Mobile app development has become a crucial component of the digital landscape in recent years. However, it’s not enough to just release an app to the public. App testing is a crucial step in the development process to ensure that your app is functional, user-friendly, and ready for distribution.

One of the most popular tools for testing iOS apps is Testflight—a free tool provided by Apple that allows developers to distribute apps to beta testers. With Testflight, developers can identify and fix issues, ensure compatibility with different devices, and improve user satisfaction.

In this blog post, we’ll provide a comprehensive guide on how to use Testflight for your app testing needs. From setting up a Testflight account to analyzing test results, we’ll cover everything you need to know to ensure your app is free of bugs and glitches before release. 

We’ll also share best practices for Testflight testing and discuss common mistakes to avoid. By the end of this post, you’ll have a solid understanding of how to use Testflight to make your app the best it can be.

Setting Up Testflight

Before you can start using Testflight for app testing, you need to set up an account. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started:

1. Sign in to your Apple Developer account. If you don’t have one, you’ll need to create one.
2. Once you’re signed in, navigate to the “Testflight” section of the account dashboard.
3. Click on the “Start Testing” button to create a new app in Testflight.
4. Fill in the required information, including the app name, bundle ID, and primary language.
5. Choose whether you want to upload a build of your app or create a new build using Xcode.
6. If you’re uploading a build, drag and drop the build file into the Testflight window. If you’re creating a new build, follow the on-screen instructions to build and upload your app.
7. Once your build is uploaded, select the “Internal Testing” option to invite testers to try out your app.
8. Add testers by entering their email addresses or by sending them an invitation link.
9. Choose the version of the app you want to distribute to testers, and then click “Start Testing” to send out invitations.

That’s it! You’ve set up your Testflight account and invited testers to try it out.

Testflight Roles (and How to Assign Them)

Here’s a closer look at the different roles available in Testflight:

• App Manager – Responsible for managing the app’s builds, testers, and testing groups. Managers can upload builds, invite and manage testers, and assign build access to specific testing groups.
• Tester – These users test the app and provide feedback. They can install and test the app, submit feedback, and report bugs to the app manager.
• Developer – This role is responsible for building the app and managing its development. They can upload builds, view app analytics, and manage testing groups.

To assign roles in Testflight, follow these steps:

1. Navigate to the “Users and Roles” section of the Testflight dashboard.
2. Click on “Invite User” to add a new user.
3. Select the role you want to assign to the user.
4. Enter the user’s name and email address, and then click “Send Invitation.”
5. The user will receive an email invitation to join your Testflight team. Once they accept the invitation, they’ll be able to access the app and start testing.

By understanding the different roles available in Testflight, you can effectively manage your team and ensure that everyone is working together towards the same goal—creating an app that’s ready for release.

Uploading Builds

In app development, a “build” refers to a version of the app that has been compiled and prepared for testing or distribution. Uploading builds to Testflight is an essential step in the app testing process, as it allows developers to share their app with beta testers for feedback and bug reporting.

Here’s what you need to know to successfully upload builds to Testflight:

1. Archive your app in Xcode – Before you can upload a build to Testflight, you’ll need to archive your app in Xcode. To do this, select “Product” from the Xcode menu and then click “Archive.”

2. Export the build – Select the archived build in the Organizer window. Click “Export” and then select “Export for iOS App Store Deployment.” Follow the on-screen instructions to export the build.

3. Upload the build to Testflight – Log in to your Testflight account, select the app you want to upload the build for, and then click “Add New Build.” Drag and drop the exported build file into the Testflight window.

4. Choose the appropriate build type – When uploading a build to Testflight, it’s important to choose the appropriate build type. Testflight offers three types of builds—development, beta, and release. Development builds are for internal testing only and should not be distributed to external testers. Beta builds are for external testing and should be used for testing new features and functionality. Release builds are the final version of the app that will be released to the public.

5. Provide build information – Once you’ve uploaded the build, you’ll need to provide information about it, including the build version, release notes, and app store information.

6. Submit the build for review – Now that you’ve provided all the necessary information, you can submit the build for review. Testflight will review everything to ensure that it meets Apple’s guidelines and is ready for distribution to testers.

By following these steps, you can upload your app builds to Testflight and start testing your app with beta testers.

Pro Tips and Best Practices to Ensure a Smooth Build Upload

Here are some tips and best practices for uploading builds to Testflight:

• Test your app thoroughly before uploading to Testflight to minimize the risk of encountering issues during the build upload process.
• Make sure that you’re using the correct version of Xcode to avoid any compatibility issues.
• Uploading builds can take some time, so it’s important to verify that you have a stable and reliable internet connection.
• Create a separate folder for each build to stay organized and avoid confusion. This will make it easier to manage multiple builds.
• Provide detailed release notes to help testers understand what changes have been made in the new build and what they should focus on during testing.
• Use descriptive version numbering to track changes and identify specific builds.

• Keep the app size in mind. Testflight has a 200MB limit on the size of the app file, so make sure that your app is optimized for size before uploading.
• Before submitting a build for review, make sure that your app meets Apple’s guidelines for content and functionality.
• Use analytics to track app performance. Testflight offers built-in analytics tools that can help you track app performance and identify areas for improvement.
• Invite a diverse group of testers to help you identify issues that may not have been caught otherwise, such as device-specific issues or problems with non-native languages.
• Make sure to respond to feedback and bug reports from testers in a timely manner. This will help to build trust and ensure that your testers remain engaged throughout the testing process.

All of these pro tips will streamline your testing process and ensure the final product functions as desired. 

Analyzing Test Results

Once the beta testers have had a chance to use your app, you’ll be able to view feedback and reports in Testflight. 

