The use of mobile applications is rapidly increasing worldwide. The latest data from Statista states that there were 384.9 billion mobile app downloads in 2021, a significant increase compared to the previous year’s 218 billion downloads. In contrast, only 140 billion downloads were reported in 2016. By 2023, Statista predicts that the mobile application industry will generate approximately 935 billion USD in revenue, leading to an increasing demand for mobile app development platforms among businesses and programmers. This article introduces one of the top platforms for mobile app development.
Also Read: Cross-Platform Mobile App Development: 7 Best Frameworks
What are Mobile App Development Platforms?
Mobile application development platforms are software frameworks that allow developers to create mobile apps for different mobile operating systems, such as iOS and Android. Typically, these platforms include a set of tools and resources that help developers design, build, and test their apps more efficiently. Popular mobile development platforms include React Native, Xamarin, and Flutter.
Using a mobile development platform can significantly speed up the app-building process and improve the quality of the final product. Developers can take advantage of pre-built functions and components offered by the platform, which reduces the amount of time required to implement complex features. This also makes it easier for less experienced developers to create professional-level mobile apps.
Most mobile development platforms allow you to create cross-platform applications, meaning an app that can be run on both iOS and Android without creating separate code bases. They often offer features like drag-and-drop interfaces, API access, visual editors, and testing suites that enable faster application development.
Why do businesses use Mobile App Development Platforms?
Although platform usage within a company can range from anywhere between one single developer to the entire company, usually the mobile app development process takes place with a development team or IT department. Using the best mobile app development platform gives a company several important benefits in such cases.
Notably, companies can save a lot of money in both upfront and subscription expenses by using an all-inclusive platform instead of buying numerous individual software offerings. Platforms also save companies a lot of time and resources, as developers no longer need to switch between software to software for each new component or product, and therefore no longer face any confusion or new learning curves.
Advantages of using mobile app development platforms
Using an app development platform can provide numerous benefits. However, we will only list the main advantages.
1. Faster Development Time: Mobile app development platforms offer pre-configured development environments which can speed up the time it takes to build and launch an app.
2. Lower Cost of Development: By providing a pre-built environment, development platforms reduce the cost of developing an app from scratch.
3. No Special Training Required: Many app development platforms require little to no coding experience, making them accessible to individuals and small businesses that may not have programming expertise.
4. Cross-Platform Compatibility: A mobile app platform allows a developer to create apps for multiple operating systems with similar code base, thereby facilitating cross-platform compatibility.
5. Built-In Analytics and Reporting: Majority of modern app development platforms offer built-in analytic tools which makes it easier to track end user engagement and improve on application releases over time.
6. User Engagement: By using mobile application development platforms, you can make highly interactive and engaging apps with various functionalities like push notifications, in-app purchases, social media sharing, etc., that will keep your users hooked and engaged.
7. Easy Maintenance: Updating or maintaining an app is much easier using mobile app platforms as it supports version control and allows developers to quickly patch any issues reported by users or update features based on feedback in real time.
8 Best Mobile App Development Platforms for 2023
Ready to start developing your mobile app but don’t know where to begin? Our list of top mobile application development platforms will help you narrow down your choices and make an informed decision.
#1 Visual Studio
Build cloud-connected cross platform mobile apps and games for iOS, Android, and Windows Microsoft Visual Studio, you can build your mobile apps by using C# and the .NET Framework, HTML and JavaScript, or C++. Across different mobile platforms, you’ll be able to share app code, strings, images, and in some cases even the user interface.
- Easily connect to Microsoft services including Office 365, Azure App Service, and Application Insights
- Design one set of pages that render across all devices by using Xamarin.Forms
- Straightforward user interface
Reviews & Rating – 4.4/5 (Excellent)
#2 Zoho Creator
For the creator in you: Build. Integrate. Extend. Zoho Creator is a low-code platform that gives you the power to make a quick, secure, and seamless transition to mobile app development, regardless of the complexity of your requirements or your coding expertise. The future of work is digital and businesses of all sizes will need to transform fast.
