If you are an Apple user, you have nearly 2 million apps to choose from. Android users have nearly the same number of applications available to download from the Google Play Store. In other words, the app market is booming, and applications are no longer seen as pure entertainment. Instead, they play a gradually growing part in various businesses across industries, not to mention that apps have significantly eased the burden of social distancing and isolation during the recent pandemic.
It sounds like a mobile app development project may be a good idea for businesses. However, like everything in our material world, the creation of mobile applications has a price tag on it. Several main factors determine the eventual outlay, but you can't expect a decent app without making substantial investments if your budget is limited.
The budget issues are heartrending for startups. But there's an answer. Nowadays, everyone strives for simplicity, reduced development costs, and automation.
The domain of mobile development is no exception. Therefore, to meet their business needs, SMEs have turned to alternative methods, including, but not limited to, AI-powered and low-code development.
Let's consider the most commonly applied approaches to project realization that can help you streamline the mobile app development process and optimize costs.
Low-code mobile app development platforms
Initially, low-code application platforms (LCAP) emerged in response to the complexity and diversity of modern software development tools. Low-code platforms allow you to get a working prototype and form a future system vision with less effort.
When it comes to the app development process, the low-code approach is synonymous with speed. You may close routine tasks faster and skip several steps in the process of app development. For example, your design team can come up with an app UI without any help from developers (yet there are low-code platforms that still allow adding custom code manually).
Thanks to their practicality, low-code app development platforms are at the forefront of the global digital transformation for many companies in various industries. Chris Vanstrat, CEO at GitHub, sums it up perfectly: “The future of programming isn't coding at all.”
Key benefits of low-code platforms for mobile app development
Faster time to market
Without any doubt, the first advantage of using low-code platforms that many businesses highly appreciate is the possibility to optimize the development timeline. Drag-and-drop interfaces and pre-built modules significantly reduce the time needed to deliver your solution.
You can launch apps in days or weeks, instead of months, that development teams usually need to launch a mobile software solution.
Optimized costs of mobile app development
When you rely on a low-code platform, you don't need to hire large development teams. Even non-technical staff can often build or maintain apps. As a rule, they can fulfill the majority of basic tasks.
At the same time, professional mobile app developers can focus on more challenging processes. This allows you to save on labor.
Easier iteration and updates
The low-code development approach provides the possibility to quickly modify app logic or UI without deep manual coding. It means that when you need to adjust something in your app, it can be done practically immediately. This ensures faster development. But at the same time, it also enables you to keep your app highly adaptive to user feedback, market updates, or changes in your business goals.
Integrations with existing systems
One of the most time-consuming tasks that mobile developers often have is connecting apps with other systems and tools. As a rule, low-code mobile app development platforms offer a wide range of connectors for easy integrations with popular services to address user needs. When such an integration can be conducted with a few clicks, the development time can be greatly reduced.
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AI-powered app development
It's also worth mentioning that today, a lot of modern low-code app development platforms are equipped with AI-powered functionality. Artificial intelligence can make the process of building mobile applications faster, smarter, and more user-friendly.
Let's take a closer look at the range of opportunities that AI provides (especially to users without a specific technical background and practical skills).
- Automated code generation. AI can translate natural language into working code or app logic. Developers and non-technical users can describe what they want. AI will process their prompts and create the necessary backend processes or UI components.
- Suggestions and autocompletion. AI-powered low-code platforms offer real-time suggestions for UI elements and logic flows. This speeds up the app creation process and minimizes errors.
- AI-driven testing. Artificial intelligence can automatically create and run tests based on user behavior or changes introduced to the app. In other words, AI can help teams identify performance issues and usability problems without conducting time-consuming manual testing.
- Data insights and personalization. Artificial intelligence can process user data collected via the application. And based on the analysis of this data, it can deliver personalized experiences. This functionality can enable smart search, content recommendations, and user segmentation.
- Predictive workflows. AI enables smart automation within the app. It means that AI can trigger actions based on predicted user behavior.
Taking into account the benefits the low-code/no-code approach provides, here at Akveo, we use platforms such as Draftbit, Airtable, and Firebase for our projects. Such tools cover all parts of the app development and minimize manual coding as much as possible.
What do experts think?
Here's Caroline Lee, the growth marketer and co-founder of CocoSign, on the matter:
“We had to adopt a low-code approach to catch up with competitors who adapt rapidly to industry changes. It provided a perfect opportunity for our non-technical team to initiate changes in business processes.
The primary benefit of low-code software development is speed. It eliminates most of the coding tedious and time-consuming processes such as the coding rules, traffic routing, screen size, testing, and scalability. Additionally, many platforms enable modular integration, meaning you can develop numerous smaller applications that can later work in unison and achieve an overall goal. When development time decreases, it directly translates to cost. Since a low-code approach enables rapid software development, the cost is highly reduced. Despite providing the quickest way to create software, its capabilities are limited. Firstly low-code modular components limit your customization options. Secondly, you're more likely to encounter integration issues down the road. Above all, vendor lock-in is one of the biggest surrounding low-code platforms.
