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Guide to Native App Development

April 21, 2023

The rise of software applications has led to an unprecedented level of convenience for consumers.

With millions of apps available for download, users have access to a vast array of services and features at their fingertips. From social media and messaging apps to productivity tools and entertainment options, software applications have become an integral part of our daily lives.

This software industry is a major employer and generator of revenue, with the global market for enterprise software projected to reach $872 billion by 2026. Not only do software applications offer convenience, but they also provide businesses with significant benefits.

By automating tasks and streamlining operations, software applications can increase productivity and reduce errors. For example, businesses can use project management software to keep track of tasks and deadlines, or accounting software to manage finances and invoices.

The popularity of software applications has also led to a significant increase in innovation across various industries. For instance, in the healthcare industry, software applications are being used to improve patient care and streamline processes. Telemedicine apps allow patients to connect with doctors remotely, and AI-powered tools are being used to diagnose and treat illnesses.

Navigating the complexities of native app development can be challenging, making it essential to collaborate with a trusted mobile app development company.

Moreover, software applications have changed the way companies do business. With the rise of software-as-a-service (SaaS) models, businesses can access software applications over the internet, rather than having to install them on their own computers. This has led to cost savings and greater flexibility, as companies can scale their software usage up or down depending on their needs.

However, the increasing prevalence of software applications has also brought with it security concerns.

With so much sensitive data being stored in software applications, it’s essential that developers take steps to ensure that their applications are secure and protected from cyber threats.

In this write-up, we will provide you with a full guide to the mobile app development process and the specific steps that each type involves.

What are Native mobile apps?

A native mobile app is built exclusively for a single platform. Therefore, it fully meets the requirements of the chosen mobile operating system. More importantly, it can use all of the phone’s features, like GPS or camera. Native apps are built with programming languages adopted to a particular platform.

For example, native Android applications can use Java or Kotlin, while native iOS use Swift and Objective-C. They are known for high performance, speed, and exceptional UX.

However, native apps are also costly and time-consuming. Generally, it is the best option for complicated, large-scale projects, which utilize many device features. For example, PockemonGo relies on GPS, camera, accelerometer, and AR technology. Other native apps examples include WhatsApp, Twitter, and Snapchat.

Android and iOS app development: what is the best platform for native app?

The choice of platform for native app development depends on various factors such as the type of app, target audience, budget, and developer expertise. Here are some of the most popular platforms for native app development:

– iOS – If you want to target iPhone and iPad users, then developing native iOS apps using Swift or Objective-C would be the best option.

– Android – If you want to target a wide range of Android devices, then developing native Android apps using Java or Kotlin would be the best option.

– React Native – It is an open-source framework that allows developers to build cross-platform native apps for both iOS and Android using JavaScript and React. It offers a -faster development cycle and cost-effective solutions.

– Xamarin – It is a Microsoft-owned framework that allows developers to build native apps for iOS, Android, and Windows using a single codebase in C# and .NET. It offers high-performance and native user experiences.

– Flutter – It is a Google-owned framework that allows developers to build cross-platform native apps for both iOS and Android using a single codebase in Dart. It offers fast development and hot reloading.

The vast majority of mobile applications and many other applications run on Android or iOS platforms, and while you release native apps on iOS or Android (through the Apple App Store or Google Play Store respectively), there are differences in the process and outcomes you can expect, so it’s crucial to know how they differ.

The primary variance between iOS and Android is their system architecture. iOS is a closed system, whereas Android is an open system, providing users with more customization options. Furthermore, the operating systems have different voice assistants, and each has its own app store.

Regarding app store audiences, Google Play Store has a more extensive user base. In contrast, Apple App Store users tend to spend more money on apps on average.

Native iOS app development

When developing a native iOS app, there are several things to consider to ensure a successful project. Here are some key factors to keep in mind:

– User experience: The user experience is critical to the success of any app, and Apple places a strong emphasis on design and usability. Consider the app’s user interface, navigation, and functionality to create a seamless and enjoyable user experience.

– App performance: App performance is essential for user engagement and retention. Optimize your app’s performance by minimizing load times, reducing memory usage, and optimizing code.

