Build an App By Choosing the Right Development Method (5 Ways)

By Garima Singh | Last Updated on April 26th, 2024 11:55 am

Have you ever checked your phone and realized hours have flown by? You're not alone. According to a study by Statista, smartphone users worldwide spend over 4.2 hours per day on mobile apps. This explosive growth in mobile app usage has increased demand for mobile application development across all industries.

But with so many app ideas on the Internet, how do you make your own app, and which is the right approach? The good news is, there's no single answer. In this blog, I will explore six ways to build a mobile app, helping you choose the approach that best fits your needs, budget, and technical expertise. Multiple solutions exist to make an app with their pros and cons but some app builder platforms have found their balance.

According to eMarketer, the global mobile app revenue is estimated to reach $935.2 billion in 2023, indicating that app development is beneficial and you need not know how to make an app. With so many AI-powered tools available, having to create an app without getting into technical trouble is common these days. Later in this blog, we will explore methods that will guide you on how to build a mobile app from scratch.

How to Make an App in 5 Ways

To begin with app creation, it’s important to know what factors I considered while choosing these 5 development methods. I have categorized these methods into the following: technical knowledge required, development speed, and level of control over the final product. The target audience willing to make an app could belong to any demographic and the requirements would differ depending on the need and purpose of the app.

5 Methods To Create An App

Low-Level Coding

This method is the most difficult of all to design an app. The minimum eligibility required to make an app with low-level coding is to be a developer with high programming skills. The developer uses Java(Android) and Swift(iOS) language models to develop apps. Also, the complete app development process requires a team of workers including developers, designers, testers, and project managers to work collaboratively making it a dependent process.

However, the development speed is quite slow as each line of code is to be written by hand by the developer making it a time-consuming process but, the customization capabilities are vast and provide full control over the app’s functionality and features.

Some of the drawbacks of traditional mobile application development include:

Expensive- Traditional app development can range between $150,000 and $500,000 depending on the the complexities of the application. (Source: Clutch)
Time-consuming- To design an app from scratch with a traditional method takes months to years to complete because of custom coding and a big team required to complete the task.
Technical Expertise- Unfortunately, a person from a non-technical background can’t make an app with this method as it requires a team of skilled programmers to perform complex coding.

Low-level coding methods are useful for complex apps that may require data integration at a huge level or deep integration with device hardware or other businesses.

Low-Code/No-Code App Builders

The average time spent on apps is 4.2 hours/day as per a report from Statista insisting businesses to invest in quality apps that have high ROIs. As a matter of fact, AI has evolved tremendously in recent years and the rise of no-code app builders and website builders has been seen.

These AI-powered app creator platforms work on the principle of no coding and allow users from non-technical backgrounds to design an app successfully. The platforms are so easy to use that they even offer complex features like payment gateways, push notifications, in-app purchases, and more.

The only drawback is that it needs frequent updates as they are not primarily built on extensive coding, issues such as server down are ubiquitous. Platforms such as Appy Pie’s App Maker have found their place in a vast competitive marketplace and serve their customers top-quality apps.

The platform lets you convert a website to an app, offers free domain registration, free hosting, and a free Google Workspace Email but all this comes in their premium package of website builder. However, while making an app, you must consider making a website as well because not all customers are app users. Initially, users consider visiting a business’s website and later switching to the app.

While using Appy Pie, you get a free website when building an app and a free app when making a website. The platform uses drag-and-drop functionality to keep it easier for their customers to navigate the platform and provides how-to guides wherever necessary to avoid confusion.

To know more about the pricing structures of Appy Pie, visit their pricing plan page.

Hybrid App Development

Hybrid app development is an opportunity to develop cross-platform mobile apps. The process involves a combination of elements of native app development and web technologies. The apps are created more rapidly than traditional app development and smoothly run on Android and iOS devices, making them a suitable option for an easy app-making process with complex dynamics.

As the name suggests ‘hybrid app development’, merges frameworks like Apache Cordova, Ionic, React Native, or Flutter to build an app that allows it to run smoothly on all devices. This approach proves to be a cost-effective method for mobile app development as a single codebase can run for both devices (Android & iOS) while giving a user experience of native apps.

Hybrid apps use native components through plugins or APIs to access features like camera, GPS, accelerator, etc while offering offline functionality by catching web content and data locally.

Limitations involved with hybrid apps are their performance boundaries, functionality shortcomings, and user experience restrictions.

Outsourcing App Development

Outsourcing app development methods involves third-party software development companies or freelancers to design, develop, test, and maintain the app. The only thing that needs to be done from your end is to prepare a proper project plan with clearly defined requirements.

The business plan of app development may include the app’s functionality, features, design, UX, color theme, etc that need to be taken into consideration while developing the application.

Why you can consider outsourcing app development:

Access to Expertise: Many skilled developers who are proficient in their domains lack the opportunity to work for businesses and chances are higher of getting lost in the crowd but outsourcing allows organizations to tap into their creativity and discover new ideas and perspectives.
Budget-friendly: While native app development requires the physical presence of programmers and the team to work collaboratively leading to the increased expense of operations, outsourcing helps save money by cutting expenses on salaries, benefits, and infrastructure.
Focus on Core Competencies: While a third party will solve all your app-related problems, your business’s internal team can dedicate themselves to core functionalities that require deep knowledge and new initiatives.

App Development Templates

Template-based app development is also known as Cookie Cutter App Development where platforms develop pre-built app templates with pre-built layouts, features, and functionalities that can be customized as per the need. Though it is similar to low-code/no-code app builders, the only difference that lies is; in their customizability, flexibility, and scope.

Some online app maker platforms provide pre-built templates with some common pre-built features mentioned below:

User authentication and login
Push notifications
Social media integration
In-app messaging
E-commerce functionality
Geolocation services

Users can customize these or add or remove them as per their requirements and preferences. A person with a basic understanding of the Internet can easily work with free dashboard templates for app development and build a classy yet professional app all by himself. The option resonates more with individuals looking to start a business with little money so that they can start with an app and later upgrade to a complex version.

Build Your Own App

Conclusion

The key takeaway? Understanding these methods helps you to make the right decisions about building your app. Consider the complexity of your idea, your budget, and your technical expertise. With careful planning and the approach that best suits your needs, you can turn your app idea into a reality and join the exciting mobile app development journey.

Garima Singh