March 2020 - Page 2 of 3

Native App Development is a Better Solution- Why

Posted on 22/03/202015/06/2021 by Tushar

Since the advent of web apps, native apps have faced a lot of flak for being costly, sluggish, and platform-dependent. But the superior user experience, enhanced security, and amazing native capabilities of these apps can beat the lights out of any web app in the market. Backed by the goodwill of App Stores, native app development makes for an excellent investment.

This blog explains succinctly the advantages of native app development over web app development. Later, it elaborates how developers can create a wonderful concoction of native and web apps through React Native-based hybrid apps.

Let us Start with the Benefits of Investing in Native App Development…

1. Native apps run faster

Native apps are stored on the device so their processing speed is not dependent on internet connectivity or bandwidth. Moreover, these apps utilize a device’s native programming language and APIs to operate. So they run extra efficiently. In contrast, web apps are actually a bunch of web pages tied together with browser technologies. They just give the look and feel of apps but are HTML-powered user interfaces. For any action to be performed in a web app, calls are made to remote web pages. The speed at which processing occurs is dependent on internet connectivity in the vicinity.

2. They have the App Store advantage.

App stores only feature native mobile apps. And app stores are undeniable one of the most important marketing channels for any app. When a person is in need of a new app, the App store will probably be the first play they’ll look for it. If your app is listed there, its chances of being discovered are greater. There are ways your app can be made more prominent in App Stores. Since native apps are backed by App Stores, they are perceived as the hallmark of quality by most users.

Another big thumbs up for native apps is that their monetization (commission, revenue, etc.) are taken care of by the App Stores from where they are downloaded. For web apps, payment systems have to be integrated within the app.

3. More secure apps

Native apps can leverage the in-built security features of a device’s operating system. Plus, performance enhancement updates of the OS are also available for native apps. The mobile device management feature allows users to take remote control of their app and protect its data from encroachment or compromise.

Web apps, on the other hand, are more prone to security threats since they work on non-standard programming codes made using HTML, CSS and JavaScript.

4. Scalability and enhancement are non-issues

New features can be added to native apps easily and rapidly. The unlimited APIs available for native apps can render your app scalable and better. If need be, new APIs can be created for crafting features that aren’t provided by existing APIs. Conversely, web apps can work only within the limits of the web browser facilitating them. So they aren’t as flexible as native apps.

5. Good integration with mobile hardware

Mobile devices have super features such as camera, GPS, touch screens, integrated calling and microphone. Native apps can utilize these features with ease. Leveraging these capabilities within a web browser can be challenging and cumbersome.

6. Delights users with anticipated UI and UX

Native apps delight users with the kind of UI and UX they have come to expect from their handheld devices. Web apps give the look of inherent apps but not their feel. They cannot function as seamlessly as native apps. Web apps also give a monotonous user interface across all devices that rarely matches the spectacular user experience provided by native apps.

7. These apps run offline too

One of the biggest advantage of native apps is that, unlike web apps, they don’t need internet to run. Since they are stored within a device, native apps can be worked on the move, in a desert, forest or anywhere else. Web apps are hosted on web browsers that can be accessed only when online. So, if using web apps, you will be hindered by wavering internet speed, connectivity issues and hefty internet usage charges.

React Native Application Development- Best of Native and Web Apps

Native apps are secure, efficient and delightful. This is what makes native apps the preferred choice of most quality developers and vendors. This certainly doesn’t mean that the affordability and rapidity of web application development can be dismissed lightly. Most people find themselves at a veritable crossroad where they are compelled to compromise and settle for cheaper, quick-to-market web apps at the cost of native apps that offer better user experience.

But Facebook’s React Native has changed the rules of the game. React Native apps combine the performance factor of Native Apps with the ease of development of Web Apps. This JavaScript library helps build amazing user interfaces that render flawlessly on all devices and platforms consistently.

Benefits of React Native App Development

1. Reusable components

React Native has components corresponding to iOS and Android and these components can be used time and again to give native look and feel to your app, regardless of the device on which it resides. The speed and functionality of React Native apps is no less than of Native apps. Additionally, these apps can be built in agile frameworks that are speedy and efficient.

2. Reusability of app’s existing code

If you don’t wish to overhaul an app; instead you want to utilize its existing code- React Native Applications are the answer to your prayers. Your Cordova or Ionic code can be reused as a plugin in the React app. So, no coding!

3. Ease of adoption

React Native is easy to pick up for JavaScript programmers. It does away with the need for learning Swift or Java for Android. Essentially, front-end programmers can turn developers and coders by using React Native application development.

4. Platform independent

Whether your device is Android or iOS-based, React Native apps run equally well on both platforms. Initially, React Native apps could be built only for iOS devices. But owing to the popularity and mass appeal of Android devices, React Native’s scope was expanded.

Facebook has made React Native open-source, meaning there is a distinct possibility of compatibility with Windows and TvOS operating systems, in the near future. If that happens, React Native will have all bases covered and beat rival framework undisputedly.

5. Efficiency personified

Native apps are slower to develop and deploy than web apps. But React Native apps bring agility and speed into the system. ReactJS’s simple programming strategies and better performance enhance the efficiency of these apps.

6. Plugin compatibility

You don’t need a Web View for loading third-party plugins. They can be incorporated within a React app and they load fast and ensure a smooth ride, even for devices with older versions of operating systems.

So, as we have covered in this blog, Native mobile apps score over web apps in a multitude of ways. And with React Native-based hybrid apps, things are looking even brighter. But, if you want a detailed information about these technologies before choosing one, consider our mobile app development guide today.

Full Stack Application Developers-Top myths

Posted on 21/03/202015/06/2021 by Tushar

A full stack developer is a rare breed and good full stack developers are invaluable. They are the single most important entity that can seal the fate of your application. But when picking the right cstack developer for your dream project, it’s best to be realistic and reasonable in your expectations. The task list and skill set for full stack developers is non-exhaustive and demanding. It’s advisable to prioritize skills and look for a person who meets your top demands. It’s better to be specific about your requirements and weigh candidates based on relevant experience and exposure.

All said and done, getting a competent full stack developer is a dream come true. It beats the hassle and expense of hiring different professionals for different tasks and then making them work together efficiently. But many hirers get disillusioned by the vast repository of app developers in the market. Each developer tries to sell himself as a full stack developer to land a lucrative project. But selecting a genuine full stack developer is a tough task that requires foresight and clarity. Select a person who can balance your business needs with market trends. Full stack development requires a rich background of front end, back end, server management, user research, project management and other soft skills.

Since there exist many misconceptions about the roles and responsibilities of full stack app developers, we thought it best to use this blog to dispel some wrong notions. Here is a list of myths associated with full stack development and developers:

The developer is a master of all trades

Rather, a full stack developer is a jack of all trades. The skill set of a full-stack developer is never ending. He should be having a solid understanding of every layer of the stack (see image below). This enables developers to understand how different components of applications interact with each other. He can then explain interdependencies to the stakeholders in simple, understandable terms.

In plain words, a full-stack development demands a good grip over front end and back end systems in an application. He will be great at integrating the two and converting a visual design into an MVP. This doesn’t mean that he will understand ALL scripting languages or is skilled in using ALL database administration tools. But he will certainly have a holistic skill set that include front end development, back end development, project management and systems integration.

A full stack developer should be an expert coder

Ideally, a full stack developer shouldn’t be coding at all. He should be like a systems architect who is able to communicate technical visions to upper and middle management. Information engineer is also an apt description for full stack developers. This is because their role covers identifying issues and discrepancies in integration before they actually occur.

So, anyone who thinks that a full stack developer will be an expert coder, is mistaken. No doubt, full stack developers have in-depth knowledge of coding but they might not be involved in coding applications at the grass root level.

All full stack developers are the same

When looking for a full stack developer, you need to define the term “stack”. Do you mean the web stack, or the mobile stack or native applications? Even then, you will need to realize that full stack development is not a single skill; rather it means a suite of skills.

Every year one or more new layers are added to the stack. To get a single person who is adept at all the layers is not only unreasonable but almost impossible. The most you can hope to get is a person who understand the architectural layers that go into building an application and is aware of how a change in one layer will impact other layers and the final product. This is one of the reasons why full stack developer has been called a mythical creature that exists only in perfect dreams.

