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{{Short description|Process to build apps for various mobile operating systems}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2020}}
'''Mobile app development''' is the act or process by which a [[mobile app]] is [[software development|developed]] for one or more [[mobile device]]s, which can include [[personal digital assistant]]s (PDA), [[enterprise digital assistant]]s (EDA), or [[mobile phone]]s.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Introduction to Mobile Application Development |url=https://www.ibm.com/topics/mobile-application-development |access-date=2023-06-24 |website=IBM.com |language=en-us}}</ref> Such software applications are specifically designed to run on mobile devices, after considering many hardware constraints. Common constraints include [[central processing unit]] (CPU) architecture and speeds, available [[random-access memory]] (RAM), limited data storage capacities, and considerable variation in displays (technology, size, dimensions, resolution) and input methods (buttons, keyboards, touch screens with or without styluses).<ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-10-03 |title=Essential Aspects to Consider While Designing Mobile Apps |url=https://www.globallogic.com/uk/insights/blogs/essential-aspects-to-consider-while-designing-mobile-apps/ |place=United Kingdom |website=GlobalLogic |language=en-gb |access-date=2023-06-24}}</ref> These applications (or 'apps') can be [[Installation (computer programs)|pre-installed]] on phones during manufacturing or delivered as web applications, using server-side or client-side processing (e.g., [[JavaScript]]) to provide an "application-like" experience within a [[web browser]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=What is a mobile app (mobile application)? – TechTarget Definition |url=https://www.techtarget.com/whatis/definition/mobile-app |access-date=2023-06-24 |website=WhatIs.com |language=en}}</ref>
The mobile app development sector has experienced significant growth in Europe. A 2017 report from the Progressive Policy Institute estimated there were ''1.89 million jobs'' in the ''app economy'' across the [[European Union]] (EU) by January 2017, marking a 15% increase from the previous year. These jobs include roles such as mobile app developers and other positions supporting the app economy.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Atkinson |first1=Robert D. |title=The App Economy in Europe: Leading Countries and Cities, 2017 |date=October 2017 |url=https://www.progressivepolicy.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/PPI_EuropeAppEconomy_2017_.pdf |website=Progressive Policy Institute |access-date=3 October 2024}}</ref>
== Overview ==
To facilitate developing applications for mobile devices, and the consistency thereof, various approaches have been taken.
Most companies that ship a product (e.g., Apple, iPod/iPhone/iPad) provide an official [[software development kit]] (SDK). They may also opt to provide some form of [[software testing]] and/or [[quality assurance]] (QA). In exchange for being provided the SDK or other tools, it may be necessary for a prospective developer to sign some form of non-disclosure agreement (NDA), which restricts the sharing of privileged information.
As part of the development process, mobile [[user interface]] (UI) design is an essential step in the creation of mobile apps. Mobile UI designers consider constraints, contexts, screen space, input methods, and mobility as outlines for design. Constraints in mobile UI design, which include the limited attention span of the user and form factors such as a mobile device's screen size for a user's hand(s). Mobile UI context includes signal cues from user activity, such as the ___location where or the time when the device is in use, that can be observed from user interactions within a mobile app. Such context clues can be used to provide automatic suggestions when scheduling an appointment or activity or to filter a list of various services for the user.
The user is often the focus of interaction with their device, and the interface entails components of both hardware and software. User input allows for the users to manipulate a system, and the device's output allows the system to indicate the effects of the users' manipulation.
Overall, mobile UI design's goal is mainly for an understandable, user-friendly interface. Functionality is supported by [[mobile enterprise application platform]]s or [[integrated development environment]]s (IDEs).
Developers of mobile applications must also consider a large array of devices with different screen sizes, hardware specifications, and configurations because of intense competition in mobile hardware and changes within each of the platforms.
Today, mobile apps are usually distributed via an official online outlet or marketplace (e.g., Apple: The App Store – Google: Google Play) and there is a formalized process by which developers submit their apps for approval and inclusion in those marketplaces. Historically, however, that was not always the case.
Mobile UIs, or front-ends, rely on mobile back-ends to support access to enterprise systems. The mobile back-end facilitates data routing, security, authentication, authorization, working off-line, and service orchestration. This functionality is supported by a mix of [[middleware]] components, including mobile app servers, mobile backend as a service (MBaaS), and [[service-oriented architecture]] (SOA) infrastructure.
== Platform ==
The software development packages needed to develop, deploy, and manage [[mobile app]]s are made from many components and tools which allow a developer to write, test, and deploy applications for one or more target platforms.
=== Front-end development tools ===
Front-end development tools are focused on the user interface and user experience (UI-UX) and provide the following abilities:
* UI design tools
* SDKs to access device features
* Cross-platform accommodations/support
Notable tools are listed below.
==== First party ====
First party tools include official [[software development kit|SDKs]] published by, or on behalf of, the company responsible for the design of a given hardware platform (e.g., Apple, Google, etc.), and any third-party software that is officially supported for the purpose of developing mobile apps for that hardware.
