Home-Download software-Writing an Android application from scratch. How to make an Android application

Writing an Android application from scratch. How to make an Android application

There are two ways to create a program for Android. The first, which is used by serious developers, requires an understanding of the Java language and installation of a special development environment. Users without special knowledge looking for information on how to create an application for Android can be advised to use one of the dozens of existing online editors, which in some cases allow them to generate simple mobile utilities in minutes. Let us next consider the process of creating a program using several specialized constructors.

Defining Application Functionality

This is the first stage of creating any mobile program. In our case, no time is wasted on steps such as, for example, creating icons, buttons, or planning the design of the utility. Internet editors use ready-made solutions, so all that remains is to choose an existing layout, filling it with original content, which can be, for example, informational or gaming.

And for this you need to decide on the functionality. For example, for an online store it could be as follows:

  1. Convenient navigation. The presence of categories and subcategories where the client given patterns I could find the right product.
  2. Using a user-friendly ordering block with a payment system and status tracking.
  3. Personal account for the client with sections “Favorites”, “Purchase History”, etc.
  4. Availability of an information section with news reviews.

In this way, you can formulate tasks and determine the functionality of any type of Android application being created, be it forms, any services, content projects. Next, we’ll tell you how to become a developer of your own Android utility.

A utility with the functionality defined at the previous stage can now be written from scratch using various Internet services, tailored for the creation of multifunctional or highly specialized applications. Since the minimum list of online store capabilities for Android was previously defined, let’s look at how to create a program of this type using MobiCart.

This service is designed specifically for commercial utilities. An Android application written using MobiCart can effectively replace an existing network platform. Features of the designer in question:

  1. Russian interface support;
  2. Payment is accepted by cash or PayPal;
  3. Availability of a non-commercial tariff with limited functionality in the form of the ability to add a dozen items to the storefront.

To create your own utility, register in the service. After this, you can use your account, where as the first step you need to select Create Application. Next:

  1. By selecting Upload logo, upload the logo of your future program and specify the design color.
  2. Below you will need to select the tabs that users will see on the device screen. This section also specifies the pages that the designer will need to generate for your store.
  3. After saving the changes, go to the settings of the application being created. This feature is available in the Store Settings section.
  4. The name of the store being created and your email address write on the Store tab. You can select the currency to use from the drop-down menu.
  5. The service, if necessary, displays Google Maps in the utility, for which the registered API key is indicated in a special field.
  6. If you expect free delivery, here you can activate the above option and specify its conditions. In the Cash On Delivery line, you can specify a surcharge (in the form decimal), which the client will have to pay upon cash on delivery. For example, the number 1.06 would mean that the purchase price will increase by 6%.
  7. Specify the region in Shipping in the drop-down list. You can specify the delivery price for a single (Single order) or a package (Multiple orders) of goods.
  8. Select the line Prices to include tax by going to the Tax section. This means that the price of the product will be indicated including VAT, which is typical for all domestic retailers.
  9. Payment systems through which clients will transfer funds to you are indicated in Payments Gateway. Popular systems like Qiwi or Yandex.Money are not supported in MobiCart, so be sure to activate the ability to use cash on delivery.
  10. The language is configured in the Languges section. Since Russian is not supported here, the text of messages must be entered manually, and then be sure to save the information.
  11. Go to App Vital, where you need to specify the name created utility, as well as the countries in which the application can be used.
  12. The icons that the user will see on the screen of his gadget in the store can be uploaded to Images. Upload the image for the main screen to the Home Gallery.
  13. Descriptions for products can be placed in Store Builder in several ways:
  14. News content for the site can be created in the News section. Write the content of the message and click on Publish News.

Next, all that remains is to create an installation file for the practically created mobile online store utility. For this purpose, go to Create Application, open the Submit Apps tab in it, click Continue. Here you will need to accept the license agreement, after which the system will generate an installation file for the mobile application based on the settings you have made.

If you choose a non-commercial plan, you will have to place the created file in the Google Play store on our own- Relevant instructions will be sent by email. If you choose paid tariff, then MobiCart will independently publish your development on Google Play. You can verify that the program is working by installing the latter on your own gadget and checking that product cards and news are displayed correctly.

