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The term software development is a blanket of the entire software industry. The software industry covers a wide range of various development systems that are built for various end-users.
Mobile app development and software development are two terms, you might be familiar with. But, do you know what exactly they are and how are both different from each other?
You might have come across such questions before and find it difficult to answer them. Being a leading software development company, we can find you the right answer to this.
It may take a little longer to reach the answer as we want you to know everything about mobile app development and software development from its basics. Make sure you read each of this blog!
Introduction to Mobile App Development and Software Development
Mobile app development and software development may sound similar to us, as they both are the software after all. But there is a thin line differentiating them that makes them different for several reasons.
Let’s understand the meaning and fundamentals of both.
What is Mobile App Development?
As the name suggests, mobile app development is done for mobile users. The mobile app development process aims to develop software that can run on mobile and tablet devices for the Android and iOS operating systems.
The process of mobile app development will consist of lots of creativity, technical skills, and problem-solving. Google Play and Apple’s App Library are two major app stores used by the users.
Mobile app development is more rooted in traditional software development. The first version of mobile app development was created by Steve Jobs in 1983, it has grown a lot till now with the latest technological approaches.
What is Software Development?
Software development is a computer program-building process, crafted by software developers. During the software development process, developers incorporate their technical skills using computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis.
Software development is a writing series of interrelated programming codes to function with the developed software. To write these codes, developers use various computer programming languages.
Key Features
At some point, mobile app development and software development serve the same, but not in all. The key features of mobile app development and software development will define their behavior, performance, and usability.
Let’s widen your perspective on mobile app development and software development.
Key Features of Mobile App Development
All these key features are important to enhance the user experience with an app and build a successful mobile app.
User-Centric
Mobile apps should be developed with the user in mind. This makes the app easy to use, navigate, and understand for the users. With the user-centric approach, the app should also be designed to be visually appealing and engaging.
Developed for Android and iOS Android and iOS are the two most popular operating systems for mobile apps. The mobile app should be developed for both operating systems to reach a wide audience.
Offline Functionality
There is a possibility to have users who may need to operate the app even without the internet connection. To accommodate these users, it is important to implement offline functionality in mobile app development.
Social Media Integration
Social media is a popular way for people to stay connected. Mobile apps need to allow users to integrate their social media accounts to make them more engaging and helpful.
Gather and Implement Feedback
It is important to gather feedback from users and implement it in the app. This feature will help to improve the app and make it more user-friendly.
Application Security
Mobile apps should be developed with security to protect user data. This means the app should have strong security measures in place, such as encryption and authentication.
Customer Support Services
It is important to provide customer support for mobile apps. This means that users should be able to easily contact customer service if they have any questions or problems.
UX Planning
UX planning is the process of designing a user experience that is both effective and enjoyable. When planning the UX of your mobile app, it is important to consider the needs of your target users and the goals of your app.
Key Features of Software Development
Below mentioned key features of software development are important for delivering high-quality software. Requirements Gatherings and Analysis This involves understanding the needs of the users and stakeholders and documenting them clearly and concisely. This information is used to inform the design and development of the software.
Design
This involves developing a plan for how the software will be implemented. This includes defining the software architecture, user interface, and database schema.
Deployment
This involves making the software available to users. This may involve installing the software on their computers or devices or making it available as a cloud-based service. Quality Assurance
This involves testing the software to ensure that it meets the requirements and is free of defects. Quality assurance involves various tests such as unit testing, integration testing, system testing, and user acceptance testing.
Configuration Management
This involves tracking and managing changes to the software. This includes keeping track of different versions of the software and managing the deployment of changes to the production environment.
Excellent Value
The software should provide value to the users and stakeholders. Software should be developed in a way to meet their needs and solve problems. The software should also be cost-effective to develop and maintain.
Creativity
Software development is a creative process. Developers need to think outside the box and come up with new and innovative solutions to problems.
Lifecycle
The process of mobile app development and software development is both complex and time-consuming yet asks for creativity. With technologies developing every day, developers are expected to step forward in the development processes and bring new solutions each day.
Here is how the development process for mobile apps and software is being performed!
Mobile App Development Lifecycle
Planning & Research
The first phase of mobile app development is when the foundation for an app is built. Whatever will be laid down in this step will become the core of the app. The developers will carry out the brainstorming and researching for what they need to implement in the app, who their target audience will be, and what will be the purpose of the app.
