Android App Development - A Quick Overview

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08 Oct 2021, 22:24 GMT+10

Considering the easy entry to market, and almost 71% of smartphone users owning Android technology, Android app development is becoming more lucrative each day.

If you're one of the aspiring appreneurs who want to enter the field and build a fortune, this guide has some important information that can help you prepare for the venture.

Android App Development Process

Most android app development companies now follow a 5-step agile process that starts with robust ideation and ends with deployment on Play store. Here are the details:

a.Planning

This stage involves mapping the user journey, establishing app development goals, projecting costs and revenue, estimating the no. of downloads and finding the right developer to take over the overall project. Competitor analysis and idea validation are also main parts of the same stage.

b.Design

Designing process includes wireframing and prototyping. Based on the brand themes, target users and the market, designers start creating app screens, and craft a visually performing model of the app - called the prototype. Once the client or the appreneur approves the prototype, designers can move the project ahead for technical development.

c.Development

After design, it's time to code the back-end and front-end and connect them both to the intermediary layer - API.

d.Testing

After technical development is done, developers forward the digital asset to a team of testers and debuggers. This team performs penetration and user acceptance test to assess the quality of app's performance and its security protocols. After battle-testing, the app is ready. Full-cycle app developers offer development and testing in the process, but you can choose to buy testing from standalone Android app development services.

e.Release

After client's approvals and implementing feedback, the app is submitted to the Google Play store for approval and publishing. during this process, the bots check the app for viruses, bugs etc.

Technology Stack

The technology stack for Android development comprises wireframing tools like Adobe XD and Figma, programming languages like Java and Kotlin and databases. Further, you'll need access to Google Developer's account which costs $25.

Finding the Right Developer for Your Android App

Here are 10 tips that will help you find the right Android app development company for your project:

Check time zone and location. Both of these factors are detrimental to effective project management, communication and project execution.

Check independent review sites Clutch and GoodFirms. These have specific benchmarks to rate and rank the app development services of companies.

Check the company's official website and see if they have technical expertise to handle your project.

Assess the company's social proof. See how they engage with their audience on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter handles. You can also check the reviews and LinkedIn endorsements. with that, checking community forums like Quora and Reddit are also ideal platforms to check.

Check the Google business listings. There you can find the direct testimonials of real people.

Check the portfolio and previous projects of the company. Download the free apps that they have developed and assess them for user experience, user interface design, bugs and crashes, features, price and their business potential. Also see if your potential developer has created an app for the same industry where you already operate or plan to penetrate.

After shortlisting a developer or two based on the technical expertise, quality of portfolio and social proof, talk about the app development timeline. Basic apps can be completed in 3-6 months while advanced applications can take more than 12 months. If your app developer can commit to the deadlines, he is good to go with!

Discuss innovation strategies with the technical development team and business analysts. Because they are experienced in the industry, they must be able to guide you on integrating your app with blockchain-based wallets, AR/VR environments and machine learning algorithms and IoT-enabled embedded systems.

Talk about the suitable monetization strategy for your app. no matter how great the app features are, if you can't monetize the app one or the other way, you'll end up getting nothing on your investment.

After you know which app developer is right for you, it's time to discuss about the payment structures. Industry norms suggest that flexible structures with down payments and installments should be enough, but if you desire a different arrangement, make sure to weigh the financial consequences.