We operate in an ever changing landscape of technology and consumer demands. It is increasingly important for our site to establish a presence that is able to engage and communicate with our customers while building brand awareness through relevant and useful content. Our blogs are an illustration of our stories, our work and the passion that we share to build the best software. We want to reflect all the positive energy we have built throughout the years to each and every customer through our story sharing, our blogs.

Enjoy TENTON’s experience through a series of little narrative.

Blog

How to Find a Mobile App Developer?

In 2023, people worldwide downloaded over 257 billion apps. That’s an average of 32 app downloads per person. And while the number of apps a person uses daily keeps growing, small businesses, brands, corporations, and startups are searching for developers to build their own apps. This increase in demand for apps is reflected in the market for app developers. In the United States alone, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 25% increase in demand for them in the next two years—a much more significant increase than in other professions.

However, as the pool of app developers grows, it has become more challenging for business owners to find a reliable developer. And if you are an entrepreneur, business owner, or project manager reckoning how to find app developers, you have come to the right place.

In this article, we will discuss the steps to find a good app developer, how to prepare, and how to avoid common pitfalls. 

What Is an App Developer?

App developers are software engineers specializing in designing, building, and maintaining mobile, desktop, or web applications. 

They use various programming languages and tools to translate ideas into functional, user-friendly applications. At the heart of their craft lies their ability to understand the concept of the business or brand they are working for and translate it into a functional tool that solves the needs of its users. 

Before Hiring an App Developer

Before you start your search for the best app developer, you need to take three critical steps. Let’s explore each in detail.   

1. Outline project scope 

The first (and most crucial) step is to define your project’s scope. In this step, you detail your app’s goals, features, and the audience pain points it will solve. 

You will have a few brainstorming sessions with your team during this time. Based on these meetings, you will create a list of the app’s must-have and nice-to-have functionalities. By doing so, you will have a clearer vision of your app, which will then help you communicate more effectively to the app developers you will hire.

Besides, having a clear overview of your app will help you keep the development process within the timeline and budget.  

2. Decide on the type of the app you need

Now that you have a clear idea of what your app will envision, you should decide on the type of app you want to build. This step will help you identify the kind of developer you need, how long the development process will last, and the overall cost of the app.

Broadly speaking, you must identify whether you need a native, web, or hybrid app. To ease your decision, consider your target audience, the user experience you wish to provide, and the app’s intended functionality. Addressing these points will allow you to make an informed decision on the type of app that best suits your needs.

3. Allocate budget for app development 

With a clear vision of what your app will be about and how it will be built, it is time to define how much money you want to invest. To tackle this, start by researching and comparing costs associated with apps and the development process you want to employ on your app (for example, native apps are more expensive than web apps).

During this process, you must be realistic about your budget and allocate a sum to unforeseen expenses. Now that you have a defined budget narrowing your search for an app developer will be easier. 

How To Find Mobile App Developers In 5 Steps?

Now that you know what you want, how you want it, and how much you are willing to pay, it is time to roll up your sleeves and find the adequate app developer to bring your idea to life. Below, we will discuss how to find the perfect match in 5 steps. 

1. Conduct research

Of course, your journey to hire the best app developer starts by researching the market. With an estimated 26.4 million developers worldwide, the pool of app developers is broad and deep. To narrow down the search, start by identifying developers with expertise in the type of app you want to create (if you want a native app, then search for developers specialized in that).

You can use online platforms such as LinkedIn, GitHub, and industry-specific forums to find professionals with the right skills. Because you already know how much you want to invest in your app, narrow the search to developers whose prices are within your range.

2. Ask for their portfolio

Once you’ve identified potential developers, your next step is to examine their skills in depth. The best start here is a portfolio of past projects. Going through the developer’s portfolio will help you understand the developer’s aesthetic style, complexity of work, and experience executing projects similar to yours.

Scanning through their past projects will give you an idea of whether your project can be part of the portfolio in the future. 

3. Ask for client testimonials 

Now that you know their skills, it is time to assess their reliability and professionalism by contacting past clients or asking for testimonials. Client testimonials are crucial as they offer first-hand insights into the developer’s working style, communication skills, and ability to deliver projects on time and within budget.

When you learn about past clients’ experiences with the developers you want to hire, making informed decisions and setting realistic expectations for this collaboration will be easier. 

4. Decide on the partnership model

Assuming that portfolio and client testimonials allowed you to decide who you want to hire, we now go to the bottom of the funnel to select a developer for your app.

If you want to stamp your collaboration, you must decide on a collaboration model. Developers and/or development agencies offer a range of collaboration models, including fixed—price contracts, time and materials contracts, full-time partners, and external consultants.

While each model has its benefits and drawbacks, you need to select a partnership model that falls within the complexity of your project and budget. 

5. Agree on the budget and project timeline beforehand 

Now, it is time to move on to the last step before you hire an app developer: setting the budget’s scope and defining the project timeline. Here, you must have a written agreement detailing all the essential details of your collaboration—the budget, collaboration model, project timeline, and milestones.

With a signed contract in hand, expectations are better managed on both sides and provide security if anything goes south. 

Conclusion

Finding a mobile app developer who will bring your app idea to life is not an easy task. However, you can find the perfect fit with careful planning, thorough research, and defined expectations. With the right developer by your side, your app can be the pathway to (the digital) success of your business. 

