We are already gauging the fact that iOS app development is something worth investing in for businesses. A recent StatCounter data states that 56% of the business online connections are made via mobile devices through applications and websites. What’s even more interesting is that the same source reveals that 27% of the links are from iOS devices.
Hence, iOS app development is your key to reach your customer base efficiently. However, this brings along many questions that need answers. This article will guide you through all the essential information you require for iOS development. You can also take technical guidance from a reliable and experienced iOS app development company for a smooth procedure.
Here’s an easy road map for what lies ahead of you:
- Factors to consider before you start building iOS apps.
- Best programming languages of 2021 for iOS app development.
- Bonus Tips
We understand that developing a mindful, comprehensive iOS application is not easy; therefore, it needs to be analyzed and well planned. So, here is a list of factors to consider for a successful app launch.
Factors to consider before building iOS Applications;
- Define the main purpose:
Your iOS app to get stuck in the planning phase is the last thing you want on your list. This is why your primary concern should be writing and analyzing a few questions about your app. Some of the important ones are as follows:
- Why do you need to build this application?
- What user needs will your iOS application fulfil?
- Are there similar ideas or solutions in the market?
- If yes, what is the unique selling price of my product?
When you are crystal clear with the answers to the above questions, you will be able to plan further development better. Not only this, presenting your app idea to your investors becomes easier.
- Conduct strong market research :
This factor is critical since you need to determine your present and future competitors in the market. For thorough market research, you can conduct a survey or utilize customer segmentation. This helps you determine your average target user based on various criteria such as nationality, age, demography, sex and interests.
- Detailed flowchart of iOS app development:
The planning phase is rather complex. A simple flowchart with your future developmental plans can make the entire process easy and less stressful. Here are the questions you must address while making a flowchart.
- What technology is best for my iOS app?
- What are the details of the user interface?
- What security issues should be taken into account?
- What other operating systems will be used for future versions?
- Compatibility with multiple iOS versions:
When working with the iOS platform, you must remember the fact that not all iOS users update their devices or systems regularly. Hence, prepare an application that is well versed with multiple possible versions of the system.
- Internal capabilities to build the app:
Time and cost are two significant factors that cannot be compromised in app development. If you manage to find a reliable iOS app development company, you might get experienced front end developers, UX designers, QA developers, Project managers etc., to share your ideas with.
When all the above five factors are considered, you are only left with one big question. Which programming language should be used for your iOS app development?
Why is choosing a perfect programming language important?
It is essential because you might want to expand it with new features and platforms if your application becomes successful. A suitable language will help you define your future plans efficiently.
Here are your options for the top programming languages for iOS Development:
- Swift :
Swift is a programming language specialised in iOS, iPadOS, macOS, WatchOS and tvOS solutions. Apple created Swift in 2014 as a subordinate to Objective-C. You can make swift work with some of the most advanced frameworks like Cocoa Touch, Cocoa and other extensive codebases written for Apple products in Objective-C.
Moreover, it is regularly updated so you can make any improvements to your applications easily.
- Objective-C
Objective-C is a language developed as an extension of the C programming languages that possess object-oriented programming capacities. Brad Cox and Tom Love developed Obj-C in the early 1980s.
It is a fairly general-purpose language specialized for Apple’s operating systems like iOS, OS X and their respective APIs. Since Obj-C is a mature language, it will be advantageous to use it for apps compatible with all the traditional iOS versions.
- C#
C# is an object-oriented, high level, general programming language that is most commonly used to write applications for Windows systems. C# is currently the seventh most popular programming language used by 34% of iOS developers worldwide. The language is highly integrated with the .NET platform, which is both a runtime environment and a framework.
- HTML5
Hypertext Markup Language 5 (HTML5) is the last major version of HTML technology used to create websites through the content structure. Developers are most likely to use HTML5 in combination with CSS and JavaScript. Together they are known as the “big three of the front end”.
HTML5 is a suitable choice if you are looking to develop a simple iOS application with offline accessibility.
- JAVA:
JAVA is currently preferred by over 9 million developers worldwide, making it the 5th most popular programming language globally. It is also a [primary choice for Android app development. JAVA provides you with flexibility and functionality; however, we would recommend using JAVA for iOS only when you have an existing version of your app in Android JAVA.
Bonus Tip
Choosing the best programming language for your iOS app development is an important decision. This majorly impacts the idea of your application’s success. The secret tip is to define your expectations and needs way before you start working on the development.
Another hack is to take services from a good and knowledgeable iOS app development agency to share your piece of experience.