Assessment of Technical Feasibility
Only visual analysis is not enough, developers need to confirm that the backend system will fully support the functionality of the app. Examining the technical feasibility of the idea of the app is important. Moreover, developers need to determine the suitable platform for the app.Wireframe and Prototype
Coming to this phase of the mobile app development process, the developers will have a clear idea of how the app will look like and which features they want to integrate into it. For a clear picture of navigation, developers will sketch out the application, technically known as wireframing, and then will build a working prototype to have clear clarity on connections.Designing the Application
Being done with the prototype, developers are now ready to begin with the design and layout of the app. The UI/UX designing phase is determined by the developers in this step. Developers are required to maintain the balance between the content and user interface.Developing the Mobile app
This is the step where the actual development process is done, including the number of steps such as setting up storage solutions, databases, APIs, and servers for the backend of the app. The mobile app development process also involves defining the features of the app and the selection of the backend system.Testing the Mobile App
Now, developers finally have the complete concept of the app with exciting graphics and properly placed content. Developers now can test the mobile app if there are any bugs or technical flaws to correct them right away. Developers can cross-check everything with the app model and see if the requirements have been met successfully or not.Deployment
When the testing is done and the technical flaws and bugs have been fixed, developers can deploy the app on the server determine the security standards of the app with the server, and ensure there is no data leakage.App Launch
Suring each aspect of the app, the app is now ready to launch. The final stage of the mobile app development process is app launch. Developers can launch the app in the app store. The app can be registered in different app stores apart from the main two - Google Play Store and App Library.Post-launch Optimization
Even after launching the app, the process never ends. The app needs to be optimized post-launch. The developers will need to update and upgrade the app at regular intervals. Also, developers can add new features with every update to enhance the user experience.Software Development Lifecycle,
Requirement Analysis
Requirement analysis is the fundamental stage in the software development lifecycle. Taking the inputs from customers, the sales department, market surveys, and domain experts of the industry - is performed by the senior members of the development team.
They plan the basic project approach and study the different areas for product feasibility. The outcome of requirement analysis helps to implement the solution in the project successfully.
Defining the Requirements
Requirement analysis does not clearly define the requirements. In this stage, developers will document the requirements and share them with customers or market analysts to get them approved. A document called SRS(Software Requirement Specification) - is used to get this process done.
Designing Architecture
SRS works as a reference for product architects to design the architecture for the software to be developed. Usually, multiple design approaches are proposed for the software architecture and are documented in DDS(Design Document Specification).
The stakeholders will review the designs and measure them with different parameters to select the best approach for software development.
Development
The actual development of the software will start in this stage. The developers generate the programming code as per the DDS. The process of code generation can be accomplished without hassle, if the design is performed in a detailed and organized manner.
To generate a code, various programming languages are taken to help in the process while choosing the respective programming language most suitable for the software to be developed.
Testing and Integration
This is a subset of all stages in the life cycle of software development. The testing is usually involved in all the stages, however, this stage refers to testing the overall software that is developed and reporting any defects in it to fix. This helps to reach the quality standards defined for the software.
Deployment and Maintenance
If the tested software is ready to take out, then the deployment process can be carried out to release the software.
The software deployment stage differs as per the business strategies, some might release the software earlier in the limited segment, and then test it in the real business environment, gather feedback, and then release it in the targeted market segment with the suggested enhancements. Proper maintenance is done for the software, once released.
Types
Types of Mobile App Development
There are main three categories for mobile app development based on the technology and industry:
- Native Apps
- Web Apps
- Hybrid Apps
Mobile app development is one of the types of software development.
Types of Software Development
Software development covers a wide range with multiple categories falling under its name. Each category has its different frameworks and programming languages.
- Software Engineering
- Mobile App Development
- Web Development
- Agile Software Development
- Cloud Computing
- DevOps
- Data Science
- Embedded Systems
Mobile App Development vs Software Development
Now you know the fundamentals of mobile app development and software development, somewhere they both are similar.
Pointing to the fact that mobile app development is one of the types of software development, they both require some common skills such as programming, problem-solving, numerical skills, and analytical skills.
However, they both differ in the following manners:
- Mobile app development mainly focuses on design, user experience, and user-friendly interfaces.
- Software development is more focused on writing codes, quality, and complex user interfaces.
7 Key Differences Between Mobile App Development and Software Development
Aim
Mobile app development aims to provide comfort and a user experience, while software development is built to simply meet business objectives.
Usability
Mobile apps are customizable and easy to navigate. Software is easy to manage and can be run on various hardware devices.
Programming Languages
Developers use the best app development languages to develop the app, including Swift, Java, Objective C, Python, etc. Software developers use common programming languages to build software.
End-users
In the context of mobile app development, it is developed for the end-users like customers and company employees. The end users of software differ in the type of software developed and its readiness to fulfill the requirements.
Interface
While developing a mobile app, developers use interfaces that are user-friendly and intuitive for mobile devices. Software development includes creating more complex interfaces for desktop applications.
Focus
Mobile app development mainly focuses on adding meaningful features to the app to help users minimize their day-to-day work. The full-stack developers for software development focus on writing clear and clean codes to ensure the standard quality of software.
Process
The process of mobile app development involves strategy creation, consulting, UI/UX designing, etc, whereas the software development lifecycle simply consists of planning, specifying, designing, and developing.
Best in All!
The developers play a vital role in developing mobile apps and software. They need strong technical skills to solve the problems at the moment. Polyxer Systems is the leading software development company offering the best software solutions in every niche. We provide a range of services including mobile app development and all other software development services with our years of experience and expertise. Our quality, transparency processes, and innovative methods make us the best in all!
