Mobile App Development Start Guide

Did you consider starting a path in Mobile App Development but are trying to figure out where to begin? App development software can be intimidating due to fast-evolving technology, but fear not! Take this blog post as a sign to figure out where to start.

What is App Development?

Have you ever wondered how those cool apps on your smartphone or tablet get made? Well, it's all thanks to mobile application development. It comprises planning, designing, testing, and deploying software apps for different purposes. With the rise of mobile devices, app development has become a thriving industry. Millions of apps are available for download on various app stores, with businesses even creating custom apps to improve customer experience and optimize their operations.

Mobile App Development Programming Languages

App development languages are programming languages used to write code for these applications. They get chosen based on the app's type, platform, and features. If you're a beginner in app development, some of the leading app development languages to know are:

Java for App Development 

Java is one of the older and more used app programming languages. It's known for its portability, scalability, and performance. It has a big community of developers and many tools that can help make apps. Netflix, Twitter, and Spotify are some Java-made examples. While it's fast and efficient, with a relatively easy learning curve, it's also worth noting that it uses large amounts of memory in its processes. 

Swift for App Development 

Swift is the official app development language for iOS devices. This language support works for different types of programming, such as object-oriented, functional, and protocol-oriented. One of our favorite features is its Playgrounds which allows real-time code writing and testing without running the app. ​​ Some examples include Uber, Lyft, and Instagram. The language has many features that help prevent common programming errors and optimize performance. Contrariwise, it may be slower than other programming languages. 

Kotlin for App Development 

Launched in 2016, Kotlin is a relatively new yet popularity-gaining language among Android developers. The language works wonders with Java so devs can leverage Java libraries and existing frameworks. Kotlin simplifies app development with null safety, coroutines, extension functions, and data classes, being used by businesses like Pinterest, Coursera, and Trello. On the bright side, Google fosters Kotlins use for Android app development as its primary choice over Java. Also, due to the previously mentioned compatibility, it's easier to learn and work with existing apps. Nonetheless, its code structure may be complex for devs used to Java. 

React Native for App Development

Often, React Native appears as the leading framework for Typescript and JS projects. Facebook (Meta) released the open-source JavaScript framework in 2015 and built it based on the React library. One of its main highlights is that it allows developers to use the same codebase across platforms, saving time and money. Examples of apps done with this combo (React Native + Typescript/JavaScript) include Slack, Doordash, and Canva. This blend focuses on pre-compilation, helping point out compilation errors during the dev stages. But this dev combination can be challenging for beginners due to its code readability.

Where to Start With App Development?

Learning the basics is advised if you’re a beginner at app development. So, here are some steps we think can help you when starting your journey:

1. Code Editors: Coding editors like Sublime Text or Visual Studio Code help you write and edit code better. They're both jam-packed with powerful features like multi-line editing and regex find. Unlike traditional text editors, Sublime Text lets you run code within the app.

2. Git Learning: Git is a version control and collaboration tool that lets you track changes in your files and simplifies the team working on a project. It also centralizes the code's cloud storage, so it's always available no matter what. Git is an excellent introduction to open-source software.

3. Swift’s Playground: Playground is a unique environment that makes learning and experimenting with Swift fun. It requires no coding knowledge, so it's perfect for beginners experimenting with Augmented Reality and Machine Learning creation. If you're not on Mac, PSeInt is ideal for beginners since it's an educational platform.

4. Databases Knowledge: Databases add a lot of flexibility and value when starting in this field, as they're essential powerful tools for managing and storing data. Using a database can improve how well your app works and help you understand your data better. SQL and MongoDB are good options for beginners to add to their stack.

What is App Development Software?

App development software encloses the tools and platforms for creating and managing mobile apps. These tools help to build software without needing to write code, with templates, IDE, APIs, data syncing, analytics, and more. As a result, app development becomes faster and easier with responsive design and data privacy features.

App development software can help you create and develop apps better as a beginner. It provides tools and features to help devs design, build and deploy apps, streamline your development process, and create high-quality apps quicker. There's been significant growth in the app development industry over the last few years. According to Statista, the revenue of mobile platforms will reach $935.2 billion in 2023, and the sector's growth rate is 7.89%. As a result, there's ample opportunity for junior app devs to enter this thriving industry!

Conclusion

Choosing the correct language and app development tools is crucial for beginner mobile app developers. You can speed up your dev process and create high-quality apps with the right tools. Don’t fall upon rookie mistakes! Take the time to research options to find what best fits your needs and skill level. Remember, as you grow as a developer, your needs may change. If necessary, reevaluate and switch to a different language or software, there's no need to get stuck with a particular language if it doesn't provide the solution you're looking for. Happy developing!