Mobile app development

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Mobile app development is the act or process by which a mobile app is developed for one or more mobile devices, which can include personal digital assistants (PDA), enterprise digital assistants (EDA), or mobile phones. [1] Such software applications are specifically designed to run on mobile devices, taking numerous hardware constraints into consideration. Common constraints include CPU architecture and speeds, available memory (RAM), limited data storage capacities, and considerable variation in displays (technology, size, dimensions, resolution) and input methods (buttons, keyboards, touch screens with or without styluses). [2] These applications (or 'apps') can be pre-installed on phones during manufacturing or delivered as web applications, using server-side or client-side processing (e.g., JavaScript) to provide an "application-like" experience within a web browser. [3]

Contents

Mobile app development has been steadily growing in terms of revenues and jobs created. A 2013 analyst report estimates there are 529,000 direct app economy jobs within the EU of which there are 28 members (including the UK), 60 percent of which are mobile app developers. [4]

Overview

In order to facilitate the development of applications for mobile devices, and the consistency thereof, various approaches have been taken.

Most companies that ship a product (e.g. Apple, iPod/iPhone/iPad) provide an official software development kit (SDK). They may also opt to provide some form of Testing and/or Quality Assurance (QA). In exchange for being provided the SDK or other tools, it may be necessary for a prospective developer to sign some form of non-disclosure agreement, or NDA, which restricts the sharing of privileged information.

As part of the development process, mobile user interface (UI) design is an essential step in the creation of mobile apps. Mobile UI designers consider constraints, contexts, screen space, input methods, and mobility as outlines for design. Constraints in mobile UI design, which include the limited attention span of the user and form factors such as a mobile device's screen size for a user's hand(s). Mobile UI context includes signal cues from user activity, such as the location where or the time when the device is in use, that can be observed from user interactions within a mobile app. Such context clues can be used to provide automatic suggestions when scheduling an appointment or activity or to filter a list of various services for the user.

The user is often the focus of interaction with their device, and the interface entails components of both hardware and software. User input allows for the users to manipulate a system, and the device's output allows the system to indicate the effects of the users' manipulation.

Overall, mobile UI design's goal is mainly for an understandable, user-friendly interface. Functionality is supported by mobile enterprise application platforms or integrated development environments (IDEs).

Developers of mobile applications must also consider a large array of devices with different screen sizes, hardware specifications, and configurations because of intense competition in mobile hardware and changes within each of the platforms.

Today, mobile apps are usually distributed via an official online outlet or marketplace (e.g. Apple - The App Store, Google - Google Play) and there is a formalized process by which developers submit their apps for approval and inclusion in those marketplaces. Historically, however, that was not always the case.

Mobile UIs, or front-ends, rely on mobile back-ends to support access to enterprise systems. The mobile back-end facilitates data routing, security, authentication, authorization, working off-line, and service orchestration. This functionality is supported by a mix of middleware components, including mobile app servers, mobile backend as a service (MBaaS), and service-oriented architecture (SOA) infrastructure.

Platform

The software development packages needed to develop, deploy, and manage mobile apps are made from many components and tools which allow a developer to write, test, and deploy applications for one or more target platforms.

Front-end development tools

Front-end development tools are focused on the user interface and user experience (UI-UX) and provide the following abilities:

Notable tools are listed below.

First-Party

First party tools include official SDKs published by, or on behalf of, the company responsible for the design of a particular hardware platform (e.g. Apple, Google, etc) as well as any third-party software that is officially supported for the purpose of developing mobile apps for that hardware.

Platform Programming language Debuggers available Emulator available Integrated development environment availableCross-platform deploymentInstaller packaging optionsDevelopment tool cost
Android Java but portions of code can be in C, C++,

Kotlin

Debugger integrated in Eclipse, standalone debugging monitor availableYes Eclipse, IntelliJ IDEA, Android Studio, Project Kenai Android plugin for NetBeansAndroid only, because of Dalvik VM, March 2009apkFree, IntelliJ IDEA Community Edition - Free
BlackBerry Java Debugger integrated in IDEYes Eclipse, BlackBerry JDEBlackBerry only, because of RIM APIalx, codFree
iOS SDK Objective-C, Swift Debugger integrated in Xcode IDEBundled with iPhone SDK, integrated with Xcode IDE Xcode, AppCode iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch Only via App Store, needs review and approval by Apple Inc. Apple tools are free for an Intel-based Mac. Simulator testing is free, but installing on a device needs a fee for a developer signing key. AppCode - commercial licenses available.

