What is App Development and Why is it Important for Your Business?
What is an application?
An application (app for short) is a computer program designed to perform a specific task. An application can be developed for various purposes, devices and end-users. A good application has an ergonomic design, user-friendly interface and is responsive.
Let’s make this easier to understand with an example. WhatsApp is a communication app. We (end-users) use it to communicate (purpose) via a computer or smartphone (devices). Likewise, apps for employees (end-users) like Slack are used for communication (purpose). This blog will focus on application development for businesses.
What is application development?
Application development is the process of building an app. This app is designed for a designated purpose for a business or organization. Apps for businesses are used for administration, sales and productivity purposes.
An app is a visual representation of your business. End-users, whether they are clients or employees, perceive many things through an app. The end-users can gauge the quality, performance and work efficiency of your business through your app. Hence, it is advisable to build an app that portrays your business accurately. It is important to select a development partner that understands the goals of your business.
A reliable app developer follows six stages to build an international-quality app. The stages in the application development process are as follows:
- Understanding Client Requirements
- Conducting Market Research
- Planning & Design
- Customizations
- Testing & Implementation
- App Roll-Out
Why is App Development Important for a Business?
For a business, tasks like attendance, payments and reports are monotonous. This work becomes arduous as a business grows. More often than not, it is these tasks that bog down a business. This creates a block in workflow and productivity, reducing work efficiency. This is why a modern solution exists: automation or digitalization. Automation is nothing but turning manual tasks into simplified digital tasks.
An application is one of the best tools for business automation. They simplify tasks like attendance, payroll management and communication. Laboriouspen-to-paper work becomes only a few clicks on a computer. Think of an app as a long-term investment that saves time and money for your business. If work efficiency and lowered costs are your priority, then apps are the solution.
There are, also, apps your business can use to perform sales online. Gone are the days when offline transactions alone were the norm. Apps can be useful to shift your business’s operations online. Through an app, you can display products, run discounts, accept payments and arrange for delivery – all online. This saves administration costs and increases profits for your business in the long run. It is the future of the business world.
Now that we have a better understanding of application development, let’s look at the three basic types of apps.
1. Native Applications
A native application is an application that is used on a specific operating system. This is because the code has been written in the language of the device’s operating system and hardware. Native apps are developed for smartphones as well as computers.
For example, most iOS apps are written in Objective-C. This is because Mac OS uses Objective-C. An Android app is written in the same programming language that the Android OS uses. Android app development and iOS app development are examples of native applications.
2. Hybrid Applications
Hybrid applications are apps that can be used on both the Android and Mac operating systems. App developers use a common coding language to develop an app that can be read by the Android and Mac operating systems. Examples: WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook.
3. Web Applications
Web applications are applications that can be accessed through web browsers. Unlike the previous apps, a web app cannot access the hardware of the device it is used on. It interacts with the cloud server and can be written in JavaScript, CSS and HTML. Examples are Canva, Google Docs and Netflix.
Arcitech – A Renowned App Development Company
Got a business that requires a mobile application? Looking for web application development services? Arcitech does all this and more. We develop customisable app solutions for your business. Contact us here to get started.
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