7 Must-Have Tools for Mobile App Developers
Having a mobile app solely for your business is essential, especially now that there are about 3.8 billion mobile users across the globe, this is according to a report from Statista.
In addition, there is an increasing number of companies starting to realize that by addressing customer concerns using mobile apps, they can take more opportunities for their own gain.
Now, to successfully design and develop a mobile app, a designer needs the right tools. However, there are tons of options to use and it can be a challenge to weed out the rest. So, how do you know which tools to use?
In order to help you understand better, this article separates mobile app development tools into two categories such as:
- The native development tools
- Cross-platform development tools
Let’s get started on identifying these must-have tools for mobile app developers:
What are Native Development Tools?
A native development tool is a software allowing mobile app developers to create applications to use in a single system family, device, or platform such as iOS, Android, or Windows.
The app created out of using this tool is specially coded or made for a specific mobile platform that is in its native programming language such as:
- iOS: Objective-C
- Android: Kotlin or Java
- Windows mobile: C#
Native Development Tools:
1. Xcode
This native development tool has introduced a new way to design and develop a mobile app. When Xcode tools are combined with Swift which is a new programming language for Cocoa and Cocoa Touch, programming becomes an exciting live experience.
Xcode includes everything a mobile app developer may need to build applications for different devices such as iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Mac, and Apple TV. It lets developers come up with a unified workflow for designing the user interface (UI), coding, testing, and debugging. You can use this tool for free too.
2. AppCode
AppCode supports web technologies like Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), JavaScript, Extensible Markup Language (XML), Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), and more. This tool is an IDE for iOS or macOS development. It provides mobile app developers with a variety of essential integrations like built-in Reveal support and CocoaPods manager.
However, keep in mind that this tool is not free and the starting price is about $12.22 per month.
3. Android Studio
Android Studio is built by Google and it is an Android development tool. Its editor is essential for Android mobile developers because it provides shortcuts for designing and coding. In addition, its layout designer makes the use easier, resulting in a more efficient mobile app development.
It also provides a drag-and-drop user interface that lets mobile app developers design the layout of their applications. Furthermore, the use of this tool is free.
What are Cross-platform Development Tools?
Cross-platform development tools let mobile app developers create applications for single or more operating systems or platforms. This means that generic apps can be used on both iOS and Android phones.
This reduces the cost and time required in developing a mobile app. However, generic apps tend to experience platform-specific issues and perform in a lower-quality UI.
Cross-platform Development Tools:
1. Adobe PhoneGap
This mobile app development tools allow mobile app developers to work with a single codebase using a different set of technologies. It uses HTML, JavaScript, CSS, and Web APIs.
This tool is basically a collection of HTML pages found in a native app shell, the collection is then pushed out to native platforms through native APIs.
Adobe PhoneGap is based on Cordova Technology and is free to use.
2. React Native
React Native is a tool developed by the Facebook community. Its framework is based on JavaScript technology. This helps mobile app developers create native-like mobile apps using only a single code.
The aim of this framework is to create a first-rate native application UX using React and JavaScript. Its unique JavaScript technology makes it possible to create a cross-platform mobile app.
3. Native Script
NativeScript lets mobile app developers build applications using a single codebase and web technologies like JavaScript and CSS.
This is an open-source framework letting you build native mobile applications with other frameworks like Angular or Vue.js. This comes with a monthly fee of $19 per month.
4. TrackVia
TrackVia can be an alternative to spreadsheets, complicated enterprise systems, and legacy databases. Mobile app developers can easily manage, track, and automate business processes efficiently.
This is done by accurately collecting data and analyzing them in real-time. It also allows developers to maintain control of their application requirements even with zero programming background.
Create the Most Ideal Mobile App Today
Developing mobile apps for your company helps you improve and boost your image. Once you have your app up and running, you should always consider analyzing and monitoring its performance. In addition, this is a crucial part of your mobile app’s success.
So, never hesitate to try and use the mentioned mobile development tools as most of them are free to use. Essentially, it is wise to keep in mind that focusing on your users’ preferences is also key in mobile app designing and development.
These mobile app development tools have transcended the market and make development more accessible to more people. So, which is the best tool to use?
It would really depend on a few factors that a project requires. Also, keep in mind that developing a mobile app is not as easy as it seems, but with these tools, you’ll know exactly what you need.
To become successful in developing a mobile app, you need to utilize the right tools. Yes, it can be true that developers are equipped with enough creativity, talent, and skills but if they’re not using the right tools, things are going to be a lot more challenging.
Using the tools mentioned above helps you narrow down your options that can be a little overwhelming, especially because there are plenty of mobile app development tools available to you.