- Top-rated by users
- Pre-built applications
- Legacy modernization
Reviews & Rating – 4.1/5 (Good)
#3 Android Studio
Providing the fastest tools for building apps on every type of Android device.Android Studio is the official Integrated Development Environment (IDE) for Android app development. With a flexible Gradle-based build system and a feature-rich emulator, you can build and test your android app to be compatible across different devices.
- Intelligent code editor
- Flexible build systems
- Fast emulator
Reviews & Rating – 4.5/5 (Excellent)
#4 OutSystems
Innovate with No Limits OutSystems is the most complete low-code platform for building mobile applications. You can visually develop your ideas, easily integrate with other systems, and adjust applications with no limits. OutSystems is the ideal low-code development platform for large enterprises or developers looking to publish straight to consumer app stores.
- Customer experiences
- Case management
- Legacy modernization
Reviews & Rating – 4.4/5 (Excellent)
#5 Firebase
Helping mobile and web app teams succeed Firebase – Ship cross-platform apps easily with Firebase. Firebase APIs are packaged into a single SDK so you can expand to more platforms and languages; their tools work together so that mobile teams can improve app performance, while also gaining valuable user insight.
- Build apps fast, without managing infrastructure
- Backed by Google, trusted by top apps
- One platform, with products that work better together
Reviews & Rating – 4.2/5 (Excellent)
#6 Kony Quantum
Leading Multi experience Development Platform Kony Quantum combines the speed and ease of low-code development with a comprehensive set of enterprise backend services and integration capabilities. Integrate your existing DevOps infrastructure with Quantum’s build and testing tools for greater speed and agility.
- Low-code developer productivity
- Omni-channel
- Simplified data integration
Reviews & Rating – 4.1/5 (Excellent)
#7 BuildFire
The Ultimate App Creator for iOS & Android BuildFire Use BuildFire to create the mobile app in a fraction of the time and cost that it would take otherwise. Build the intuitive dashboards you want with BuildFire’s rapid prototyping and modular plug-in capabilities.
- Simple and intuitive app builder – No coding required
- Build custom functionality with our developer SDK
- Build for FREE for 14 days. No credit card required
Reviews & Rating – 4.0/5 (Good)
#8 TrackVia
TrackVia® – Use TrackVia to create the mobile apps you need without any coding. This low-code workflow management platform enables developers to create customized apps without having to worry about security, enterprise reliability, and modern integration capabilities.
- No coding required
- Idea-to-app in days
- IT-approved
Reviews & Rating – 3.8/5 (Good)
Factors to consider when choosing a mobile app development platform
When choosing a mobile application development platform, there are many factors to consider. The following are some of the most important:
1. Operating System Compatibility – Make sure the platform supports both Android and iOS as these are the most commonly used operating systems on mobile devices.
2. User Interface Design: Choose a platform that offers easy drag and drop interface options for designing the user interface of your mobile app with ease.
3. Development Language: Consider the programming language supported by the platform and check if it aligns with your team’s skills and expertise.
4. Features Required: Look for a platform that can provide all the necessary features required by your application such as push notifications or in-app purchases.
5. Ease of Use: The platform should be easy to use with a user-friendly interface so developers of all levels can get started quickly without much trouble.
6. Scalability & Flexibility – Make sure a chosen platform is scalable enough to handle growing business needs while also providing flexibility in terms of customization options for application development.
7. Integration Capabilities – The platform should allow integration with third-party tools, such as databases or payment gateways.
8. Security Features – Look for a platform equipped with security features like data encryption and secure login options to protect your app and end-users from cyber threats.
9. Cost – Evaluate different platforms based on pricing plans that aligns well within your budget, considering both short-term and long-term costs associated with creating an app using each platform.
10. Support & Updates: Ensure that the platform offers good support, updates bugs quickly, and provides resources for learning new features to maintain a solid app performance long term.
Tips for using mobile app development platforms effectively
When it comes to mobile app development, there are numerous app development platforms available in the market that can help you create your apps.