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="font-size:90%"
! [[Computing platform|Platform]]
! [[Programming language]]
! [[Debuggers]] available
! [[List of emulators|Emulator]] available
! [[Integrated development environment]] available
! Cross-platform deployment
! Installer packaging options
! Development tool cost
|-
! [[Android (operating system)|Android]]
| [[Java (programming language)|Java]] but portions of code can be in [[C (programming language)|C]], [[C++]],
[[Kotlin (programming language)|Kotlin]]
| Debugger integrated in Eclipse, standalone debugging monitor available
| {{Yes}}
| [[Eclipse (software)|Eclipse]], [[IntelliJ IDEA]], [[Android Studio]], Project Kenai Android plugin for NetBeans
| Android only, because of Dalvik VM, March 2009
|
| Free, [[IntelliJ IDEA]] Community Edition - Free
|-
! [[BlackBerry]]
| [[Java (programming language)|Java]]
| Debugger integrated in IDE
| {{Yes}}
| [[Eclipse (software)|Eclipse]], BlackBerry JDE
| BlackBerry only, because of RIM API
| alx, cod
| Free
|-
! [[iOS SDK]]
| [[Objective-C]], [[Swift (programming language)|Swift]]
| [[LLDB (debugger)|LLDB]] debugger integrated in Xcode IDE
| Bundled with iPhone SDK, integrated with Xcode IDE
| [[Xcode]]
| [[iPhone]], [[iPad]], [[iPod Touch]]
| Only via [[App Store (Apple)|App Store]], needs review and approval by [[Apple Inc.]]
| Apple tools are available for free for development on [[Mac (computer)|Mac]]. Applications can be run in a simulator or on a device. Some advanced abilities need a paid developer account.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://developer.apple.com/library/ios/documentation/IDEs/Conceptual/AppDistributionGuide/LaunchingYourApponDevices/LaunchingYourApponDevices.html |title=Launching Your App on Devices |website=Apple Developer |access-date=2016-04-30}}</ref>
|-
! [[iOS SDK]]
| [[Object Pascal]]
| Debugger integrated in Xcode IDE
| Included in Delphi XE2 professional or higher
| [[Embarcadero Technologies|Embarcadero]] [[Delphi (software)|Delphi XE2]]
| [[iPhone]], [[iPad]], [[iPod Touch]]
| Only via [[App Store (Apple)|App Store]], needs review and approval by [[Apple Inc.]]
| Development requires [[Intel]]-based [[Mac (computer)|Mac]] besides the IDE on Windows. Design is on Windows. Compiling and deploying is on Mac. Simulator testing is free, but installing on a device needs a fee for a developer signing key
|}
==== Second party ====
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="font-size:90%"
! [[Computing platform|Platform]]
! [[Programming language]]
! [[Debuggers]] available
! [[List of emulators|Emulator]] available
! [[Integrated development environment]] available
! Cross-platform deployment
! Installer packaging options
! Development tool cost
|-
! [[Java ME]]
| [[Java (programming language)|Java]]
| {{Yes}}
| Free emulator, Sun Java Wireless Toolkit, [[mpowerplayer]]
| [[Eclipse (software)|Eclipse]], LMA [[NetBeans]] Mobility Pack
| {{Yes}} although many VM implementations have device specific bugs necessitating separate builds
| [[JAD (file format)|Jad]]/[[JAR (file format)|Jar]] packaging; PRC files under Palm OS
| Free
|}
==== Third party ====
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="font-size:90%"
! [[Computing platform|Platform]]
! [[Programming language]]
! [[Debuggers]] available
! [[List of emulators|Emulator]] available
! [[Integrated development environment]] available
! Cross-platform deployment
! Installer packaging options
! Development tool cost
|-
! Accelerator
| [[HTML5]], [[C Sharp (programming language)|C#]]
| {{Yes}}
| {{Yes}}
|[[Microsoft Visual Studio]]<br/>(no lock-in)
| All platforms, mobile apps are browser-based
| [[Mobile Web]]
| Commercial licenses available
|-
! [[Altova|MobileTogether]]
| [[XPath]]/[[XQuery]], Action Trees visual programming language
| {{Yes}}
| {{Yes}}
| Proprietary IDE on Windows only
| Android, iOS, Windows, browser
| The native distribution for each format
| Free
|-
! [[App Inventor for Android]]
| Visual blocks-based programming language, with Interface designer
| Limited debugging tools built into [[Integrated development environment|IDE]]
| {{Yes}}
| Web-based interface designer, with connection to Java web-start program for blocks programming
| Android devices
| apk
| Free
|-
! [[Appcelerator]]
| [[JavaScript]]
| {{Yes}}, in Titanium Studio.
| Emulator is available using native emulators
| Titanium Studio based on Eclipse
| Android, iPhone; BlackBerry, Tizen, mobile web
| The native distribution format of each platform
| Free, open-sourced Apache 2.0 licensed, commercial and enterprise licenses available
|-
! [[Basic4android]]
| [[Visual Basic]] similar syntax
| {{Yes}}
| Emulator is available using native emulators
| Proprietary IDE
| Android
| The native distribution format of each platform
| Commercial licenses available
|-
! [[Codename One]]
| [[Java (programming language)|Java]]
| {{Yes}}
| {{Yes}}
| Eclipse, Netbeans
| Android, iPhone, BlackBerry, Windows Mobile, J2ME
| The native distribution format of each platform
| Open Source GPLv2 and subscription-based build server
|-
! [[Solar2D]]
| [[Lua (programming language)|Lua]]
| {{Yes}}
| {{Yes}}
| [[Xcode]]
| Android, iOS, [[Nook Color]]
| Native deployment for each platform
| Free using MIT license
|-
! [[DragonRAD]]
| Visual drag & drop tiles
| {{Yes}}
| Uses third-party emulators
| Proprietary IDE
| Android, BlackBerry, Windows Mobile
| [[over-the-air programming|OTA deployment]]
| Free & commercial licenses available
|-
! [[GeneXus]] for Mobile and Smart Devices
| [[Knowledge representation]] and [[declarative programming]]-modeling for easy development, then code is automatically generated for each platform
| GeneXus utilizes pre-tested code libraries and user debugging of code not necessary after code generation.