The developer only needs technical knowledge

In fact, a full stack developer needs to have superior soft skills and management capabilities. He has to manage teams of creative intellectuals often motivated by divergent objectives. He has to be fluent communicator who is able to facilitate smooth conversation between the technical team, management and clients. He also should understand app market and current trends well. Only then, will he be able to manufacture relevant use cases and craft innovative workable solutions.

A full stack developer is a must for all projects

While a full stack developer will be a welcome addition to any app development team, it’s not absolutely essential to hire a full stack developer if your project needs can be fulfilled by hiring specialists. Needless to say, hiring separate specialists for front end, back end, data base management and project management will be a costly affair. But if the project complexity and size demands it, never hesitate to explore other options.

FSDs are an asset for any team. They are a single point of contact for all issues from the ideation to the app launch phase. They are well-versed in all layers of project management. They also serve as a go-between the client and the technical team. With so many roles to juggle, FSDs deserve the hefty remuneration they command.

Here are Tips to Enhance Mobile App Design by Improving Its UI

Posted on 20/03/202015/06/2021 by Tushar

Often, we hear the terms ‘UI’ and ‘UX’ being used in context of websites and mobile applications. Haven’t we all heard or made statements such as ‘I just couldn’t understand the UI of the application so I didn’t install it’ or ‘the UX of the website is so great I keep going back to it.’ What are UI and UX actually and how do they impact a mobile application’s performance? And more importantly, how can mobile application design be enhanced using UI and UX?

This blog will talk about the vital UI and UX aspects of a mobile application and also provide handy tips that are proven to improve an application’s UI and UX.

User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX)

User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI) are commonly used interchangeably, but the fact is that UI and UX are quite different from each other. “Design is not what a thing looks like or feels like; design is all about how anything works.” Steve Jobs’ legendary words sum up the co-dependence between UI and UX. A great product design strategy for your mobile app will keep end users’ needs in mind and meet the bottom line of conversion, every time.

Both UI and UX work hand in hand to make interaction with a mobile application as painless and smooth as possible.

User experience refers to the interactive side of a website or application. It governs the kind of experience a user has while interacting with a product. An application having a great UX will put new users to ease and actually encourage them to explore the application. So, UX developers have to actually anticipate how a user will think when they use a product and then design it in such a way that the interaction becomes seamless and intuitive. When talking about a website’s UX, site map, page load, responsiveness, and content are relevant aspects and for apps, navigation and layout are relevant UX aspects.

User Interface on the other hand refers to the visual elements in a website or app. The typography, color schemes, and layout of various design elements are usually a part of UI design. So, if a call-to-action button has to be placed on a webpage, its color and fonts will be decided by the UI developers but its placement, resolution, and functionality will be determined by a UX expert.

So, while UX professionals make designs centered on user’s needs and research, UI professionals create visual designs based on a client’s needs and requirements. But the end objective of both UI and UX is to please website visitors and app users and encourage them to return to the app or website again and again.

Tips to Improve Your Mobile App’s UI

Designing the perfect UX and UI is an art and a science. Your mobile application’s design can make or break its fate. While style certainly can’t beat substance, it’s a definite deal breaker for app users. All users love apps with familiar layouts, quick load times, and seamless experience across devices and screens, cohesive visual elements and strong branding. So, for your app to be a hit, it needs to be appealing inside and out.

Have a Unique app icon

A killer app icon will make your app stand out among the dozens crowding a user’s screen. Facebook, Google and WhatsApp icons are recognizable by people across the globe. Ensure that your app icon reflects your brand’s colors and style. Use the icon consistently across screens and pages and on all marketing collateral. The aim is to forge a strong bond between your brand’s message and its icons so that people make the connection instantly.

Keep in mind the following when designing your app logo:

Either use a unique image or your brand name’s initials in the icon. Your company’s logo is also a good choice as it might already have established repute and visibility in the market.
Avoid incorporating long words in the icon as it affects readability adversely and crowds the screen.
Submit several iterations of the icon while publishing your app.

Prioritize interaction design

Interaction design is an essential aspect of mobile app design. Apps with great interaction design are simple to use and seem like second nature. Users are able to figure out how to use these apps without reading lengthy tutorials or seeing complex demos. Each element of the app just fits together perfectly such that design becomes secondary and functionality gains priority.

The three pillars of interaction design that can enhance your app’s UI are:

Goal-driven design: User research and use case scenarios should be made for numerous situations so that you understand how a user will behave in a particular situation. Your app should not lose users at any point. Since it’s relatively easy to acquire an app from play stores, users don’t hesitate to abandon an app that isn’t meeting their needs instantly and opt for a competitor app. So your UI developers have to only attract visitors but also retain and convert them efficiently through brilliant design and interactivity. Customized workflows have to be designed for different use cases. Familiar navigation and simple layouts are best to guide users to the next steps. Uncluttered typography and contextual content are absolutely essential to maintain attention.
Usability: Usability testing is arguable the most important phase of app development. It allows real users to interact with an app under construction. Careful observation should be made to identify breakpoints and incoherence in the app’s UI. Usability testing should be repeated a number of times with different users and in different environments. This will probably give the most authentic feedback to your developers even before the app hits the market.
Feedback: Users need to be validated after they complete an action, especially new users unfamiliar with an app’s functioning. So, provide timely feedback in the form of visual cues, sounds or prompts as a user performs an action. It’s also a great strategy to include a prompt about the next step they should perform to guide them towards conversion stage.

Reduce, Reduce, Reduce

While mobile applications are becoming the go-to source for every kind of transaction, it’s a harsh truth that people’s attention spans are reducing by the second. Web users have no patience to read walls of text or go through lengthy how-to guides.

Keep your app copy clean and engaging. Also adhere to the context of the content. The aim is not to wow audiences with long, technical terms but to endear them with simple easy to understand content.
Use pictures and icons lavishly. They not only make your app attractive but also occupy less space and are more effective that textual cues. Keep in mind that pictures used should not be generic stock images. They should be customized to platform and screen size and have a comfortable resolution.
Mobile apps have trouble with multitasking. So focus on limited features. Don’t try to accomplish everything with a single app. Remove all extraneous elements and features and make your app screen uncluttered. This will appeal to users and also up your app’s performance.

Concentrate on Responsiveness

Finger-friendly design is a must for mobile applications. Your app should run flawlessly in different devices and screen sizes. Whether this requires tweaking media queries or JavaScript, no stone should be left unturned to keep users engaged when they switch between laptops, smartphones and tablets.
Use images in suitable format that fit the platform on which your app runs. Stretchable graphics are a great choice for Android app design.
Follow platform rules and design for best utilization of the particular platform. Don’t try to reinvent the wheel and create unfamiliar screen controls an interface elements. Take cues from the platform about the look and feel of your app. This will not only reduce redundancy of efforts but also delight users.
Adhere to the UI guidelines prescribed for mobile applications. There are norms for buttons, menus, widgets and every mobile element. All applications are scrutinized for these guidelines by play stores before they are published there.

Know Your Visual Elements

Visual elements such as fonts and colors although a part of UI, contribute substantially to the holistic user experience with an application.

When choosing typography for your app copy, focus on readability rather than attractiveness. The aim is not to distract users from your app’s features by using large, whacky fonts. Too small fonts become miniscule on smaller screen sizes. So, keep font size above 12 pt. at least.
Understand colors thoroughly and use them smartly to enhance visuals and show screen transitions. Fade out between screens will soften screen transitions. Highlighting a button can prompt a user to perform an action. Changing a button’s color after it’s been clicked will show a goal-driven action has been completed.
Use popular icons to show typical actions. For instance, a heart can be used to signify favorites and a tick mark to show completed action. Replacing text with representative icons will help your app’s international users who may not understand your app’s copy.
Keep an eye on app design trends as they keep changing rapidly. Material design, flat design, minimalistic design- choose wisely to give your mobile app a contemporary look.

Designing a mobile app with a great UI is a tough task. It requires years of patience and an in-depth understanding of user psychology. But practice makes perfect. So, keep iterating and testing to get the perfect mobile app design. Anteelo’s skilled UI and UX team has created more than 350 Android apps and iOS apps. We even provide comprehensive design consultancy to audit your app’s design elements and enhance its performance and usability.