Creating a themed mobile utility with AppsGeyser

To start using this Android constructor, you need to register, for which click Create Now.

AppsGeyser has become a multifunctional service that allows you to develop any type of mobile utility. For information resource The following available templates will work:

  1. Manual for creating a small guide utility;
  2. Blog for reading your blog pages on the gadget screen;
  3. Website to convert your website to mobile application;
  4. News, which creates an aggregator of news, for example, some thematic or regional;
  5. Page capable of converting e-book or other similar content in the Android application.

Use a Blog template:


If you have already registered with AppsGeyser, the system will redirect you to your personal account, where you can install the created Android program on your own device and publish it on Google Play. The utility can be monetized here. When this option is selected, users will see advertisements. IN personal account Information about the number of installations of your program is also available, and here you can edit it.

Other Android app builders

For one reason or another, neither MobiCart nor AppsGeyser may be suitable for you. And they cannot solve such a problem as creating a game on Android without programming, for example. However, there are many similar constructors on the Internet today, with which you can write a program in a similar way. Here are some:

  1. AppsMakerStore. Creates Android applications of almost any type - from commercial to thematic ones. Has a Russified interface and comprehensive guide. There is a fee for use.
  2. Mobincube. Allows you to write and monetize generated utilities on various topics. Basic functionality is free.
  3. Monomobi. A commercial tool for quickly creating Android programs with a Russified interface. You can try the service for free during the trial period.
  4. Appsbar. Free Android editor for creating simple applications for phones.

Most of these editors are paid, especially if the utilities created in them can be monetized for profit without the ability to “code.” You can learn from free constructors and try to make something of your own, but the quality and functionality of the program will be low. And create quality game It’s also unlikely to work on Android without programming.

Remember that when making a program using such a constructor, you often become dependent on a service that, if desired, can “cover” your project. Therefore, to create serious projects, it is better to learn the basic fundamentals of programming and develop required applications without network assistants.

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    Google Play, App Store, Windows Store full of a wide variety of applications. It is wrong to assume that all this assortment was created by professionals different levels. More and more ordinary users create comfortable and simple applications, having no programming skills at all. We will describe in detail below where and how to follow their example, choosing Android-based smartphone programs as an example.

    Who will benefit from a self-created application?

    If you decide to create an Android application without programming skills for fun, then you can safely move on to the “Online Designers” section. For those who decide to get into this business to promote and popularize their business, creative or business project, it is important to determine whether a simple, self-created application is enough for them or whether they still need to turn to experienced developers for help.

    So, when is this option optimal:

    • for a start-up business or project: the audience will forgive you for a number of shortcomings, citing your inexperience;
    • users require an application with simple functionality - a convenient version of the site, for example;
    • launching an unsuccessful application will not be painful for you - you are creating it, working for the future;
    • you don't want to depend on developer requests.

    What should the application be like?

    Before creating an application for Android, you need to outline the key points that you will rely on in your work. You are creating a program that will work on smartphones and tablets and will be designed to solve practical problems for the user: introduce him to the news, help him make purchases, perform communication functions, etc.

    The audience is attracted to applications that meet the following points:

    • safety;
    • uninterrupted operation;
    • convenient navigation;
    • personal account;
    • availability of push notifications;
    • information content - a person should find the answer to all his queries inside the application.

    Choosing an Application Builder

    Since we are creating the first application for Android, having no idea about programming languages, online designers will be able to help us in this matter. Before choosing, carefully read its characteristics. He must have:

    • intuitive interface;
    • clear logic of work;
    • the ability to work with both code and graphics;
    • detailed instructions, technical support, forum.

    The designer must provide hosting for the application, give you the opportunity to manage it, and also publish your creation on Google Play.

    Top Ten Online Builders

    For those who are looking for how to create an Android application without skills, the following line of designers is offered that meets all the requirements listed above:

    1. Mobile Roadie. One of oldest services, used by Madonna, Circus of the Sun, San Diego Zoo. Mostly focused on show business, marketing and PR agencies. Through the created projects, you can sell tickets and repurpose them for a specific event. The price for using the designer is not symbolic: a minimum of $149.