FAQs

How to avoid common pitfalls when hiring an app developer?

To avoid the common pitfalls when hiring a developer, pay close attention to their communication skills, the professionalism of their portfolio, and the integrity of their client testimonials. Also, be aware of unrealistic promises for quick turnarounds and prices lower than the market rate. These red flags can indicate the developer’s expertise and professionalism are compromised. 

How much does it cost to build an app?

The cost of building an app varies depending on its complexity, platform (iOS, Android, or both), and the developer’s location and expertise. While simple apps can cost as little as $10,000, more complex projects can exceed $100,000.

Mobile App Development Trends of 2024

Since smartphones became mainstream, mobile apps have become an integral part of our modern life—we use them to track our health, read the news, shop, and connect with friends and family, just to name a few. And as we increasingly rely on mobile apps to manage our lives, brands, and businesses are eager to jump on the digitizing wagon.

However, as the demand to develop apps keeps going up, developers face the challenge of staying updated with the latest mobile development trends and meeting the ever-growing expectations of users.

If you are one of them, you came to the right place. This article will present the latest mobile development trends and how to leverage them to develop superb mobile applications. 

6 Mobile Apps Trends in 2024

The remarkable technological progress, the advancement in user interface design, and the global shift towards personalized digital experiences are transforming the mobile app landscape. Stemming from a growing necessity for developers to deliver innovative and fresh experiences, these trends signal the future direction of the mobile app development industry. We present the six mobile development app trends in 2024 to stay abreast of these latest developments. 

Integrated voice recognition and command

We all used Siri, Google Assistant, or Alexa at least once to shortcut our way into interacting with technology. Now, as more and more people use them, developers are understanding the power of these AI-enabled voice operations.

The rise of voice recognition in mobile app development stems from advancements in natural language processing (NLP) models and large language models (LLM), which allow the technology to respond to human speech in a more intelligent and nuanced manner. 

The speech-to-text and text-to-speech functionalities used to perform in-app actions such as ordering food, sending messages, or making calls provide a competitive edge for mobile apps to cater to the growing demand for hands-free interaction. Beyond the convenience of app use, such features enhance the accessibility of apps for individuals with disabilities. 

Artificial intelligence 

Everyone is aware of the AI boom in the past two years, a trend that shows no signs of stopping. While so far, AI has been mainly used for chatbots, photo editors, and virtual assistant apps, in 2024, we expect a wider net of apps integrating apps. 

AI is revolutionizing the app development in several ways:

  1. It can make the mobile app development process faster and more comprehensive.
  2. AI can understand user behavior and predict future needs, as such enhancing user engagement and satisfaction.
  3. AI-driven analytics provide advanced insights into app performance and user preferences, allowing developers to innovate.

However, AI’s power is just beginning, and it is expected that AI will provide app developers with many more opportunities in the future. 

AR integration

Augmented reality (AR) is another cutting-edge mobile development trend in 2024. Its rise to fame came from its unprecedented ability to provide an immersive and interactive user experience. While the technology gained traction mainly in the gaming industry, it is also used in education, retail, and healthcare today. For example, retail apps are integrating AR, allowing customers to visualize products before they buy them (think online clothes shopping with the ability to try the clothes first). 

While we are just beginning AR integration in 2024, as AR becomes even more sophisticated, we expect its integration into mobile apps to open new avenues for creativity and functionality. Thus, it will be a groundbreaking technology that will transform how we perceive and interact with the digital world. 

Internet of things 

With the global Internet of Things (IoT) market reaching $318 billion in 2023, of which $226 billion is attributed to software, including mobile apps, it’s clear that the sector is experiencing significant growth. This surge is underscored by a 58% increase from 2020, with projections suggesting that IoT technology revenue will exceed $1.6 trillion by 2025. That’s why, in 2024, the growth of mobile apps within the IoT sphere is expected to grow beyond household devices to automobiles, display devices, healthcare, and more, indicating a broad market potential.

Moreover, IoT has a significant influence in the industrial sector as it can enhance predictive maintenance, inventory management, and supply chain monitoring, thereby promoting safety and growth in the construction, mining, manufacturing, and energy industries. All in all, IoT is a technology that will take off further in 2024. 

Beacon technology 

Since its inception with iBeacon in 2013 and Eddystone in 2015, beacon technology has been at the top of the conversation in the mobile app development sphere. Data shows beacon technology experiencing exponential growth, underscoring a 48.9% compound annual growth rate (CAGR). By the end of 2026, the beacon technology market is projected to grow to $31.61 billion. This uptick in market value demonstrates the potential of this technology in various sectors.

Integrating beacon technology in mobile apps has many benefits, especially for service industries like hospitals, hotels, restaurants, and pharmacies—businesses heavily dependent on local clients. Beacon technology-enabled apps provide highly relevant location-based services that could positively influence the consumers’ experience. Similarly, in emergencies, these apps can prove decisive in delivering timely and effective intervention, often resulting in life-saving assistance.

5G

The deployment of 5G, leveraging on low latency and high speed, is undoubtedly a massive step towards a better digital experience. Due to this high-speed connectivity, you should watch 5G-enabled apps that promise to change how we interact with technology. Also, the dawning of 5G will result in highly accurate location trackers since their superb coverage and connectivity create opportunities for developing precise GPS-enabled apps. 

