Mobile development is basically doing any sort of web development for any type of mobile device with an internet connection. That’s not necessarily a rhetorical definition, but stick with me here. Mobile development is not just about developing mobile applications, but that’s certainly a big part of it as well. Any type of computer program that is developed for and runs on a computer is a “mobile application.”
As mentioned earlier, the two main types of mobile development are there is a specific kind that focuses entirely on creating applications for cellular phones. And then, there is another kind that focuses entirely on mobile games. But there are third kinds of mobile development that cross these two boundaries, too. For example, some mobile developers create apps for smart phones. This may be considered a “cross breed” application because it takes elements from both the phone and the computer worlds.
However, the most common types of mobile development, those that we encounter on a day to day basis, fall into just one of the two of the major categories of mobile applications. Those that fall into the mobile game category create games that can be played on mobile phones. These apps vary greatly in style, from the simple and straightforward to the very complex and very involved. Some of them are single player games that can be played by themselves, others have a network attached which makes the whole game much more active. There are some apps that are purely text based, and others that utilize technology that enables the user to interact with the applications by touching the screen.
Another important thing to remember is that when you hire a mobile development team or individual, you really don’t know what you’re getting until you get the software development kit (SDK) back from them. This software development kit is the platform that the mobile software developer uses to design the different components that make up a typical mobile application. This kit also comes complete with all of the necessary programming code for you to use. The kit can be used for both Android and IOS development, though the choice is up to you. Either way, you should be able to find everything that you need to start developing your first mobile application with this kit. Just make sure that you have all of the appropriate documentation that is required for the program that you want created.
For those of us who don’t have experience in mobile development, the best way to go about picking out a good mobile developer or developing our own project from scratch is to hire one of the many experienced professionals who offer a full range of services to their clients. The services that they provide range from Android to IOS, HTML5 and more. The important thing to remember here is that they handle everything from backend coding to providing a backend website so that all of the tasks required to get your app up and running on the market are taken care of.
Once you have decided to pick out a mobile application developer, you will need to determine the platforms that they work with. While most people these days are using iOS and Android for smart phones, there are still those that still choose BlackBerry and Windows Mobile. As mentioned above, there are developers who work on both platforms so make sure that you find one that works with your preferred platform. They also provide access to popular social networking and messaging systems, so you may want to consider hiring a professional developer for your social networking or messaging needs as well.
It is important to understand the role of a mobile developer when you are picking out one for your company. While it may seem easy to hire someone with great skills and a fresh development team, the reality is that they will have to play a role. They have to write code, debug, manage databases, support social networks, and much more. You will want to hire someone with a proven track record for being an effective leader.
The choice of platforms should also be based upon your own needs. Are you developing purely for iOS or Android? What about cross platform mobile applications? How do you intend to take advantage of new features introduced each month? Knowing your purpose can help you narrow down your choices and find the right developer for your project.