    2. AppsBuilder. How to create an application for Android here - just assemble it from ready-made templates. In addition, features for programmers have been added to the constructor. Creating one application per month will cost 49 euros here.

    3.Viziapps. The designer also offers ready-made templates for your application, as well as the ability to send messages from it to email, on Twitter, Facebook. Minimum monthly package price: $33.

    4. iBuildApp. A constructor for those who are looking for how to create a simple application for Android - it can be used to create mobile catalogues, brochures, and resumes. In addition to the English version, the Russian version is also available. For 2,400 rubles per month, the client gets the opportunity to install three thousand of their application without built-in advertising.

    5. My-apps.com. Works in both Russian and English version. It takes about five minutes to create your own application here, because you just need to select required modules and program design. The minimum package "Start" will cost 599 rubles per month. The amount includes an application designer only for Android, free templates and icons, and program updates no more than once every two months.

    6. AppGlobus. The Russian designer is available in 8 languages. For 900 rubles per month, the following are provided: application design, an admin panel, the absence of built-in advertising in the project and restrictions on the use of push notifications, the number of installations.

    7. Businessapps. For those interested in how to create an Android application from scratch so that it works for the benefit of business, this is the best option: chat, notifications, shopping cart, integration with social networks, catalog of services, news section. Minimum fee for creating an application: $59 per month.

    8. Appsmakerstore. Allows you to create applications not only for Android, but also for 5 other platforms. Interface in 23 languages, including Russian. Key feature of the designer: ready-made templates for various projects: trade, beauty salons, restaurants, etc. Monthly use - $9.78.

    9. TheAppBuilder - free constructor, providing ready-made standard templates for business, creative, news, sports, and educational projects. But there is one minus - the application will have built-in advertising. It is offered to disable it for $5 per month.

    10. AppsGeyser. The designer offers free conversion website content into a mobile application. You can sell your creations, as well as place your own advertising in them.

    Now let's look at creating your own application using examples of specific constructors.

    How to create an Android application: choosing a template in AppsGeyser

    To work in this constructor, no registration is required - just click on home page on Create now.

    Creating a blog application in AppsGeyser

    So, how to create a mobile application for Android as a blogger yourself:

    1. Select the type of blog: RSS, Tumblr, WordPress, etc. Next is its email address and color scheme for your future application.
    2. Now the name of the mobile program being created.
    3. In "Discription" place a concise and informative description of the application (even though the interface is in English, you can enter text in Cyrillic).
    4. Select an application logo from the proposed options or upload your own.
    5. To create boot file your project, click on Creat App. To do this, you must register in the system.
    6. In your AppsGeyser personal account you can upload your creation to own smartphone, and also place it on the Google Play store. If you enable monetization, the app will display in-app advertisements and you will be charged a fee for users viewing them.

    In your personal account you can also monitor the number of downloads, edit the application, create push banners, and publish the project in other stores.

    How to create an Android application in "Guide" format

    Using the same AppsGeyser, it is also possible to create an instruction application, a user manual.

    This is also done in a few simple steps:

    1. Customize the color scheme of the mobile program and the way the guide steps are displayed: one at a time or several on the active screen.
    2. The editor will help you upload the necessary text, links, videos or pictures necessary for clarity. To add photos, use Imgur hosting. Copy the link of the image on this resource into the Image URL.
    3. At the end of the work, add a description and logo of your application, then click on Creat App. The application has been created - all that remains is to check its functionality and publish it on Google Play.

    Creating an application for the store

    Let's look at how to create Android applications from scratch for online store owners. For example, we will use another designer - Mobi Cart, specializing in this area. The service supports the Russian language and works in both paid and free modes. The latter is limited to adding no more than 10 products.

    So, how to create an Android application:

    1. The first point is registration. Next, in your personal account, click on Creat Application.
    2. Upload logo - upload your store logo. At this stage, you also choose the color theme of the application.
    3. Selecting tabs and pages that will be in your application: “News”, “My Account”, “Home”, “Shop”, “Contacts”, etc.

