About Mobile Apps.

About Mobile Application

Talking about the mobile applications, the first thing that comes to mind are the apps like Whats app, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Gmail,  etc that we use in our everyday life.                                                                                       

1.2. Introduction of mobile apps.
          A mobile application or app is a computer programs or software application designed to run on a mobile device such as a Phone, Tablet, or Watch. Mobile applications often stand in contrast to Desktop application which are designed to run on Desktop computer and Web-applications which run in mobile web browsers rather than directly on the mobile device. A mobile application, most commonly known as an app, is a kind of application software intended to run on a mobile phone, for example, a smartphone or tablet PC. Apps are generally downloaded from App stores, which are a type of digital distribution platforms.
Mobile apps are majorly developed for 3 Operating System. :
- Android  
- IOS
- Windows
1.3. Types of mobile application
:

    There are three basic types of mobile apps if we categorize them by the technology used to     code them:
    a)    Native app:

 A native application is a software program that is developed for use on a particular platform or device. A native app installs directly on a mobile device. Data associated with the native app is stored on the device or remotely such as in cloud-based storage. Whats-app, spottily, Magneto 2 POS (Point of Sale), Pokemon Go, etc are native apps.
    b)   
Web-based app:
A web-based application is any program that is accessed over a network connection using HTTP, rather than existing within a device’s memory. Google docs, Microsoft office, Netflix, Trello, etc are web-based apps.
     c)     Hybrid app:
A hybrid app is a software application that combines elements of both native apps and web applications. Twitter, Gmail, Ever note,
Instagram, Apple app store, etc are hybrid apps.

1.4 Distribution of Mobile apps:

The ideal marketing platforms, the following are some of the best app distribution channels to use to promote mobile apps:

a)    App stores:
App stores are essentially marketplaces for mobile apps, enabling consumers to easily browse, download, and install the apps they like, which could be free or come with a price tag. When people visit an app store, they’re likely actively searching for an app to immediately download or purchase. 
b)    Social Media:
Many social media platforms can serve as app promotion sites. Social media is free to use for businesses as app distribution channels. You can simply create an account on the desired platform and use it to connect with your audiences in fun and engaging ways. 
c)     Email marketing:
Email marketing is one of the most effective app distribution channels because users are likely already interested in your app if they wind up in your contact list.
d)    Advertising:
 It’s important to remember that you need to plan your campaigns very thoroughly before you run your ads. Start by determining which channels to use and then decide on the visuals and messaging that will speak to your audience.
e)     Content marketing:
Content marketing is another great way to connect with your audience, as mobile app contents gives some value to the audience as they search for more information.
f)      Amazon app store:
The Amazon App store is only available on Android devices, and is reloaded onto Fire tablets and phones.
g)    Samsung Galaxy Store:
The Samsung Galaxy Store comes preinstalled on all devices manufactured by Samsung.
h)    Apple app store:
Apple app store is developed by Apple, and only available on iOS devices.
1.4. Advantages and disadvantages of Mobile apps:
 Advantages and disadvantages of Mobile apps are as follows:

Advantages	Disadvantages
Little to no waiting time for the customers.	Need android and iOS applications and listings.
Apps consistently remind the customers of business.	Update and maintenance efforts are multiplied.
Apps keep the customers or the users hooked.	Mobile apps don’t substitute a website.
Apps tend to bring down the cost of marketing	Native applications don’t help with SEO.
Apps offer more value to the customers.	Consumers might have trouble finding application.
Apps help strengthen the brand.	Application store listings can be challenging.
Apps help you connect better with the customers.	Need for regular updates.
Apps help you push your profits up.	Doesn’t help search engine optimization.
App can be turned into a social platform etc.	Costly investment etc.

 
References: 

1. Code Complete: A Practical Handbook of Software Construction, 2nd Edition by Steve McConnell
2. Soft Skills: The Software Developer’s Life Manual, 1st Edition by John Sonmez
3. Mobile App Development with HTML5
4. Mobile Apps Made Simple: The Ultimate Guide to Quickly Creating, Designing and Utilizing Mobile Apps for Your Business, 2nd Edition by Jonathan McCallister