Testflight provides several metrics to help you understand how your app is performing during testing. These metrics include crash reports, app launch metrics, and user engagement metrics.

Crash reports are important for identifying the root cause of crashes and bugs in your app. Testflight provides detailed crash reports that can help you identify the cause of crashes and prioritize fixes accordingly. User engagement metrics can help you understand how users interact with your app during testing. These metrics include user retention, session length, and user flow. 

Once you’ve analyzed your test results, it’s important to take action based on the data. This may include fixing bugs, improving app performance, or making changes to the user interface.

Keep the following best practices in mind while you’re analyzing Testflight results:

• Segment your data – Segmenting your data can help you gain a deeper understanding of how different user groups are interacting with your app. For example, you can segment your data by device type, location, or user type to gain insights into how different users are experiencing your app.

• Compare data over time – Comparing your data over time can help you identify trends and patterns in user behavior. This can be especially helpful in identifying issues that may not be immediately apparent.

• Use heatmaps – Heatmaps are a visual tool that can help you understand how users are interacting with your app. Heatmaps can show you where users are tapping, scrolling, and swiping, which can help you identify areas where users may be experiencing issues.

• Use A/B testing – A/B testing is a powerful tool that allows you to test different versions of your app to see which one performs better. This can help you make data-driven decisions about how to improve your app.

• Seek feedback from testers – Testflight provides tools for collecting feedback from testers, which can be a valuable source of information for improving your app. Make sure to encourage your testers to provide feedback and take their feedback into account when analyzing your test results.

By following these tips, you can gain a deeper understanding of how users are interacting with your app during testing and identify areas for improvement. This can help you create a better user experience and ensure the success of your app.

Best Practices For Testflight Testing

While Testflight can be a powerful tool for app testing, it’s important to use it effectively in order to get the best results. Here are some best practices to keep in mind when using Testflight for app testing:

Here are ten best practices for managing and improving your app testing process with TestFlight:

• Create a clear and detailed test plan before beginning testing to help you stay organized and ensure that you test all of the app’s features thoroughly.
• Use a version control system to track changes to your app’s codebase. This will make it easier to identify issues and roll back changes if necessary.
• Always keep your app’s documentation up-to-date, including user manuals and release notes. This will help testers better understand how to use the app and provide more accurate feedback.
• Use a bug tracking system to manage feedback and bugs reported by testers. 
• Regularly communicate with your testers to keep them informed and engaged about the testing process and upcoming changes.
• Provide detailed instructions for testers on how to submit feedback and bug reports. This helps ensure that you receive useful and actionable feedback from your testers.
• Continuously monitor your app’s performance during testing using TestFlight’s analytics tools. 
• Schedule regular testing sessions with your team and testers to review progress and identify any outstanding issues.
• Always test your app on a variety of devices to ensure compatibility with different hardware and software configurations.
• Maintain a positive and supportive relationship with your testers. Showing appreciation for their work and keeping them engaged will ensure that they continue to provide valuable feedback throughout the testing process.

By following these best practices, you can improve your app testing process with TestFlight and increase the chances of launching a successful app.

Final Thoughts

Testflight is an incredibly useful tool for developers who want to ensure that their apps are ready for release. By inviting beta testers to try out their apps, developers can identify issues, gather feedback, and improve the user experience before the app is released to the public.

Testflight provides several powerful tools for analyzing app performance and identifying areas for improvement, including crash reports, user engagement metrics, and heatmaps. Using these tools can help you gain valuable insights into how users are interacting with your apps while simultaneously identifying areas for improvement.

From creating descriptive release notes to segmenting your data for analysis, the best practices described in this guide can help you get the most out of Testflight to ensure that your app is the best it can be. Our proven tips can help you streamline your testing process, improve the user experience, and release an app that’s ready to take the world by storm.

The modern business landscape is constantly changing. Now, more than ever before, organizations are relying on citizen developers to address business challenges and improve internal processes. 

If you want to make a big impact on your career and help your company succeed without searching for a new job or switching roles, citizen development can help you thrive.

This in-depth guide will explain everything you need to know about citizen development, including what it is and why you should become a citizen developer. We’ll also walk you through the step-by-step process of becoming a citizen developer and highlight the skills you need for success. 

Ready to get started? Let’s dive in.

What is Citizen Development?

Citizen development allows non-technical employees to create business applications using no-code or low-code software development tools. 

Citizen developers have the freedom and flexibility to improve operational efficiencies within an organization by addressing problems or pain points in processes. They can take the initiative to create applications for business workflows or automations without having to rely on professional developers or IT departments for assistance. 

Organizations use citizen development to reduce IT backlogs—bridging the gap between software needs and the availability of skilled professional developers. 

Simply put, many organizations don’t have enough software developers on staff to address every need for new technology. Fortunately, most business apps can be created without any coding or technical knowledge. It’s just a matter of using the right tools for success, and that’s where citizen development comes into play.

Any employee who understands how to use approved no-code/low-code software can be part of the citizen development movement. 

Why Should You Become a Citizen Developer?

Becoming a citizen developer helps put your career on a fast track to success. It shows your current employer and prospective employers that you’re willing and able to learn new skills and have the initiative to improve the business beyond your day-to-day responsibilities. 

Citizen developers can use technology to create their own solutions that solve business problems. A simple workflow improvement or new automation can save the organization hundreds or thousands of hours over time.

These improvements not only make your current workload easier but it gives you the opportunity to focus on other big-picture initiatives. 

While a citizen developer isn’t technically a job title or role, it’s still viewed as a badge of honor and prestige in the workplace. It’s something that stands out to management when it comes time to make promotions or hand out bonuses. For those of you who are constantly looking for new opportunities in new companies, citizen development experience will give you a leg up over other candidates applying for the same positions.