    Store settings in Mobi Cart

    To configure your online store, click on Store Settings:

    1. Enter the name, admin email address, currency.
    2. To use Google Maps, you need to register an API key - then it is copied into the window.
    3. Check the box for free shipping if your store offers it. For cash on delivery, select the markup amount (if it is, for example, 12%, then 1.12 is written in Cash On Delivery).
    4. Shipping indicates shipping costs for a specific region. This process is labor-intensive, since you specify the price manually for each region.
    5. In the Tax section, Russian stores indicate the price including VAT, so check the box here Prices to include tax.
    6. In Payments Gateway, specify the payment systems you work with. Be careful - Mobi Cart does not support the popular Yandex.Money.
    7. Languges is the language of your mobile program. Russian is not set by default, so you need to register the translation of the proposed commands manually.
    8. App Vital - here the name of the program and the countries whose residents will be able to download it are indicated.
    9. Images - application logo, Home Gallery - picture on the main screen.

    Adding product information to Mobi Cart

    Next important step: Add your product line to Store Builder. This can be done using any method convenient for you:

    • by using CSV file, containing all information about the assortment;
    • using the designer plugin to synchronize your site with the created program;
    • manual entry of information in your personal account.

    For the latter method, two sections are used: Departments and Products. Adding is done using the Add Product button. Next, enter its name, price, category, and detailed description.

    Other useful options for a store in Mobi Cart

    Let's touch on options that may be useful to those who are interested in how to create an Android application themselves:

    1. More Pages - information displayed on the program pages.
    2. Push Notification - manual creation push notifications. Here you can choose to send to both all users and specific recipients.
    3. News Tab - copying news into the tab of the same name from Twitter or RSS sources. Enter the username here for the first and the URL for the second.
    4. Publish News allows you to submit news to the app yourself.

    By going to Create Application - Submit Apps, you can create an apk (installation) file by agreeing to the license agreement. When you choose the paid version, your application is automatically uploaded to Google Play; if you choose the free version, you will have to do this yourself through the Play Console. Instructions for registering in this system, as well as for uploading your own Mobi apps Cart will be sent to your email inbox.

    Thus, creating an Android application using data constructors mobile programs- a task that any confident PC user can handle. After all, this process on most services can be carried out without even knowing the basics of programming.

    operating room Android system from Google is ideal for developers who want to create applications for mobile phones without having to go through the complex approval processes present at Apple each time.

    This guide aims to educate you on the necessary software and tools that will help you get started developing your own app easily.

    It doesn't matter how good you are at programming, because if you can master the Android software development kit (SDK), your apps will turn out great. So, check out the materials below to get started.

    Java Development Kit

    The first thing you will need to start developing java applications (the basis of Android applications) is the Java Development Kit (JDK) from Oracle, which can be downloaded from the following link.

    You've probably already downloaded and installed the Java Runtime Environment (JRE) in some form, which is needed to run applets on your computer. You need to remove the JRE version that is on at the moment installed on your computer in case it conflicts with the JDK version you are downloading. Fortunately, the above version includes the latest and better version JRE, which will definitely be compatible with the JDK, eliminating the need to reinstall it.

    Download and run the installer, make sure that 'Development Tools', 'Source Code' and 'Public JRE' are included in the installation in the manual installation window (can be seen below). Click ‘Next’, read the terms and conditions license agreement, if you have enough free time, and proceed with the installation.

    Although most integrated development environment (IDE) applications - we'll talk more about this in the next step - come with their own compiler, I recommend that you embed the newly installed Java compiler into command line so that you can use it as needed.

    If you are using Windows, go to System Settings from Control Panel and select Advanced System Settings. Here select ‘Environment Variables’ and find the ‘Path’ variable. Add a let to file as a 'bin' directory before your Java installation, as shown in the example below.

    To check if everything was successful, use the commands 'java -version' and 'javac -version'. You should see something like the following:



    Installing the IDE

    Integrated development environments are often used by seasonal developers and newbies who want to develop applications. For those who don't know, an IDE is an application that helps programmers write code by providing a condensed set of tools like debuggers, compilers, and more.