– Compatibility: Apple frequently updates its iOS operating system, and it’s essential to ensure your app remains compatible with new versions of iOS. Test your app on multiple devices and OS versions to ensure compatibility.

– Security: iOS apps must meet high-security standards to protect user data and prevent unauthorized access. Implement security features such as encryption, secure data storage, and user authentication.

– App store guidelines: Apple has specific guidelines for app store submissions, and it’s crucial to follow them to ensure your app meets Apple’s quality standards and is approved for publication.

– Testing and quality assurance: Testing and quality assurance are essential to ensure your app functions correctly and provides a positive user experience. Test your app thoroughly on various devices and environments, and use automated testing tools to catch potential issues.

– Maintenance and updates: After launching your app, plan to maintain and update it regularly to fix bugs, add new features, and ensure compatibility with new iOS versions.

Native Android app development

Let’s compare it to Native Android app development:

– User experience: The user experience is crucial to the success of any app. Consider the app’s user interface, navigation, and functionality to create a seamless and enjoyable user experience.

– App performance: App performance is essential for user engagement and retention. Optimize your app’s performance by minimizing load times, reducing memory usage, and optimizing code.

– Compatibility: Android has a wide range of devices and operating system versions, and it’s essential to ensure your app remains compatible with different devices and OS versions. Test your app on multiple devices and OS versions to ensure compatibility.

– Security: Android apps must meet high-security standards to protect user data and prevent unauthorized access. Implement security features such as encryption, secure data storage, and user authentication.

– App store guidelines: Google Play Store has specific guidelines for app store submissions, and it’s crucial to follow them to ensure your app meets Google’s quality standards and is approved for publication.

– Maintenance and updates: After launching your app, plan to maintain and update it regularly to fix bugs, add new features, and ensure compatibility with new Android versions. When you hire Android developers with expertise in native app development, you can leverage their skills to create high-performance applications tailored to your business needs.

Pros & Cons of a Native App

Pros:

‍Broad functionality as you will have access to every API and tool provided by the platform
Built-in compatibility to use a camera, GPS, touch screen, calendar, microphone, accelerometer, gestures, face id, etc.
‍Better store support – easier to publish and rank higher
‍Increased scalability due to resource management and the variety of available tools
‍High performance due to direct interaction of code and the underlying resources
High speed and stability because the advantages of each platform are being fully used
No third-party library restrictions
UI/UX – users will receive familiar navigation because it’s the same as in device
Security due to support from app stores; for cross-platform apps it’s harder to cover all aspects of multiple platforms
Offline mode available, except for specific functionalities
Updates are faster & it’s easier to implement new complex features like AI
Tech stack choice will not take time and influence the result as much as in cross-platform apps.

Cons:

‍Costly development – you will need two teams and native app developers charge more
Time Consuming, because you can’t reuse code
Difficulties with Updates and Maintenance, two separate codebases = twice as many bugs
More expensive support because you will need twice more employees for that.

Security issue in Native app development services

To overcome security issues in native app development services, developers can take several steps to ensure that their apps are secure. Here are some best practices for native app development services security:

– Use secure coding practices: Developers should follow secure coding practices like input validation, data sanitization, and parameterized queries to prevent common vulnerabilities like SQL injection or cross-site scripting.

– Use secure data storage methods: Sensitive data should be stored using secure storage methods like encryption or keychain storage to protect against unauthorized access.

– Implement authentication and authorization: Use secure authentication methods like two-factor authentication or OAuth to ensure that only authorized users can access sensitive information.

– Use encryption for communication: Use encryption protocols like HTTPS, SSL, or TLS to ensure that sensitive data is not intercepted or altered in transit.

– Regularly update the app: Regularly update the app to patch known vulnerabilities and ensure that the app remains secure.

– Test the app: Test the app thoroughly using automated testing tools and manual testing to identify potential vulnerabilities.

– Conduct regular security audits: Conduct regular security audits to identify potential security threats and take steps to address them promptly.

Author
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Bogdan Sandu

Bogdan is a seasoned web designer and tech strategist, with a keen eye on emerging industry trends.

With over a decade in the tech field, Bogdan blends technical expertise with insights on business innovation in technology.

A regular contributor to TMS Outsource's blog, where you'll find sharp analyses on software development, tech business strategies, and global tech dynamics.