In addition to communications, the impact of 5G technology in industries like healthcare, transportation, and entertainment will lead to new ways in which innovations in app development will enhance how we live, work, and play. 

Conclusion

If there is one thing to take away, the new technology is reshaping the mobile app development industry, further customizing the user experience. Developers should be aware of new developments as the industry continues to evolve to stay ahead of their competition. These trends, by themselves, are ample sources of novel ideas and approaches to enhance users’ interaction with the device and provide more personalized and efficient solutions that meet users’ needs. These technologies are promising for the mobile app industry as they present novel opportunities for technology to get more integrated into our daily lives. 

FAQs

What is the future of mobile apps?

The mobile app development industry is projected to grow even further due to novel technologies such as AI, 5G, and IoT. This transformation will make apps more customized, people-centered, and vocational, gradually becoming an inherent part of life and extending the frontiers of what apps can do. 

Will AI change the way mobile apps are developed?

AI is projected to be the driving force of mobile app development by facilitating sophisticated, individualized apps that can provide personalized experiences based on users’ interactions. Integrated with predictive analytics, natural language processing, and automation, among other advanced features, AI is seen to fundamentally change the way apps are designed and managed.

How to Create a Successful Mobile Application in 2024?

In the age of the radical digital revolution, more and more businesses are investing their resources into developing mobile apps. However, with a plethora of apps flooding the market, the question lies: how to build a mobile app that will stand out from the crowd.

Although it is imperative to understand the route of programming languages, platforms, and technologies, starting an app-building enterprise requires more than that. It is a blend of art and science, mixing business knowledge, strategy thinking, and a deep understanding of the target audience’s behaviors and needs.

Whether you are a startup taking its first step or an established business expanding into the digital domain, this article outlines how to build a mobile app in 2024. In this article, we will not delve into the technical aspects of app development. Instead, we will focus on the strategic paths and significant factors necessary to turn your idea into a successful app.

7 Steps to Create a Successful Mobile App in 2024

Building a mobile app is more than just coding. The process begins with your vision for the app and then continues with the strategic tactics that turn your vision into a viable app. In what follows, we detail the seven steps to develop a successful mobile application.

1. Define your app’s purpose

After deciding to develop a successful app, the first thing to do is define its purpose in detail. Discovering the why of your app is crucial for the development process. The guide will ensure every feature, upgrade, and even marketing effort is aligned with the app’s goal. 

To dig deep into what your app is about, start by asking these questions:

  • Why are we motivated to create this mobile app?
  • What specific need or problem will it address for our users?
  • How does this align with our broader business objectives?

Remember, every successful app serves a distinct purpose. This purpose usually lies at the intersection of users’ needs and business objectives.

2. Understand your target audience

Next, it is time to be aware of your app users’ needs after you have elucidated your app’s objective. This is because the essence of your mobile app’s value lies in its ability to resonate with its target audience. In other words, your app should be there to solve users’ struggles or fulfill their needs. Without a clear understanding of how your app benefits its users, convincing them of its value becomes an uphill battle.

To stop this from happening, you should research your audience. You can do so by understanding their: 

  • demographics (age, gender, location, educational background, etc)
  • interests and hobbies
  • behavioral patterns, and 
  • needs and challenges they face.

Based on this information, you will have a clear picture of the people you are targeting.

3. Research your competitors

Before you focus on the technical aspect, you should research your competition. This will help you understand your niche’s current market landscape.

Compile a list of direct and indirect competitors to start with your competitor’s analysis. In this list, you should include any app that serves a similar purpose or targets the same audience. Go beyond the surface and try to grasp their strategy, user feedback, pricing models, marketing efforts, and unique value propositions.

Here are some of the focal points you should spend time on in your competitor’s analysis:

  • Analyze user reviews and ratings to gather insights about the needs of the audience; 
  • Analyze their app features to identify any gap areas in their offering that you can cover; 
  • Observe their marketing strategy to understand where they meet their audience and what messages resonate with their audience; 
  • Study their monetization tactics to understand the logic behind generating revenues’
  • Conduct a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) analysis so you understand your competitive advantage compared to your audience. 

After having such information in your hands, your vision for the app will be much clearer.

4. Choose the right app development approach 

Now, it is time to get into the technical part: deciding on the app development approach you want to build your app. In general, there are three main types of app development: web apps, native apps, and hybrid apps. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, so it is up to you to decide which one suits you. To make such a decision, you must balance your target audience’s preferences and resources.

For example, if your user research and competitor analysis reveal a predominance of iPhone users among your audience, then native iOS development emerges as the prime path for your project. This is because native apps can leverage the full potential of the device’s hardware, enhancing performance and user experience. On the flip side, if your findings indicate a diverse user base spread across multiple platforms, a hybrid app will be a strategic choice. 

5. Define the app’s key features and functions 

Next, you should craft a clear roadmap of critical features and functions the app must include to fulfill its intended role. This stage often involves creating a comprehensive list that encapsulates all necessary functionalities for your app to meet its objectives, serving as a foundation for developing a Minimum Viable Product (MVP). An MVP, by design, strips the app down to its core, essential features, and functions.

