If you want to create your own app, the first thing to do is to consider the different formats that would be suitable for your application: there are many different app formats, so you should make sure you know which one is best for your application. Alongside classic native apps, there’s also the option of creating a web app or a hybrid app. Choosing the right app format is the first important decision to make with regards to the technical characteristics of your app and will set the tone for the remaining stages of the development process.
This series on app development will focus on the production of a native app for mobile devices. There are several reasons why: the biggest advantage of native mobile apps is that they can be optimized for that particular operating system, and compared to web and hybrid apps, native applications offer higher performance levels as well as quicker reaction times. They’re also less limiting than other app formats in the way that they can interact with existing files on the device, access the complete available memory space of a mobile device, and make use of other native functions on the device (like camera, GPS, push notifications, etc.). To put it simply, a native mobile app gives you the most flexibility for customization and features.
Sales and marketingare also much easier with a native app: if you program your app for one of the mobile operating systems by Google (Android) or Apple (iOS), you can sell it on either the Google Play Store or Apple’s App Store. If you use one of these app stores then you have the option if you want to offer your app free of charge or at a price. These online stores are the main port of call for most users, as they offer a built-in, practical way to download apps.
Another reason for creating an app is the potential revenue it can generate. After all, consumer spending on smartphone apps has been growing steadily for years. By the year 2021, a worldwide turnover of 78 billion dollars is expected.