Furthermore, the act of learning how to use no-code/low-code software in today’s modern world is invaluable. It’s a highly useful skill that can be used in both your personal and professional life, opening doors that you never thought were possible. 

How to Become a Citizen Developer in 5 Simple Steps

The citizen development journey is exciting. If you’re ready to become a citizen developer, just follow the five easy steps below, and you’ll be on the path to success in no time. 

Step 1 – Review Your Company’s Citizen Development Program

People don’t become citizen developers overnight. The first thing you need to do is make sure your organization has a citizen development program. If they don’t, it’s definitely something you can propose. But all of these steps assume that your employer has a program. 

Learn the ins and outs of the program to understand how it works. The policies and procedures vary greatly from company to company.

For example, some companies have active citizen development initiatives that employees can pull from to start a project. Other organizations give you total freedom to create your own solution.

While the IT department won’t be directly helping citizen developers with the application creation process, they typically need to sign off on the tools and development environment for projects in the program. Again, this involvement varies from company to company. 

Step 2 – Reach Out to the Program’s Leader to Express Interest

Once you have a firm grasp of how the program works, you’ll probably need to apply. Depending on your employer, this process might be very official or somewhat lax. 

It’s safe to assume that any organization that has embraced citizen development will be happy to see employees who are eager to assist. 

With that said, some companies may require your direct manager’s approval or something along those lines before you can work on any new projects. Identifying the program’s leader and scheduling a meeting to make sure you’re checking off all the boxes is the best way to ensure you’re following protocol. 

Step 3 – Get Familiar With Your Organization’s Citizen Development Tools

Before you can start officially working on citizen development projects, you need to learn how to use the program’s approved software. 

Most organizations have a handful of tools that have been previously sanctioned by the IT team. You can’t go out and just start building apps using anything. That could be a security risk for your organization. 

Take a look at the list of approved citizen development platforms and start practicing with test projects. 

There will likely be some type of tutorial or training video to assist you with this process. Some organizations may even offer in-person or online training for citizen developers in the program. 

Step 4 – Look For Opportunities That Align With Business Objectives

Next, you need to look for your first citizen development initiative. 

For some of you, this will be easier than for others. Many employees express interest in becoming citizen developers after they’ve already identified a need for new technology in the workplace. But the rest of you will need to look for new opportunities in your day-to-day workflow.

To help with this process, ask yourself this one question whenever you’re working on a task. “Could this be improved with automation or new technology?”

If the answer is yes, then it could be a valid option for you to pursue. But it’s important to choose projects that align with big-picture business objectives. Business leaders will be happy to see you working on anything that improves a workflow or process. But it’s definitely better when those applications can contribute at a higher level. 

Step 5 – Create Your First Automation or Application

Once you’ve identified an opportunity, it’s time to put your skills to the test. 

Start by creating a sketch or outline of the requirements. Break everything down into logical steps. You can use a flow chart to visualize the process.

Then use a no-code or low-code tool to create an application or automation. For example, if you’re using BuildFire’s workflow app builder, you can integrate with Zapier to automate processes with thousands of third-party apps. 

This is just one of the countless ways you can use BuildFire to make your life easier as a citizen developer. 

What’s the Difference Between Citizen Developers and Professional Developers?

Citizen developers are regular employees. They’re non-technical and don’t have any coding knowledge or development experience. 

Professional developers will work on more technically complex projects, while citizen developers work on applications and automations that don’t require custom coding. 

A professional developer will also have to focus more on the backend requirements to run and power apps, including servers, updates, and maintenance requirements. Citizens developers just have to know how to use a tool, and everything on the backend gets handled for them. 

Key Skills For Citizen Developers

Success as a citizen developer is heavily reliant on certain skills and abilities. If you possess any of the skills below, you’re a great candidate for citizen development. 

Deep Understanding of Business Processes and Operations

Citizen developers understand the business and operations at a higher level. They use logical thinking to go beyond what’s required of them on a day-to-day basis.

Some employees simply push papers and do their jobs without asking questions. But great employees understand the reason why they’re being asked to do certain tasks and how those tasks contribute to the team’s success or bigger initiative. 

If you’re someone who understands how and why operations are running a certain way in your organization, it will be much easier for you to spot opportunities for citizen development initiatives. 

Tech-Savvy Digital Skills

You do not need any coding knowledge or programming experience to become a citizen developer. But you need to be somewhat tech-savvy and be comfortable using new software.

If you’re the type of person who hates working on a computer and struggles to find files or convert documents to different formats, citizen development probably isn’t for you.

Citizen developers don’t get flustered or upset when their company decides to use a new project management tool or switches graphical building tools. If you’re comfortable using your company’s existing applications for work-related tasks, there’s a good chance you’ll be comfortable building new applications too.

Self-Motivation

Many organizations do whatever they can to empower citizen developers. But at the end of the day, taking the initiative will fall on your shoulders. 

You must have the motivation to step away from your day-to-day responsibilities to work on automations and workflow improvements. 

Managers won’t be breathing down your neck or checking in to make sure you’re meeting deadlines for the applications you’re building. They care more about your actual job-related tasks. 

But self-motivated workers who are willing to go above and beyond their duties to be successful are usually the best citizen developers. 

Ability to Collaborate With Other Business Users

Citizen development projects don’t always happen in a vacuum. Sure, there are definitely times when you can create your own solution that helps improve a task or workflow that’s only related to your job. But most citizen development projects impact more than one person, and in some cases, they can impact an entire team.

You must be able to clearly articulate how your automation or workflow improves a process. Be prepared to explain how things work to your team as the workflow is being rolled out.

Sometimes a team member might give you some pushback or resistance. You must be able to communicate well and make sure your solution isn’t a burden on anyone else. 

