Whether it be setting your alarm before bed or scrolling through your feed on Instagram, using apps has become a daily part of our lives. If you have ever come across your own idea for an app or simply wondered what it takes to develop one, we have you covered.
Programming Languages
An important part of creating an app is through coding! If you do not have programming experience, there are other platforms that allow you to form no-code apps through drag and drop methods. However, coding allows for an efficient way to get your desired result and functionality.
For iOS apps, we use Swift. On the other hand, Java is the official language for Android applications. Another easy way to code both an iOS and Android app at the same time is through ReactJS, a Javascript library. Don’t have experience in these languages? Websites such as Codecademy, Udemy, or various Youtube channels (highly recommend CodeWithChris!) can help you to gain these skills with little to no cost.
Wireframing / Mock-ups
Before delving into code, it is always a good idea to have a plan of your layout. To prevent you from getting overwhelmed, using visuals such as a simple wireframe (outlines of your screens, in other words) can help set the scene. This can be done either through simple drawings on paper, or a more tech-savvy way is to use a design platform like Figma. It is also good to take note of the functionalities of your app- for example, think of questions such as, “What screen do I want this button to take me to?”.
Emulators
Building your app, you can write your code on Xcode (iOS) or on Android Studio. A text editor is also an option with the ReactJS method. These environments have built-in emulators where you can see directly how your app looks on a device as if it was live. In turn, this allows you to make changes or debug. You can also see how the front-end (what the user sees) is like and make any changes in design.
Developing an app may seem like a daunting task, but the hardest part can be starting. With these tips, we hope you have gained knowledge about how to begin forming your own projects. Consider starting to develop with a friend that can keep you on track, or schedule blocks of your time to learn through a Udemy course. You can start simple with basic apps, then build up to form your dream app creation. We wish you luck on your app development journey!
