The unique challenges in creating both iOS and Android applications

The unique challenges in creating both iOS and Android applications

The number of apps that are released every month is mind-boggling. Because there are no restrictions and anyone can build an app, developers are continually coming up with new ones. Some are better versions of already existing programs, while some attempt to introduce new concepts to the market.

According to one report, there are nearly 6 million apps in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store combined. The average American has around 80 applications downloaded on their phone, and that number likely goes up when factoring in tablets.

Looking at these figures, it may seem that creating an app is easy; if so many people are doing it, how difficult can the process be?

The challenges involved

It is important to appreciate the challenges that app creators face. The reason why it may look easy is the fact that the basic infrastructure is available to all. Anyone with a knowledge of programming and the time to study the app creation process can develop an application. However, to make a truly successful app, designers need good knowledge of app development and software design. 

One way to learn about app creation is to do an online Master’s in Computer Science (Software Engineering) like the one offered at Baylor University. This is an ideal course for anyone who wants to become a software developer or software engineer. The software engineering track is broad and covers topics like applied AI, advanced algorithms, advanced databases, data communications, distributed systems development, and object-oriented development. 

To join the program, students need to be proficient in programming and have a GPA of at least 3.0 in a bachelor’s degree. They should also present an updated resume and letters of recommendation. Before enrolling in such a program, it is important to understand the challenges that software engineers (particularly app developers) face. If a student knows what hurdles they are likely to encounter, they are better prepared to face them and can start to look for solutions to issues they are likely to meet along the way.

Choosing a development approach

The world of apps is infinitely vast, and anyone who has an idea can turn it into a mobile application. The foremost thing for developers to consider is monetization. Is there a market for their idea, and who would be most interested in using it? Is it such a good idea that people would be willing to pay for it?
The other developmental issue that developers ought to consider is what language is best to use for the process. There are numerous platforms for app development, and choosing the wrong one could potentially mean problems down the road. Ideally, the creator should use a programming language that is easy to edit and update.

Device compatibility

Americans and others around the world have a huge range of devices. This often poses a problem for developers because whatever apps they create have to render properly on all of them. As they write apps, they must remember that programs should render well on both Android and iOS, and they must also work for mobiles and tablets.

Market share

Every developer wants to make money from their app, but to do so, they must beat the competition, get user attention, and grab market share. This is one of the greatest challenges of the application development process, and programmers who are looking to get rich from apps must think carefully about how they will deal with market forces.

Meeting app store requirements

There are certain requirements that every application must meet before it is listed in the Google Play Store and the Apple Store. Before creating a program, developers must go through the list of requirements and keep them in mind as they create their application and prepare it for the market.

Funding

It is easy to assume that all that is needed to create a functioning app is a computer, connectivity, and a good knowledge of programming. While all these are necessary, funding plays a big role in determining whether an app is successful or not. Many programmers have created excellent apps that they have shelved because of lack of funding.

It takes money to bring an app to market, and programmers ought to think about how they will raise the necessary funds. Will they use their own money, sell shares, or look for backers? What happens in the future when they need further investment? Do they have a source of funding that they can fall back on to avoid delays?

Performance

The best apps take up very little space and use up minimal battery power. During the development process, the programmer should keep this in mind at all times. This will enable them to create an application that does everything it promises, renders well, and has impressive graphics, all without compromising the user’s phone.

Security

Security is critical, and the programmer must use the latest security protocols to ensure that their application cannot be compromised. If an app is breached, it will be deleted from the app store.

Features

The more features an app has, the better the experience for the user. If they can find everything they need on one screen, it makes for a rich user experience. If users are happy, they use the app regularly, and it becomes popular and easier to monetize.

User experience

The user experience is determined not just by the available features but also by how easy it is to navigate within the app. A good app makes it easy for users to find what they are looking for, and moving from one screen to the next is smooth and problem-free.

Summary

App development is here to stay, and those who understand the process as well as the challenges they are likely to face can create impactful programs with the potential to make a lot of money. The best apps are those that create value and continue to deliver! The unique challenges in creating both iOS and Android applications