Since 2015, Apple allows installing the app in your own device without a developer paid membership. [5]

iOS SDK Object Pascal Debugger integrated in Xcode IDEIncluded in Delphi XE2 professional or higher Embarcadero Delphi XE2 iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch Only via App Store, needs review and approval by Apple Inc. Development requires Intel-based Mac besides the IDE on Windows. Design is on Windows, Compiling and deploying must be done on Mac. Simulator testing is free, but installing on a device needs a fee for a developer signing key

Second Party

Platform Programming language Debuggers available Emulator available Integrated development environment availableCross-platform deploymentInstaller packaging optionsDevelopment tool cost
Java ME Java YesFree emulator, Sun Java Wireless Toolkit, mpowerplayer Eclipse, LMA NetBeans Mobility PackYes although many VM implementations have device specific bugs necessitating separate builds Jad/Jar packaging; PRC files under Palm OSFree

Third Party

Platform Programming language Debuggers available Emulator available Integrated development environment availableCross-platform deploymentInstaller packaging optionsDevelopment tool cost
Accelerator HTML5, C# YesYes Microsoft Visual Studio
(no lock-in)
All platforms, mobile apps are browser-based Mobile Web Commercial licenses available
MobileTogether XPath/XQuery, Action Trees visual programming languageYesYesProprietary IDE on Windows onlyAndroid, iOS, Windows, browserThe native distribution for each formatFree
App Inventor for Android Visual blocks-based programming language, with Interface designerLimited debugging tools built into IDE YesWeb-based interface designer, with connection to Java web-start program for blocks programmingAndroid devicesapkFree
Appcelerator JavaScript Yes, in Titanium Studio.Emulator is available using native emulatorsTitanium Studio based on EclipseAndroid, iPhone; BlackBerry, Tizen, mobile webThe native distribution format of each platformFree, open-sourced Apache 2.0 licensed, commercial and enterprise licenses available
Basic4android Visual Basic similar syntaxYesEmulator is available using native emulatorsProprietary IDEAndroidThe native distribution format of each platformCommercial licenses available
Codename One Java YesYesEclipse, NetbeansAndroid, iPhone, BlackBerry, Windows Mobile, J2METhe native distribution format of each platformOpen Source GPLv2 and subscription-based build server
Solar2D Lua YesYes Xcode Android, iOS, Nook Color Native deployment for each platformFree using MIT license
DragonRAD Visual drag & drop tilesYesUses third-party emulatorsProprietary IDEAndroid, BlackBerry, Windows Mobile OTA deployment Free & commercial licenses available
GeneXus for Mobile and Smart Devices Knowledge representation and declarative programming-modeling for easy development, then code is automatically generated for each platformGeneXus utilizes pre-tested code libraries and user debugging of code not necessary after code generation.Publish in the cloud, test native in the device, no emulator neededProprietary IDE Android, iOS (iPhone, iPad), BlackBerry OS, and even HTML5 if neededThe native distribution format of each platform and also cloud-browser-basedFree to try, commercial and enterprise licenses available
IBM MobileFirst Studio HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, and native SDK languages w/ Native Worklight APIYes, Mobile Browser Simulator or integration with Native SDK DebuggerEmulator is available using native emulators or Browser Simulator w/ Cordova Plugin Eclipse plugin, Eclipse-based stand-alone Android, iOS, BlackBerry 6,7, & 10, Windows Phone 7.5 & 8, Windows 8 (desktop, tablets), Adobe AIR, Mobile Web App, desktop browser web pageThe native distribution format of each platformDeveloper edition free via Eclipse Marketplace, commercial license for deployment