In some cases, this requires some clear communication and collaboration before you begin creating any new applications. You might even need to reach out to another department or team member for assistance. 

Working well with others is an important skill for citizen developers. 

Ability to Follow Instructions

Application development is a sequential and detail-oriented process, even if you’re using a no-code app builder. 

You’ll come across situations where you don’t know exactly how to complete a certain function or task on the tool you’re using. That’s 100% normal and to be expected. 

In these situations, you need to rely on self-help articles and tutorials that walk you through the steps for your desired action. Maybe you want to set up an integration using a third-party API. Or maybe you want the output of your automation to be put in a different format. 

Whatever the end result might be, the ability to follow directions on your own is crucial. This is something you’ll be doing often as a citizen developer. 

Final Thoughts

Becoming a citizen developer is exciting. It’s a great way to expand your skills and contribute to your organization at a higher level. You can make a big impact on your company and also make yourself more appealing for a promotion or new job opportunity. 

If it sounds like becoming a citizen developer is right for you, just follow the five simple steps explained in this guide. 

For employers and managers looking for new tools to empower citizen development teams, check out BuildFire’s workflow app builder. You can try it for free with a 14-day trial.

Pro Tips For Effective iOS App Testing

App testing is one of the most important parts of the iOS application development process. 

Each iOS device is somewhat unique. There are dozens of Apple iPhone products on the market, each with different screen sizes, iOS versions, hardware, and feature capabilities. This means that you’ll have lots to test for and potential issues to debug.

Truthfully, application testing is important for any software development project, including applications for Android devices and macOS. 

But for the purposes of this guide, we’re going to narrow that focus to Apple mobile devices and explain what you must know to effectively test your iOS apps.

What is iOS App Testing?

The term iOS app testing refers to tests run on any iPhone or iPad application. iOS app testing is the process of testing apps built for Apple devices. It involves testing for bugs, user interface issues, functionality, behavior, and any general performance problems that can impact the quality of the application.

The goal of iOS app testing is to deliver the best possible user experience. By identifying and resolving issues before the app gets in the hands of real users, you can debug and fix problems that would otherwise prevent people from downloading, accessing, or using the app.

There are lots of different ways to approach iOS app testing. Depending on your app development method, you might use a combination of different testing tools.

You can hire quality assurance agents and use real testers to see how the app performs while it’s in use. Alternatively, you can use an iOS simulator or take advantage of the built-in debugging tools in Xcode. 

Testing your app using multiple methods is the best way to ensure it performs at the highest level and runs bug-free. No app is perfect, and you’ll ultimately find more bugs and issues throughout the lifetime of your app. But getting the app to market with as few problems as possible will set you up for success in the long run. 

What to Look For When Testing iOS Apps

Before you start testing an iPhone or iPad app for the Apple App Store, there are certain factors that you must understand. You can use this checklist of pro tips and best practices for effective iOS app testing:

• Apple has lots of different iOS devices on the market. So you need to consider different screen sizes and orientations during the testing process to ensure the app fits a range of screens.

• Think about the different types of devices under the iOS umbrella. Consider the screen resolutions and how those devices differ from each other (like iPhone UI testing vs. iPad UI testing).

• Find out if the app is crashing or freezing during use. If so, what is causing the issue? In some cases, it could be a similar function or in-app action that causes a crash every time. Getting to the root cause of the issue will help you debug the error. 

• Look for potential security issues within the app. What types of vulnerabilities does your iOS app have for a breach? Is there sensitive internal data or user information that could be the target?

• Try to identify any memory leaks, which are blocks of memory that the application no longer uses. These often cause an iOS app to crash. 

• Make sure the app is compatible with new iOS versions. As Apple continues to release new versions of software, your app must stay up to date with those releases to ensure compatibility. 

• Test all of your push notifications and see if the push notification permission alerts are being displayed properly. This alert should only be shown to the user one time. 

• Use beta testing to see if real users are satisfied with the app before it gets released to the general public. 

All of these tips will make your life much easier as you’re going through the iOS app testing process.

Testing 3 Main Types of iOS Apps

As previously mentioned, there are lots of different options to test an iOS app. The best mobile app testing option for you typically depends on the type of app you’re building and your development path. So before you begin any manual testing or start running an emulator, let’s look at a quick overview of each type of iOS app:

Mobile Web Applications

Web apps are an enhanced version of a mobile website. They only require a web browser to be run and used on a user’s mobile device. Many popular web applications are built with Javascript and can be accessed with a URL. 

Native Apps

Native mobile apps are typically built using the native API for Apple’s official iOS software development kit (SDK). Native iOS apps leverage the UI components in the SDK and also leverage built-in device features like internal cameras, microphones, GPS, Bluetooth, and more.

Hybrid Apps

As the name implies, hybrid apps are a mix between web and native. They do have some native UI components and offer a native experience to the end-user. But they give app developers a bit more freedom in terms of creating the app using web technology. 

Different Ways to Go About iOS App Testing

There are lots of different approaches to iOS application testing. To simplify those options, we can break them down into simulator categories. Below we’ll compare manual testing with automated testing and emulators vs. simulators. 

Manual or Automated Testing?

Manual app test cases are done “by hand.” This process requires a real device, like an iPhone or iPad. Then the tester will run through a set of instructions and scenarios to see how the app performs. 

The goal of a manual test is to verify the functionality of the app scripts for different use cases. Many manual tests require the testers to go through different in-app flows to mimic how users would actually use the app for its intended purposes. 

Manual tests can also be used in an exploratory fashion, helping to determine what other types of tests can be run moving forward.

The downside of manual testing is the time and effort required. Each time a change is made, having to go back to retest the entire app functionality isn’t always realistic. That’s when manual testing comes into play. 