| Publish in the cloud, test native in the device, no emulator needed
| Proprietary IDE
| [[Android (operating system)|Android]], [[iOS]] (iPhone, iPad), [[BlackBerry OS]], and even [[HTML5]] if needed
| The native distribution format of each platform and also cloud-browser-based
| Free to try, commercial and enterprise licenses available
|-
! [[IBM MobileFirst]] Studio
| [[HTML5]], [[CSS3]], [[JavaScript]], and native SDK languages w/ Native Worklight API
| {{Yes}}, Mobile Browser Simulator or integration with Native SDK Debugger
| Emulator is available using native emulators or Browser Simulator w/ Cordova Plugin
| [[Eclipse (software)|Eclipse]] plugin, Eclipse-based stand-alone
| [[Android (operating system)|Android]], [[iOS]], [[BlackBerry]] 6,7, & 10, [[Windows Phone]] 7.5 & 8, [[Windows 8]] (desktop, tablets), [[Adobe AIR]], Mobile Web App, desktop browser web page
| The native distribution format of each platform
| Developer edition free via Eclipse Marketplace, commercial license for deployment
|-
! [[Lazarus (software)|Lazarus]]
| [[Object Pascal]]
| {{Yes}}, can debug in IDE via ActiveSync for Windows CE
| Uses the emulators of the platforms
| [[Lazarus (software)|Lazarus IDE]], including integrated GUI designer and debugger
| [[Compiled language]] available for [[Windows CE]], Linux-based devices, [[Symbian]] port in development
| The native distribution format of each platform
| Free
|-
! [[LambdaNative]]
| [[Scheme (programming language)|Scheme]]
| {{No}}
| {{No}} but can build and test on the localhost
| [[Eclipse (software)]] (optional)
| All native binaries: [[Android (operating system)|Android]], [[iOS]], [[BlackBerry 10]], [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]], [[OS X]], [[Linux]], [[OpenBSD]], [[OpenWrt]]
| The native distribution format of each platform
| Free ([[BSD licenses|BSD license]])
|-
! [[LiveCode]]
| LiveCode
| {{Yes}} (integrated into IDE)
| {{Yes}} (iOS and Android emulators may be used)
| {{Yes}}
| iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, Linux, server, HTML5. Installer packaging
| The native distribution format of each platform
| free open-source edition, commercial and enterprise editions available
|-
! [[Macromedia Flash Lite]]
| [[ActionScript]]
| {{Yes}}
| Bundled with IDE
| [[Adobe Flash|Macromedia Flash]] MX2004/8, Eclipse
| {{Yes}}
| SIS-CAB deployment or [[over-the-air programming|OTA]]-IR-Bluetooth SWF files
| Varies, free but limited with [[MTASC]]
|-
! [[Marmalade (SDK)|Marmalade]]
| [[C (programming language)|C]], [[C++]]
| {{Yes}}
| {{Yes}}
| [[Visual Studio]], [[Xcode]]
| All native: Android, BlackBerry, BREW, iOS (iPhone), Maemo, Palm-webOS, Samsung bada, Symbian, Windows Mobile 6.x and desktop, OS X
| The native distribution format of each platform
| Commercial licenses available
|-
! Meme IDE
| MemeScript
| Validation is provided in the problems view
| {{Yes}}, Android emulator can be integrated
| [[Eclipse (software)|Eclipse]] RCP
| [[Android (operating system)|Android]], [[Windows Mobile]]
| The native distribution format of each platform
| Free for development
|-
! [[
| [[HTML5]], [[CSS]], [[JavaScript]]
| {{Yes}}
| Preview is available on cloud IDE and local tool
| Cloud-based IDE, Visual Studio, third-party IDE/editors
| Android, iOS, windows8.1, 10
| The native distribution format of each platform
| Free, up to 3 projects. Commercial and enterprise license available
|-
! [[MonoDroid|Mono for Android]]
| [[C Sharp (programming language)|C#]]
| {{Yes}}
| {{Yes}}
| Visual Studio 2005 and MonoDevelop
| Android
| The native distribution format of the platform
|
|-
! [[MonoTouch]]
| [[C Sharp (programming language)|C#]]
| {{Yes}}
| {{Yes}}
| Visual Studio 2005 and MonoDevelop
| iOS
| The native distribution format of the platform
|
|-
! [[MoSync]]
| [[C (programming language)|C]], [[C++]], [[Lua (programming language)|Lua]], HTML5, CSS, JavaScript
| {{Yes}}
| {{Yes}}
| Eclipse, Visual Studio 2005 and later, MoBuild w/ text editors
| Android, iOS (iPhone), Java ME, Moblin, Smartphone 2003, Symbian, Windows Mobile (Pocket PC), Blackberry (experimental)
| [[SIS (file format)|SIS]], CAB, JAD, JAR, APK, [[over-the-air programming|OTA]] deployment
| Free, GPL 2.0, Free Indie Subscription; commercial subscription available
|-
! [[NetBeans]]
| [[C++]], [[Java (programming language)|Java]]
| {{Yes}}
| {{Yes}}
| Java development tools
| Android (Mobile and Tablet), Nokia (Symbian, Seria 60 – 40 – 80), etc...