    Although there are many IDEs available on the internet, here we will use the free Eclipse software as Google provides a plugin to integrate it with Android SDK. You can download the required version of Eclipse.

    This may vary from case to case, but when I downloaded the resource, the software was provided as a zip archive that contained an 'eclipse.exe' file that you could get started with without any installation. If your version requires installation, then do it yourself, since there are no special requirements or settings. When you first launch it, the software will ask you to specify the ‘Workbench’ where your codes and related files are located. Please indicate a location that is convenient for you.

    Once completed, you will be presented with the following:

    If you want to get a little familiar with Eclipse before you start, open the Help window and look through the Workbench User Guide. You can also see the Development User Guide here, which will help you learn basic Java skills if you are not yet familiar with the language.

    Download Android SDK

    Follow this link and click ‘Get the SDK’. On next page you will be offered a link for Android installations SDK to your computer.

    Once the download of the executable file is complete, start the installation. When you reach the window below, specify the path to the directory where you want to install, or remember the one that is already specified.

    When the installation is complete, open Android SDK Manager, and then you will see the following window:

    Click the button to install any required packages and resources that were not included in the original installation.

    Install the Android Development Tools plugin

    As noted above, Google offers a special Android SDK plugin for Eclipse that can be added directly from the IDE.

    In Eclipse, go to 'Help' and select 'Install New Software'. Click the ‘Add’ button and you will then be taken to a window that will allow you to add an online software repository containing the ADT plugin. Give a descriptive name, and enter the following URL in the ‘Location’ block:

    • http://dl-ssl.google.com/android/eclipse

    Click 'OK'. Select the newly added repository and check the ‘Developer Tools’ checkbox.

    Click ‘Next’ and go through the steps to install the plugin files. Once completed, the following 2 icons should appear in your Eclipse Control Panel:

    Now go to 'Window' and 'Preferences', select the 'Android' section and make sure that the SDK Location matches the SDK directory you specified earlier. As a result, you should get the following:

    You are now the owner Android plugin Development Tools.

    Setting up an Android emulator

    While this helps, you don't actually need to have every model of Android device on hand to create apps for them, as Google provides us with a great emulator of its own mobile OS along with an SDK. Before starting development, it is advisable for us to configure the Android Virtual Device (AVD) so that the testing platform is ready in advance.

    Now we need to create a new virtual device. This example involves creating common device, but there are also resources for specific settings for Android devices. Select ‘New’ and you will be presented with an empty window like the one below:

    • Name: If you want to test the application on multiple device settings, then you will need to enter something descriptive. On the other hand, a more general name can also be used.
    • Target: This is the version of Android that the emulator will target. In most cases, your option will be latest version Android, which comes with an installed SDK. However, if you want to test on earlier versions (which would be quite wise, given so many different versions and models), then use the SDK manager to install additional versions.
    • SD card: additional indicator disk space, which will be used in the device. By default, the virtual device has 194 megabytes of “internal” memory and an SD card, so you will need to manually specify the required amount of disk space.
    • Skin: You can use this option to set the appearance and configurations of a specific device ( HTC One X, for example). But in our case we use the standard value.
    • Hardware: since among physical devices While Android has significant differences in terms of hardware, you can use this option to add any hardware that will be used by your application.

    When finished, the AVD Manager window should include your newly created device. You can click ‘Start’ to start this device, just be aware that the first startup may take some time.



    Your first Android project

    Now that you have equipped your computer with all the necessary applications and plugins, you can start developing code. But first we need to prepare the project files.

    To get started, go to 'File', 'New', 'Project' and expand Android tab. Select ‘Android Application Project’ there, and the following window will open in front of you:

    You can use the drop-down menus next to each field to select the appropriate value. The main thing to consider is the ‘Application Name’, which is responsible for the name of our application during installation, as well as the ‘Minimum Required SDK’, with which you indicate the most earlier version Android that supports your application.

    Click 'Next' to continue and set the icon executable file, which will be the face of your application. The next menu will ask you to create an ‘Activity’ for your application.