Lazarus Object Pascal Yes, can debug in IDE via ActiveSync for Windows CEUses the emulators of the platforms Lazarus IDE, including integrated GUI designer and debugger Compiled language available for Windows CE, Linux-based devices, Symbian port in developmentThe native distribution format of each platformFree
LambdaNative Scheme NoNo but can build and test on the localhost Eclipse (software) (optional)All native binaries: Android, iOS, BlackBerry 10, Windows, OS X, Linux, OpenBSD, OpenWrt The native distribution format of each platformFree (BSD license)
LiveCode LiveCodeYes (integrated into IDE)Yes (iOS and Android emulators may be used)YesiOS, Android, macOS, Windows, Linux, server, HTML5. Installer packagingThe native distribution format of each platformfree open-source edition, commercial and enterprise editions available
Macromedia Flash Lite ActionScript YesBundled with IDE Macromedia Flash MX2004/8, EclipseYesSIS-CAB deployment or OTA-IR-Bluetooth SWF filesVaries, free but limited with MTASC
Marmalade C, C++ YesYes Visual Studio, Xcode All native: Android, BlackBerry, BREW, iOS (iPhone), Maemo, Palm-webOS, Samsung bada, Symbian, Windows Mobile 6.x and desktop, OS XThe native distribution format of each platformCommercial licenses available
Meme IDE MemeScriptValidation is provided in the problems viewYes, Android emulator can be integrated Eclipse RCP Android, Windows Mobile The native distribution format of each platformFree for development
Monaca HTML5, CSS, JavaScript YesPreview is available on cloud IDE and local toolCloud-based IDE, Visual Studio, third-party IDE/editorsAndroid, iOS, windows8.1, 10The native distribution format of each platformFree, up to 3 projects. Commercial and enterprise license available
Mono for Android C# YesYesVisual Studio 2005 and MonoDevelopAndroidThe native distribution format of the platform
MonoTouch C# YesYesVisual Studio 2005 and MonoDevelopiOSThe native distribution format of the platform
MoSync C, C++, Lua, HTML5, CSS, JavaScriptYesYesEclipse, Visual Studio 2005 and later, MoBuild w/ text editorsAndroid, iOS (iPhone), Java ME, Moblin, Smartphone 2003, Symbian, Windows Mobile (Pocket PC), Blackberry (experimental) SIS, CAB, JAD, JAR, APK, OTA deploymentFree, GPL 2.0, Free Indie Subscription; commercial subscription available
NetBeans C++, Java YesYesJava development toolsAndroid (Mobile and Tablet), Nokia (Symbian, Seria 60 – 40 – 80), etc...Free
OpenPlug ActionScript, XML YesYesOpenPlug ELIPS plugin for Adobe Flash Builder Android, iOS (iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch), Symbian, Windows MobileThe native distribution format of each platformFree & commercial licenses available
OutSystems OutSystems, CSS, JavaScript YesTest directly in browserOutSystems Service StudioAndroid, iOS, Windows Phone 7NAFree community edition for personal use, or subscription licensing for commercial use
PhoneGap and Apache Cordova HTML, CSS, JavaScript YesYes A lot of functionality can be tested directly in browser. Running native emulators on iOS and Android is also possible.Yes Many IDEs exist for Cordova-based tools like Ionic Studio or Appery.io iPhone, Android, Tizen, Windows Phone, BlackBerry, Symbian, Palm, BadaThe native distribution format of each platformApache 2
Qt SDK C++, QML YesYes Qt Creator Android (technology preview), iOS (technology preview), Symbian, Maemo, MeeGo, Linux, Windows, OS X The native distribution format of each platformFree and commercial licenses available