You can use different automation frameworks and tools to help you through this process. But for the most part, automated tests can be segmented into two categories:

• Unit Testing — Unit tests use code to focus on one component of the iOS application in isolation. These tests take that single component through different variables to see if it responds with the correct values. Unit tests are ideal for identifying and fixing bugs in the early stages of development. This will ultimately save time and money if you can fix these issues early, as opposed to after the UI design has been implemented. 

• End-to-End Testing — End-to-end tests are intended to simulate a real user experience. Testers will use the entire application stack, including network requests and backend server functions to see how everything responds to the simulation. 

Both of these types of automated tests are important to run as you’re testing iOS apps.

Emulators or Simulators?

The terms emulator and simulator are often confused with each other, but the two tools are not interchangeable. 

App simulators are designed to create an environment that mimics the behavior and configurations of an actual iOS device. Emulators duplicate all of the hardware and software features of a real device. 

In short, simulators provide basic device behaviors, and emulators duplicate the exact thing as the iPhone or iPad would exist in the real world.

Many iOS app emulators and simulators are web-based, meaning you can use them from a web browser like Safari or Chrome. But neither is a true replacement for testing on a real device. 

Can You Test iOS Apps On Windows?

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to have an iPhone or even Mac to test an iOS app. There are plenty of platforms out there that let you conduct iOS app testing from a Windows machine. Many of these tools double as a solution to test Android apps as well. 

We have a complete guide on the best iOS simulators for Windows. The list includes Appetize, iPadian, Smartface, AIR iPhone, and Remoted iOS Simulator for Windows PC.

You can refer to that guide to compare the pros, cons, and pricing of each tool. From there, you can determine which one is best for your unique scenario.

With that said, testing iOS apps on Windows is somewhat rare. Most iOS apps should be tested from an Apple device. But if you’re in a pinch and don’t have one at your disposal, you can still run effective iOS app tests from a Windows computer. 

Conclusion

Running tests on your iOS application is important. Getting these tests done throughout the development process will make your life much easier in the long run.

The key idea here is to identify and fix as many issues as possible before the app gets into the hands of real users. People just won’t put up with an app that’s constantly crashing, has bugs, and doesn’t work as advertised. 

It’s also worth noting that perfection is near impossible. Even the best and most popular apps in the world have bugs and crash when they’re being run on an iOS device. So don’t get discouraged if your code has some issues. You can always fix minor issues with new releases of the app as problems arise down the road. 

With so many things to test for, developers and quality assurance agents must pick a testing method that makes the most sense for their application. 

If you’re still in the preliminary stages of app development and haven’t started building anything just yet, BuildFire can save you a ton of time and money. BuildFire’s no-code app development platform makes it easy for anyone to create an app, and all of the technical requirements on the backend are handled for you.

You can also leave the entire development process, including tests and updates, to the professionals. With BuildFire Plus, our expert development and design team will create a custom app for you and manage it post-launch. So you’ll never have to worry about testing or debugging. 

Sign up for a 14-day free trial or request a free app strategy session to get started.

You have a great idea for an app. Now what?

While it might be a great premise, you need to figure out how you’ll get it to market. Building apps takes more than just an idea.

So, what’s the first step in mobile app development? It depends.

Some of you might want to create your first app alone. But you don’t know how to code an app or have any programming skills, for that matter. Is it even possible to create apps if you lack the basics of coding language? Do you need to start with an app for beginners?

Here’s the honest truth.

If you want to learn how to code an app, it’s going to be hard. But you can definitely learn to code your first app in less than 30 days.

You can use these skills to create your own app and even other apps down the road. Like most things worth learning, the more you dedicate yourself, the faster your results will be.

What is Mobile App Development?

Mobile app development is the process of creating software applications for mobile devices. 

The roots of application development stem from traditional software development (like software for computers). But apps for smartphones and tablets are made to utilize the built-in features and hardware of mobile devices. This includes cameras, GPS, Bluetooth, and more.

In terms of programming language, creating an app for users on mobile is different from creating software for computers. With that said, a web development background can make it easier to code a mobile app.

The mobile app industry is booming, and apps are expected to generate over $935 billion in revenue by 2023. The fast-growing mobile trends have made it attractive for businesses and entrepreneurs to build apps for such a wide range of use cases.

Can You Code an App Yourself?

You can definitely code an app yourself. In fact, you can do this without any required professional learning. Lots of people self-teach themselves to code and get a solid foundation in programming from open source projects. 

With that said, it all depends on your goal. If you want to learn to code, then going through active development steps, testing a list of functions, and getting your feet wet with a new programming environment is fine.

But if you want to create an app for real users, using an app maker or DIY app builder is the recommended route. These make it possible to build an app without learning Python, C++, or other languages. 

Using an app maker allows anyone to create an app from scratch—no coding or app development skills are required. 

Coding an App For iOS

iOS apps are for Apple stores. 

Xcode is the original IDE (integrated development environment) for iOS and Mac applications. Swift is Apple’s newest programming language, and you can use it to code an iOS app in Xcode. But both of these were developed by Apple, and each one holds the same core fundamentals of coding an app for iOS.  

Coding an App For Android

Android development is a completely separate process from iOS development. So if you want to create an app for both platforms, you need to code two apps from scratch (unless you’re using a no-code app maker).

Android has fewer restrictions than Apple for coding. But it’s still very technical. To code an app for Android, you’ll need to use Android Studio—the official IDE for Android development. 

The Best Tools To Help You Code an App

Using an app-building tool speeds up the coding process. It lowers the barrier to entry into app development, and beginners won’t need to learn a programming language. Some of you may want to rely on app building sites, while others may prefer low-code/no-code development platforms.

Here are some options to consider:

BuildFire

BuildFire is the most powerful app maker for iOS and Android. It doesn’t require any advanced concepts, coding skills, or technical knowledge.

