Mobile Development and Types

Mobile application development is the process of creating software applications that run on a mobile device, and a typical mobile application utilizes a network connection to work with remote computing resources. The mobile development process entails the creation of installable software packages, the implementation of backend services such as data access via an API, and the testing of the app on target devices. It offers a once-in-a-lifetime option for a one-person developer team to create a complete, useful, and significant app in a relatively short amount of time.

Mobile apps can be classified as educative, instructional, productivity, gaming, recreation, communication, eCommerce, and such from the standpoint of the user. But from the standpoint of a developer, it can be classified into

• Native Mobile Apps: The term "native app" simply refers to a mobile application that was created specifically for a certain operating system (OS), i.e., iOS or Android OS. To construct mobile applications, this method adopts the device's official development platform, i.e., Android Studio for Android devices and XCode for iOS devices. Native Applications provide good user experience, high performance, data protection, and is fully functional and personalized but at the same time, it also need high development cost and time. A myriad of programming languages are used to create native applications. Kotlin, Python, Java, C++, and React are a few instances.

• Web Apps and Progressive Web Apps: These are web-based apps available that can be accessed through a web browser such as Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and so forth. To access the app, all a user needs is an internet access and the URL to enter in their browser. Nothing needs to be downloaded from app stores. In broad sense, web applications will be built with JavaScript, CSS, and HTML5. There seems to be no industry standard programming advancement pack for developing web applications. Progressive web apps use similar technology tools to regular web applications, but are far supreme which allows them to provide a better user experience and are regarded as the mobile web's future. A website cannot be accessed without an internet access, but PWAs do provide offline accessibility, which can ultimately drive involvement and participation.

• Hybrid Mobile Apps: These are a combination of web and native app technology. It is compatible with a wide range of devices and platforms, which saves time during development. The hybrid apps are written in HTML, Javascript, and CSS web technologies and are compatible with any device running multiple operating systems. A mobile development blueprint, encloses the Javascript/HTML code and connects the device's hardware and processes. It comes with benefits like multi-platform, fast to build, less investment needed, and easy to change or update but at the same time it has some flaws like it requires Wi-Fi accessibility, has limited capabilities, dependent on libraries and frameworks, and in terms of longevity, efficiency, and overall user experience, cannot outperform native apps.

Mobile Developer Skills 

Mobile application development is a set of procedure that requires programming and the creation of software or applications for rapidly handheld devices like smart phones and ipads. This sector is expanding as smartphones become the primary means of communication and work. Before an app developer can begin developing a mobile application, he must possess a number of necessary skills.

• Mobile User Interface Design: The user interface (UI) of an application is in charge of communication between the user and the applications. Most participants only judge apps based on their first impression. With a wide range of apps downloadable, the most appealing are those that are simple to use, have a good design, and work smoothly. Primary elements include Indicators of Activity, Unified Colour Strategy, Fast Loading & Operation.

• Backend Computing: To make sure that the app functions properly, the developer must focus on the different back-end computing constructs such as memory space, database administration, reliability, disk - based, and others.

• Cross-Platform Skills: In today's industry, it is critical to be familiar with multiple operating platforms. There have been three key mobile platforms: Android, iPhone, and Windows. An expert app builder not only is experienced and capable of coding in an unified platform, but is also flexible enough to build applications about any platform and any device.

• Business Skills: In this profession, business skills are extremely important. It will encourage him to create an app that will increase app accessibility and cash flow. Creators must understand how to maximise an application's recognition in a range of eligible apps in the same section. More focus should be given on Strategic Alignment, Distinction, Tech Value Chain Management, and Investment Choices.

• Language Programming Skills: Programming knowledge in modern programming languages is a key skill in this Industry. He must be familiar with common languages like Java, C, C++, Web Development Languages, APIs like Android, Windows, and iOS, etc.

  There are a lot more skills required for a good Mobile Developer like a good Vision, Agile Development, good Communication and Problem Solving skills, Designing and Technical skills, Data and Writing skills, Cloud Computing, Security, IoT and the list goes on. So, one should keep on learning new skills and get expertise in it to be a good developer.