The mobile application development lifecycle is a process that starts with a concept and ends with a mobile-ready application. It starts with defining the purpose of the app, identifying its target audience, and understanding its objectives. When it comes to mobile app development first comes defining an idea Next comes the round of research assessment, examining competitors and the market, and proving that the app indeed has the potential to be in high demand.
Once the idea is well articulated, the next phase consists of the planning and designing stage. Here, app developers and app designers work on an app outline that includes its structure, features, and user experience (UX) design. Wireframing or producing prototypes assists in understanding the user flow within the app. User experience takes center stage in this aspect, in that any application which encourages smooth intuitive navigation stands the chance of retaining users. At this point, application developers make configurations concerning the application, that is, which development mode they intend to use whether native or hybrid, and which technologies will help achieve the purpose of the application in question to the fullest.
When a design is ready, the next step is to commence with the development of the application, which entails actualizing the features of the application. Usually, there are many stages of development for an application and therefore the development is done in sprints, which means that the developers will first concentrate on developing the basic features of the application. This is also the point when testing begins so that every single function performs its designated purpose. It helps improve the working of the application hence it plays a critical role because it is done to fix everything that could spoil the experience of the users before they even get the application.
After the various levels of functionality are achieved, further tests are carried out on all devices and operating systems for better performance before any launch. This stage, which is referred to as deployment, comes last and it entails posting the app in various app stores such as Google Play, the Apple App Store, and any other app store before making it public.
However, the application launch is not an end; it is however a new dawn. User metrics also help in determining the need for changes to be made after the release of the app while periodic changes ensure that the app continues to evolve with user needs and technology. Such a cycle is infinite since in most cases, to be a successful app, it has to undergo changes with time integrating new elements and improvements to suit the users’ needs.