You can use BuildFire to create an app from scratch without writing a single line of code. Everything is managed in a web-based dashboard that’s really easy to use. Just start with a template, add your features, and customize the content. 

What makes BuildFire unique compared to other app builders is its limitless functionality. If there’s a custom function you want that isn’t available in the feature marketplace, the BuildFire team can create it for you.

It’s the perfect option for anyone who wants to get their feet wet with no code development. Try it for free with a 14-day trial.

React Native

React Native is an open source Javascript framework. The tool is made for creating web apps, iOS apps, Android apps, Windows applications, TV applications, and more. 

This is technically a hybrid platform, meaning you can create an application using the same language and source code for multiple deployments. But it does have lots of native features (hence the name).

Unlike an app builder, React Native does require coding skills and programming knowledge. You can potentially re-use a block of code or helper functions to speed up the learning process, but you still need to learn how to code.

Xamarin

Xamarin is another open-source application building platform. The company is owned by Microsoft, and it allows developers to leverage the .NET body of functions to create apps for Android, iOS, smart TVs, wearables, and more. 

Similar to React Native, Xamarin does require coding skills and programming knowledge. This means that you’ll need to learn the .NET concepts and C# language to create apps using this tool. But you won’t need to create multiple versions of your app for iOS and Android.

Sencha

Sencha is a cross-platform tool for application design and development. But unlike other tools on this list, Sencha is a better option for web apps as opposed to iOS and Android mobile apps. 

It’s also a popular choice for developers that want to test data-intensive web applications. 

6 Basics Steps to Create an App

All app projects follow the same basic path. Beginner developers can follow these app idea tips and steps below to get started. Even a single person with no coding skills can follow this formula and bring their app ideas to life if they’re using the right tools.

1. Coming Up With an Idea

Some of you might already have an app idea. Others might need to brainstorm for app ideas. 

Regardless of your situation, you need to come up with the core concepts of your mobile application before you can proceed. A blank project can be intimidating. But moving forward is much easier when you have a path to follow.

• Are you creating a brand new app concept?
• Is your app solving a problem or pain point?
• Does the app improve your business or extend an existing service?

These are some good questions to ask yourself during the creative process.

If you need some inspiration to stand out from the crowd, we have a list of creative business ideas for women that’s a great brainstorming resource for aspiring entrepreneurs.

2. Understanding Your Market

Your app is likely going to enter a competitive market, regardless of the app type or industry. You must take the time to identify a target market and see how you’re going to carve out a market share based on differentiation. 

Do you have massive competitors like Amazon and Walmart? Or are you competing with smaller niche apps?

Reference the app stores to see what apps in your category have the most downloads and take a look at those app reviews as well

3. Wireframes and Design

Design mockups and wireframes are crucial to the app-building process. 

There are plenty of online graphic design tools you can use for a wireframe. Balsamiq and Figma are two popular options. You can also use tools like Photoshop or Sketch. 

The first version of your wireframe can even start as a handwritten doodle on paper.

4. Prototyping Your Idea

Prototypes bring your app to life. The purpose of a prototype is to demonstrate the app’s function and design, but without any functional code. So you’re not quite putting learning into practice just yet with any coding skills.

Most prototypes are high-fidelity digital versions of the app that are clickable. This gives you a chance to see the user interfaces before the app actually gets built.

There should be a distinct difference between the wireframes and prototypes. Wireframes are the initial skeleton, while prototypes are meant to show more visual representation.

5. User Testing

Building an app with user feedback throughout the development process is crucial for success. You don’t need to wait until the app is done to start your QA process and get actual user feedback.

But before the final deployment, you need to send the app to actual users before the app goes live for download. This is the best way to identify bugs and any UX/UI issues. 

It’s in your best interest to have a large enough user testing group, so the user feedback isn’t limited to an isolated area.

6. Publishing and Marketing

The most successful applications have an app marketing plan in place prior to launch. Start promoting the app early, so users are eager to download it once it’s available.

Don’t forget to budget for marketing during the initial planning stages. Your app could be amazing, but it’s useless if nobody knows about it.

There are plenty of ways to market your app. You can run PPC campaigns, focus on app store optimization (ASO), promote on social media, drive traffic to your website, promote via forums—the list goes on and on.   

How Long Does it Take to Make an App?

Apps can be built in 30 days, three months, six months, or sometimes longer than a year. It all depends on the type of app and its complexities.

As a beginner, you can use an app maker to get to market quickly without learning a programming language, hiring app developers, or working with app designers.

But if you’re coding an app from scratch on your own, it will take a bit longer. Take advantage of app management tools for your project. This will ensure you’re meeting deadlines and keep everyone on track.

If your app is going to have user profiles, use GPS, have user messaging features, store credit card information, and things like that, then it would take longer to develop compared to a basic calculator app.

Submitting to Google Play and App Store

Pushing the app to users is the final part of your app development journey. To do this, you need to make it available for download on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

With BuildFire, we’ll take care of the publishing process on your behalf. Just let us know when the app is done, and we’ll get it live on both stores.

This is such a valuable service because getting apps published on your own can be tricky for beginners. The Apple App Store and Google Play Store each have different publishing rules and guidelines that must be followed.

Here’s a quick overview of those requirements and nuances:

Google Play

• Sign up for Play App Signing
• Compress your app so the file size is 150 MB or less
• Set proper versioning
• Prepare promotional materials
• Upload assets

You can view more information here about publishing on Android Studio.

App Store

• Complete app information and metadata
• Enable backend services
• Review Apple’s guidelines to ensure your app complies
• Choose a category
• Provide an active demo

Generally speaking, Apple’s requirements are stricter than Google. So you must follow the instructions closely or you’ll risk getting rejected. Here are the full App Store Review Guidelines.