At this juncture, your primary focus should be on integrating features and functions that deliver real value. Consider a wide array of potential users to make the app universally appealing and helpful. Start with functionalities that streamline the user experience, such as simplifying the app download process with a QR code. As the app evolves, you can introduce additional features based on user input and emerging needs.

6. Invest in the app’s maintenance and security 

Unfortunately, app development doesn’t have a finish line. On the contrary, it is an ongoing work that requires regular maintenance and updates on security—a task businesses tend to oversee. It is a crucial step that allows the app to enhance its performance based on user feedback and keep up with technological advancement. It also ensures any bugs or errors are swiftly rectified. These proactive steps are essential for preserving an optimal user experience and safeguarding the app against potential security breaches.

At the same time, as cyber threats are rising, security investment is non-negotiable. Security measures are even more significant if your app handles sensitive user data. This will ensure user privacy and corporate data integrity are not compromised. Otherwise, you will face substantial losses financially and in terms of your brand reputation.

7. Prepare an ASO strategy

An ASO (app store optimization) strategy for apps is the equivalent of an SEO strategy for a website. It helps apps stand out from crowded marketplaces. Through an ASO strategy, you can increase your app’s ranking in the app store search results, boosting your app’s discovery chances. 

To develop a successful ASO strategy, you must thoroughly analyze keywords and the target audience’s search behaviors. You update your app’s title, description, and metadata based on those insights.

Moreover, ASO helps with user engagement and retention. As per your ASO strategy, you should focus on uploading quality and relevant screenshots and videos to your app page and encourage loyal users to leave reviews.

Conclusion

In today’s busy world, creating a successful app is about more than just a great idea. Launching a mobile application to market has become a complex and risky endeavor. From figuring out your app’s purpose and understanding your audience to investing in security and preparing an ASO strategy, each stage is a key module of the app-building process. By implementing each step with intention, you will build an app that resonates with users and stands the test of time.

8 Benefits of Native App Development

The mobile app landscape is highly competitive, making it crucial to leverage the right development approach. Exploring the benefits of native app development leads to superior performance and seamless user experiences. 

In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the advantages of this approach. Let’s dive in.

What Is a Native App?

Native mobile apps are software programs intelligently designed to fully utilize critical mobile operating systems such as iOS and Android. 

Developed using the platforms’ specific programming languages and in compliance with strict requirements, these applications are seamlessly integrated with the device’s hardware and software and provide outstanding performance, high stability, and an immersive user experience.

Benefits of Native App Development

Now that you understand what a native app is, let’s consider the specific benefits of native app development.

  1. Enhanced performance

In terms of performance, one of the best features of native mobile apps is that they are very much known for their efficiency in real-time. Unlike other hybrid solutions that rely on third-party software, native apps are crafted to harness the full potential of their target platform. 

Platform-specific programming languages, such as Swift (for iOS) or Java and Kotlin ( for Android), can be utilized together with native APIs. This allows these applications to effectively work with the device’s hardware and software, hence providing a smooth and responsive experience.

The result? A lightning-fast loading time, smooth animations, and a performance that completely disorients cross-platforms, leaving them in the dust. This unparalleled strength comes as a result of the app’s straight engagement with the OS, granting it access to the device’s processing power and memory management capabilities.

  1. Seamless user experience

Native mobile app development provides an amazing user experience due to its full compliance with the design guidelines of each mobile platform. Native user interfaces and interactions align, resulting in seamless and intuitive interactions that merge well with the user’s existing mental model. 

This is expressed in the dedication to the platform’s design specifics, ensuring a polished and refined experience where every gesture feels tailored to the user’s expectations. 

In a world where superior user experiences have become the key to success, native mobile development is the best option. This approach aims to provide a deeply integrated experience that fosters familiarity and engagement.

  1. Unlimited access to device features 

Another compelling virtue of native mobile app development is its ability to address almost all device capabilities and features, such as camera, GPS, biometrics, NFC, and AR. 

This high level of integration allows application developers to build amazing experiences that go beyond the limits of hybrid or multi-platforms. In other words, native apps are deeply integrated with the devices’ core functionality, as they can offer personalized, frictionless, and powerful user experiences that feel like an organic extension of the device itself. 

Finally, the lack of cross-platform compatibility constraints allows developers to explore the depths of each platform’s toolbox and thus unlock a world of possibilities for customization.

  1. Offline functionalities  

In our constantly changing reality of fast-paced digital life, accessing online content with limited or no connection is still crucial.

Native mobile apps excel in this regard by outperforming any web-based counterpart. These applications lead to a more diverse mobile ecosystem by storing and retrieving data locally, empowering users to access a wealth of functionalities offline, such as gaming, reading, map navigation, and more.

Additionally, native apps take advantage of intelligent caching mechanisms. This makes the apps work much faster and provides astonishing responsiveness. This accessibility, combined with the fast performance, elevates the user experience to new heights, fostering engagement and loyalty.

  1. Unparalleled user engagement

In today’s digital world, attracting and keeping the consumer’s attention is a never-ending endeavor. With the recent evolution of native mobile apps that use the unique advantages of push notifications to keep users active and up-to-date, this technology has finally found its true calling. 

When you send subscribers timely reminders, tailored offers, and real-time information, their devices are ready for you. These targeted notifications create a persistent connection with the app, even when not actively used.