|
| Free
|-
! [[OpenPlug]]
| [[ActionScript]], [[XML]]
| {{Yes}}
| {{Yes}}
| OpenPlug ELIPS plugin for [[Adobe Flash Builder]]
| Android, iOS (iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch), Symbian, Windows Mobile
| The native distribution format of each platform
| Free & commercial licenses available
|-
! [[OutSystems]]
| OutSystems, [[CSS]], [[JavaScript]]
| {{Yes}}
| Test directly in browser
| OutSystems Service Studio
| Android, iOS, Windows Phone 7
| NA
| Free community edition for personal use, or subscription licensing for commercial use
|-
! [[PhoneGap]] and [[Apache Cordova]]
| [[HTML]], [[CSS]], [[JavaScript]]
|
| {{Yes}} A lot of functionality can be tested directly in browser. Running native emulators on iOS and Android is also possible.
| {{Yes}} Many IDEs exist for Cordova-based tools like [[Ionic (mobile app framework)|Ionic Studio]] or [[Appery.io]]
| iPhone, Android, Tizen, Windows Phone, BlackBerry, Symbian, Palm, Bada
| The native distribution format of each platform
| Apache 2
|-
! [[Qt (software)|Qt]] SDK
| [[C++]], [[QML]]
| {{Yes}}
| {{Yes}}
| [[Qt Creator]]
| [[Android (operating system)|Android]] (technology preview), [[iOS]] (technology preview), [[Symbian]], [[Maemo]], [[MeeGo (operating system)|MeeGo]], [[Linux]], [[Windows]], [[OS X]]
| The native distribution format of each platform
| Free and commercial licenses available
|-
! [[Rhodes Framework|Rhomobile]]
| [[Ruby (programming language)|Ruby]] with [[HTML]] interface features compiled through an interpreter into native applications
| {{Yes}}
| N/A, applications can run in Win32 runner, or in device emulators for supported platforms.
| [[Xcode]] or [[Eclipse (software)|Eclipse]], on-demand RhoHub version includes full IDE
| {{Yes}}, supports Android 1.6+, iOS 3.0+ (iPhone, iPad), Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional, Windows Mobile 6.0 Standard, BlackBerry 4.6, 4.7, 5.0, 6.0 (4.2 and 4.5 supported but database access is very slow on these devices), Symbian
| [[over-the-air programming|OTA]] deployment, iOS through App store, .SIS, .CAB, .APK, .COD
| Rhodes is free and open source under the MIT License, RhoSync is under GPL or commercial, Commercial support available. Subscription for RhoHub
|-
! [[RubyMotion]]
| [[Ruby (programming language)|Ruby]]
| {{Yes}}
| {{Yes}}
| Any text editor. As an IDE, [[RubyMine]].
| Android, iOS
| The native distribution format of the platform
| RubyMotion is a commercial product.
|-
! [[Sencha Touch]]
| [[HTML]], [[CSS]], [[JavaScript]]
| {{Yes}}
| {{Yes}}
| Sencha Architect 2
| Android, iOS (iPhone, iPad, iPod touch), Kindle, BlackBerry, Bada
| Web delivered, or hybrid via native shells for each platform
| GPLv3, free for commercial, paid for OEM and embedded systems
|-
! [[Smartface]]
| [[WYSIWYG]] design editor with JavaScript code editor
| {{Yes}}
| {{Yes}}
| Smartface IDE and SDK
| {{Yes}} Android, iOS (iPhone, iPad, iPod touch), Kindle, Gear, Google Glass
| The native distribution format of each platform
| Community license and commercial licenses available
|-
! [[Stencyl]]
| Drag-and-drop editor based on [[Scratch (programming language)|Scratch]], [[Objective-C]]
| {{Yes}}
| {{Yes}}
| [[Xcode]]
| iOS (iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch)
| The native distribution format of each platform
| Free and commercial development licenses
|-
! [[Telerik]] Platform, and AppBuilder
| HTML5, CSS and Javascript
| {{Yes}}
| Test right in browser or device
| In-browser client, desktop client, Visual Studio, Sublime Text or command-line interface (CLI)
| Android, iOS, Windows phone
| The native distribution format of each platform
| Free to try, commercial and enterprise licenses available
|-
! [[Unity (game engine)|Unity]]
| [[C Sharp (programming language)|C#]], [[JavaScript]], [[Boo (programming language)|Boo]], other [[.NET]]-based languages
| {{Yes}}
| Remote used to simulate device interaction before app is uploaded to the device.
| Unity Editor, also works with Visual Studios and MonoDevelop.
| Android, iOS (iPhone, iPad), PC, Mac, desktop browser, Xbox 360, PS3, Wii. BlackBerry Playbook, Nokia Symbian, Roku 2 and others available through company's Union program.
| Native distribution format of each platform
| Free and commercial development licenses.
