The mobile application market share is now growing. Therefore, this is the right time for you to make one. Mobile applications can be used for various purposes, and are used by many people. A few years ago, to create a mobile app, you had to learn a complex programming language and write apps from scratch. However, with the development of technology, now anyone can create an application in a few minutes. Curious how? Read step 1 to learn how to build an app.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Designing an App
Step 1. Determine the focus of the application
A good app is an app that can do a certain thing perfectly. Determine the needs your app will meet to define the features and niche of the app.
- For example, if you are creating an application for a company, determine the aspects that the application will cover. For example, through your application, users can contact technical services or find the nearest branch location.
- If your application is too complex, the application development program of your choice may not be able to support all the features you want. To build complex applications, you have to write code and create your own resources.
Step 2. Make a rough sketch of the application
Ease of use and design are the most important aspects of the app. Make a basic sketch of each application screen, and use the arrows to indicate the movement between screens.
- You do not need to make a sketch that is too detailed. However, make sure you include all the information you want to appear on each screen.
- Try uniform design in each application screen. Try to keep each element in the same location on each screen, so that the application feels more comfortable to use.
Step 3. Take a look at other similar apps on Play Store
Give the app a try, and find out what aspects you can apply to your app. Feel free to "borrow" ideas and flows from other apps you find.
Method 2 of 4: Selecting Software
Step 1. Know what software can be used to create applications
Now, there are various application development programs, both free and quite expensive. Most free programs have limited publishing options, or may force you to include ads in the app. However, you will not receive the benefits of the ads that appear. If you use a paid program, you can generally publish the app yourself, as well as earn money from the app. Some of the well-known Android application development programs include:
- ShoutEm
- Appery
- Mobile Roadie
- The App Builder
- Appy Pie
- MIT App Inventor
- AppMakr
Step 2. Pay attention to the features available in each service
Most app-building services let you see an outline of how the service works, so you can decide if it fits your needs.
Make sure you choose a program with sufficient features to create an application. Most app building services provide built-in functionality that you can combine to create a cohesive app
Step 3. Try some app builder services
Most of the services mentioned above provide free or trial versions. Use these free/trial options to find out the basic functionality of the service, and find the one that best suits your needs.
Method 3 of 4: Creating an App
Step 1. Go to the service site of your choice
Most app development service providers require you to create an account and sign in before starting. You may need to download certain software to create the application. If you are not prompted to download the software, the application creation process is carried out entirely through the service provider's site.
Step 2. After logging in to the service provider's site or downloading the required program, start a new project
The process for creating a new project varies depending on the service you're using, but generally you'll be asked to enter the name and description of the app.
Step 3. Select the app theme
Most application development programs will ask you to set the basic color and palette of the application before starting. You can change this color later.
You may also be able to add an image as the background of the app. Use an image with a size of 1024x768
Step 4. Add a function, or activity, to the app
Most application development programs work by allowing you to add built-in functionality to your new application. The combination and flow of these functions is what makes your app unique. You can add various functions to the application, such as calendar, photo gallery, podcast, Facebook integration, audio player, etc.
- Generally, each of these functions appears as a new screen in your application.
- After you add a function, you can customize the appearance with text or content. For example, after you add the RSS feed function, you can link the blog address to fill the RSS with your blog's latest posts.
Step 5. After adding the functionality, adjust the layout of each screen so that your app looks cohesive
For example, place the title bar in the same location on each screen, and display content consistently.
You can customize the appearance of the application according to the features provided by the application developer program. Some services only let you add built-in functionality, while others let you drag and rearrange individual elements on the screen
Step 6. Select the icon for each function
Most services have a built-in icon that you can choose from, or you can design an icon for your app yourself. Good icons will make your app more comfortable to use, as well as attract potential users.
Method 4 of 4: Testing and Releasing the App
Step 1. After you finish adding features and populating content on the app, do the build process so that the app can run on Android devices
The build process can be done in different ways, depending on the app builder service you're using. If you are using an online service, you may need to wait a while for the build to complete.
- Generally, you will get an APK file that you can download to your device. Allow installation of apps from unknown sources on your device via Settings menu to install the APK file.
- Some app development services will give you a link to an app file that you can click on from your phone.
Step 2. Once you have installed the app on your phone, test the app to make sure that it works perfectly
You can also ask your friends and family to test the app by sending the APK file. With the help of friends and family, you may find errors (bugs) that you weren't aware of.
Try doing things that aren't what your app was designed for to help find hidden errors
Step 3. After testing the app, fix any errors you find, or things that are not working properly
Your app should be easy to use, so make sure the app flow is easy to understand.
Step 4. Publish the app
The publishing options you have vary depending on the service plan you choose. If you use a free app builder service, your app may include ads, or be available only in the service's app store. Paid services allow you to publish your app to the Google Play Store, even including promotion and marketing options.
- Consider releasing a free version of the app with limited ads and features, and a fully featured paid version with no ads. This step is the most common step to earn money from the app.
- Make sure your app has accurate descriptions and tags. Tags make it easier for potential users to find the app via search, and are critical to the app's success.
Tips
- The best way to test an app is to use an app you build on a daily basis. That way, you can find problems with the app easily.
- You can also create a private app to store links, contacts, and private photos, or a family app that lets your family discuss without using major social networking services like Facebook.
