subject: The Mobile Application Process [print this page] Today's fast-paced technology environment means fierce competition among Smartphone providers to keep up with the trends, or in some instances, set them. The most common Smartphone manufacturers are Apple, Android and Blackberry. Each has been able to set themselves apart in the marketplace by offering software, features and applications that help them to standout from the pack.
The very nature of a Smartphone implies its capabilities are beyond merely sending and receiving phone calls; Smartphones have the ability to allow users access to applications that transform the phone into a device capable of handling electronic communication, utilities, multimedia, productivity, advertising opportunities, travel and games.
Once the mobile application process begins there are a variety of steps that need to be taken to insure proper development and functionality for the user, the client. Although the mobile application development can take many forms, a common development outline would begin with the application structure.
Within the application structure, the splash, welcome and subsequent screens would be listed along with specific requirements for each screen. This outline accounts for the application's (app) structure moving forward for development. Once the application structure has been established, it is necessary to begin organizing the development cycles. Development cycles are commonly known as sprints, where each sprint accomplishes specific development milestones. The sprints are considered for each Smartphone platform, and take into account the specific requirements and needs of each platform during development. After the development process is complete the app is ready to undergo user acceptance testing. During this phase, the app will undergo a rigorous set of testing sequences set out by the developer. Any known bugs will be fixed and the app will be retested to ensure proper user acceptance. Only after the user acceptance testing process and with approval from the client can the app be packaged for each platform's app stores.
Following a specific structure and development process helps to ensure, for both the developer and client, that the app will function as specified during the requirements gathering sessions.
Developing and adhering to a specific structure during development lessens the possibility of errors that may occur. It also gives the client a better prospective of what and when part of the app development is expected to be completed. Using a sprint structure when developing allows the developer to push out interim builds faster and with increased efficiency. The mobile application development process is a complicated one, and requires adherence to sprints and development outline in order to maintain the production schedule.