|-
! [[Verivo]] AppStudio
| WYSIWYG, graphical drag and drop, [[JavaScript]], [[.NET]]-based languages; replaced by Appery.io
| {{Yes}}
| Test right in browser or device
| Proprietary design studio
| Android, iOS, Blackberry
| Native distribution format of each platform
| Free development licenses; per-CPU deployment licenses
|-
! [[ViziApps]]
| WYSIWYG, graphical drag and drop
| {{Yes}}
| Test right in browser or device
| Online design studio
| Android, iOS, Windows Phone planned
| The native distribution format of each platform
| Free to design, test, demo, update, app; fee to publish
|-
! [[V-Play Engine]]
| [[Objective-C]], [[C++]], [[JavaScript]], [[QML]], [[Java (programming language)|Java]]
| {{Yes}}
| {{Yes}}
| [[Qt Creator]]
| All Platforms
| The native distribution format of each platform
| Free, Indie and Enterprise licenses are available
|-
! Wakanda
| [[HTML5]], [[JavaScript]]
| {{Yes}}
| {{Yes}}
| {{Yes}} Wakanda Studio
|Android, iOS, Windows 10 (soon) and browser-based apps
| apk
| Open Source and Commercial licenses available
|-
![[Xamarin]]
|C#
| {{Yes}}
| {{Yes}}
|Xamarin Studio (Mac only; deprecated), Visual Studio (Windows only), Visual Studio for Mac (Mac only; replaced Xamarin Studio)<ref name="xamarinrebrand">{{cite news |last1=Linev |first1=Roman |date=2016-11-14 |url=https://winaero.com/microsoft-rebrands-xamarin-studio-as-visual-studio-for-mac/ |title=Microsoft rebrands Xamarin Studio as Visual Studio for Mac |work=Winaero |access-date=2023-03-05}}</ref><ref name="zdnetxamarin">{{cite news |last1=Foley |first1=Mary Jo |date=2017-05-10 |url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/microsoft-makes-visual-studio-for-mac-generally-available/ |title=Microsoft makes Visual Studio for Mac generally available |work=ZDNet |quote=Microsoft is making its Visual Studio for Mac – a rebranded version of Xamarin Studio for the Mac – generally available. |access-date=2023-04-02}}</ref>
|Android, iOS, Windows Phone, Windows Store apps
|The native distribution of each platform
|Free community edition, pro edition included in Microsoft MSDN licensing
|-
![[Xojo]]
|Xojo (similar to VB)
| {{Yes}}
| {{Yes}}
|Xojo IDE
|iOS, mobile web apps
|iOS apps are native iPad
|Free trial with no time limit; commercial licenses available
|}
===Back-end servers===
Back-end tools pick up where the front-end tools leave off, and provide a set of reusable services that are centrally managed and controlled and provide the following abilities:
* Integration with back-end systems
* User authentication-authorization
* Data services
* Reusable business logic
Available tools include:
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="font-size:90%"
! [[Computing platform|Platform]]
! [[Programming language]]
! [[Integrated development environment]] available
! Cross-platform deployment
! Deployment options
! Development tool cost
|-
! [[Altova]] MobileTogether Server
| Browser-based interface
| Proprietary IDE
| Server available for [[Windows]], [[Linux]], [[macOS]]. Supports mobile devices running [[Android (operating system)|Android]], [[iOS]], [[Windows 8]], [[Windows 10]] [[Windows Phone]], [[HTML5]] browser-based client
| On-prem, cloud, or hybrid
| Development tools are free, commercial license needed for deployment
|-
! GO!AppZone by [[Globo plc]]
| [[JavaScript]]. Custom integrations connectors/server-side logic: C#, VB.NET
| Yes, GO!AppZone Studio
| [[Android (operating system)|Android]], [[BlackBerry]], [[iOS]], [[Windows RT|Windows Phone, 8.x, RT]]
| On-prem, cloud or hybrid
| Development tools are free, commercial license or subscription needed for deployment
|-
! IBM MobileFirst Server
| [[HTML5]], [[CSS3]], [[JavaScript]], and native SDK languages w/ Native Worklight API
| [[Eclipse (software)|Eclipse]] plugin, Eclipse-based stand-alone
| [[Android (operating system)|Android]], [[iOS]], [[BlackBerry]] 6,7, & 10, [[Windows Phone]] 7.5 & 8, [[Windows 8]] (desktop, tablets), [[Adobe AIR]], Mobile Web App, desktop browser web page
| On-prem
| Developer edition free via Eclipse Marketplace, commercial license for deployment
|-
! [[Metismo]]
| [[Java (programming language)|Java]]
| [[Eclipse (software)|Eclipse]]
| Android, iOS (iPhone, iPad), Java ME, BREW, BlackBerry, Nintendo DS, Palm/webOS, Sony PSP, Samsung bada, Symbian, Windows Mobile, Windows Phone 7, Windows Desktop, OS X
| On-prem
| Commercial licenses available
|-
! Wakanda
| [[JavaScript]]
| Use Wakanda Studio
| Android, iOS (iPhone, iPad), Windows Phone 10 (soon), HTML5 app
| On-prem or cloud
| Community and commercial editions
|-
! [[Verivo]] Akula
| [[Java (programming language)|Java]]
| Use any front-end IDE
| Android, iOS (iPhone, iPad), Windows Phone7
| On-prem, cloud, or hybrid
| Free development licenses; per-CPU deployment licenses. Replaced by Appery.io
|-
! WebORB Integration Server
| [[C Sharp (programming language)|C#]], [[VB.NET]], [[Java (programming language)|Java]], [[PHP]], ActionScript, [[JavaScript]], [[Objective-C]],
[[XML]]
| Works with Eclipse, Visual Studio, intelliJ IDEA and Amethyst IDE
| Android, iOS (iPhone, iPad), BlackBerry Playbook, Windows Phone 7
| On-prem
| Free development licenses; free and commercial deployment licenses
|}
===Security add-on layers===
With [[bring your own device]] (BYOD) becoming the norm within more enterprises, IT departments often need stop-gap, tactical solutions that layer atop existing apps, phones, and platform component. Features include
* App wrapping for security
* Data encryption
* Client actions
* Reporting and statistics
===System software===
Many system-level components are needed to have a functioning platform for developing mobile apps.
