There is no hard and fast rule for the mobile app development process. Each app that gets designed and built will have its own unique qualities that need to be accounted for. Additionally, each developer will have their own way of working that suits their development process.
What we can say is that there should be certain steps taken that will help to ensure the entire process runs smoothly and that the finished mobile app does what it’s supposed to do. These are the steps that we believe are vital to the mobile app development process:
- Analysis of requirements
The first step should always be about understanding exactly what the mobile app needs to do. It’s vital that you pinpoint the core function of the app and then build the rest from there. If it’s an app for a customer loyalty program, that needs to be the foundation of the entire build. If it’s an app to improve inhouse communication and workflows for a business, those workflow processes need to be pinned down so that the app can fit in with its primary function.
- Planning the project
Now that you know what the app needs to do, the next step of the mobile app development process is to plan how the build is going to go. This includes mapping out the full specs of the app, as well as designing how it will look and work. The phases of development will also be scoped out to provide a timeline for the build.
- Actual development of the app
As you can see, the actual time spent coding and developing the mobile app is only one part of the entire process. It’s vital, of course, but it can only happen effectively once the analysis and planning have been completed.
- The testing phase
The next step is to get testing. Any new app development needs to be thoroughly tested by someone who knows what they’re doing and knows what the app is meant to do. This ensures that the app’s structure is sound and that the flow of the user experience is optimal.
- Integration or deployment
Only once the mobile app has gone through rigorous testing, and possibly been back and fore between the development and testing phases more than once, is it ready for deployment. If the app needs to integrate into other systems within your business, this is when that will happen.
- Hosting and maintenance
This might not be part of the initial building process, but it’s still a key element to keep in mind. No mobile app should ever be built, deployed and then left alone. Monitoring it for bugs and doing maintenance to ensure it stays up to date with the latest technology available is all part of the development process for a mobile app.
Trust our mobile app development process
At Netgen, we stick to this mobile app development process because we know that it always delivers the right results. Get in touch today if you’d like to get an app developed for your business.