    This is the action or view that the user will interact with, so the most logical thing to do is to divide your application into activities in terms of which windows the user will see and what functionality will be available in each of them. So if you, for example, create a simple program“Hello World”, then you only need one active window, which represents text, and all interface settings are derived from the resource files that the SDK creates.

    When you have decided on these windows, click ‘Finish’. Eclipse will gather all the files needed for the application together, into which you will write code and/or change settings to specify the parameters of your program.

    And that's all! Everything is ready to assemble the finished application. You can find comprehensive tutorials on Google on how to develop Android apps (for those with programming experience). Anyone looking to get into Java programming should also first read tutorials like the one provided by Oracle.

    In fact, bringing this idea to life is not as difficult and not as expensive as it might seem at first glance. You just need to have a good idea of ​​what exactly you expect from a mobile application and determine how to achieve your goals.

    Do you enjoy developing mobile applications for a business, blog, product or service, or are you simply looking for new source earnings? Are you wondering how to do this and calculate future expenses? In fact, bringing this idea to life is not as difficult and not as expensive as it might seem at first glance. You just need to have a good idea of ​​what exactly you expect from the application. mobile phone or tablet and determine how to achieve your goals.

    PREPARATORY STAGE

    Before creating a mobile application, you should decide on the following points:

    • Do I have a specific vision of what the finished product will be and what its functionality will be?
    • What problems is the program designed to solve and what will be the benefit for a specific user?
    • On what platforms will the finished product work? software product(iOS, Android, Windows Phone)?
    • Will daily monitoring of its functioning be required?
    • How much am I willing to spend?
    • Will I create an application myself or will I turn to professional developers?

    Also keep in mind that the creation of mobile programs for businesses, for example, for a cafe, pizzeria or fitness club, should be approached especially seriously. After all, the presence of such a modern tool in a company is a serious image factor that will contribute to greater customer loyalty to the brand and a significant increase in the number of repeat visits.

    METHODS AND COSTS OF CREATING AN APPLICATION

    In creating applications for mobile devices there are two ways. The first involves the independent creation of programs for electronic devices based on Android or IOS according to a template type using special design sites. The second way, which is more expensive, but ultimately allows you to get serious and functional products, is to seek help from individuals or companies involved in writing software. The second option is suitable if we're talking about about creating serious software products with specific characteristics that go beyond the ready-made kits available on design sites. It should also be taken into account that professional development for iOS or Android requires significant expenses. What is the cost of creating an application for Android and IOS platforms on the Russian market? The price range is quite wide - from several hundred to tens of thousands of dollars - it all depends on the type of software and its functionality. However, such serious investments more than pay off in the long term. When planning the final cost, it is also worth taking into account the costs of placing a new product in the AppStore and Android Market. If you are limited by a small budget and have no time at all, then you can try to design an application for electronic devices yourself. You don't need to be a programmer to do this. Read on to find out how easy it is to do this.

    HOW TO CREATE AN APP FOR FREE

    Today, there are enough domestic and foreign platforms available on the Internet that allow you to independently construct an application according to a ready-made type for free. Designer sites contain hundreds of ready-made application options, sorted by various categories: small business, education, entertainment, sports, blogs and the like. On such resources, programs with standard and limited set functions. Limitations relate to the number of installations and views of your application, the number of items in the catalog, the possibility of publication in stores, the presence of a payment acceptance system, the presence of third-party advertising and the possibility of modifying the functionality to suit your needs. To remove restrictions on sites, you can choose a specific package with a fixed monthly fee, the size of which is determined depending on the number of included options. Examples of website constructors for shareware mobile applications for Android, iPhone, iPad.

    1. Appsgeyser.com (appsgeyser.ru - Russian version).

    Now let’s look at how a mobile application can be developed in a few minutes using the example of the ibuildapp website. We chose this particular platform because it is very simple and easy to use. By the way, the iBuidApp resource also has Russian version, which makes using the constructor even easier. Before starting work, register on the site. Next, on the main page, click the “Create” tab and select the template that suits us.

    SELECTING A TEMPLATE AND CATEGORY

    This site offers a fairly large selection of standard options, which can be found in the category catalog in the left menu of the site page. For example, we chose the “Photography” category and the “Photo Studio” template. After choosing a design and the appropriate category, we begin editing menu items.