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="font-size:90%"
! [[Computing platform|Platform]]
! [[Programming language]]
! [[Debuggers]] available
! [[List of emulators|Emulator]] available
! [[Integrated development environment]] available
! Cross-platform deployment
! Installer packaging options
! Development tool cost
|-
! [[Adobe AIR]]
| [[ActionScript]], [[HTML]], [[CSS]], [[JavaScript]]
| {{Yes}}
| {{Yes}}
| [[Flash Builder]], [[Flash Professional]], [[IntelliJ IDEA]]
| Android, iOS (iPhone, iPad, iPod touch), BlackBerry
| The native distribution format of each platform
| [[Flash Builder]], [[Flash Professional]], [[IntelliJ IDEA]] - commercial licenses available Adobe AIR SDK (command line tool) - Free
|-
! [[Qualcomm Brew|BREW]]
| [[C (programming language)|C]]; the APIs are provided in C with a C++ style interface
| Debugger support for the native ARM target code. Can use Visual Studio to debug the x86 testing code
| No Emulator for the target ARM code, has a simulator for the x86 testing code
| Visual Studio 6.0, Visual Studio 2003 .NET, Visual Studio 2005
| Compile for the specific BREW version available on the handset
| [[over-the-air programming|OTA]]
| Related dev fees typically needed for Brew App Certification - VeriSign annual fee for becoming a certified developer. Realview ARM compiler for BREW (the free GNU C/C++ is available, but with limited function and support). TRUE BREW testing fee for distributing the application.
|-
! [[Firefox OS]]
| [[HTML5]], [[CSS]], [[JavaScript]]
| {{Yes}}
| No, but simulator available.
| Firefox browser, [[Firebug (software)|Firebug]]
| Web browser on other platform
| [[Firefox Marketplace]], Web URL
| Development requires [[Mozilla Firefox]] and the simulator add-on
|-
! [[.NET Compact Framework]]
| [[C Sharp (programming language)|C#]], [[Visual Basic .NET|VB.NET]], [[Basic4ppc]]
| {{Yes}}
| Free emulator, source code available, also bundled with IDE
| [[Visual Studio#Visual Studio 2008|Visual Studio 2008]], 2005, 2003, [[Basic4ppc]] IDE
| [[Windows Mobile]], Windows CE, Symbian-based devices via third-party tools
| [[over-the-air programming|OTA]] deployment, [[Cabinet (file format)|CAB]] files, ActiveSync
| Most tools free, but commercial editions of Visual Studio needed for visual designers
|-
! [[OpenFL]]
| [[Haxe]] (similar to Actionscript and Java)
| {{Yes}}
| {{Yes}}
| [[IntelliJ IDEA]], FlashDevelop
| Android, iOS (iPhone, iPad, iPod touch), BlackBerry Playbook, WebOS, HTML5, Flash, Windows (exe), Linux
| The native distribution format of each platform
| Free
|-
! [[Palm OS]]
| [[C (programming language)|C]], [[C++]], [[Pascal (programming language)|Pascal]]
| {{Yes}}
| OS 1.0–4.1: free emulator provided by PalmSource (Access); OS 5.0: - 5.4 device-specific simulators provided by Palm (palmOne)
| Palm OS Development System (Eclipse), [[CodeWarrior]], PocketStudio, HB++, Satellite Forms
| [[Palm OS]] handhelds, or Windows Mobile with StyleTap emulator
| [[PRC (Palm OS)|PRC]] files, PalmSource Installer (.psi)
| Free (POSE or GCC for Palm OS), or commercial (CodeWarrior), or various commercial rapid-development frameworks
|-
! [[Python (programming language)|Python]]
| Python
| {{Yes}}
| Add-on to Nokia Emulator
| Several, including plugins for [[Eclipse (software)|Eclipse]]
| [[Interpreted language]] available natively only on [[Nokia Series60]] (and desktops) though ports exist to other mobile platforms, including Palm OS
| Sis deployment with py2sis or can use Python Runtime
| Free
|-
! [[Symbian]]
| [[C++]]
| {{Yes}}
| Free emulator
| [[Symbian|Many choices]]
| Compile per target
| [[SIS (file format)|SIS]] deployment
| Commercial and free tools available
|-
! [[Tizen]]
| ''Web-based'': [[HTML5]], [[CSS]], [[JavaScript]] ''Native'': [[C (programming language)|C]], [[C++]]
| {{Yes}}
| Free emulator
| Tizen SDK
| Web-based app to be available on web browser
| Tizen through App store, Web URL
| Development needs Windows, OS X, or Ubuntu Desktop
|-
! [[Ubuntu Touch]]
| ''Web-based'': [[HTML5]], [[CSS]], [[JavaScript]] ''Native'': [[QML]], [[C (programming language)|C]], [[C++]]
| {{Yes}}
| {{Yes}}
| Ubuntu SDK
| HTML5 app to be available web browser.