Custom App Development Our Client’s Profits Increase by 23%

Posted on 19/03/202015/06/2021 by Tushar

Did you know there could be a downside of investing in an app that comes semi-readymade and takes less to no go to market time? There is. The App Development type under scrutiny here is White Label Solution Apps. Even after coming across with a number of sweet promises, life of the perks are as short lived as the next application update. The fact that is taking people away from them to Custom App Development.

Before we look into the benefits that brands get once they let go of their White Label Solution App and invest in Custom Android App Development or its iOS counterpart or even custom web app development, let us quickly run through the meaning of White Label Solution Apps or a.k.Recyclable Apps.

White Label Solution Apps or Recyclable Apps are the one that are given out to brands to use as their apps. Imagine this, you have a commutation app idea like Uber and you are given the Uber App, where all you have to do is fill in the details specific to your brand. You only need to change the brand name, maybe the background colour, and voila! You have your Uber like app ready.

White Label Solution Apps give you a readymade app that only needs to be filled with your brand details.

In our experience, we have seen that only within months of making the switch from White Label Solution App to Custom Mobile App, brands find a huge jump in their P&L statement. All due the evident benefits that Custom Mobile App Development comes with.

Here are some of the benefits of custom mobile app development process.

1. Benefits of Using Custom Mobile Application Development Services

Undoubtedly, White Label Mobile App Solutions come with offerings that get too difficult to ignore – Low Cost of Development and Faster Time to Market, at least when compared to the custom app development pricing. But, under all circumstances, the benefits end just there. And these are the places where the long term problems always start.

Let us look at these and some others in more detail, through the viewpoint of Custom Mobile Application Development

Greater Individuality

White Label Solutions come with an app design that you choose to then launch your app on. The catch is, you are not the only one using the design and layout. Your competitor, who is in a similar line of features, has also chosen the same design as you, to save his time and development time.

When opting to partner with the best custom app development company in the class, you automatically get the freedom to choose the design, UI, UX, flow, features, and much more. This keeps the individuality level intact in your app.

You Have the IP Rights

One of the scariest elements of White Label Solution Apps, as any mobile software development company would tell you, is the lack of IP rights. You have no right on anything that you have based your company’s brand image on. Everything from the code to the server belongs to the development platform from where you found the app.

In case of unexpected, unsafe future, it’s not just your brand image that is at stake, but also your users’ private data.

The fear of data security and a right on app’s intellectual property is safely mitigated when you invest in custom app development. As you are the sole owner of the app and its backend, once it’s developed.

Becomes Scalable

Custom Apps are hands down more Scalable. When you invest in a White Label Solution App, you invest in an app that comes as a whole, with no scope of expansion. Adding features or even moving them from Android to iOS or vice versa is not possible with the Recyclable Apps.

Scalability is the one feature that you can only enjoy when you are the parent of the app. Something that only the supremacy of custom app development can offer.

A Chance at Getting Updated

With white label solution, your app story ends as soon as the app is launched. With a solution that works in such isolated environment, it is nearly impossible to plan a constant update plan, without involving the White Label App developer and burning a hole in your pocket, one thread at a time.

With Custom App Development, you can easily update the app as and when you feel the need of offering something better to your customers. Unlike your white label counterparts, you can make arrangements with your Custom mobile Application Development Companies right from the stage when you decide to invest in them.

With custom, you can ensure the future of your app, the one that guarantees it will keep changing with the changing users demand

Lets you Enjoy the Perks of Automation

It is no secret how Automation makes the life of both users and developers easy. Whether it’s as simple as sending notifications or as complex as updating the attached cloud service as and when some change is made.

White Label doesn’t let you enjoy these perks as the chance of automating the app beyond what is already there is less to none.

Here were the reasons, why us and every custom app development company who works to become a brand’s partner (which only happens when you move on from just being a mobile app developer) stresses on investing in Custom Application Development.

While the internet is filled with a number of benefits, even more than the ones listed above, we have seen the approach work wonders for companies that get associated with us. Here is an example of a brand we partnered with for handling their Custom Application Development process and how they gained 23% hike in their profit margin after making the switch from White Label Solution App to our Custom App –

2. The Case of How our client Saw a 23% Increase in their Business Growth after Going Custom.

*For the sake of the NDA clause, we are going to call our Client, ABC.*

We had a client, ABC who had invested in a White Label Solution for one of their enterprise app, that they needed to streamline their business process and bring the offshore and in house team in sync, while being available to the clients in real time.

It took them some four to five months to realize that in order to become truly productive and to bring the whole team and the associated entities so in sync that it reflects in their Profit and Loss statement, they will have to let go of the app format which was already floating around in a number of companies as theirs.

It’s not just ABC that had made the move, when they contacted us through our App Consultancy page, we shared with them a number of case studies of other agencies that made the switch from White Label Solutions to Custom App Development.

Here are some of the ways Custom Application Development helped their case.

Reduction in Efficient Tasks

One of the biggest challenges they were facing with their recyclable app was that their team outgrew the set of features that they were given as part and parcel very soon.

After continuing with the same set of processes, even though the employees were now manually doing the tasks that should have been handled on the app, for about 3 months, ABC started seeing visible signs of low productivity.

Once we developed the app according to the exact needs (we added features to not just meet the present needs but the ones that they would come across in the time span of next 5 years), their quarterly performance report showed a reduction in inefficient tasks and a rise in ROI from their application – All in terms of productivity measures.

The Rise in Employee Collaboration

The feature of giving real time data of software order received by the offshore sales team to the product team based in Bengaluru was missing in their app (it was a feature in the upgraded version of the white label app that they had selected. But they hadn’t opted in for it). The process that they followed was that the sales team use to be a collaborative report of orders and specifications and used to send it over by the end of the working day, everyday.

There was an evident miss of collaboration between the in house and offshore team. It took them 20 misinformed software configuration delivery complaints to realize that they needed a real time update solution.

After getting their Custom App developed, apart from the visible reduction in number of complaints related to late or incorrect software delivery, they even saw a rise in the collaboration among the team and an increase in customer satisfaction.

Rise in Customer Communication

The process that ABC was following was that they were sending out feedback forms after the completion of an order and if in case they got any negative feedback, they used to handle it over call. On more than 5 incidents, it happened that they failed to tell their customers that the issue has been resolved, even when they were.

Through our custom app, we gave them a platform where they made a rep active on even the off hours and then implemented an auto mode of sending feedback reports after every decided milestone. Both the steps brought in timely communication and redressals.

Greater Usage on Multiple Devices

The application that ABC had chosen was unresponsive to PCs. We know that enterprise apps cannot operate on just one device – Mobile. It needs to be workable on PCs, Tablets, and sometimes even Wearables.

And we brought the app on exactly all these devices that the team were using. For this, we first made a list of devices – OS, Versions, and Device Type that were operational in the team and then made a deployment plan accordingly.

Came Points Above Their Competitors

In the business mobile app development scenario, it is not uncommon to see an inclination towards white label solutions apps, as it is a common belief that the included features won’t have any drastic changes. This was the notion that made ABC invest in a white label solution, without thinking that every business operates differently and have different processes and tracking systems to follow.

After integrating the app with their exact business needs, ABC in their semi-annual report witnessed an increase from their competitor’s growth sheet. While there were other reasons behind this as well, they attributed it to the custom mobile app development services that they invested in, to a great extent.

The numbers that their reports showed were only an atom in front of the various quantifiable and unquantifiable benefits ABC drew when they chose to let go of their White Label Mobile App for a Custom made Solution.

So here, you have the proof that Custom iOS App Development and Custom Android Development supersedes White Label Solution Apps when you invest in a knowledgeable mobile software development company. Are you ready to make the one time investment in your future? Need more Clarifications? Contact Our Team of Mobile App Experts, today.

Blockchain: The Revolutionizing Mobile App Security

Posted on 18/03/202015/06/2021 by Tushar

Blockchain has become the definition of Security in the present digital world. With a number of industries and even governments applying the technology to add a whole new level of security and decentralization to their processes, the technology has penetrated itself into the world beyond IT and Finance.

A trend that is visible in the market growth forecasts of Blockchain technology.