Low-code approaches indeed allow non-technical people to be part of software development, if not making it faster. However, the possibilities are limited to some extent. Maintaining such an application in the future may be risky and unable to meet users' growing demands.”
Let's talk about costs. Nate Nead, CEO at DEV.co, comments:
“We consistently use no-code or low-code strategies for saving money and valuable time in iterating toward a solution for our clients. In doing so, we combine open-source and out-of-the-box solutions that make it easier to get to market more quickly at a fraction of the cost.
The speed and cost advantages cannot be understated. However, in some cases, the code may not be quite as extensible as desired, and open source may preclude business owners from fully using the software in a commercial setting like they would like. In addition, open-source and low-code solutions are often more prone to outside and third party hacks and security vulnerabilities.
Finally, there is typically an extended cost for managing these solutions through on-going support that our team can pass to the client in the form of patch and update work. As a general rule, our team and our clients have had great success in utilizing low and no-code options for fulfilling customized software development needs”.
Jack Zmudzinski, a senior associate at Future Processing agrees:
“This approach does, without a doubt, help to keep costs down. It's also a good way of speeding up production - even cutting down a six-month project to a matter of weeks in some cases. It also allows for modular integration through multiple platforms.
What about the disadvantages, if any? The main disadvantage is the lack of customization options. There are limited integration options. You may find yourself being tied to a low-code platform. Besides, there are security issues”.
Cross-platform development
While the use of low-code tools can be a good idea to reduce the time needed for the mobile app development process, you should understand that this approach may not always correspond to your project's requirements.
Such tools have a row of limitations, especially when it comes to advanced integrations and complex features. Moreover, the necessity to process huge volumes of data from various sources may have a negative impact on app performance.
That's why a lot of companies prefer other mobile app development technologies to ensure a seamless user experience.
One of the most popular options here is cross-platform mobile app development. This method is based on using special frameworks like Flutter, React Native, and Xamarin. They allow companies to build a single codebase for the iOS and Android platforms. As it is quite obvious, this method helps reduce the time and costs required to create apps.
Advantages of cross-platform mobile app development
Wider reach with a single codebase
To make your app available to users of iOS and Android devices, you don't need to duplicate your app development tasks for each platform. You just need to build a mobile app once and then deploy it on both platforms.
Code reusability
Mobile app developers can successfully reuse up to 90% of code across platforms. Thanks to this, it is easier to implement updates, fix bugs, and implement new features.
Unified testing
When you have just one codebase, it is much faster and easier for your team to test this solution. It can be tested just once. In the case of native mobile app development, QA specialists need to test each version of the app separately.
Unified testing helps reduce not only bugs but also inconsistencies across iOS and Android versions.
Simplified maintenance
Having one codebase guarantees not only easier testing but also easier management and enhancement. All updates are introduced more quickly and with fewer platform-specific issues, which also ensures performance optimization.
Consistent UI/UX
Modern cross-platform frameworks provide tools to create uniform designs for Android and iOS. It means that users won't have any difficulties when they need to switch between devices.
What do experts think?
Bethan Vincent, the Marketing Director at Netsells, a UK product and technology consultancy.
“While it's not low-code, I'd like to put forward the case for using Flutter, Google's new cross-platform mobile development framework. Flutter allows you to build native apps on iOS and Android from a single code base. This allows developers to develop apps at greater speeds and share code from a single base without having to create duplicate apps in two programming languages.Flutter has dramatically increased the speed of mobile development, alongside reducing the costs associated with delivering new features/platforms across mobile, web and embedded applications.
When it comes to downsides, cross-platform apps built-in Flutter may lack a native “look and feel” which feels natural to each platform, e.g. Android users may observe that the app looks like it was built for iOS and simply copied and pasted into the Android ecosystem. This is because Flutter utilizes native components, unlike classic hybrid web view technologies”.
Automated testing
Automated testing is one of the most powerful ways to reduce the time needed for the mobile app development process.
Why should you automate testing of your mobile applications?
Faster feedback loops
Thanks to automating testing tasks, you can detect bugs just within minutes after changes are made. As a result, issues can be fixed at the earliest stages. This can help you avoid expensive rework in the future.
Possibility to run tests 24/7
It's quite challenging and not always feasible to hire several shifts of QA specialists who will be able to work around the clock. Meanwhile, automated testing can be performed even overnight and/or on every code push.
Thanks to this, you can not only optimize the entire software development process but also increase the productivity of your team and eliminate manual testing bottlenecks.
Reduced QA costs
After you set up your automated tests, they won't require huge manual effort over time. By excluding repetitive tasks related to testing, you can greatly reduce the cost of such procedures.
Improved test accuracy
With this approach to mobile app testing, you reduce your dependence on manual repetitive tasks. This helps to minimize the risks of human error.
Of course, to ensure your app's success, you need to combine different types of testing that should be smartly included in your software development timeline.