One of the options that native apps provide is the ability to customize notification preferences. This allows users to strike a balance between being well-informed and maintaining their privacy and safety at the highest level.

Moreover, native apps leverage intelligent caching mechanisms, dramatically reducing load times and providing unparalleled responsiveness. 

  1. Robust security

With the increasing sophistication of cyber threats, strong data security is now essential for any digital solution to succeed. Native mobile apps offer excellent protection by utilizing the inherent safety measures in their operating systems and being exceptionally watchful when it comes to safeguarding user data.

By utilizing top-of-the-line encryption, authentication protocols, and thoroughly vetted native APIs, these apps create an impenetrable defense against illicit entry and data breaches.

With the assurance of solid security being a crucial aspect in modern consumer trust dynamics, mobile applications created natively instill unwavering confidence by providing unparalleled safeguarding for highly confidential information.

  1. Reduced risk of bugs and compatibility issues

Constructing solid and dependable software is a perpetual pursuit, and native mobile app development offers a distinct advantage in this domain. 

By using platform-specific SDKs, which are created and rigorously tested by giant app development companies like Apple and Google, native apps are less likely to allow bugs and compatibility issues that would arise with the use of cross-platform and hybrid solutions.

Unlike third-party frameworks, which can cause inconsistencies, native SDKs are carefully coded to suit the host operating system’s requirements. This reduces the attack surface for potential bugs and provides a smooth user experience.

  1. Elevated Visibility through App Store Optimization

Success in the digital marketplace hinges on discoverability. The good news is that both native and hybrid apps can utilize app store optimization (ASO) to increase their visibility, appeal to their intended audience, and capture attention.

Developers can enhance the likelihood of being featured in relevant search results and captivating potential users by attentively crafting app titles, descriptions, keywords, and visuals. 

Furthermore, optimizing icon design strategies, localized app listings, and proactively requesting positive user reviews strengthen an application’s discoverability, cultivating natural growth that leads to long-term triumphs.

Although progressive web apps (PWAs) don’t receive advantages from app store distribution, native and hybrid applications can utilize these influential platforms to enhance their scope and interact with a worldwide audience.

Final Thoughts

Native app development remains the apex of performance, user experience, and scalability in today’s dynamic mobile technology world. Leveraging platform-specific technologies and industry-leading practices yields apps that are foundations for innovation in the future; these integrate seamlessly with reliable security features and unbeatable capabilities to captivate their audiences. 

Though cost-intensive upfront, native development engenders unmatched dividends, empowering businesses with digital experiences that resonate with users—a must-have for sustained success within this fiercely competitive space.

What Is Native App Development?: A Guide

What Is Native App Development? A Guide

In the hyper-digital world we live in today, apps are the tools that dominate every aspect of our lives. For the developers who work on them, the decision on how to approach the app development can make or break the app’s success. In this guide, we will question what is native app development and understand its benefits, challenges, and strategic advantages.

Understanding What Is Native Development 

With an array of options available, from web to hybrid applications, finding the path that leads to an optimal blend of performance, user engagement, and platform integration can be daunting.

Besides, the pressing demand for apps to enhance user interaction by performing seamlessly across different devices and leveraging the full potential of the device’s hardware makes the choice even harder.

However, in recent years, native app development has entered the scene of app development, promising to address these issues by offering applications tailor-made for specific platforms. 

What Are Native Apps?

Native apps are software applications created for specific mobile operating systems. These include Android for Samsung, Google, and other brands and iOS for Apple devices. 

Using the languages and tools designed for those platforms — Java and Kotlin for Android and Swift and Swift UI for iOS — these apps excel in performance and user experience. This comes mainly from their opportunity to access hardware and software features directly.

On top of that, native apps can work offline, while web apps need internet access to provide their functionalities. This way, users can access the app’s features and content even when disconnected from the internet. 

Another characteristic of native apps is integrating the push notification system from the operating system. By doing so, businesses can reach out directly to the users, driving up user engagement and retention. 

Due to these enhanced features, native applications have slowly become popular among developers striving to assemble intuitive, high-quality mobile applications.

Native Apps vs. Web Apps

One of the main differences between native apps and web apps is how they access the device’s hardware and software. While native apps get installed directly into the mobile device, the web apps need a web browser to access them. Due to this, web apps tend to be slower and need more access to device capabilities.

However, web apps are famous among developers due to their universal accessibility. As long as you have a web browser on your device, you can access the web app. This universal access also makes maintenance easy since there is one codebase for all platforms, making maintenance hassle-free. 

The major drawback of web apps is their dependency on a stable internet connection. On top of this, web apps lag behind native apps in performance as their speed is tight to the speed of the internet connection of the person accessing the app. 

Native Apps vs. Hybrid Apps

Native apps are like custom-tailored suits, explicitly designed for a device’s operating system to ensure they fit perfectly, offering fast performance and full access to the phone’s features.

On the other hand, hybrid apps are like off-the-rack suits; they aim to fit many different devices simultaneously, combining web technologies wrapped in a native container. While convenient, hybrids can’t quite match the perfect fit or performance of a native app.

As the name suggests, hybrid apps blend web technologies such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript with native app elements. Such integration allows these apps to run on multiple platforms with a single codebase. This makes them quicker and less costly to develop compared to native apps. 