    EDITING CONTENT

    The administrative panel of the designer opens up ample opportunities for editing menu elements. You can change the background, add a logo, customize the navigation of the main and lower menus on the screen of an electronic device, edit the content internal pages. By the way, on the right side of the screen you can see how changes made will appear on the screen of an electronic device. The designer also allows you to test your application on a tablet or smartphone. Also ready-made program can be published on the Appstore or Google Play, however this feature is only available for paid versions. The site offers 3 paid packages costing 490 rubles, 2400 rubles, 3700 rubles. per month.

    PAID PACKAGES

    If you are not satisfied appearance templates available on the site, you can create own design by clicking in account“My Templates” tab. The capabilities of an individual designer are quite limited; they allow you to provide the software product with only the most necessary elements.
    Now it’s your turn to start creating applications and install it on your smartphone. Try it, it's quite simple!

    In fact, bringing this idea to life is not as difficult and not as expensive as it might seem at first glance. You just need to have a good idea of ​​what exactly you expect from a mobile application and determine how to achieve your goals.

    Hypothesis testing: is it worth using online services to create mobile applications?

    It's no secret that creating your own mobile application requires serious investment, time and effort. But is it worth it? In our work, we use a set of methods to test our clients' hypotheses to make sure that the application being developed will meet the expectations of the business and users.

    In some cases, analyze the program before starting Android or iOS development you can do it yourself, without major financial investments.

    One of the ways to check the value of the planned tasks of a future project is a short TTM (time to market), the goal of which is short term release the minimum working version mobile application and receive accelerated feedback from users.

    There are many ways to achieve a short TTM and quickly collect feedback. One of the least expensive and allows you to quickly check the need to create an Android program for an existing business is online mobile application designers.

    For what tasks is this solution suitable:

    • Creating a mobile version of your site
    • Increasing sales channels for an existing on-line store
    • Increasing communication channels between employees and clients
    • Increase news channels for your blog, website, newsletter

    When to use such services?

    • You are very limited in funds
    • Your idea has no technological difficult decisions and “typical” for the market
    • Success or failure after launching the application will not have a significant impact on the business
    • You are looking for a new channel to attract clients and consider the project as a prospect

    Benefits of use:

    • Fast development speed
    • Minimum starting investment
    • Possibility of expedited receipt feedback from clients

    Flaws:

    • Limited functionality calculators
    • Limited design, animation
    • Poor quality of work under high loads
    • Code errors, long process of fixing errors
    • In most services, the final product is published and owned by the services through which it was created
    • There is no way to test a specific function
    • No UX testing
    • Uncontrolled advertising

    If you need high-quality and multifunctional project analytics, application development for Android or iOS, contact the professionals at InfoShell. Our specialists will develop for you a unique mobile application that will not leave your customers indifferent.

    If you still decide to make the application yourself, we have selected several free/shareware services for you.

    TOP-10 PROGRAMS FOR CREATING APPLICATIONS FOR ANDROID AND IOS

      The appsgeyser service allows you to transform your website, blog, video or page into social networks into a mobile application for Android with subsequent publication on Google Play.

      – completely free and does not limit you in the number of user-created applications.

      Advantages of the platform: convenient viewing of applications, programs, quick conversion of any content (video from YouTube, html document, website) into a mobile application.

      First of all, the service is suitable for bloggers and news sites. Using the created application, you will be able to estimate how much views will increase after the first publication, and by the number of installations - how urgent is the need for a mobile version of the site among your clients.

    1. www.theappbuilder.com

      TheAppBuilder offers tools for utility applications and programs. By using of this service you will be able to create and configure the application necessary for the internal work of your team. Send everyone a notification about a change in the restaurant's work schedule, remind an employee about a change in his work schedule, display latest news companies.

      If you are planning an internal product, try doing test version applications using this service, thereby making sure whether employees will use such an application and in what case.

      Price: individually upon request.