Here are a few tips on how to use mobile app development platforms effectively:
1. Choose a platform that fits your needs: There are many mobile application development platforms available, and each one has its unique features and benefits. Identify your needs and choose the platform that best suits them.
2. Learn the platform’s tools and features: Familiarizing yourself with the different features and tools on a platform is essential in developing an application efficiently. Take time to learn how they work and apply them to make your app perform better.
3. Keep it simple: Don’t overcomplicate things by including lots of unnecessary features or functionalities. Keep your design clean and intuitive for a better user experience.
4. Utilize online communities for support: Many mobile development platforms have online communities of developers who can assist you when faced with challenges during the app-building process.
5. Test your app from different angles: Testing your application from various angles ensures that users will get a seamless experience. Test it after every update or addition of content to avoid any unforeseen issues.
6. Seek support when needed: If you face any challenges while using a mobile application development platform, don’t hesitate to seek help from customer support or online forums where seasoned developers can offer guidance and solution suggestions.
By following these tips, you can optimize the use of mobile application development platforms, you’ll be able to effectively create high-quality apps faster and more efficiently than ever before.
Conclusion on the importance of selecting a suitable mobile app development platform
Selecting a suitable mobile application development platform is crucial for the successful creation and deployment of any mobile application. It can have a significant impact on the quality, user experience, and overall success of the app. The right platform can provide access to essential features and functionalities that can enhance the application’s performance, security, scalability, and compatibility across different devices and operating systems.
Moreover, choosing an appropriate mobile application development platform can help reduce development time and costs while increasing efficiency and productivity. With so many options available in the market, it is essential to consider factors such as developer expertise, target audience, business objectives, budget constraints, and future growth plans before making a final decision.
In conclusion, selecting a suitable mobile app platform requires careful consideration which should not be taken lightly. Making an informed decision based on sound research and evaluation can lead to better outcomes in terms of user engagement, revenue generation, and business success.
FAQs About Mobile App Development Platforms
Q. What is a mobile application development platform?
A mobile app development platform is a software solution that allows developers to create and deploy mobile applications on various platforms, including iOS and Android. These platforms provide tools for designing, building, testing, and publishing mobile applications. Typically, mobile application development platforms offer a drag-and-drop interface that makes it easier for non-technical users to design an application. They may also include features such as pre-built templates or plug-ins, which can be used to add functionality to the app. Ultimately, these platforms help developers reduce development time and streamline the app-building process by providing them access to all the tools they need in one place.
Q. Why Use Mobile Development Platforms?
Time savings — By using several pieces of software to cover the mobile development lifecycle, developers will likely spend a lot of time having to switch from software to software to work.
Cost savings — Because developers using these platforms have to spend less time learning and switching between software to develop a mobile app, businesses can save on labor costs by using a mobile development platform.
Q. Which Platform Should I Use?
If you want to use a mobile app development platform but don’t know where to start, check out our recommendations below. We have rated and compiled a list of our top 8 platforms that can help your business immediately.
Q. What are the benefits of using an App Development Platform?
Using an app development platform offers several benefits, including increased efficiency and speed. These platforms provide pre-built templates and modules that can be used to construct high-quality apps in hours or days rather than the weeks or months it may take to build from scratch. Additionally, app development platforms often come with integrated testing tools, which allow developers to identify issues early on, streamlining the debugging process. By following pre-established guidelines and utilizing existing resources, developers can focus more on design and customization rather than spending time coding basic functionalities. This can result in greater creativity, faster turnaround times and lower costs for app development projects.
Q. How much does an App Development Platform cost?
The cost of an app development platform varies based on its features and functionalities. Some app development platforms are free, while others require a monthly or yearly subscription fee. The cost can range from a few hundred dollars per year for basic packages to thousands of dollars per year for more advanced packages that offer additional services such as analytics, push notifications, and data management.
1. Visual Studio
2. Zoho Creator
3. Android Studio
4. OutSystems
5. Firebase
6. Kony Quantum
7. BuildFire
8. TrackVia
