but you still need to learn to code.
Xamarin
Xamarin is another open option. Source application creation platform. The company is owned by Microsoft and enables developers to take advantage of the body of .NET features to build apps for Android, iOS, smart TVs, wearables, and more.
Similar for React Native, Xamarin requires coding skills and programming knowledge. This means that you will need to learn .NET concepts and the C# language to build applications with this tool. But you won’t need to create multiple versions of your app for iOS and Android.
Sencha
Sencha is a cross-platform tool for app design and development. But unlike other tools on this list, Sencha is a better choice for web apps compared to iOS and Android mobile apps.
En It is also a popular choice for developers who want to test data-intensive web applications.
6 Basic Steps to Building an App
All app projects follow the same basic path. Beginning developers can follow these app ideas tips and steps below to get started. Even a single person with no coding knowledge can follow this formula and bring their app ideas to life if they use the right tools.
1. You Have an Idea
Some of you may already have an idea for an app. Others may need to brainstorm for app ideas.
Regardless of your situation, you should figure out the basics of your mobile app before proceeding. A blank project can be intimidating. But moving forward is much easier when you have a path to follow.
- Are you creating a new app concept?
- Is your app solving a problem or pain point?
- Is the app improving your business or extending an existing service?
Here are some good questions to ask yourself during the creative process.
2. Understand Your Market
Your app is likely to enter a competitive market, regardless of the type of application or industry. You need to take the time to identify a target market and see how you are going to carve out market share based on differentiation.
Do you have massive competitors like Amazon and Walmart? Or are you competing with smaller niche apps?
Check app stores to see which apps in your category have the most downloads, and take a look at app reviews too
3. Wireframes and Design
Design mockups and wireframes are crucial to the app building process.
There are many graphic design tools online that you can use for a wireframe. Balsamiq and Figma are two popular options. You can also use tools like Photoshop or Sketch.
The first version of your wireframe may even start out as a handwritten doodle on paper.
4. Prototyping your idea
Prototyping brings your app to life. The purpose of a prototype is to demonstrate the function and design of the application, but without any functional code. So you’re not putting the learning to work with any coding skills yet.
Most prototypes are high-fidelity, digital, clickable versions of the app. This gives you a chance to see the user interfaces before the app is built.
There should be a clear difference between schematics and prototypes. Wireframes are the initial skeleton, while prototypes are meant to show a more visual representation.
5. User Testing
Building an application with user feedback throughout the development process is crucial to its success. You don’t need to wait until your app is ready to start your QA process and get real user feedback.
But before final deployment, you need to ship your app to real users before it is activated. to download. This is the best way to identify bugs and any UX/UI issues.
You want to have a large enough user testing group, so that user feedback isn’t confined to an isolated area.
6. Publishing and Marketing
The most successful apps have an app marketing plan before launch. Start promoting your app early, so users will be eager to download it once it’s available.
Don’t forget to budget for marketing during the early planning stages. Your app may be awesome, but it’s useless if no one knows about it.
There are many ways to market your app.You can run PPC campaigns, focus on App Store Optimization (ASO), promote on social media, drive traffic to your website, promote via forums – the list goes on and on.
How long does it take to build an app?
Apps can be built in 30 days, three months, six months, or sometimes over a year. It all depends on the type of app and its complexities.
As a beginner, you can use an app builder to get to market quickly without learning a programming language, hiring app developers, or working with app designers.
But if you’re coding an app from scratch on your own, it will take a little longer. Take advantage of application management tools for your project. This will ensure that you meet deadlines and keep everyone up to date.
If your app is going to have user profiles, use GPS, have user messaging features, store credit card information and so on the style, then it would take more time to develop compared to a basic calculator app.
Submitting to Google Play and App Store
Submitting the app to users is the final part of the process of application development. To do this, you need to make it available for download on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
With BuildFire, we’ll handle the publishing process on your behalf. Just let us know when the app is ready and we’ll publish it to both stores.
This is such a valuable service because publishing apps on your own can be tricky for beginners. The Apple App Store and the Google Play Store have different publishing rules and guidelines that must be followed.
Here’s a quick overview of those requirements and nuances:
Google Play
- Sign up for Play app signing
- Compress your app so that the file size is 150 MB or less
- Set appropriate version control
- Prepare promotion materials
- Upload assets
You can see more information here about publishing in Android Studio.
App Store
- Fill in app information and metadata
- Enable backend services
- Review Apple’s guidelines to make sure your app is compliant
- Choose a category
- Provide an active demo
Generally speaking, Apple’s requirements are more stringent than Google’s. Therefore, you must follow the instructions closely or you will risk being rejected. These are the full App Store Review Guidelines.
Final Thoughts
Creating an app is not an overnight process. But building apps is a highly profitable business venture that can benefit both existing businesses and startups.
Learning to code is a valuable skill. But it takes time. Using an app builder is a better alternative if your goal is to release an app for real users and business purposes. This not only speeds up your development timeline, but also saves you money.
Sign up for BuildFire today and start your free 14-day trial—no coding required.
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