With forecasts as these, Blockchain has become a technology that is worth looking out for.

The trend of making technology a part of the business cycle have now moved into the world of mobile applications as well. While still ruled by a handful of Blockchain based apps, the technology is an open playground for brands to experiment and emerge as a champion in. A move that is also bringing in a demand for the presently very limited group of excelled Blockchain App Development Companies.

Let us look at how you can implement Blockchain in your next mobile app for an added security level.

The start of your aspiration is knowing everything about the technology. In this article, we will look at what the disruptive technology is about, the elements that will come together to give numerous advantages to your mobile app. In the end, we will also look at ways to implement the technology in your app, to make yours the category’s most secure application.

So let us start by looking at how Blockchain works.

Blockchains are sets of interlinked transactions. Every party involved in the chain, sign their transactions with the help of strong keys, which ensure that every transaction has been authenticated.

Next, two hash are being introduced in the block, one that gives tamper protection to the block and the other that safeguards the data transaction that went before the one added. These hash help in recording the data of all the events that happened in a block, making it impossible for any of the involved party to tamper with the block without alerting the other parties.

A deeper dive in the Blockchain technology will open doors of new unheard concepts and algorithms that the world of Blockchain live in. The world which is too deep and complex for brands to get a grasp on, keeping them away from utilizing the technology to its utmost potential. So, without going too deep, I’ll now highlight the significant elements of Blockchain that are the technology’s foundation.

As a brand owner who is new to the complex world of blocks and chains, read these elements as the features that your application would be based on, to be called the next big new age, disruptive mobile application

1. Mining

Mining in Blockchain stands for extracting data from the various transactions and creating a block of them. With each new addition to the transaction, the miner keeps extracting the data and adding them to the block, thus making a chain of the transaction.

2. Hash

By now you must have gathered how Blockchain has been introduced in the technology world as the torchbearer of Digital Security. When we talk about securing a system or an application, the implying notion is to secure the data, file, document, or the contract that is or will be saved in the mobile app.

In Blockchain, when a document or file is stored, a hash is created. Hash is that feature of Blockchain that converts the data in a unique output of fixed length for every transaction. Specific to Hash, every block contains the previous block hash, which has the reference to the hash the next one will be built upon. The block also has the hash of current transaction which will then be connected to the next hash, when the new block gets added.

The authenticity of the block can be identified by verifying its hash.

3. Decentralized System

Every digital asset ranging from a contract and property related papers to even the chain of related events documents was earlier a part of mesh which had to be broken down into several pieces and middlemen to get access. But, with Blockchain, every information is now available online, in a decentralized system.

Now every activity whether it’s record-keeping or keeping it up to date is handled by the users themselves. Irrespective of whether you wish to change the address in your official document or you have to extract the property tax paper related to the first property you purchased ages ago, you will no more have to go through intermediaries.

4. Distributed Ledger

The Blockchain is an open ledger that contains all information related to digital transactions they are meant to handle. By keeping the information in the sequential format as blocks, the ledger allows real-time tracking as soon as a new block of information is added.

By involving a group of users in the ledger who all have access to view and add real-time information of every transaction, Blockchain enables transparent and tamper-proof management of the ledger. For securing the internal communication within your mobile app, Blockchain uses metadata for communication, which is scattered in the distributed ledger and is impossible to collect at any one central point, thus making it impossible to hack.

5. Keyless Security Infrastructure

To store all the data hash and run a hashtag verification algorithm for their verification, Blockchain makes use of the Keyless Security Infrastructure. This enables spotting of any data manipulation in real time as the original hash is always available on other blocks linked in the system/chain.

So, here were the five elements that lay down the basis of Blockchain Technology. While still on the technical side, it’s time that we look into things from your perspective – a perspective that we have detailed in our Entrepreneur’s Guide to Blockchain.

Let’s look at how Blockchain will take your Mobile App Security to the next level by using the features that the world swears upon.

Benefits of Adding Blockchain Technology in Your Next Mobile Application.

1. Protection of Data

By using cryptography to assign private keys to the users, your users will be able to store, view, and manage all the transaction specific data and information in one place.

2. Data Transparency and Validation

Taking data identity to the next level, Blockchain allows users to make their data available in a decentralized system which every one of the involved parties has real-time access to. Blockchain makes it impossible for any single party to tamper with the information in the block and go unwatched, thus maintaining the integrity of the data and making it transparent for all, thus eliminating the need of middlemen.

3. Protection of Infrastructure

By storing the DNS entry on the Blockchain, the mobile app owners can shift the risk of hack to Blockchain’s secured platform. The distributed, transparent DNS that the technology offers, make it impossible for even the government to get into without the permission of the involved parties.

4. The End of Passwords

Blockchain allows the authentication of users, their devices, and the transaction that they do, without the need of entering a password. Its network decentralization feature helps create consensus among the involved parties for the authentication of Blockchain-based SSL certificates.

Blockchain, while still a new entrant in the mobile app market will soon become mainstream at the back of these and various other advantages that the technology has been introduced to the IT world with.

For you, who have decided to cut ahead of the competition and introduce the feature that will soon become a part of a major number of mobile apps, here are some tips on how to successfully implement the revolutionary technology in your next mobile application.

Tips on How to Implement Blockchain Technology in Mobile App

The first step to successful Blockchain implementation in your mobile application is to identify the app features that would need players to act on it. Only by having players and an incentive plan to keep them to contribute is how you can ensure the authenticity of how fail-safe your Blockchain app is.

The next tip to successful Blockchain implementation is to know the exact transactions that Blockchain will be authenticating. Majorly, Blockchain mobile applications focus on one of the two activities: mediating the ownership of a shared resource value or record facets of multiparty events, such as quotes/bids or bills and payment specific.

When thinking of Blockchain as a service model, plan a strategy around the notion of community. You will be able to get the most of the technology’s value and security feature when you include a community of members who would be a part of your Blockchain based app.

Now that you know what Blockchain is and how you can design your app’s security plan around the disruptive technology, the next step is the groundwork. Contact our team of Blockchain Application Developers today, to get a walkthrough on not just the technology but also its various applications beyond assuring security.

iOS vs Android: Know the More Secure Platform in 2021

Posted on 17/03/202015/06/2021 by Tushar

While the Android vs iOS war is the one that continues to break the internet, the ultimate deal-breaking element for both the app users and the brands boils down to Mobile App Security.

How secure a mobile app is what determines its future in the present world where users are conscious of increasing data breach cases. But, is it something completely dependant on the quality assurance techniques that developers invest in?

Well, the answer is no.

Irrespective of how long it took to develop a mobile app or what methodology you followed in development, the ultimate result differs with various factors including, the operating system you choose.

Because of this, many developers are asking the question, “Android vs iOS: Who wins the title of higher security in 2021-22?”

When we talk about iOS vs Android security, the unprecedented winner has always been iOS, with its stringent security guidelines. But with Android Q, Google gave out an array of hope in 2021, that hinted towards it being on the verge of becoming a brand one can trust with their devices and personal information.

Will 2021-22 be the year when Google’s Android will emerge out as the secure one out of Android and iOS ecosystems?

Before we get into the Android vs iOS Security comparison 2021 lookout and let us first look at the prevalent security difference between iOS and Android.

Here are the comparative elements that cover both the Operating System Ecosystems, comprehensively.

The Security-inclined Points of Difference in Android and iOS

1. Boot up process

Android platform, as any Android app development company would tell you offers Linux Kernel and Inter-Process Communication facility, security level. Coded with Application Sandbox, the platform gives a verified boot guarantee in which every stage cryptographically verifies the integrity of the next stage before their verification.

Android verifies the boots with the help of the dm-verity kernel feature that makes it impossible for the compromised device to boot.

While this was about Android, iOS offers the security level with Low-Level Bootloader(LLB), iOS kernel, and iBoot. LLB is primarily verified by Apple Root CS Public Key using the Boot ROM program to make sure that the iBoot Bootloader has been signed by Apple. Next, iBoot then verifies and executes the iOS kernel.

2. Security Software Update

Android offers monthly updates in its Android Security Bulletin. Even though Android gives out updates once a month, they don’t force the users to update the devices. The option to ignore the update and operate the device, in the same way, gives an escape plan to the users thus opening the android app development services to a certain probability of security breach.

