Hubert
6 min
June 13, 2024

What is a mobile app?

A mobile application is software designed to run on mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. It can be created specifically for the device's operating system, such as iOS or Android, or run via a web browser. Mobile apps are available for download from platforms such as the App Store and Google Play, offering a wide range of features: from games to productivity tools. The Apple App Store, launched in 2008, has played a significant role in shaping the mobile app industry and remains a key platform for app distribution.

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What is a mobile app?

How are mobile applications created?

Mobile apps are developed using different technologies and tools, depending on their type and target platform. They may use specific programming languages and tools for operating systems, such as Swift or Objective-C for iOS and Kotlin or Java for Android. Apps can also be developed as hybrid or cross-platform programmes using frameworks such as React Native, Flutter, Foundation or Xamarin, allowing code to be written once and run on different platforms.

Web apps that run in mobile browsers are typically developed using HTML5, CSS and JavaScript. The process of building the app also includes user interface design, testing and optimisation for performance and compatibility with different devices.

How does the mobile app work?

Apps require running on mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets, and mobile phones. Mobile users play a crucial role in app performance and usability, as their interactions and feedback help refine the design and functionality.

They use the resources and functions of the hardware operating system. Native apps are designed for specific operating systems such as iOS or Android, allowing them to directly access device components such as the camera, GPS or accelerometer. Hybrid and web-based applications run through web browsers or frameworks that allow limited access to these functions. These programmes can also communicate with web servers, downloading and uploading data.

Mobile apps provide a range of services and functionalities

Mobile apps provide a wide range of services and functionalities, including social media, gaming, productivity, education, and entertainment. Mobile apps can also be used for mobile commerce, allowing users to make purchases and transactions on-the-go. With the rise of mobile devices, mobile apps have become an essential tool for businesses, organizations, and individuals to reach their target audience and provide value-added services.

What are the 4 types of mobile applications?

Native applications

Native mobile apps are developed for a specific operating system, such as iOS or Android. For iOS, the Swift or Objective-C languages are used, while for Android, Kotlin or Java are used. Such apps are installed directly on the device and can use the full capabilities of the hardware and operating system, such as the camera, GPS, accelerometer and other sensors. Native apps offer high performance and excellent user experience because they are optimised for the specific operating system.

Web applications

Web apps run in browsers. They can be accessed via URL, so they don’t require installation on the device. They are created using standard web technologies such as HTML5, CSS and JavaScript. They can run on a variety of platforms and devices, but their functionality is limited to browser capabilities. Web apps are responsive, meaning they adapt to different screen sizes and resolutions.

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Hybrid applications

Hybrid apps combine features of native and web-based apps. They are developed using web technologies (HTML5, CSS, JavaScript), but are ‘wrapped’ in a native container that allows them to be installed and run on mobile devices. Today’s frameworks enable the creation of hybrid applications that can run on different operating systems and access device resources. They provide better performance than web apps, but do not always match native applications in terms of speed.

Progressive Web App

Progressive Web Apps are modern web applications that use advanced browser capabilities to deliver a native-like experience. They are prepared using HTML, CSS and JavaScript. They can work offline, send push notifications and be added to a device’s home screen. PWAs are responsive, fast and platform-independent, meaning they can run on any device with a browser that supports such apps. They are easier and cheaper to maintain than native programmes – they do not require separate versions for different operating systems.

Mobile application – functionalities and examples

Mobile apps are a wide range of functionalities that can be customised according to users’ needs.Social media apps are significant in the mobile ecosystem, exemplifying native app functionality and engaging a substantial percentage of users.

Communication – the app allows users to send text, voice and even video messages (e.g. WhatsApp).

Geolocalisation – the app allows the user’s location to be tracked in real time, which is useful for navigation (e.g. Google Maps).

Mobile payments – such apps allow users to make financial transactions directly from within them (e.g. Apple Pay).

Social media integration – makes it easy to share content on social media platforms directly from the app (e.g. Facebook, Instagram).

User customisation – apps can tailor content and features to the user’s preferences (e.g. Spotify).

Push notifications – these are notifications sent from the app server directly to the user’s mobile device. They allow the user to be kept informed of important events or promotions.

Online shop – is an e-commerce functionality that allows browsing and purchasing of products through the application (e.g. Amazon, Allegro).

Health and fitness functions – including monitoring of physical activity, nutrition, sleep and other health parameters (e.g. Health on iPhone).

What is mobile app development?

Mobile app development is the process of creating software designed to run on mobile devices. It involves designing, coding, testing and deploying applications that are customized for different operating systems, such as iOS and Android.

Why invest in a mobile application?

The mobile application allows you to:

> increase visibility and accessibility,
> improve customer engagement,
> increase sales,
> gain competitive advantage,
> collect user data to determine user preferences,
> optimizing business processes.

Investing in a mobile application can bring significant benefits to any company, regardless of its size or industry. It is a way to increase its efficiency, profits and competitiveness in the market.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

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