Essential Tools for Building an iOS App

Building an iOS app is much simpler than you think, if you are open to working with patience, determination and base technical knowledge. You could probably save lots of money if you could spare a bit of time to familiarise with the iOS app development field. It would be good to start slow, while getting into the groove and then proceed with the more interesting stuff.

iOS app development is now made easier with a number of tools now available at the app store. The testing can be done on the phone in addition to simulator, by registering as an official app developer, which requires a yearly fee payment. This registration will help with the publishing of the app in the App Store as well.

XCode

Building an iOS app primarily requires the download of XCode, which is the Integrated development environment (IDE) for iPhone app development. XCode is not only a code editor, it contains a host of performance tools. The debugging tools and static code analysis help in finding errors and bugs even before compiling the code.

Interface Builder

Another tool you need to familiarise with in order to aid building an iOS app includes Interface Builder, which helps in visual design of your app. the application consists of different objects tab bars, buttons, sliders and so on to create your app palette. It helps in the connection and manipulation of targets and actions.

Frameworks

Frameworks contribute to the ease of app development by providing a set of commands and tools to base your application upon. The frameworks available for building an iOS app assist in functions like developing networking code, encrypting information, displaying webpages, including multimedia elements in the application, saving passwords, data and so on. 

Programming languages

Objective C is the programming language which forms the basis of iOS app development. While building an iOS app you need to be familiar with the nuances of programming. If not, it is good to start with small concepts to get a grasp of the subject. 

The latest trends in iOS app development involves the use of other programming languages like C++, MonoTouch, PyObjC, MacRuby and so on. Websites that are made to resemble native apps are also developed now with the help of web technology frameworks like HTML, CSS, JavaScript and the sort.

For building a successful app, the basic framework needs to be strong and robust. An app needs to be well tested and bug free for its success. It should undergo a series of tests to be published through the app store.

Main Reasons Why Your Business Needs an Android App

We all have a special preference to personalised products. So, what if enterprises or business, reached you on a personal level, with products specifically based on your preference right at you finger tips? I’m sure you would be polarised to such products. This is the ideology behind marketing nowadays.

With expectations and competitions set high, you need to battle for your chances to climb up the ladder. This is one of the main reasons why your business needs an Android app. The world of business and marketing are all on the path of a huge transformation. If you do not run along with the needs of the time, you’ll be left behind, high and dry!

Reasons for developing an app for your business

While marketing your business what do you mainly aim? Yep, I know. Visibility, increasing customer base, an increase in revenue and so on. In the present day, all these, and more can be attained with an android app in a plausible way than the conventional marketing techniques.

Here are some of the main reasons why your business needs an Android app.

Widens your reach

We are taking of a huge, diverse population here. They are from all walks of life, in different socio economic situations and into different occupations. Print and media advertisements would not necessarily reach everyone. But an app, especially an Android mobile app ensures a better reach.

With Android being the most popular mobile platform globally, it can reach a wider range of people hence enabling your access to every pocket!

Proves your worth

Apps, especially one in the Android platform helps to put yourself out there. All offers and discounts or other important news regarding your business can be better conveyed through them. Feeds have become an obsession among people today. Yes, you will definitely get a huge dose of visibility!

No time bounds

One of the main reason why your business needs an Android app is boundless visibility. Your business is online, available for others to browse through always, even if you are offline. Come on, it’s better than stores. They cannot always remain open!

Earn a better customer base

With an increase in visibility, you can definitely earn a better customer base if the quality of your products or services are up to it. Quality products has customers everywhere and with a platform like Android, it can cross borders!

5 Key Points to Note While Hiring an Android App Developer

In a world which eats, breathes and dates digital, we would be left behind if we do not follow the masses. The size of your business does not matter, to be noticed you need to be one among the rats in the race!

Android would be a great platform to launch your mobile app, for its reach among the masses. So, if you are pondering over hiring an app developer for your app, here are 5 key points to note while hiring an Android app developer.

Though it sounds a very simple task, the risk associated with its failure is quite high. They can ruin your business if done wrong, not to say about the time and capital invested for it.

5 key points to note while hiring an Android app developer

Knowledge is power

Have a talk with the person before you hire him. Get to know him, his ideas for your app and go through his portfolio. App development is a pretty deep process. You need to be able to work with him on various factors of the app. A talk can help you decide if he would suit your needs. The qualification and experience of the candidate matters as well.