| Ubuntu Touch through App store, Web URL
| Development requires Ubuntu Desktop 12.04 or higher, Free
|-
! [[webOS]]
| [[JavaScript]], [[CSS]], [[HTML]], [[C (programming language)|C]] and [[C++]] through the PDK
| {{Yes}}
| Free emulator
| [[Eclipse (software)|Eclipse]]
| webOS, Palm only
| [[over-the-air programming|OTA]] deployment, webOS through App store, Web URL, Precentral, .ipk
| Free
|-
! [[Windows Mobile]]
| [[C (programming language)|C]], [[C++]]
| {{Yes}}
| Free emulator (source code available), also bundled with IDE
| [[Visual Studio#Visual Studio 2008|Visual Studio 2010]], 2008, 2005, eMbedded VC++ (free), Satellite Forms
| [[Windows Mobile]], Windows CE
| [[over-the-air programming|OTA]] deployment, CAB files, ActiveSync
| Free command-line tools or eMbedded VC++, or Visual Studio (Standard edition or better)
|-
! [[Windows Phone]]
| [[C Sharp (programming language)|C#]], [[Visual Basic]], [[C (programming language)|C]], [[C++]]
| {{Yes}}
| Free emulator, also bundled with IDE
| [[Visual Studio 2012]], [[Visual Studio 2010]]
| [[Windows Phone]]
| [[over-the-air programming|OTA]] deployment, [[XAP (file format)|XAP]] files
|
|}
Criteria for selecting a development platform usually include the target mobile platforms, existing infrastructure, and development skills. When targeting more than one platform with cross-platform development, it is also important to consider the impact of the tool on the [[user experience]]. Performance is another important criterion, as research on mobile apps indicates a strong correlation between application performance and user satisfaction. Along with performance and other criteria, the availability of the technology and the project's requirements may drive the development between native and cross-platform environments. To aid the choice between native and cross-platform environments, some guidelines and benchmarks have been published. Typically, cross-platform environments are reusable across multiple platforms, leveraging a native container while using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript for the user interface. In contrast, native environments are targeted at one platform for each of those environments. For example, Android development occurs in the Eclipse IDE using Android Developer Tools (ADT) plugins, Apple iOS development occurs using the Xcode IDE with Objective-C and/or Swift, Windows and BlackBerry each have their own development environments.
===Mobile app testing===
Mobile applications are first tested within the development environment using emulators and later subjected to [[field testing]]. [[Emulator]]s provide an inexpensive way to test applications on mobile phones to which developers may not have physical access. The following are examples of tools used for testing applications across the most popular [[mobile operating system]]s.
* ''Google Android Emulator'' – an [[Android (operating system)|Android]] emulator that is patched to run on a Windows PC as a standalone app, without having to download and install the complete and complex [[Android SDK]]. It can be installed and Android compatible apps can be tested on it.
* ''The official Android SDK Emulator'' – a mobile device emulator which mimics all of the hardware and [[software]] features of a typical mobile device (without the calls).
* ''TestiPhone'' – a [[web browser]]-based [[simulator]] for quickly testing [[iPhone]] [[web applications]]. This tool has been tested and works using [[Internet Explorer 7]], [[Firefox 2]] and [[Safari 3]].
* ''iPhoney'' – gives a [[pixel]]-accurate web browsing environment and it is powered by [[Safari (web browser)|Safari]]. It can be used while developing [[web sites]] for the [[iPhone]]. It is not an iPhone simulator but instead is designed for web developers who want to create 320 by 480 (or 480 by 320) websites for use with iPhones. iPhoney will only run on [[OS X]] 10.4.7 or later.
* ''BlackBerry Simulator'' – There are a variety of official BlackBerry simulators available to emulate the functionality of actual BlackBerry products and test how the device software, screen, keyboard and [[trackwheel]] will work with the application.
* ''Windows UI Automation'' – To test applications that use the Microsoft UI Automation technology, it requires Windows Automation API 3.0. It is pre-installed on Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 R2 and later versions of Windows. On other operating systems, you can install it using Windows Update or download it from the [[Microsoft]] Web site.
