App Development Expedition: Local Developers Paving the Way

A mobile application is a mobile-based software application that runs specific programs developers developed to tackle particular functions. These applications are primarily designed for mobile phones but due to the larger connectivity and similar operating system, they can be run on tablets. If you are struggling with the question, how can I find app developers near me? Here is a brief guide that’ll help you out.

According to a report more than 39 billion mobile phone applications were downloaded in the first quarter of 2022 alone. Applications give smartphones the strength to live up to their potential. Every application has its own set of requirements in terms of access to data points and services it’ll offer.

There are multiple types of applications available in the market. Education, Entertainment, Productivity, Marketplace, and Games are some of the most popular types that are thriving in this sector. 

The Need for Mobile Application

Applications are becoming interesting and useful with time. The increasing reliance on different applications for day-to-day life is showcasing how humans are captivated by smartphones. The revenue from smartphone applications has crossed $400 billion since 2020. With gaming leading the way.

Benefits of Having a Mobile Application

Applications are making lives easier. Banking applications have decreased and in some contexts eliminated the need to visit the bank. Marketplace applications have provided an easy opportunity to look after every possible option in the market using only a few taps. From small productivity applications like alarm clocks or music players to looking after exercise, diets, finance, and matrimony,  there is an app for everything that we demand. 

1. Builds Loyalty

Mobile applications offer an easy way to build user loyalty. The applications can engage consumers for a longer period. Having an application helps provide virtual information and services to the right audience. When a user downloads an application, it somewhat shows he/she is interested in connecting or opting for the offered services. The AI Algorithms can gather and process more data to personalise the experience and become a preferred option.

2. Easy Marketing

The digital era demands digital marketing. Presently marketing is mainly done on social media platforms, search engines, and physical mediums. Having an application on a phone gives marketers a big boost to reach the user. Notifications are the primary way to snatch users back on the platform and keep them hooked. Regularly changing the layouts and personalising the experience also works a long way in keeping the users in the app ecosystem. Applications can gather much more data points than a website can gather from cookies.

Competitive Edge

Having a mobile application gives a competitive edge. Compared to the website, mobile applications collect a wide array of data points. Mobile phone applications can learn about user behaviour with much more accuracy and provide a better experience. Incorporating new tools and features in the existing application with new updates provides a better experience and becomes a primary go-to platform.

Types of Mobile Apps by Technology

There are four primary technologies available in the market. Anyone planning to create an app for business should first go with all the technologies thoroughly.

Native

Web app

Hybrid

1. Native

Native applications are built specifically with one operating system of mobile in mind. These platforms can not be used on another operating system. If the same application needs to be used for another platform the app needs to be created from scratch for that particular OS. Earlier BlackBerry used to own the crown for being the application master. At present, there are two OS widely popular in the market Android and iOS.

Technology: Kotlin and Java are primarily used for Android, Swift, and C# for iOS

Pros:

• Faster and reliable
• Optimised experience
• Can utilise Bluetooth, Phonebook, Camera, etc.

Cons:

• Works on only one OS
• Hard to maintain codes with updates

Web App

Web Applications use web browsers for the UI. These applications are an updated version of websites, they can be run on mobile phones or computers. These applications are not stand-alone applications.

Technology: HTML5, CS5, JavaScript and Ruby

Pros:

• No need to download
• Can be customised for any OS
• Does not take device memory

Cons:

• Limited Functionality
• Does not work offline

Hybrid

These applications give a look and feel of Native apps but in reality, they are updated versions of Web applications. The structural advances let this application access the hardware of the phone and connect with the internet for communication and transaction. 

Technology: Flutter, CSS, Iconic, Xamrin, AppMakr

Pros

• Fast Development 
• Cross Platform
• Cost Efficient
• Offline Mode

Cons

• Slower Speed
• Limited Features

Cost of Building an Application

The development cost of a mobile application depends upon its size, complexity, and technology. There are several expenses associated with the creation and maintenance of a mobile application.

Complexity

Simple applications like note-taking and calculators can cost around $5000 to $15,000 while complex applications such as e-commerce apps, food delivery applications, etc can cost around $25,000 to $2,50,000.

Platform

Native application platforms cost around $10,000-$15,000 while Hybrid applications may cost $15,000-$25,000.

Finding the right app developers

Hiring the right app developers can be tricky. Following a curved path can ensure the right hire.

• Define Requirement
• Create a Goal
• Model
• Post Development Maintenance

Define Requirement

Before beginning the project, clear out the requirements talking about the basic needs and functionality of the application. A clear idea of the product and its functionality can help to tackle the fundamental questions that may arise with it. 

Create a Goal

In this stage, the development process and progress need to be kept in a straight goal. All the goals need to be kept in the forward objective model so they can be trekked. Sharing requirements with others to clear out and sharpen the idea better helps to clear the clouds. Setting up communication channels helps to keep everyone on the same page.

Model

The model of partnership needs to be finalised at this stage. There are three primary partnership models when it comes to the creation of an application.

• Hiring developers in-house
• Hiring freelancers
• Hiring a development agency

Out of these three, hiring a development agency works as the most reliant partner. Rather than relying on freelancers or hiring expensive in-house developers, hiring an agency helps to give more control of product development and gives more accountability.