Apple rolls out several versions of security updates every once in a while in a month. Apple makes it a mandate for every user to download the most recent security upgrades. By giving out continuous notifications, the OS makes it difficult for its users to ignore the security upgradations. Something that brings everyone to the conclusion that the winner of Apple vs Android security efforts is the former one.

3. Touch Id

While Android has recently started partnering with manufacturers who are offering the Fingerprint Scan option, the number is still very limited.

This is not the case with Apple. Apple has always been very particular when it comes to biometric verification on their devices. It is not just for Touch ID, Technologies like Iris Scan and Face ID have also been coined by Apple first. The OS giant, keep investing millions in security-focused technologies.

4. Hardware Integration

Unlike Apple, Android app security related to hardware depends entirely on the manufacturers. While some are good at keeping a handle on the fact that all the Android’s built-in features related to security work well on their device, others might give it a lesser priority. Generally, the devices which belong to the prime categories in terms of cost come with greater security backing than ones that are low price point products.

On the other hand, Apple has full control over its hardware security. This makes it undeniable to think that ios app development services will win the iOS vs Android security 2021-22 comparison.

5. Device Fragmentation

The greater the fragmentation, the greater the chances of introducing loopholes that are a comfortable space for heightened hacking and data breach incidents. By keeping both its device and operating system version on a lower side, Apple reduces this probability of an ios app development company facing hacks issue, by manifold.

But the case is not the same with Android. Both – number of device variants and OS versions are on a very high side in the platform, giving an open ecosystem to hacks and breaches to breed in.

6. App Stores Story

Apple undoubtedly has greater control over the apps that come for approval and their updates. The brand takes its right to vet, reject, and remove every app that doesn’t meet its criteria, very seriously, the fact that has brought in demand for such iPhone app development companies, which can develop apps that don’t get rejected.

Google, for a long time, overlooked the necessity of following stringent rules while approving an Android app. But, now it has taken major steps.

Besides encouraging developers to focus on security in Android app development, Google employed Machine learning to detect and remove malicious applications from the Play Store in 2017. And now, it has announced that the approval time on Play Store will be high so that every piece of the application could be tested thoroughly before making it live.

However, since Android is an open ecosystem, which emerges out as bliss both users and hackers, the impact of these actions on security breach incidents is high. After all, apps can be downloaded from stores other than the Play Store.

While this is the picture that has always remained, what does android vs ios 2021 look like for the two OSs on the security front?

Let’s find out.

Android vs. iOS: Which OS is Safer in 2021-22

In an article concentrated on iOS vs Android security comparison, it is essential to look at the matter with all specificity especially with the latest OS versions in focus. Let us first look into the new privacy features coming with iOS 14 and Android 11 before moving to the four key deciding factors.

iOS 14 Privacy Features

iOS 14 has come with a series of privacy update changes reinstating it as a security-first platform for the users and businesses as well. Here are some of those updates –

Changes in IDFA – The iOS app developers will no longer have access to users’ data until they specify that they are permitting the applications to use their information for promotion and marketing purposes.
Changes in location sharing – Users will now have the ability to opt-out of offering precise location sharing. This way the apps and marketers will only get an approximate location of the users.
Privacy report – Apple will now send users a privacy report containing details of which apps are accessing their data and for how long.

Android 11 Privacy Features

Changes in permissions – The first time you open any new app you will be given three options in terms of permission – All the time, only when using the app, never.
Permission revoke – Android will keep a track of the applications you haven’t used in some time and it will revoke the permissions you had given it. This way when you open the app after a break, you will have to give it permission again.

Now that we have looked into the new additions of Android vs iOS privacy in the new updates, the next step will be to measure them against the other common factors and come to a conclusion.

Let us compare both the OS on the basis of four important factors –

Marketplace Security

The fact that the Play Store is so much wider than the App Store comes as both a blessing and an issue. While on the one hand, the wideness gives Android users a wide option to select from, it also gives the hackers a great opportunity to leave malware apps in the crowd of millions.

Apple, on the other hand, keeps a close look at the App Store. The level of inspection that every app needs to go through reduces the available option for the users, lowers the chances of malware attacks to minimal.

This comes up as a reason why the iOS vs Android, which is better war is always won by the former.

Platform’s Popularity

Android, undoubtedly holds a massive share of the world smartphone market, a number that is practically impossible for Apple to ever cover.

Now greater the platform’s popularity, the greater is the number of users attached and thus greater are the chances of a security breach.

However, it is not sound to give Android app security lesser points just on the basis of its high popularity. Because of the growing number of users, the Android app developer community has started giving greater focus to introducing the best mobile app security practices and deliver a hack-proof app.

Device Manufacturers’ Count

If there is one reason why Android is 100% lying behind Apple in terms of ‘Android vs iOS security’ is the hacks caused because of high device manufacturer count.

Because different devices come with a different focus on Security protection features, it is impossible for Google with thousands of devices under its umbrella to lay out a common set of protocols for every single one of its partnered OEMs. A problem that Apple never has to face because of its concentrated control on the device manufactured.

Source Code Security

Both the operating systems make use of very similar security features for keeping their users safe but while Apple keeps a close watch on the source code and has functionality like SSL Pinning in iOS, the open-source nature of Android makes it difficult for the OS to do so.

To solve this gap, Google has not just employed hackers to identify the source of attack but is also increasing its bounty that the brand is willing to pay for those who report new vulnerabilities, year on year.

While on the Apps front, hoping to get a clearer sense of security in Android, Google has introduced ‘Google Play Protect’ in the Play Store. This element that entered the market with the advent of Android O behaves like a virus scanner for the Android apps, ensuring that harmful content does not get downloaded on your device, a move that has come as a major relief for Top Android App Development Companies that have been crumbling under the growing malware attack prevention pressure.

Even though Google is getting online with its Play Store Security, the story of its device update is rather on the downside in the android security vs ios security debate.

The brand will continue to push out its Android Security patches month by month. But while Pixel and Nexus users might get the updates on the spot, other phone manufacturers might continue to delay or even skip the updates completely. With thousands of Android devices running years old software, they will continue to be vulnerable to major hacks such as Stagefright and Heartbleed.

2021-22 will see speedy updates taking a prime position, with the past year witnessing some of the major security breaches,(remember what happened with Uber Data Breach?) placing security breaches on the forefront. If you don’t have a stock device, Android is already behind in the updated world.

Apple, on the other hand, has been working on continuously taking security to the next level in 2021, especially with its Touch ID and the FaceID. The stringent oversight that the brand has on its apps added to their ability to send out updates to their devices quickly has given the brand a sure-shot edge over its competitor. The brand even takes measures to encrypt all the data in the iMessage and Apple’s other apps.

While Android also encrypts some data, users’ privacy will continue to be protected to a very little extent. To make its marketing efforts better and to offer a superior AI experience, Google will continue to mine data for information in 2021.

In spite of the fact that Android will be introducing new features on its Security front in 2021, iOS will win the title of Android vs iOS app security comparison this year too.

However, at the crux of the Android vs iOS which platform is the most secure debate lies the fact that the security ultimately depends on the users. Here are some things that we ask all our clients to remind their end-users in the app –

Use native app stores
Don’t download an app without verifying safety
Update the OS versions as and when they come
Set up a remote wiping facility
Switch on multi factor authentication

Frequently Asked Questions about Android vs iOS Secure

Q. Which is better, iOS or android?

The answer to this question depends entirely on the factor you are focusing on. If you consider customization, Android is better than iOS. But, in the case of security, Android lags behind iOS despite putting the best effort into place.

Q. Is iPhone more secure than android?

Though both Apple and Google are coming up with the best privacy and security practices, Apple’s iOS is still leading the show. iOS has 20% less critical vulnerabilities than Android, according to mobile security statistics.

Q. Which is easier to hack: iPhone or android?

Since Android runs on the hardware designed by different manufacturers and is an open ecosystem, it is easily hackable when compared to iPhone.

Rapid Application Development in Business: Benefits

Posted on 16/03/202015/06/2021 by Tushar

Not every brand has a six month to year time frame for getting their application launched in the market. It might happen that the app idea you have come up with, has the potential to attract a lot of competition from the industry.