* ''MobiOne Developer'' – a [[mobile Web]] [[integrated development environment]] (IDE) for [[Windows]] that helps developers to code, test, debug, package and deploy mobile [[Web application]]s to devices such as [[iPhone]], [[BlackBerry]], [[Android (operating system)|Android]], and the [[Palm Pre]]. MobiOne Developer was officially declared End of Life by the end of 2014.<ref>{{cite web |title=MobiOne Developer 1.0 M4: Create App Store-ready Mobile Web Applications, Experience True Device Behavior on Windows |url=https://www.prweb.com/releases/iphone/10/prweb2980934.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091008093929/http://www.prweb.com/releases/iphone/10/prweb2980934.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=8 October 2009 |website=PRWeb |access-date=31 May 2021}}</ref>
Tools include
* [[Eggplant Functional]] – GUI-based automated test tool for mobile apps across all operating systems and devices
* [[Ranorex]] – Test automation tools for mobile, web and desktop apps
* [[Testdroid]] – Real mobile devices and test automation tools for testing mobile and web apps
== Design principles ==
According to a 2020 Industry Report on Applications, 46% of [[mobile app]] users have stated that they have stopped using or uninstalled an app due to poor performance.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=2020-01-06 |title=Apps Statistics, Usage & Downloads (2020 report) |url=https://saasscout.com/statistics/apps-statistics/ |access-date=2024-02-20 |website=SaaS Scout (formerly SoftwareFindr) |language=en-US}}</ref> Design experts advocate for the following design principles to create successful and effective mobile apps:
''Clutter-free screens'' – Keeps interactions quick and simple, allowing users to focus on one specific task rather than being overwhelmed with multiple features and tasks. Design experts strongly advocate for one task per screen and recommend breaking down long forms into pages and progressively revealing new tasks or fields to minimize clutter.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=15 Mobile App Design Best Practices |url=https://www.thoughtspot.com/data-trends/best-practices/mobile-app-design-best-practices |access-date=2024-02-20 |website=ThoughtSpot |language=en}}</ref>
''Reduce cognitive load'' – Makes the use of the app as seamless as possible, and preserves natural flow through the app. Design experts suggest incorporating [[autocomplete]], [[Spell checker|spell-check]], [[predictive text]] assistance, and [[dropdown menu]]s to reduce cognitive load. Design experts also recommend the state of the app be preserved when users temporarily leave the app and re-enter so that users can continue their use from where they left off.<ref name=":1"/><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last1=Cordini |first1=Marcelo |date=2021-01-06 |title=The best mobile app design: Examples |url=https://qubika.com/blog/mobile-app-design/ |access-date=2024-02-20 |website=Qubika |language=en-US}}</ref>
''Simple navigation'' – Around 11% of people have uninstalled apps due to their complicated [[Interface (computing)|interface]].<ref name=":0"/> Design experts state it is paramount to present the navigation bar visibly in your app to help users navigate to frequently used and high-priority screens instantly. They suggest the use of recognizable icons specific to the device operating system to help users easily take actions such as opening a menu, changing settings, going back a screen, and searching within a page. According to them, a user should not be confused while navigating the app, so an orderly, clear, and logical navigation flow drives engagement and discovery in the app.<ref name=":1"/><ref name=":2"/>
''Notifications'' – It’s reported that around 19% of users uninstall an app due to frequent push notifications.<ref name=":0"/> Notifications should be sent with careful planning according to design experts. Experts state notifications should be sent at a time most convenient to users in their time zone and the messages should be personalized to bring great value to them.<ref name=":1"/>
''Speed appearance'' – About 19% of people uninstall apps due to hang up issues.<ref name=":0"/> Design experts state it’s important to make sure the app is fast and responsive so that users don’t have to wait for content. They state developers should deliver content faster or give the perception of progress. Some approaches suggested by the experts are the use of skeleton screens which show the layout of the app with content grayed out, [[progress bar]]s or loading spinners, tasks being carried out in the background and delivering the content quickly when the user requests for it, or giving users some tasks or content while they are waiting for a page to load.<ref name=":1"/>
''Usability'' – Approximately 85% of mobile users use their phone with one hand,<ref name=":0"/> thus design experts state it is important that the top-level menu, frequently used controls, and common action items are within the reach of the user’s thumb. They also stress the importance of readability and it’s recommended that the text size is at least 11 point font so that users can read it at the typical reading distance without zooming in.<ref name=":1"/> It is recommended that headers and titles on the app screens be [[San Francisco font|San Francisco]] 17pt and [[Roboto]] 16sp for operating systems [[iOS]] and [[Android (operating system)|Android]] respectively.<ref name=":2"/> The experts also state there should be 4.5:1 minimum [[contrast ratio]] between text and the background color.<ref name=":1"/> Design experts strongly encourage developers to make apps accessible for all users including people with [[Disability|disabilities]], so they suggest features such as [[Virtual assistant|voice navigation]], [[screen reader]] compatibility, and user interface adaptability in mobile apps.<ref name=":2"/>
==Patents==
Many patent applications are pending for new mobile phone apps. Most of these are in the technological fields of business methods, database management, data transfer, and operator interface.<ref>[http://ipwatchdog.com/2011/04/06/increasing-allowance-rates-by-selectively-targeting-patent-class/id=16283/ Nowotarski et al., "Increasing Allowance Rates by Selectively Targeting Patent Class" IPwatchdog, April 6, 2011]</ref>
== See also ==<!-- Do not spam or repeat links, please -->
{{div col|colwidth=20em}}
* [[List of mobile app distribution platforms]]
* [[Lazy user model]]
* [[Mobile application management]]
* Mobile backend as a service
* [[Mobile business intelligence]]
* [[Mobile computing]]
* [[Mobile-device testing]]
* [[Mobile enterprise application platform]]
* [[Mobile games]]
* [[Mobile interaction]]
* [[Mobile marketing]]
* [[Mobile web development]]
* [[Mobile workflow]]
* [[Multi-channel app development]]
* [[MoSoSo]], mobile social software
* [[On-Device Portal]]
* [[WURFL]] and WALL
* [[JQuery Mobile]]
* [[HTML5]]
{{div col end}}
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Mobile operating systems}}
{{Mobile phones}}
[[Category:Mobile software development| ]]
[[Category:Mobile applications| ]]
[[fr:Application mobile]]
[[pl:Aplikacje mobilne]]
[[fi:Mobiiliohjelmisto]]
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