Rhomobile Ruby with HTML interface features compiled through an interpreter into native applicationsYesN/A, applications can run in Win32 runner, or in device emulators for supported platforms. Xcode or Eclipse, on-demand RhoHub version includes full IDEYes, supports Android 1.6+, iOS 3.0+ (iPhone, iPad), Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional, Windows Mobile 6.0 Standard, BlackBerry 4.6, 4.7, 5.0, 6.0 (4.2 and 4.5 supported but database access is very slow on these devices), Symbian OTA deployment, iOS through App store, .SIS, .CAB, .APK, .CODRhodes is free and open source under the MIT License, RhoSync is under GPL or commercial, Commercial support available. Subscription for RhoHub
RubyMotion Ruby YesYesAny text editor. As an IDE, RubyMine.Android, iOSThe native distribution format of the platformRubyMotion is a commercial product.
Sencha Touch HTML, CSS, JavaScript YesYesSencha Architect 2Android, iOS (iPhone, iPad, iPod touch), Kindle, BlackBerry, BadaWeb delivered, or hybrid via native shells for each platformGPLv3, free for commercial, paid for OEM and embedded systems
Smartface WYSIWYG design editor with JavaScript code editorYesYesSmartface IDE and SDKYes Android, iOS (iPhone, iPad, iPod touch), Kindle, Gear, Google GlassThe native distribution format of each platformCommunity license and commercial licenses available
Stencyl Drag-and-drop editor based on Scratch, Objective-C YesYes Xcode iOS (iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch)The native distribution format of each platformFree and commercial development licenses
Telerik Platform, and AppBuilderHTML5, CSS and JavascriptYesTest right in browser or deviceIn-browser client, desktop client, Visual Studio, Sublime Text or command-line interface (CLI)Android, iOS, Windows phoneThe native distribution format of each platformFree to try, commercial and enterprise licenses available
Unity C#, JavaScript, Boo, other .NET-based languagesYesRemote used to simulate device interaction before app is uploaded to the device.Unity Editor, also works with Visual Studios and MonoDevelop.Android, iOS (iPhone, iPad), PC, Mac, desktop browser, Xbox 360, PS3, Wii. BlackBerry Playbook, Nokia Symbian, Roku 2 and others available through company's Union program.Native distribution format of each platformFree and commercial development licenses.
Verivo AppStudioWYSIWYG, graphical drag and drop, JavaScript, .NET-based languages. Replaced by Appery.ioYesTest right in browser or deviceProprietary design studioAndroid, iOS, BlackberryNative distribution format of each platformFree development licenses; per-CPU deployment licenses
ViziApps WYSIWYG, graphical drag and dropYesTest right in browser or deviceOnline design studioAndroid, iOS, Windows Phone plannedThe native distribution format of each platformFree to design, test, demo, update, app; fee to publish
V-Play Engine Objective C, C++, JavaScript, QML, Java YesYes Qt Creator All PlatformsThe native distribution format of each platformFree, Indie and Enterprise licenses are available
Wakanda HTML5, JavaScript YesYesYes Wakanda StudioAndroid, iOS, Windows 10 (soon) and browser-based appsapkOpen Source and Commercial licenses available
Xamarin C#YesYesXamarin Studio (Mac only; deprecated), Visual Studio (Windows only), Visual Studio for Mac (Mac only; replaced Xamarin Studio) [6] [7] Android, iOS, Windows Phone, Windows Store appsThe native distribution of each platformFree community edition, pro edition included in Microsoft MSDN licensing
Xojo Xojo (similar to VB)YesYesXojo IDEiOS, mobile web appsiOS apps are native iPadFree trial with no time limit; commercial licenses available