So what do you do? Do you compromise on quality and deploy an app that is a peek into your concept? Or do you extend your time and increase the probability of coming face to face with greater competition?

None of it.

We get a lot of queries from brands looking for strategic mobile app consultancy for finding ways to deploy apps in the least possible time, without compromising on the app quality or paying hefty amounts. The solution that we offer them is, – Rapid Mobile Application Development Platform.

This article is dedicated to the concept where we will be looking into the various phases and characteristics of rapid application development using the RMAD model.

What is RMAD Model?

Rapid Mobile Application Development (RMAD) means using code free tools to expedite the process of creating mobile applications.

RMAD can be seen as the mobile version of RAD model, which is based on a concept that high quality products development can be expedited by using processes such as reuse of software components, early prototyping, and lesser formality in team communication.

Phases of RAD

Business Modelling
Data Modelling
Process Modelling
Application Generation
Testing and Turnover

1. Business Model

The main business plans are decided and their need of achievement is determined. The sort and flow of information are settled between various business models. The questions regarding what information will be required to choose the kind of data structures and how the communication gap bridges between various business administrations be set up is resolved during this process.

2. Data Modeling

The next stage includes review and analysis of information objects as compared to the business model. The credits of these data collections are characterized and their relevance to the business is plainly mapped out.

3. Process Modeling

The data sets and business models are adjusted to create a flow of information for different business models. The process for development and change, both are determined. In this stage, the process structure for adding, erasing, changing or retrieving a data set are set up at one place.

4. Application Generation

In this model, automated tools are utilized for the construction of the software, that is to convert the processed and data models into prototypes

5. Testing and Turnover

RAD is famous mostly because of its focus on the testing and turnover. Each prototype is tested by the user and every feedback is used to optimize the current structure and integrate changes as per the feedback.

For a brand that is looking for a smaller launch time and has a low feature mobile app, Rapid Application Development (RAD), with its USP of delivering quality apps in the least possible time, comes in very handy. There are a number of reasons that come attached with this that has brought in a demand for RMAD among the businesses.

Let us look at some of the pros and cons of rapid application or low code no code app development that is turning brands into the direction of the in-trend approach.

Benefits of Rapid Application Development

1. Quick Delivery

Under the Rapid Mobile Application Development Process, the whole project is segregated in modules, which are treated as an individual prototype. Each of these prototypes are tested instantly, before being winded together. This helps in faster delivery of an app which is tested to ensure lesser bugs.

The primary benefits of RAD is a faster development life cycle, and a better turnaround time of the software product. This is achieved by rapid prototyping, and by using automated tools like Computer Aided Software Engineering or CASE tools, that enable the developers to re-use previously generated codes, thus saving the time needed for manual coding. The CASE software tools are a major contributing factor in reducing the delivery time in the RAD methodology.

2. Fast Action on Market Analysis

Since every module is treated as a separate prototype, brands can easily get it reviewed by the end users, without having to wait for the final product to be launched. Also, since changes are to be made on one module out of the supposed 5, the maximum portion of the app remains unchanged.

3. Reduced Waste Time

When developing mobile apps, it is found that the elements like wait times, task switching, handoffs, and defect solving contribute to extension of the app development cycle time.

The RAD process comes with rapid app development tools that help with visual development, on the spot testing and deployment. All these processes and supporting tools together bring substantial reduction in waste time.

4. Better Quality and Low Production Cost

Even though the Rapid Application Development Process comes with compromises related to range of features in the app and its scalability, the overall quality of the app is better when compared to their counterparts.

Since they provide greater reduction in error by using prototyping and automation tools, there is a reduction in errors and bugs.

One of the advantages of RAD model involves the use of reusable software components, which ultimately leads to lowering the cost range that goes into the programming of the mobile app.

5. Aligned IT and Business Teams

IT professionals across the globe admit to spending half of their time on rework. The occurrence of rework happened because of the change in views between the IT and Business Team. Rapid Mobile Application Development eases the process by bringing both the IT and business together, in all the processes – Requirement Analysis, Development, QA, and Production (As shown on the right side of the image above). Since the method works on bringing development and validation to operate side by side, rework is immensely reduced and cost overrun is protected.

6. Faster Release of Product Versions

Rapid Mobile App Development makes use of a method known as timeboxing, which controls the features that are to be deployed in the present, and the next-level versions of software products.

The method helps with releasing product versions in the least possible time, by keeping the next version features added in the app development process.

7. The Innovation Pyramid

As of recently, businesses have observed the advantages of RAD just at the application level. However, RAD benefits are significantly more noteworthy at the enterprise level. To get that, you need to look at enterprise applications from the point of their rate of change, as clarified by Gartner in their Pace-Layered Application Strategy. Gartner has characterized three application categories, or “layers,” to recognize application types based on their rate of change. A close examination uncovers that these layers likewise indicate the extent of focus and financial plan traditionally accorded by undertakings.

Parting Words

So, here were the seven benefits that have brought Rapid Mobile Application Development in the business decision of brands looking to develop quality apps in the least possible time.

Want help with expediting your Mobile App Development Process? Contact our Team of Experts today, or Hire a well-known mobile app development company, who knows the ins and outs of the development process.

If you are looking to develop an app with an up to date and all the latest technologies of the current time, you should partner with known mobile app development services that are well-adapted with the changing market needs. You can also opt for remote companies like mobile application development company USA. But make sure you choose the best to get quality results.

Have you launched and deployed an app following the RMAD process? Let us know in the comment below.

Implement Multifactor Authentication in a Mobile App

Posted on 15/03/202015/06/2021 by Tushar

Multifactor Authentication is the need of every business that works around sensitive data and users’ personal information. The system adopts a layered approach for security, which makes it difficult for individuals to gain access to the data.

By providing an extra level of security besides the phone password, Multifactor Authentication System (MFA) has become the must-have feature of apps related to payments, enterprise apps related to viewing or retracting data from the cloud.

Let us take a deep dive into the concept of MFAs, highlighting the four ways you can implement Multifactor Authentication in your mobile app. We will also throw some light on the challenges, both technical and user-specific, that you should prepare to be encountered with.

But, before we go in further, let us look at what Multifactor Authentication System actually means.

What is Multifactor Authentication System (MFA)?

Multifactor authentication or MFA, as it is commonly called, works around providing an added layer of security that ensures that users are providing more than a single piece of evidence for their identification. It usually requires a blend of something which the user knows, like pins, passwords, something which the user has, like cards, phone, or something that they inherit like a Fingerprint scan or Retina scan.

Now, there are four ways through which you can implement MFAs in your Mobile Application. Let us look at each of them in terms of the process they take the users through.

Ways to Implement Multifactor Authentication in a Mobile App

1. Time-Based OTP

OTP comprises the creation of a one-time password from a shared secret key and the present timestamp with the help of the exact type of cryptographic function. OTP involves the enrollment and login processes.

Here’s a detail on both the processes –

Enrollment Process:

Users log in to the app with their passwords and username
If the credentials are found valid, the next stage is to enable the two-factor authentication
The shared key is then requested, which can be either text-based or QR code
The key is stored by the app which implements OTP like Auth0 Guardian or Google Authenticator.
The two-factor authentication is then enabled.

Next comes the Login process:

User logs into the app
If their credentials are valid, they are directed to a form where they have to put in one-time code generated with Auth0 Guardian or Google Authenticator
The server then verifies that the code is valid and authenticates the user

2. SMS

The process of multifactor application through SMS also involves enrollment and the login stage.

Enrollment Process:

User logs in to an application with username and password.
They are asked to enter an active phone number
A distinctive one-time code is then generated on the app server and is sent to the user’s phone number.
They then enter the code in-app, thus enabling multifactor authentication

Login Process:

User logs in to the application with their user-id and password.
A distinctive one-time code is then generated on the app server and is sent to the user’s phone number.
The user enters the code in-app.
If found valid, the user gets authenticated and the session gets initiated.

3. E-Mail

User logs in to an application with their user-id and password.
A distinctive one-time code is then generated on the app server and is sent to the user’s email id
They retrieve the code from their email and feeds it into their app.
If found valid, the user is then authenticated and the session gets initiated.

