This post has been compiled to give beginners an overview of mobile application development lifecycle and app development processes for custom app development.
Hello There!
Welcome to the SRISYS blog. In this post we introduce you to the innovative world of mobile application development. Through the lifecycle you will able to get a fair understanding of the process involved in custom app development.
One important point to remember is that mobile software development involves similar processes as a software development lifecycle (SDLC).
Let’s begin!
Pioneers of software development Microsoft have identified 5 stages of mobile software development. These are:
- Inception
- Design
- Development
- Stabilization
- Deployment
Sounds simple, right? Let’s understand these steps in a little more detail.
Also read our blog Cross-Platform Mobile App Development
Inception Stage
This is the initial stage where you think of building an app. You need to come up with an idea of what the app is going to be and how it is useful.
For example: You might want to come up with a fitness app or an app for local news and updates. Some people might also want to come up with an app that can help blind people visualize the surroundings they are in.
Sounds crazy? Not really.
As we have been observing in today’s world, there are mobile apps for anything and everything which can solve certain problems we face in our day to day lives. Ten years ago who would have thought food delivery apps would be possible? But today, that space is being heavily contested by competitors for a piece of the market share.
So, if you have an idea for a mobile app, go for it. Just make sure it is legal.
Design Stage
To pass this stage you will need a graphic designer.
The designer will be useful in creating the screens of the app and the layout for a good look and feel.
These are known as User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI). These are very important as no matter how brilliant the idea, is users are not able to use the app smoothly then all your efforts go in vain.
To keep it simple yet refreshing is the name of the game.
While UX is done using wireframes or mockups using design kits, UI is where you will be adding colors, graphics, etc. to make the app look good.
Development Stage
The most crucial stage is the development stage as most manual effort and focus goes into this. This stage involves software programmers who write the code, execute the functionality and bring the idea to life in the form of an app.
Stabilization Stage
No product is ready for launch in the market before it is tested thoroughly. Hence, this stage will involve a testing expert who will test the app for functionality and make note of all the problems involved.
These problems are called as bugs in software development terminology.
Once the bugs have been identified they are sent to the development team for course correction.
Only when the testing team is completely happy is when the app will be released for deployment.
Deployment Stage
This is the stage where you need to ensure you follow all necessary guidelines of platforms such as Google Play Store for Android apps and App store for apps based on iOS.
Once you have agreed to the guidelines, terms and conditions for both these platforms, your app is ready for deployment.
For Android apps deployment takes lesser time when compared to the iOS platform. Once deployed, it is always advisable to keep working on the app and upgrade it from time to time with new features and functionalities.
Hope you have gained an overview of the mobile application development lifecycle. As had been mentioned earlier, this is only an introduction to help you understand the steps that go into building a mobile app. For detailed processes it is best you refer to individual guidelines for Android and iOS.