Here are some expert recommendations from our team:
- Minimize efforts for less important tests.
- Resort to automation testing to identify regression bugs quickly and deliver on time (especially for 1+ year development).
- When it comes to automation, start small and gradually scale your test suite.
- Keep test scripts maintainable and modular.
- Use emulators for fast testing and apply real devices for critical scenarios.
- Tag and organize tests.
MVP development
If you want to make sure that your solution will be introduced to users as soon as possible, you can start with the development of a minimum viable product.
An MVP is the simplest version of a mobile app. It includes only the core features that are required for early users to understand the idea behind your application and solve a specific problem. It allows you to test the idea without serious financial risks, collect real user feedback, and introduce improvements before investing in the full-scale software development process.
Why should you build a minimum viable product?
Though quite often this stage of the app development process is skipped, we highly recommend you consider the possibility of including it in your project realization plan. Based on our experience in launching successful apps, we can share some arguments that prove the value of this step.
Focus on core features
While building an MVP, you can fully concentrate on the essential features that will solve the primary user problem. It means that you won't need to allocate your development time and resources to build so-called nice-to-have features before discovering what users really want to have.
Reduced development timeline
As you don't need to work on numerous features at the same time, you can enjoy the benefits of a significantly faster development process. The first version of your app can be delivered to users weeks or even months earlier.
Idea validation without financial risks
Let's be honest. When you base your product idea on assumptions only, the risk of a mistake is quite high. Given the cost of app development today, not every business can afford such risks. When you build an MVP, costs are lower. But at the same time, you can test assumptions with real users.
If you find out that users like your idea, you can invest in full-scale software development. If you see that your idea needs improvements, you can introduce all the required adjustments without the necessity to rewrite the entire app.
As a result, MVP development allows you to save time, money, and effort if the concept fails.
Building community
In today's highly competitive market, it is very important to start gaining your audience and establishing your reputation as early as possible. Full-scale app development requires much more time than the creation of an MVP.
With an MVP, you can start acquiring users much faster. You can learn from their behavior, gather user data, and build a community to shape the full product roadmap.
Lower initial investments
The launch of an MVP is not only about reducing development timelines. It's also about optimizing costs. This is especially important for startups or businesses with limited budgets.
As the scope of the project is smaller, less design, code, and testing are required. As a result, at this stage, the investments will be lower.
Iterative development
Iterative software development is a core principle of Agile methodology. It presupposes building, testing, and improving mobile apps in small, manageable cycles instead of doing all at once. This approach is known to be an effective strategy to deliver working products faster and with higher quality.
Key benefits of iterative development
Faster and more efficient app development
When you break the app into smaller features or components, you can release working versions quickly. Each iteration delivers usable functionality that can be tested and released independently. This approach also ensures performance optimization.
Continuous user feedback
Frequent updates allow users to test the functionality of your app early. As the development timeline for each iteration is rather short, you can get feedback fast. Based on it, you gain valuable insights for the next iterations. This helps you reduce the risk of building unwanted features.
Quick adaptation to change
Market conditions and user needs are very dynamic. They can quickly and easily change. Iterative software development allows you to adjust particular features seamlessly without rebuilding the whole app.
Lower risks
Smaller releases let you determine and solve problems at the earliest stages. This minimizes major delays in app development and budget overruns.
Ongoing improvements
Each app development cycle is a great opportunity for your team to refine UX, fix bugs, and improve performance based on real-world use.
Final word: How to speed up mobile development
Undoubtedly, having significant funds at your disposal can contribute to your company's growth in the short term. However, spending, say, $80.000-100.00 on an app doesn't necessarily translate into an instant success.
That's why a lot of businesses are looking for options that help them optimize development costs and reduce the time required for launching their mobile apps.
For example, low-code platforms allow non-technical teams to build and maintain software solutions on their own. At the same time, their use significantly reduces reliance on heavy coding.
AI-powered tools can enhance different tasks, including code generation and testing. Thanks to such technologies, the app development process is faster and more accessible.
Instead of native mobile app development, businesses can now opt for cross-platform frameworks. They help reach iOS and Android users from a single codebase. This approach also streamlines updates and improves performance.
Additionally, approaches like testing automation, MVP development, and iterative cycles ensure earlier launches, constant user feedback, and faster adaptation to changing market demands. All this minimizes risk and helps avoid unnecessary expenses.
But does it mean that with all these development tools and methods, business users can quickly build mobile apps fully on their own without the help of experts?
Not quite. Low-code platforms, AI tools, and various modern development strategies significantly lower the barrier to entry. But they don’t eliminate the need for technical oversight and strategic planning.
Non-technical users can create prototypes, internal tools, or simple customer-facing apps. But when apps grow in complexity, the participation of professional developers becomes critical.
In other words, these tools are not replacements for expertise. The smartest approach lies in balancing automation and innovation with professional input.
If you are looking for experts to support you in your mobile app development project, feel free to reach out to us. At Akveo, we can consult you on any specific questions, as well as build mobile applications fully tailored to your needs.
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