4. Push Notifications

User logs in to an application with their user-id and password.
Usually, the push notifications mechanism works with applications like Auth0 Guardian. Once the details are entered, a push notification is then sent by the Guardian app to your app.
The notification is a login request.
On the backend, this includes data like the OS, application name, and browser used while making the request, the precise location, and the date when the request is being made.
The user then asserts the request they have received through push notification and gets logged in.

Now that you know the ways you can implement MFAs in your mobile app, let us look into the challenges that come associated.

Challenges Associated with Multifactor Authentication System

It is very difficult to implement the system in your mobile app without the support of a Mobile App Development Company that specializes in providing extensive quality assurance in terms of mobile app security. While this is from the business front, every added security layer comes with more work for the users. It can lead to frustration when users are made to repeat multiple steps every time they have to do a task.

But the challenges that the system comes with are very minimal in front of the benefits that they have to offer when it comes to giving the users a safe transaction environment, amidst the soaring data breach incidents.

Want to take your Mobile App Security to the next level? Contact our Team of Mobility Experts, today.

Mobile Apps Backend Development for Busy People: Guide

Posted on 14/03/202015/06/2021 by Tushar

With the advent and popularization of mobile apps, the focus has now started shifting on not just developing an amazing app but also on understanding the underlying factors that differentiate amazing apps from a common one. Every detail of an application that provides an effortless experience is incomplete without the mention of its efficient mobile app backend architecture. In that context, read this article as a guide to what makes Backend development so important, what are the software stacks that make its backend architecture for mobile app, and the tools that help develop a strong backend process.For those who are here just for the tools, we will come to the tools part, but only after a few scrolls.

Let’s start with what Backend server for mobile apps mean and how it is different from Frontend development?

Frontend VS Backend Development

If you ask a developer how frontend and backend development is different, the reply that you will get is that frontend uses codes to make an app look pretty and the backend writes codes to make it work.

But there are a number of underlying things that both the app development processes are based on –

Basically, applications that are installed from the Play Store or App Store on your smartphone are frontend applications. Be it Instagram, Facebook, or Calculator each application on your smartphone is a frontend mobile application. How? Frontend applications permit you to connect directly through buttons, text fields, flips, and so on. Since they work on mobile phones), they are mobile applications, too.

A Front-end developer is accountable for translating app’s designs to a code which is required to display it properly on the browser. The job grew more meticulous with the introduction of responsive web design. The person not only needs to ensure that the look is supporting all the current browsers’ and mobile platforms, but should also note how the design is looking in other computer resolutions and browser widths.

While you have known about the frontend developer, now let’s know what the backend developers does –

In a layman’s language you can assume the backend as an extra application for your mobile application i.e. the backend section works differently. It is a piece of software that runs on machines called servers. Backend development for mobile applications empowers the main working of the application. It incorporates things like servers, databases, middleware, and so on.

A back-end developer is accountable for the mobile app server connecting the content one sees on the site to the CMS and develop the logic needed to make everything work as supposed to. On the design front, they are responsible for converting the designs and the front-end development process in the CMS setup, giving the clients an intuitive method to handle their app content. If they make the mobile app backend architecture very simple, chances are that the clients will not have control. And if they make it complex, the possibility that clients’ get lost in the design becomes high.

Here is a visual to show the difference between a Frontend and Backend Developer.

Now that you know the difference in Frontend and Backend development, let us understand about backend development of mobile app functions:

Mobile Application Functions That Are Provided With Backend Development

There are many things you need to ensure prior to incorporating a mobile backend for app development. The most basic function to utilize while creating mobile applications are:

Cloud server – Today everybody can afford having cloud servers that come with various sizes and are stored in a protected location. The most popular cloud servers are Google App Engine and Amazon AWS, they are ordinarily utilized by large organizations and are reliable.

Custom server – You can generally make your own server for your mobile application, or you can also ask a software development company like Anteelo about SaaS. It can have its IP address and store explicit data. In such a manner you will consistently have full control over a custom server but will require additional time on monitoring.

MBaaS – Mobile Backend as a Service (MBaaS). If you prefer not to write your own backend servers or put resources into a cloud-based server, that is your option. These days there are numerous independent MBaaS providers that offer incredible functionality and an analytics framework to monitor your applications.

After knowing about mobile app backend development functions, let us now move on to how backend architecture and mobile app server actually work.

Architecture and Server- Working

Gear up, we are now going to delve into the technicalities of custom backend development and prepare you for your next backend developer job and to have a discussion with your development team before you start working on that next big app project of yours.

In layman terms, backend development is preparing your mobile application to work as it was intended to. Now to make it possible, there are some concepts which form the server or Backend’s side ‘Software Stack’.

Before I get into that, I will take another minute of yours to tell you that the look of the backend varies from application to application. The points of differentiation can be counted down to use of data warehouse, cloud based servers, containerization, BaaS providers or usage of APIs to replace complex processing.

With that out in the open, let me take you back to the mechanics of the Backend.

Breaking Down Backend’s Software Stack

Instead of taking you down the rabbit hole, let me simplify and break the backend’s technology stack in its four components – database, server, software, and operating system.

Here are the details on the components –

Servers

Whether your backend is in the cloud or on-site, a backend server for mobile app is the life vein of the network. These provide resources (shared) that the networks need to operate and work as a mobile app hosting platform as well. These shared resources might include – encryption and security, file storage, email, database, and web services.

Now, these servers use virtualization to get the provision to house various apps. Another term used in relation to servers is Containerization, which is the way server provision the operating system out to contain compartmentalized applications.

Database

Database is what makes an application or website dynamic. Any time a user makes a request from the app, the database is supposed to accept the query, fetch the data, and give it to the app user.

Along with getting the information to a user, database is also responsible to accept new and edit the old data, as and when the user wishes.

Middleware

Middleware is a software that works on the server which connects an application’s frontend to its backend. It enables connectivity between the client and server. It can be organized in various layers – both business and presentation layers.

It lets the on premise apps and cloud apps interact and offer services such as error handling, and data integration. An efficient middleware can enhance business process management, user engagement, authentication, content, content management, etc.

To start with, these three are the main components that lay the basis of Backend Development.

Now for those still with us, let me now tell you of the best mobile app backend technology, the reason in calling them the best is because they have been used on a mass scale for a number of varying projects of all sizes.

Here goes the list (After the scrolls)

1. Web server tools

NGINX

We use this open source software to do web serving, caching, reverse proxying, media streaming, and load balancing, among other things. It also functions as the proxy server to email (POP3, IMAP, and SMTP) and as a load balancer and reverse proxy for TCP, UDP, and HTTP servers.

Apache

Another open source software, Apache is used by over 50.1% of the world’s apps. The mobile app hosting platform has proven its reliability in the web server industry.

2. Databases tool

MySQL

The relational database, MySQL is an open source platform which is easy to setup, scales fast, and is free. Because of reasons like these, we have placed our trust in MySQL for all the database requirements.

MongoDB

The tool saves all the data in binary JSON format that makes it easier to pass the data between server and client. The tool is also a free open source NoSQL database system.

3. Git clients

SourceTree

The tool simplifies how the developers interact with the Mercurial and Git repositories. It makes managing repositories more intuitive, giving people time to focus on coding.

GitHub client

The tool is used to write cross platform desktop apps that uses HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. It gives the developers a unified cross platform experience which is 100% open source.

4. Microservice platform tools

Kubernetes

The open source platform used for container cluster management aims at providing a space for scaling, automating deployment, and for operation of application containers across the cluster of different hosts.

Docker

Docker puts microservices in the picture by offering developers easy to use and fast packaging, deployment mechanism, and distribution to build compartmentalized apps. It also provides an ecosystem of tools like registry service, native clustering, and cloud service.

5. Local development environment

WampServer

The open source development environment tool allows mobile app development companies to make web applications using PHP, Apache, and the MySQL database. It comes in a package with SQLite and PhpMyAdmin to help in managing databases.

XAMPP

The open source web server solution stack comes with Apache distribution which consists of PHP, Perl, and MariaDB integrated together in one downloadable file. The XAMPP package has been designed in such a way that is extremely easy to setup and use.

6. Collaboration service tools

Slack

The famous cloud based collaboration and messaging app has been revolutionizing the enterprise communication since some time now. Popular because of its fun interface and rapidly expanding community of users, Slack continues to make developers’ lives pleasant and productive.