      2. – a service that offers ready-made solutions for business – applications for restaurants, hotels, nightclubs, public organizations. The designer is designed for creating mobile programs for Android (Android), Apple iOS, Mobile Web, Webpage. The application can be made multilingual.

      The service allows you to make an unlimited number of changes to an already published application, secure hosting.

      Cost of developing one mobile application: $49.

      is a Russian-language application designer site that allows you to create functional applications using software without any programming knowledge. ready-made templates for all popular electronic devices (iPhone, Android, iPad, Android Tablet). The service also offers a simple way to place an application in Google stores Play and Apple Store.

      Prices: Mobile application development for Android and iOS – FREE. Business package– 2,400 rubles/month (1 application, 3 thousand installations, publication in stores, no advertising). Package "Unlimited"– 3,700 rub./month (1 application, unlimited number of installations, publication in stores, no advertising). Package "Corporate"– 27,100 rub./month (10 applications, unlimited number of installations, additional protection content, technical and advisory support).

    2. www.mobileroadie.com

      – a service for creating event and news applications. Using this service, you can combine information about your company in one place or download event data by entering contacts, photos, videos, articles and news in one application.

      The price for use varies depending on the service package: Core package– $149 per month or $1,499 per year, will allow you to create a simple application without complex technical solutions and external services. Pro package– $799 per month or $7,999 per year, will allow you to connect external services and configure the content of the application from the admin panel.

      3. – service for private entrepreneurs and small businesses. The creators claim that it will take you 20 minutes to create the application. The created applications will allow you to establish new channel communication with clients and collecting feedback, making a mobile version of your website or a ready-made mobile application.

      An important advantage of the service is complete absence advertising and the ability to develop applications for electronic devices on iOS, Android (Android) and Windows Phone.

      Prices: Free and paid packages are available on the website: App Basics– 1 $ per month App Pro– 9 $ per month Unlimited Reseller– $39 per month.

      Appery– a platform for developing business applications for iOS, Android (Android) and Windows Phone. The designer is deployed in the cloud, which eliminates the need to install programs on a hard drive and is intended for creating functional business applications.

      Advantages: convenient visual editor, ability to add your own plugins, wide range of tools for Android and iOS developers, connecting third-party databases and services.

      Package prices: Basic version: 30 $ Standard version: $30 (payment for 12 months), $45 (monthly payment). Pro version: $57 (payment for 12 months); $85 (monthly payment).

      – a platform for self-development of mobile applications for iPad, iPhone, Android, HTML5. In addition to many of its advantages, the service allows you to create e-commerce applications with monetization enabled.

      Prices: Basic– $22.90 per month or $19.90 per month (if paid annually) Advanced– $58.90 per month or $49 per month (billed annually) Unlimited– $139.90 per month or 119.90 per month (if paid annually).

      – the platform allows the user to easily create functional application for Android and iOS (iPhone, iPad) for small and medium businesses. At BiznessApps, you create a mobile application using hundreds of ready-made templates.

      Package prices: Mobile site– $29 per month Mobile application– $59 per month.

    3. www.viziapps.com

      – the service allows you to create mobile applications for business using functional visual editor. Through the platform it is easy to implement new interfaces for SalesForce, QuickBooks, QuickBase, Google Spreadsheets and SQL Databases. Applications created in Viziaapps work on all popular types of mobile OS.

      Package prices: Developer– $33 per month Pro– $79 per month Premium– $129 per month.

      *Annual payment is required.

      Just like with websites, when creating your product using on-line designers, many restrictions are imposed on you. Examples of restrictions:

      • The application is difficult to integrate with external services not provided for by the designer.
      • When using free on-line designers, you are subject to serious restrictions, such as advertising inside your product, collecting data about the product and customers, and functional restrictions.
      • The created product is difficult to scale. If the number of users grows, your solution will hang or may become unavailable to users. Also, you will not be able to transfer the application to alternative platforms of use (for example, yandex.store, which is popular in the CIS or Amazon in the USA).

      Applications created using on-line designers serve to test the hypotheses of your project. However, if you receive negative feedback and your project is not appreciated, before you put it away, determine what exactly was the key to failure. Otherwise, you risk losing a profitable project due to poor implementation.



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