Final Thoughts

Building an app isn’t an overnight process. But app creation is a highly profitable business venture that can benefit existing companies and startups alike. 

Learning to code is a valuable skill. But it takes time. Using an app builder is a better alternative if your goal is to launch an app for real users and business purposes. Not only does this speed up the development timeline, but it also saves you money.

Sign up for BuildFire today and start your 14-day free trial—no coding required. 

You want to build a mobile application.

Where do you start?

If you don’t know how to code, you’re going to need to hire someone to do it for you.

So the search begins to find an app developer.

Even if you built an app in the past, you may not have had the best experience with your developer.

This guide is perfect for you as well.

I’ll tell you exactly what you need to do to find a developer that’s going to give you the app that you’re looking for.

But let me perfectly honest with you, it’s not easy.

There are lots of factors that go into hiring a developer.

So just make sure that you don’t skip any of the steps, and you’re very thorough.

You’re going to be working with this person for a long time and giving them lots of money.

The last thing you want to happen is to get halfway through the development process and realize you chose the wrong person.

Or even worse, they develop a final product that you’re not happy with.

Believe me, I’ve seen this happen countless times.

All of this can be avoided if you hire the right person.

Here’s what you need to know.

Continue reading “How to Hire a Mobile App Developer (A Definitive Guide)”

Everyone wants to make the next great mobile application.

It can be an extremely profitable way to make some money if you know what you’re doing.

If you’ve got a great mobile app idea and decided to consult with a developer or an app development company, you may have been surprised to hear how costly it is to outsource development.

So that’s when the thought hit you, “I can just do learn to do this myself.”

I can relate.

It’s the reason why I studied code and started building mobile apps.

But where do you start?

Depending on your current situation and intentions, there are a few different routes you can go.

I’ll make sure to cover all of these scenarios throughout this complete beginner guide to mobile app development.

We’ll even cover topics like how to estimate the cost of building mobile apps.

While the development process for building mobile and web apps may sound intimidating, it’s really just like anything else. If you practice and put the time in, it will get much easier.

Plus, it helps to have some guidance from an expert in the field (that’s where I come in).

Here’s everything you need to know to become a developer and make your own apps.

So…why do you want to become a mobile app developer?

OK. So you’re probably aware of how popular mobile apps are.

But just how many apps are there?

Let’s take a look at some information from Statista.

Don’t be intimidated by the number of apps available across different mobile platforms.

Sure, you’ll have some competition, but the majority of these likely won’t be in your industry.

Plus, lots of apps out there are complete duds.

You won’t have to worry about competing against those either.

With that said, it’s important that you have a clear goal before you become a developer.

Here are a few common scenarios:

• You want to build your own startup company
• You’re trying to be a freelancer or run a mobile app development shop (mobile development services are in high demand)
• You are a business owner that doesn’t have the funds to outsource app development
• You’re an aspiring citizen developer

Chances are, you fall somewhere within these examples. Regardless of your scenario, it’s worth noting that mobile app developers come in all different shapes and sizes. Throughout the development world, there’s a high demand for iOS and Android app development, along with development needs for multiple platforms, including hybrid mobile apps. There are Android developers who double as web developers. If you follow this path, you can learn to build a web app and Android apps simultaneously.

Let’s say you have the next big idea.

You want to take that concept and build an app to become the next Snapchat or Instagram.

If you fall into this category, I sincerely admire your ambition.

This won’t be an easy route, but if you’re successful, it could potentially be the most profitable.

In this case, you’ll need to learn how to do everything from scratch.

You’ll also want to consider how you plan to make money from your app.

Relying on paid downloads might not be your best option.

In fact, the majority of mobile applications are available for free.

So before you dive in head first, make sure you think about your strategy for generating a profit.

For those of you that want to be a freelance app builder or start your own app store, this isn’t something you need to worry about.

You’ll make money by charging clients to build apps for them.

If you’ve got the marketing skills as well, you can double as a consultant and charge more for your services.

In this case, it’s probably not the worst idea for you to know some different strategies to make money.

Or you can just stick to familiarizing yourself with the best tools for mobile app designers.

Let’s talk about the business owners who want to build an app as an extension of their current brand, business, or website.

What’s your budget?

The majority businesses plan to budget between $250,000 and $500,000 over the next 12 to 18 months.

Does this sound too high to you?

It’s not.

Your location is relevant to how much it’s going to cost to develop your app.

If you’re located in North America, expect to pay roughly $150 per hour if you’re planning to hire someone to build your iOS mobile app.

So unless you’re planning to take a trip to Indonesia, it won’t be inexpensive.

On average, an app will take about 7-9 months to build and cost you about $270,000.

That’s an unrealistic number for some businesses.

Your company may not even be able to secure a $200,000 line of credit, never mind pay over $250,000 for an app.

So what’s the solution?

Follow my guide, and I’ll show you the most cost effective ways to develop your own app if you don’t have the funds to pay someone else to do it.

Option #1: Just learn how to code everything

If you want to become a mobile app developer, learning to code is your first option.

It’s not required for everyone, but for some of you, this will be the best route.

I’m speaking to those of you who want to build the next Instagram or Snapchat.

Here’s the good news, you don’t need to go back to school to learn code.

There are some great resources online that teach you how to code for free.

I’ll show you my favorite ones.

Team Treehouse offers a free trial for a week to new users.

So you can learn to code from your own computer, anywhere with a Wi-Fi connection.

Here’s how their system works.

They have thousands of videos to teach users the basics of coding.

After you watch the videos, you’ll take quizzes to test your knowledge.

Then, Team Treehouse gives you the tools needed to practice coding with interactive challenges.