Jira

The web based project management tool uses Scrum and Kanban to manage projects. The tool was made famous by Toyota back in the 1980s for supply chain management.

7. App performance test tool

Apache JMeter

The tool can be loaded in the server to check the app performance and its speed under different conditions. Earlier, it was only used to test web apps but it is now even used for testing the app performances.

AppLoader

Another tool that we swear by is used to test the application by creating the exact same user experience from all the access points. The tool lets you test the complete business flow without having to add plugin or the need to write code.

Advantages of Backend Development

Role of the backend in app development service provides lots of advantages of stages of app development that you will get from MBaaS, which are as follows.

Quick Development Speed
Cost Efficient
Focus on core business
Better output in less time
Reduced time to market
An expanded app feature set
Outsourcing of cloud infrastructure
Continuous delivery and integration
Performance and Security
Privacy requirements like GDPR

A Quick Summary

We started with how Frontend is different from Backend and continued to the backend app development process. Next, we saw the components that lay the basis of Backend development and finally moved on the tools that makes it all possible.

Now, bringing an end to the guide, let’s touch base on APIs – the backend technology stack without which it is impossible to do Backend development.

APIs – The crucial part of Backend Programming

It is impossible to talk about Backend development, without a mention of APIs. It is through API that it connects applications, software, database, and services seamlessly. API has an indispensable role in the building of server side software architectures, allowing the software to interact and for the data to be transferred.

With this, we bring the guide to an end. Hope it imparted value to you. For any query you can contact us as we serve across the globe with our mobile application development company in USA, Europe, and Asia to help our customers and clients achieve their goals.

Mobile Apps UI Design Trends for 2018-Top 15

Posted on 12/03/202015/06/2021 by Tushar

Mobile Apps Designs continue to change with the changing demand of the industry’s million users. In the race of catching and keeping the attention of the crowd of impatient users, the UI design market keeps coming with new ideas and keeps revolutionizing the old ways to make the experience innovative and value offering.

2017 bid adieu to a number of UI elements that were making the product design old and boring – hamburger menu, content with less to no images, safe colors. While 2018 will be all about on the face, no nonsense designs.

There has been a new found demand for mobile app design agencies that can understand and help keep the brands in trend, when it comes to offering uniquely innovative experience to the users.

There are a number of UI elements that have together made a list of Mobile App Design Trends 2018.

Let’s get on them to keep you on trend this year.

1.Vibrant Colors

In 2016, UI designers reinvented flat designs in mobile apps and shifted their focus to offering greater personalization with their design elements.

Instagram was one of the first apps to modify their logo, move on from the flat, dull-muted tones to multi-colors. The trend was then trailed by a range of famous companies. Moving in the same direction, 2018 is going to be the time of vibrant colors, shooting up warmth, energy, and subtleties to your home screen.

It’s time for designers to be valiant and try out newer colors, but select and apply them wisely. Make sure the colors allow you to create unique, powerful, and eye-friendly experience.

2.Borderless Display

When Apple declared the launch of iPhone X with a borderless display, the major buzz was made around the effect of the design on UI design. They introduced the trend of transforming the usage of strict flat design ideas in mobile apps, boosting fluent storytelling. While it was still a lot restricted in 2017, Borderless Display specific designs have found themselves in the list of UI Design Trends of 2018. We will soon start seeing designs that cover the whole mobile from edge to edge.

3.Videos

2017 witnessed a rise in the fame of video content format. Hubspot stated that 78% of people watch online videos per week, and over 55% see online videos every single day.

In the context of the mobile apps, designers will be adapting the video formats in their apps in 2018.

The human attention period has reduced from 12 to eight seconds. Video-based UI is a result of this change in span.

2018 will see more of video-based content and more platforms coming up with live video options to convey information and feelings.

4.Cards

It was in 2015 that mobile devices overtook PCs as most used tools for surfing the web and doing the regular online activities. To cover the gap between desktop and mobile app usage, there had to be an element that would work well on both.

One of them is cards.

Although not an innovative addition in Mobile App UI Trends 2018, they play a crucial role in curating an effective UI design. Having all – video, photo, text, and link to a specific subject, cards are one of the most brilliant ways to display and organize large amounts of content on screen. Above all, they are aesthetic, easy to digestible, and properly-optimized for clicks and taps. This is why they have found themselves as the prime UI design mode on Pinterest, Netflix, and Newsfeed.

5. Sounds

The newest element in 2018 UI Design Trends is sound layers. This trend are with respect to the sounds which users listen when they open a website, send comments, select emojis, etc. The sound element of UI design adds features like enjoyment and pleasure in user experience. 2018 has come with an expansion to this trend and is set to take user experience to new levels.

6.Big Typography

Typography is another feature for the UI designers to experiment when designing uber personalized app designs. When added with images, colors, video, animations, and innovative layouts, the element brings about exceptional user experience.

Solely because of the reason, Typography has become crucial piece of UI design world in 2018, helping designers transform from the traditional font styles to a more experimental, creative space. What you should expect this year, is fancy and bold fonts in place of done till death system fonts, which have been applied since forever.

7.Overlapping

Overlapping of graphics, fonts, and colors not only makes UI design distinctive and eye-catching, but also add a false sense of white space. Creating an illusion of open space in the crowded real estate of a device, is the number one reason why designers are adding overlapping feature in their mobile apps.

Furthermore, in most cases, the overlapping of the same elements, combined with shadows, makes the mobile app interface designs impressive and fantasy like. All these reasons combined, make overlapping an important part of Mobile Application User Interface Design Trends 2018.

8.Gradients

In 2018, one can expect to see bright vivid colors and much greater use of the gradients.

In the last some years, we have been seeing a rise in the number of app designers who are adopting color gradients in design when designing buttons, logos, and backgrounds.

The reason behind this adoption is when you chose a specific color, you can show a hierarchy while drawing a picture and combining it with different graphics and color gradients.

This sense of hierarchy will continue to make Gradients famous in 2018 as they did in 2017.

9.Opacity

Same components tend to have diverse effects once you adjust or play around with their transparency level. When designing mobile app interfaces, adding opacity in components can be an excellent design work. Furthermore, the opacity settings for various graphics or colors can also help create colorful glass like texture to the app elements.

Overall, irrespective of how you add opacity to your UI design in mobile apps, they will see a concrete rise in demand in 2018.

10.Animation

Introducing motion design or animations in fonts, icons, buttons, and photos always have an optimistic impact on app users giving them more enjoyable experiences. The trend will continue in 2018.

11.Responsive Logos

The idea of modifying logos to fit in with the n number of devices, has been a very recent doing of the app design world. Brands have now started refreshing the logos in simplified, modern versions since last some years and making them responsive is the only logical next phase when it comes to meeting the today’s demands.

12.Real Life Photography

It’s very energizing to see authentic, real-life images return to the mainstream again.

The demand for real photos rose greatly in 2017 and is set to grow massively in 2018, with brands seeking to bond with users, and designers looking to get rid of tawdry stock photos.

13.Highly-Detailed Vintage

Vintage is nothing new, but its usage will grow stronger in 2018. Although it contradicts the mainstream need for minimalism, finely crafted images are timeless. This year, brands will be looking to attain top-shelf expression that shouts sophistication and distinction.

While not everyone’s cup of tea, food and beverage domain—specifically those involved with organic food and wine—will be leveraging the style in 2018.

14.Voice Enabled

Voice-activated elements of apps helps simplify users’ operations. In 2017, apps with voice dependent services finally found their fair share of demand from the industry. The popularity of voice-activated mobile apps will only grow in 2018.Other than the voice-activated elements, fingerprint-activated ones will also play a very crucial part in defining mobile app interface designs for 2018.

15.Emoticons

In 2018 we can expect to see emotional intelligence getting integrated in mobile experience to a much greater level. It is no more about animated effects that are shown when users complete any specific action. EI has now become a mainstream way to make users experience delightful and engaging.

In the year of mobile apps, we will see more emoticons in the list. They will see an integration with Face recognition elements that will be used for providing an array of reactions. One such technology that have been doing this perfectly is Animoji — the animated emoji that responds to iPhone X camera’s facial expressions.