Using the latest technology

They say people are reluctant to accept change but that is not the case with technology. Updating to the latest technology is a prestige issue nowadays. So, a person adept with using the latest technologies should be selected.

The payment factor

Good works are costly. Choosing a good developer for an amount over your budget will pay you back in the long run. Do not choose a developer just because he is cheap. Also, the payment terms should be discussed clearly. Milestone payment if any, should also be discussed in detail to avoid any issue in future.

Confirm post developmental needs and procedures

It is always good to outline the plan for different phases of development. Be clear regarding the post developmental needs and including it within the contract. You should make sure he will be available to clear out any issues or bugs that might occur later. 

Set deadlines

A proper planning can help projects work out better. Planning the different phases and setting deadlines ensures your app to be time bound. You can plan the release of the app for a favourable time as well. A set deadline gives a sense of direction to the work.

Tips to hire an app developer for your business

Having an app for your business is a necessity nowadays. The technological advancement today demands it for a better visibility of our business. While you could try to create an app by yourself, its success would greatly depend on your interest on it. Developing an app is no child’s play. It requires patience, dedication, knowledge about the process and most importantly time. 

If you are on the wrong side with these its always better to hire an app developer. If you are pondering about how to hire an app developer, the first and foremost thing to look for would be a person or company interested in your scope of business. Interest and passion delivers the best products. 

You gain something from every single interaction you make with every single person. A person with similar interests in your field can contribute better towards your app, in more and best ways than just the development, to increase your revenue. A like-minded person would be easier to interact with in the long run as app development would need quite a few interactions and time. 

A person with knowledge regarding the nuances of app store would be a certain advantage when you are looking to hire an app developer. They can provide you with valuable inputs for improving your app and making it noticeable in the app store. What catches the eye of a user initially, is the design. So, it is crucial element in the success of your app.

While looking to hire an app developer, keep an eye out for their UI/UX skills. These can be easily done while browsing through their portfolios. Interesting and unique designs and interfaces in their earlier works are a clear sign of their talent in design. References are also a good option to shortlist an app developer. You could ask for their previous clients to judge their quality of work.

App development is not just about coding. It involves various other factors like usability, content, testing and so on. Hire an app developer who will be capable of handling all these factors with ease. You would need to have a discussion regarding their ability to coordinate all these factors of app development.

Th most important thing to be noted before you hire an app developer is not to solely depend on the price while choosing. Remember nothing good is cheap. So, do not fall for the cheapest quote. Realise that the future of your dream, your hard work (and your economy!!) is in the hands of the developer. So, choose the right one! 

visit NewAge SMB if you are looking for an App Developer.

 

Enriching User Experience with Latest Web Technology Trends

2017 has arrived with all its splendour and glory. Speculations are still going about the latest web technologies that the year would see. Even though a fourth of the year is already gone, the buzz of speculations is yet to settle down. With most of us being online for 90% of our waking hours, the importance of web technologies and trends are not to be taken lightly.

The most commonly heard name in the ‘latest’ list is Artificial Intelligence or AI. Though popular since a few years, their application in day to day technology is seeing a rising trend. If you sign up in The Grid, an AI driven web designing site, you can find the beauty of artificial intelligence. The site creates layouts and designs on your preference with the help of this latest technology. With simplified access of AI tools, their use is all set to increase in coming years.

Virtual Reality is another name repeated in the case of latest web technologies. The giants like Google and Mozilla are already half way through, with APIs designed to help bring the wonders of virtual reality to the web. They are known to show their hand in many applications from real estate tours to newsrooms!

Internet of Things lovingly called IoT is all set to make waves in coming years. While being a challenge as well as a breath of fresh air to technological research, these are highly useful in everyday life, if used well. Connecting non-technological items to a network is going to be a fun show!

Rails 5 a follow up of Rail, though released in the middle of last year is expected to set up foothold this year. Ideal to be the next in-thing in web development, they have features to excite the developers. Another major trendsetter is Angular 5. With new updates in line, they have already changed the face of Google’s front end framework. In other words, JavaScript got redesigned.

Yarn package manager, developed by Facebook, on collaboration with Google, Tilde and Exponent is another latest web technology. Easing update, configuration, installation and uninstallation of modules from their applications, these are said to gain in popularity in the near future. Static website generators contribute another addition in latest web technology. With their speed, ease of handling traffic, security and easy deployment, they are going to be the latest addition to technology.

Web design is all set to witness a revolution. Interfaces that respond to movement, larger and bolder topography and visually rich user interface would make waves in coming years.