Hybrid apps can access some device features through plugins, balance performance and flexibility, and are easier to update. Many changes can be deployed directly from the web without updating the app through a store. However, they may not provide as smooth of a user experience or as full access to device capabilities as native apps do.

4 Benefits of Native App Development 

Like crafting a masterpiece, native app development offers benefits that significantly elevate the mobile experience. These advantages range from superior performance to unparalleled access to device capabilities, a more intuitive user interface, and robust security features. These elements are critical in why developers and companies invest in native applications.

Let’s dive deeper into how these benefits manifest and impact the app development process.

1. Performance Advantages

Some developers consider native apps as the sports cars of the app world — built for speed and precision. All jokes aside, native apps are indeed optimized for speed as developers make them using the platform’s native programming language. 

This design-for-the-platform approach harnesses the device processor’s full power, resulting in a smooth, responsive user experience without waiting between loading times.

For developers, this means creating highly responsive applications that can easily handle complex operations and graphics-intensive tasks. As a result, this sets the bar high in terms of user expectations.

2. Access to Full Device Functionality and APIs

The nature of how native apps are developed allows them to fully access the device’s hardware and software features. Unlike hybrid apps, when developing native apps, it feels like you have a master key for all the cool gadgets your phone boasts. From cameras and microphones to GPS and accelerometers, there isn’t a feature of the device you can’t access. 

For the creative minds programming these apps, the opportunities this full access to devices features go beyond coding. It is about creating an experience that allows the users to engage with the app more personally and intuitively.

3. Enhanced User Experience and Interface

In our digital-driven world, just as when we interact in our offline world, the first impression of opening the app plays an important role. It’s all about the vibe they give off – do they feel right at home on your phone, or do they stick out like a sore thumb? 

Native apps get this. They’re like the perfect guests, fitting in smoothly because they follow the house rules of your device’s operating system. From how they look to how you swipe, tap, or scroll, native apps make the navigational patterns, gestures, and animations consistent with other native apps. This makes the app incredibly intuitive to use. 

For the folks behind the scenes, such access allows them to create apps that users can easily use, directly contributing to higher user satisfaction and retention. 

4. Security Features

In a world being swept by digitalization, the security of the information we share online is more important than ever — especially for apps that require people to add their personal information. 

Again, native apps have an edge compared to web or hybrid apps due to their ability to take full advantage of the platform’s security features. From encrypted data storage to secure data transmission and integrated authentication mechanisms, native apps run in a resilient framework that protects user data.

For the tech wizards creating these apps, native apps provide a tight safety net that users trust with their data. This way, they can build apps that people are not afraid to use and share information with. 

Challenges in Native App Development 

While native app development has its fair share of advantages, it also comes with some challenges developers face while programming them.

Understanding these challenges is crucial for any team embarking on native app development, as they can directly impact the project’s timeline, budget, and overall management.

Let’s delve into more detail on the main obstacles of native apps.  

Development Cost

Developing a native app is like planning a custom-built home for iOS and Android lands. You need architects who speak the local dialects fluently — Swift for Apple and Kotlin or Java for Android. Such expertise usually doesn’t come cheap.

Besides, just like custom homes, crafting apps that feel right at home on each platform involves a lot of tailored work — from unique designs to specialized functionalities. This means more work hours clocked in for development and testing, which translates to a higher bill. 

For the smaller players in the game, like startups, these added costs can build a steep financial mountain. Ultimately, this requires a mix of strategic foresight and carefully planned budgets. 

Time-consuming Process

Developing native apps is a marathon, not a sprint. The need to create separate apps for iOS and Android platforms doubles the effort, as each app must be designed, coded, and tested within its unique ecosystem. 

This duplication of work extends the development timeline significantly, especially when striving for feature parity across platforms.

Updates and maintenance add another layer of time commitment. Each platform’s app requires individual attention whenever changes are made. Such prolonged timelines can delay market entry, miss timely opportunities, or allow competitors to gain ground. 

Need for Multiple Codebases

Picture this: you have a restaurant with two separate kitchens; one serves French cuisine, and the other specializes in authentic Japanese dishes. Building native apps is pretty much like this. You must master cooking (read: developing) for iOS and Android. 

This means that you need to master two very different recipes, each with its own set of ingredients and techniques. The tricky thing is that you are not cooking two meals. Instead, you are running two culinary worlds, each with its rhythm, culture, and language.

The duplication of effort increases the risk of inconsistencies and bugs, as changes made in one app must be mirrored in the other. Of course, this is a time-consuming process and prone to human error. This approach demands a diverse skill set from the development team, as they need to be proficient in the languages and tools of both ecosystems.

The Future of Native App Development 

As technology progresses, the future of native app development has never been more promising. Thanks to emerging trends and leaps in mobile hardware, we expect that native apps will be fully integrated into our daily lives.

For one, augmented reality (AR) can turn smartphones into a magic window that seamlessly blends digital and physical worlds. Another game changer is Artificial intelligence (AI), which helps make apps more intelligent and more personalized as we interact with them. 

Then, there’s the evolution of mobile devices with more powerful processors and sensors. These open new possibilities for developers to create even more immersive and interactive experiences. Thanks to the hardware progress, native apps will harness even greater power, offering functionalities that were once the stuff of science fiction. 

