A glimpse into the universe of mobile app development

Mobile apps have revolutionized the way we exist and connect with one another. For a few years now, mobile apps have experienced an explosive rise in popularity and right now, they’re having their best time yet. New technologies, new services, new features…everything is at the tip of the developer’s fingers.

Developing an app from scratch may sound like an easy task, but developers are well aware that it is no easy feat. Depending on the level of intricacy an app requires to fulfill its purpose, the app development process is designed to build a simple or complex app as needed for Yubo.

Developers use a structured set of steps and guidelines to ensure the mobile app development process goes smoothly and delivers a successful result. With the staggering number of mobile apps that are uploaded to app stores everyday, structure and process provide a framework from which developers can kick-start their project.

Let’s review the evolving mobile app development process to paint a clear picture of what it entails.

• First, an idea is born. Whether it’s to solve a problem or to introduce a new feature or product, ideas shape the design and development of the mobile app. Ideas are powerful enough, but without structure and a smart design, they can get lost in the limbo of applications. From the starting point of the idea, mobile app requirements are generated to help define the purpose of the mobile app.

• Second, the idea takes a more defined shape. A prototype or mock up is used by developers to illustrate how the idea will be presented in app-form. With this prototype or mock up, developers have the opportunity to refine the app’s look and feel to make sure it covers all the business and technical requirements.

• Third, it’s all about backend, backend, backend. Developers focus on clearly defining and building all the technical components of the application’s backend. These components are the building blocks of the mobile app that are put in place to make the app function as desired. From the server, cloud capabilities, data processing, authentication methods, services and more, these backend players are responsible for the app’s operability.

• Fourth, the app must be aesthetically pleasing and user friendly. Developers take the frontend aspect of the mobile app very seriously, as its the interface users will play with to exploit the app’s functionalities. With frontend, developers focus on caching data services, data synchronization, the face of the app (user interface), and more. All of this gives the app its true identity in terms of branding, visuals, user interaction, and more.

• Fifth, the app is ready to live. Once the app has a solid idea, backend and frontend, it is ready to be tested and re-tested until it’s fit for deployment. A number of comprehensive tests are employed to ensure the app functions as expected in terms of user experience, performance, effectiveness, and more. After the testing phase is complete, the developers wrap up the app nicely to launch it into the applicable app store and is ready for user consumption. The idea lives.

This is a glimpse into the universe of mobile app development. As new technologies, programming languages, methodologies and other aspects of mobile app development continue to emerge, the process adapts and evolves to take advantage of the best resources available.