Back-end servers

Back-end tools pick up where the front-end tools leave off, and provide a set of reusable services that are centrally managed and controlled and provide the following abilities:

Available tools are listed below.

Platform Programming language Integrated development environment availableCross-platform deploymentDeployment optionsDevelopment tool cost
Altova MobileTogether ServerBrowser-based interfaceProprietary IDEServer available for Windows, Linux, macOS. Supports mobile devices running Android, iOS, Windows 8, Windows 10 Windows Phone, HTML5 browser-based clientOn-prem, cloud, or hybridDevelopment tools are free, commercial license needed for deployment
GO!AppZone by Globo plc JavaScript. Custom integrations connectors/server-side logic: C#, VB.NETYes, GO!AppZone Studio Android, BlackBerry, iOS, Windows Phone, 8.x, RT On-prem, cloud or hybridDevelopment tools are free, commercial license or subscription needed for deployment
IBM MobileFirst Server HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, and native SDK languages w/ Native Worklight API Eclipse plugin, Eclipse-based stand-alone Android, iOS, BlackBerry 6,7, & 10, Windows Phone 7.5 & 8, Windows 8 (desktop, tablets), Adobe AIR, Mobile Web App, desktop browser web pageOn-premDeveloper edition free via Eclipse Marketplace, commercial license for deployment
Metismo Java Eclipse Android, iOS (iPhone, iPad), Java ME, BREW, BlackBerry, Nintendo DS, Palm/webOS, Sony PSP, Samsung bada, Symbian, Windows Mobile, Windows Phone 7, Windows Desktop, OS XOn-premCommercial licenses available
Wakanda JavaScript Use Wakanda StudioAndroid, iOS (iPhone, iPad), Windows Phone 10 (soon), HTML5 appOn-prem or cloudCommunity and commercial editions
Verivo Akula Java Use any front-end IDEAndroid, iOS (iPhone, iPad), Windows Phone7On-prem, cloud, or hybridFree development licenses; per-CPU deployment licenses. Replaced by Appery.io
WebORB Integration Server C#, VB.NET, Java, PHP, ActionScript, JavaScript, Objective-C,

XML

Works with Eclipse, Visual Studio, intelliJ IDEA and Amethyst IDEAndroid, iOS (iPhone, iPad), BlackBerry Playbook, Windows Phone 7On-premFree development licenses; free and commercial deployment licenses

Security add-on layers

With bring your own device (BYOD) becoming the norm within more enterprises, IT departments often need stop-gap, tactical solutions that layer atop existing apps, phones, and platform component. Features include

System software

Many system-level components are needed to have a functioning platform for developing mobile apps.

Platform Programming language Debuggers available Emulator available Integrated development environment availableCross-platform deploymentInstaller packaging optionsDevelopment tool cost
Adobe AIR ActionScript, HTML, CSS, JavaScript YesYes Flash Builder, Flash Professional, IntelliJ IDEA Android, iOS (iPhone, iPad, iPod touch), BlackBerryThe native distribution format of each platform Flash Builder, Flash Professional, IntelliJ IDEA - commercial licenses available Adobe AIR SDK (command line tool) - Free
BREW C; the APIs are provided in C with a C++ style interfaceDebugger support for the native ARM target code. Can use Visual Studio to debug the x86 testing codeNo Emulator for the target ARM code, has a simulator for the x86 testing codeVisual Studio 6.0, Visual Studio 2003 .NET, Visual Studio 2005Compile for the specific BREW version available on the handset OTA Related dev fees typically needed for Brew App Certification - VeriSign annual fee for becoming a certified developer. Realview ARM compiler for BREW (the free GNU C/C++ is available, but with limited function and support). TRUE BREW testing fee for distributing the application.
Firefox OS HTML5, CSS, JavaScript YesNo, but simulator available.Firefox browser, Firebug Web browser on other platform Firefox Marketplace, Web URLDevelopment requires Mozilla Firefox and the simulator add-on
.NET Compact Framework C#, VB.NET, Basic4ppc YesFree emulator, source code available, also bundled with IDE Visual Studio 2008, 2005, 2003, Basic4ppc IDE Windows Mobile, Windows CE, Symbian-based devices via third-party tools OTA deployment, CAB files, ActiveSyncMost tools free, but commercial editions of Visual Studio needed for visual designers
OpenFL Haxe (similar to Actionscript and Java)YesYes IntelliJ IDEA, FlashDevelopAndroid, iOS (iPhone, iPad, iPod touch), BlackBerry Playbook, WebOS, HTML5, Flash, Windows (exe), LinuxThe native distribution format of each platformFree
Palm OS C, C++, Pascal YesOS 1.0–4.1: free emulator provided by PalmSource (Access); OS 5.0: - 5.4 device-specific simulators provided by Palm (palmOne)Palm OS Development System (Eclipse), CodeWarrior, PocketStudio, HB++, Satellite Forms Palm OS handhelds, or Windows Mobile with StyleTap emulator PRC files, PalmSource Installer (.psi)Free (POSE or GCC for Palm OS), or commercial (CodeWarrior), or various commercial rapid-development frameworks
Python PythonYesAdd-on to Nokia EmulatorSeveral, including plugins for Eclipse Interpreted language available natively only on Nokia Series60 (and desktops) though ports exist to other mobile platforms, including Palm OSSis deployment with py2sis or can use Python RuntimeFree
Symbian C++ YesFree emulator Many choices Compile per target SIS deploymentCommercial and free tools available
Tizen Web-based: HTML5, CSS, JavaScript Native: C, C++ YesFree emulatorTizen SDKWeb-based app to be available on web browserTizen through App store, Web URLDevelopment needs Windows, OS X, or Ubuntu Desktop
Ubuntu Touch Web-based: HTML5, CSS, JavaScript Native: QML, C, C++ YesYesUbuntu SDKHTML5 app to be available web browser.Ubuntu Touch through App store, Web URLDevelopment requires Ubuntu Desktop 12.04 or higher, Free
webOS JavaScript, CSS, HTML, C and C++ through the PDKYesFree emulator Eclipse webOS, Palm only OTA deployment, webOS through App store, Web URL, Precentral, .ipkFree
Windows Mobile C, C++ YesFree emulator (source code available), also bundled with IDE Visual Studio 2010, 2008, 2005, eMbedded VC++ (free), Satellite Forms Windows Mobile, Windows CE OTA deployment, CAB files, ActiveSyncFree command-line tools or eMbedded VC++, or Visual Studio (Standard edition or better)
Windows Phone C#, Visual Basic, C, C++ YesFree emulator, also bundled with IDE Visual Studio 2012, Visual Studio 2010 Windows Phone OTA deployment, XAP files