Conclusion

In the rapidly evolving digital landscape, native app development stands as a cornerstone, blending unmatched performance with a user-centric approach. As we’ve explored, what is native app development goes beyond its technical interface. Its significance is undeniably rooted in delivering seamless, intuitive experiences tailored to the very fabric of our devices.

Beyond just developing apps, native apps provide an opportunity to craft future-ready digital experiences that resonate deeply with users today and tomorrow.

FAQs

What is the difference between native and hybrid app development?

Native apps are developed using the platform’s specific language and tools, while hybrid apps are created using a single codebase for all platforms.

How long does it take to develop a native app?

The development time for a native app can vary widely, typically ranging from a few months to over a year, depending on the app’s complexity and features.

Can I convert my web app into a native app?

Yes, you can convert a web app into a native app, but it requires rebuilding it using the native programming languages of the desired platforms.

Top 10 Most Popular Programming Languages

Nowadays, everything that surrounds us is about the great inventions that happen almost every day. 

The computer is known as the most significant invention, and scientists have gained it as their most preferred toy, and they are playing it very reasonably. 

As the most sophisticated invention, the computer only understands instructions that are written in a specific syntactic form that is called a programming language.

 Just imagine how many pieces of hardware and software are there that need to communicate with each other. It takes time and dedication for a programmer to “speak and understand” programming languages. 

The creation of programming languages was a revolutionary step that took the field, the way we connected to the world, to a whole another level. 

The difference between other languages and programming languages in terms of the use of keywords is limited. Only when a developer combines these keywords can he/she create different types of programs.

A developer can make the computer draw complex shapes and excellent computer graphics along with programming and coding. By coding and programming, a developer can create and send content worldwide, matching the client’s preferences to their website by meeting their style.

Not to mention that with code and programming, a developer can create intelligent home applications and way too much art that can be covered with computer engineering and computer science.

What are the top 10 demanded programming languages? 

1. Python

Python (pronounced ˈpīˌTHän), was created by Guido Van Rossum. This programming language’s design philosophy emphasizes code readability with its notable use of significant whitespace.

Python is known as a high-level and general-purpose programming language. It helps programmers to write clear, logical code for both small and large-scale projects.

As a programming language, Python is described as a “batteries included” language due to its comprehensive standard library.

2. SQL 

SQL (pronounced “ess – que – el”) stands for Structured Query Language. This language is used to communicate with a database.  

How does it function? SQL updates data on a database or recoup data from a database. 

The top database management systems that use SQL are Oracle, Sybase, Microsoft SQL Server, Access, Ingres, etc.

Everything that someone needs to do with a database, the SQL language has the standard commands required to be used, such as Select, Insert, Update, Delete, Create, and Drop.

3. Java

JAVA (pronounced “jäʹ-və”) is a cross-platform programming language. Sun Microsystems developed it (a leading company in computers used as Web servers, usually called Sun.) 

Java is known as a high-level programming language for creating web applications. 

Java programs are multiplatform, which means that they can run on different platforms, and it is known as an object-oriented programming language.

4. HTML

HTML (pronounced “aitch-tee-em-ell”) stands for Hypertext Markup Language. HTML is a language that is used to create web pages. Sparing its name in two “Hypertext” refers to the hyperlinks that an HTML page may contain. And the “Markup Language” refers to the way tags are used to define the page layout and elements within the page.

5. XML

XML (pronounced “ˌeks em ˈel”) stands for Extensible Markup Language. XML is a system that is used for marking the structure of text on a computer. The simplest example is when creating website pages while using XML, we can develop formats and electronically share structured data through the public internet.

6. C

C (pronounced “si”) stands for Combined Programming Language. Regarding the earlier version of UNIX that Ken Thompson wrote was in a language called B. It was, in turn, a simplified version of a language called BCPL – Basic Combined Programming Language.

After Dennis Ritchie joined the team, he developed a better language than B, which will be used as a successor of B, and they named it C. 

C is a high-level programming language for developing firmware or portable applications. 

7. C++

C++ (pronounced “siːˌplʌsˈplʌs”) C++ stands, or it means Increment C by 1. As C++ originally was called C with classes, we understand that it was built as an extension of the C language. 

C++ is another high-level programming language for graphical applications. 

The control C++ gives the user over system resources, enabling a skilled coder to write a quick and way more powerful program than a similar program written in another programming language.

8. C#

C# (pronounced see sharp) was designed to work with Microsoft’s .Net platform. It is an object-oriented programming language that focuses on combining the computing power of C++ with the programming ease of Visual Basic. 

Keeping in mind that programmers can build an existing code rather than duplicating it, the C# Language is expected to make it faster and less expensive to get new products and services to the market.

9. JavaScript

JavaScript (pronounced “ˈjävəskript”) was developed by Netscape to add dynamics and interactive elements to websites. 

JavaScript is a programming language used in web development, a client-side scripting language that can produce an error message before any information is transmitted to the server. The functions of JavaScript can run after a web page has been loaded without communicating with the server. 

10. PHP

Rasmus Lerdorf created PHP (pronounced pi-eitch-pi). It initially stands for Personal Home Page; after some time, it changed to Hypertext Pre-processor.

PHP is known as a general-purpose scripting language suitable for web development. It is used to develop Static websites or Dynamic websites or Web applications.  

