Mobile app development grows more complex by the year, but there are still many people who believe that app creation should be a quick and easy process. Like any other industry, there are many myths that continue to be perpetuated because people don’t understand the intricacies of mobile development.
1. Cross-Platform Conversion is Quick and Easy
Many clients assume that it’s quick and easy to convert an app from one operating system to another. But the process is more complicated than just re-writing the application code through an automated process.
Ideally, the app should be developed for multiple platforms right from the start. Otherwise, the developer will have to re-write most of the application code, which takes time and money.
Cross-platform conversion requires developers to translate code to another language and use different libraries. Designers have to make sure that the app follows the design principles of the targeted operating system. Converting the app to a new operating system demands the same thorough approach as creating a new app from scratch.
2. App Development is Cheaper Than Web Development
People hear of the high costs of web development and automatically assume that app development will be cheaper. But that’s not always the case.
For example, the cost of eCommerce development services from Redwerk, a software development agency, may be similar to the cost of custom app development. Apps are just as complex as software, and they require a team of talented, skilled people to bring an app from an idea to a reality.
App creation requires a team of developers, designers, analysts, testers and other professionals.
Simple apps may require less time and money to develop than complicated apps, but don’t expect the service to come cheap.
3. App Development Ends after the App is Launched
Many clients look at app development as a one-and-done deal, but it’s actually an ongoing process. Testers, support managers and developers still have work to do after the app is complete.
Even after the testing process is done and the app has been greenlighted for release, you may still need to train users how to use the app. Their feedback can be used for future projects or to make changes to your existing app to make it more mobile-friendly.
On top of all of this, your app will need regular maintenance and debugging. Contrary to what you may have heard, there’s no such thing as bug-free software. Plus, you will need to update your app with new features or support as time goes on.
4. Apps Should be Loaded with Features
The more features, the better – right? Not necessarily. Features are great, of course, but it’s important to make sure that you’re only including necessary ones.
If you add too many features, your app will become bloated, unresponsive and a memory hog. Users won’t want to deal with these functional issues.
Instead of populating your app with a laundry list of features, focus on the most essential functions. Implement these functions, and if you find that it’s necessary, add more gradually in the future.
Yes, this approach will come at an additional expense, but you may find that you never need to add any new features. It’s better to start with an app that covers all of the basic, essential features than to incur the expense of developing a complicated app with features that will have to be removed.
5. Apps Should Work on All Operating Systems
In an ideal world, your app would support all operating systems, but this isn’t absolutely necessary. If your app is designed for employee use on company phones and all of your company phones are iOS, there’s no reason to incur the additional expense of developing a version for Android.
Consider your audience and users. If most of your users are on one operating system, it may make sense to develop your app for that system. In this case, you will save on development costs. If things change in the future, you may find that it makes sense to invest in cross-platform conversion.
Many people still believe these myths about mobile development. No matter how you cut it, app development is a complicated and costly process that requires a team of experienced, skilled professionals.