Criteria for selecting a development platform usually include the target mobile platforms, existing infrastructure, and development skills. When targeting more than one platform with cross-platform development, it is also important to consider the impact of the tool on the user experience. Performance is another important criterion, as research on mobile apps indicates a strong correlation between application performance and user satisfaction. Along with performance and other criteria, the availability of the technology and the project's requirements may drive the development between native and cross-platform environments. To aid the choice between native and cross-platform environments, some guidelines and benchmarks have been published. Typically, cross-platform environments are reusable across multiple platforms, leveraging a native container while using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript for the user interface. In contrast, native environments are targeted at one platform for each of those environments. For example, Android development occurs in the Eclipse IDE using Android Developer Tools (ADT) plugins, Apple iOS development occurs using the Xcode IDE with Objective-C and/or Swift, Windows and BlackBerry each have their own development environments.

Mobile app testing

Mobile applications are first tested within the development environment using emulators and later subjected to field testing. Emulators provide an inexpensive way to test applications on mobile phones to which developers may not have physical access. The following are examples of tools used for testing applications across the most popular mobile operating systems.

Tools include

Design Principles for Creating Successful Mobile Apps

According to a 2020 Industry Report on Applications, 46% of mobile app users have stated that they have stopped using or uninstalled an app due to poor performance. [9] Design experts advocate for the following design principles to create successful and effective mobile apps:

Clutter-free screens: Keeps interactions quick and simple, allowing users to focus on one specific task rather than being overwhelmed with multiple features and tasks. Design experts strongly advocate for one task per screen and recommend breaking down long forms into pages and progressively revealing new tasks or fields to minimize clutter. [10]

Reduce cognitive load: Makes user journey through the app seamless and preserves natural flow through the app. Design experts suggest incorporating autocomplete, spell-check, prediction text assistance, and dropdown menus to reduce cognitive load. Design experts also recommend the state of the app be preserved when users temporarily leave the app and re-enter so that users can continue their journey from where they have left off. [10] [11]

Simple navigation: Around 11% of people have uninstalled apps due to their complicated interface. [9] Design experts state it is paramount to present the navigation bar visibly in your app to help users navigate to frequently used and high-priority screens instantly. They suggest the use of recognizable icons specific to the device operating system to help users easily take actions such as opening a menu, changing settings, going back a screen, and searching within a page. According to them, a user should not be confused while navigating the app, so an orderly, clear, and logical navigation flow drives engagement and discovery in the app. [10] [11]

Notifications: It’s reported that around 19% of users uninstall an app due to frequent push notifications. [9] Notifications should be sent with careful planning according to design experts. Experts state notifications should be sent at a time most convenient to users in their time zone and the messages should be personalized to bring great value to them. [10]