The platform is super clean and really easy to use, especially for beginners.

Code Academy is another one of my favorites.

Their platform also has interactive tools that will teach you the coding basics for your mobile application.

Let’s take a step back for a minute.

Before you commit the time and teach yourself how to code, you should learn the basics of developing a minimum viable product (MVP).

Are you familiar with the lean startup methodology?

It’s a solution for shortening the cycles of product development.

Why should you consider this?

In short, it can save you money in the big picture.

Here’s a scenario.

A company has a great idea for a product, or in your case, a mobile application.

You could spend months or potentially years perfecting the app and spending hundreds of thousands of dollars to develop it.

Then your big moment comes – it’s finally launch day.

All your hard work is about to pay off, right?

Not necessarily.

The consumer market could reject the idea, and your startup fails.

So, rather than asking yourself, “Can I build this app?” ask, “Should I build this app?”

Here’s a visual representation of this cycle.

You’ll constantly conduct research and get customer feedback throughout the process.

That way you can make the necessary changes along the way to minimize any inefficiency before a large-scale release.

Using the learn startup methodology will also let you know early on if you should continue developing your app or just cut your losses and avoid major failure.

1. Build
2. Measure
3. Learn

If you can do these three things continuously, it’s worth it to learn how to code for your startup company.

Option #2: Use app builders

App builders are perfect for existing business owners who want to use a mobile application to enhance their company. It’s the best option if you want to launch an app fast.

You may not have the budget to pay over $200,000 for someone else to build it for you.

Learning how to code probably isn’t an option either due to the time constraints of running a company.

App builders are also ideal for entrepreneurs and freelancers who want to make some money building apps for other businesses.

Both of these scenarios require zero coding skills if you find the right app maker.

So where do you start?

Look for existing templates and examples of generic applications.

I know I’m biased (obviously) but BuildFire has tons of great templates to fit your business.

Regardless of your business type or industry, you’ll be able to find a template to get you started.

You could always design a template from scratch, but personally, I think it’s much easier to work off of an existing design.

So what space is your company in?

• Ecommerce
• Restaurant
• Entertainment
• Real Estate
• Small Business
• Non profit

The options go on and on.

For those of you who want to build apps for other businesses, app building tools like this give you the option to work with multiple templates all on the same platform.

It’s easy.

So you won’t need to learn how to code, you’ll just have to get good at navigating through the website and figure out what works best for your clients.

Then you can just white label the app to make money by selling it to the businesses you’re working with.

Let’s take this one step further.

What if your clients want customized features that aren’t in the generic templates?

Not a problem.

Take advantage of BuildFire’s pro services team.

Reach out directly to our experts.

We’ll spend one on one time with you to figure out exactly what you’re looking for.

Once everything is decided on, we build the app for you.

Then you can just resell it to your clients make a profit without having to do the bulk of the work.

This is ideal for people who have a large list of clients.

If you have to do all of the work yourself, it’s nearly impossible to scale.

So here’s your solution.

Use the BuildFire white labeling service.

We build the apps, and you can sell it branded as your own.

That way you can spend the majority of your time and effort to get new customers.

You might make fewer margins, but this system is much more scalable.

Over time, this model is sustainable and will generate long-term profitability.

Option #3: Use app builders and some coding (using BF SDK)

The third choice for becoming a mobile app developer involves a combination of our last two options.

You can use an app building service and use some coding.

I’m referring to the BuildFire software development kit.

Instead of having our team build the app for you, this kit can teach you how to build it yourself.

Once you learn how to add custom features for your clients, you’ll be able to generate more profit.

Now, this will take more time and effort compared to our last option, but it all depends on your personal preference.

You may not be able to work with as many clients, but you’ll have higher margins on each project.

Using app builders and coding like the BuildFire SDK will also give you the opportunity to build plugins.

What’s a plugin?

It’s an added extension to an existing application.

They add more functionality to the user experience and can help generate more profits.

Here’s an example.

Let’s say you have an ecommerce business and want to develop a mobile app for your company.

You can use the Shopify plugin to add features to your store.

You’ll have different options while navigating the SDK.

You can add:

• 3rd party developer plugins
• Plugins created by BuildFire
• Customized plugins built on your own

If you’re going to take the time to learn some code through an app builder, you should consider including a plugin with your designs.

Conclusion

Becoming a mobile app developer is much easier than it sounds.

Depending on your situation, you’ve got lots of options to choose from.

Learning how to build mobile apps are ideal for people who:

• Want to build their own startup company
• Are trying to create apps for other businesses
• Own a business and can’t afford to outsource development

Virtually everyone today has their mobile devices within an arm’s reach. Most of us sleep with a mobile device next to our head every night.

How do people spend time on their phone?

They’re using mobile apps. This graphic reinforces how important it is for you to get involved in this space.

There’s a tremendous opportunity for profit in the mobile app development field.

If you’re trying to launch a startup company, it’s in your best interest to learn how to code everything from scratch.

That’s not necessarily the easiest route, but it’s the most realistic.

Fortunately, you won’t have to go back to school to do this.

There are plenty of online tools like the options that we discussed earlier that can teach you how to code from your own computer.

App builders are perfect for business owners who don’t have the funds to pay a developer.

Just look for a generic template based on your industry and add the features you need.

For a more customized experience, you can work with the BuildFire pro services team directly.

If you’re an entrepreneur who wants to make money by selling apps to other businesses, take advantage of the white labeling services.

We’ll build your app.

All you have to do is brand it yourself and sell it to your clients.

This will give you a chance to grow your client list and scale your revenue stream.

But, if you want to learn the app development process from an app builder, just download the software development kit.

You can also learn how to add plugins to generate more profits.

Which option will you choose on your path to becoming a mobile app developer?