Speed Appearance: About 19% of people uninstall apps due to hang up issues. [9] Design experts state it’s important to make sure the app is fast and responsive so that users don’t have to wait for content. They state developers should deliver content faster or give the perception of progress. Some approaches suggested by the experts are the use of skeleton screens which show the layout of the app with content grayed out, progress bars or loading spinners, tasks being carried out in the background and delivering the content quickly when the user requests for it, or giving users some tasks or content while they are waiting for a page to load. [10]

Usability: Approximately 85% of mobile users use their phone with one hand, [9] thus design experts state it is important that the top-level menu, frequently used controls, and common action items are within the reach of the user’s thumb. They also stress the importance of readability and it’s recommended that the text size is at least 11 point font so that users can read it at the typical reading distance without zooming in. [10] It is recommended that headers and titles on the app screens be San Francisco 17pt and Roboto 16sp for iOS and Android OS respectively. [11] The experts also state there should be 4.5:1 minimum contrast ratio between text and the background color. [10] Design experts strongly encourage developers to make apps accessible for all users including people with disabilities, so they suggest features such as voice navigation, screen reader compatibility, and user interface adaptability in mobile apps. [11]

Patents

Many patent applications are pending for new mobile phone apps. Most of these are in the technological fields of business methods, database management, data transfer, and operator interface. [12]

See also

Related Research Articles

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Minimo</span>

Minimo was a project to create a version of the Mozilla web browser for small devices like personal digital assistants and mobile phones.

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A software widget is a relatively simple and easy-to-use software application or component made for one or more different software platforms.

A mobile development framework is a software framework that is designed to support mobile app development. It is a software library that provides a fundamental structure to support the development of applications for a specific environment.

Apache Cordova is a mobile application development framework created by Nitobi. Adobe Systems purchased Nitobi in 2011, rebranded it as PhoneGap, and later released an open-source version of the software called Apache Cordova. Apache Cordova enables software programmers to build hybrid web applications for mobile devices using CSS3, HTML5, and JavaScript, instead of relying on platform-specific APIs like those in Android, iOS, or Windows Phone. It enables the wrapping up of CSS, HTML, and JavaScript code depending on the platform of the device. It extends the features of HTML and JavaScript to work with the device. The resulting applications are hybrid, meaning that they are neither truly native mobile application nor purely Web-based. They are not native because all layout rendering is done via Web views instead of the platform's native UI framework. They are not Web apps because they are packaged as apps for distribution and have access to native device APIs. Mixing native and hybrid code snippets has been possible since version 1.9.

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A mobile application or app is a computer program or software application designed to run on a mobile device such as a phone, tablet, or watch. Mobile applications often stand in contrast to desktop applications which are designed to run on desktop computers, and web applications which run in mobile web browsers rather than directly on the mobile device.

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ionic (mobile app framework)</span> Open-source framework to develop hybrid mobile apps

Ionic is an open-source UI toolkit for building cross-platform mobile, web, and desktop applications using web technologies such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript/TypeScript. It provides a set of pre-designed UI components and tools for building high-quality, interactive applications. Ionic was originally built as a complete open-source SDK for hybrid mobile app development created by Max Lynch, Ben Sperry, and Adam Bradley of Drifty Co. in 2013. The original version was released in 2013 and built on top of AngularJS and Apache Cordova. However, the latest release was re-built as a set of Web Components using StencilJS, allowing the user to choose any user interface framework, such as Angular, React or Vue.js. It also allows the use of Ionic components with no user interface framework at all. Ionic provides tools and services for developing hybrid mobile, desktop, and progressive web apps based on modern web development technologies and practices, using Web technologies like CSS, HTML5, and Sass. In particular, mobile apps can be built with these Web technologies and then distributed through native app stores to be installed on devices by utilizing Cordova or Capacitor.

Flutter is an open-source UI software development kit created by Google. It can be used to develop cross platform applications from a single codebase for the web, Fuchsia, Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, and Windows. First described in 2015, Flutter was released in May 2017. Flutter is used internally by Google in apps such as Google Pay and Google Earth as well as by other software developers including ByteDance and Alibaba.

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