PHP scripts can only be interpreted on a server that has PHP installed. The client computers accessing the PHP scripts only require a web browser.

Being a developer must be the most reliable connection between the task and the executer. It requires a lot of concentration, a lot of effort, and a lot of your time. 

Time is money, so start creating yourself a profession that gives you back your time. Being a developer is one of those job positions that gives you back your time and money.

Top Mobile Application Development Trends in 2021

If you are running a business, you should know that being part of the internet makes your business grow faster and more robust. 

The pandemic almost ruined everything for many businesses but made it a matter of survival for companies to go offline to online. 

Not only did the internet offer this way of survival, but it also created opportunities for startups to enter e-commerce, healthcare, finance, and many other industries merely by developing a mobile application.

During 2020-2021 trends were popping out, and it was and still is continuing to be hard to follow them, and why not become a new trend. Developing an Android or iPhone mobile application is a basic task for developers, but creating it through the latest mobile app trends and becoming a new trend could be tedious. 

Mobile app technology trends reveal app users’ expectations and technologies in demand in the industry in the upcoming time. So this is the part where developers brainstorm and try to create an app that is prepared to demand in the sector; chances for this app to succeed are higher. 

Nowadays, you should keep in mind that an effective mobile strategy involves more than just a mobile-friendly website. To be in the first line of trends, you must know what helps you be in that line. Below you can find some trends which will determine the future of mobile app development. 

1. WEARABLE DEVICES

In the last decade, we have noticed massive popularity in wearable technology, including smartwatches, activity trackers, and smart clothing. 

Wearable devices have become a trend since both customers and companies are wearing various devices for various applications. Wearable technologies allow us to monitor our fitness levels, track our GPS location, and view text messages. 

These devices are hands-free and portable, eliminating the need to take our devices out of our pockets, bags, and purses. 

Wearable devices are connected to our smart devices, transmitting the information to them and allowing us to view it. 

From nonexistent to being everywhere, wearable devices are among the top trends and innovative types of technology. 

2. M – COMMERCE

M-commerce is one of the significant influencers that accelerate business growth. Mobile commerce brings a simple, accessible, and user-friendly shopping experience to the customers. 

Mobile commerce can also be used as a method to enhance overall revenue and increase the customer base. 

The studies show that consumers surf the internet via their phones more than they do with their computers. The mobile is a pocket-friendly device that is available 24/7 for any individual. 

3. MOTION AND LOCATION SENSING

Today, most mobile phones have location sensor capabilities that use multiple positioning methods to provide different location data granularities. 

Motion sensing apps are used and very much needed in security, anti-theft, power-saving, and games. Motion-sensing is exceptionally used by fitness applications, which help capture an individual-jumping, running, or walking activities. Having this motion can also determine your heart rate.

And location sensing is helpful in Geotagging, Games, Vehicle navigation, and fitness apps.

4. INNOVATIVE MOBILE USER EXPERIENCE DESIGN

Mobile app designers create solutions to meet mobile users’ requirements and restrictions. A business app to remain popular needs to display data and content on its mobile user interface for a sound user experience. 

An innovative mobile user experience design should give users what they want and need – fast results with minimal effort. 

Designers nowadays are creating apps that can accommodate mobile challenges, such as partial user attention and interruption.

Apps should exploit technologies with novel features such as interactive content layers, circular design patterns, cards, and content manipulation. 

5. APPLICATION PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT (APM)

Application Performance Management is a monitoring software suite comprising digital experience monitoring, application discovery, tracing and diagnostics, and purpose-built artificial intelligence for IT operations.

It provides visibility into app behavior to determine which app features are being successfully exploited.

With the application landscape and enterprise infrastructures shifting to the cloud, APM tools face increased challenges to provide genuine performance benefit across systems with virtual parameters. Modern enterprises require robust mechanisms to monitor resources used by applications, correlate that data with meaningful user insights, and align performance with business processes.

Mobile applications using the latest technology and trends have become an integral element of the digital ecosystem. 

It requires a lot of effort, work, and enthusiasm to create and maintain a business application that wants to be on top of trends for a long time. All businesses should keep close attention to these trends and many more others that help design a great mobile application.

Vizita e kryetarit të Lëvizjes Vetëvendosje në Tenton

     Gjatës ditës së djeshme në Tenton përveç punës dhe aktiviteteve rutinore, patëm edhe një takim ku patëm rastin të prezantonim punën tonë.
Patëm një vizitë të këndshmë nga kryetari i lëvizjes Vetëvendsoje Albin Kurtin, së bashku me delegacionin e tij.
Me vizitën e kryetarit të lëvizjes Albin Kurti zhvilluam një bisedë rreth digjitalizimit të bizneseve dhe zhvillimin e sektorit të IT-së në Kosovë.

Gjatë takimit si rrjedhojë e bisedës patëm kohë të diskutojmë edhe për mbështetjen që qeverisja e re do t’i ofrojë ndërrmarrësit e rinjë në fushën e teknologjisë. Mbështetje kjo që është mëse e nevojshme për të gjitha bizneset, sidomos në fushën e teknologjisë.

Me pak mbështetje dhe me pune konstante mund të forcojmë komunitetin e teknologjisë dukshëm, gjithmonë duke hapur rrugë për bashkepunime të reja mes organeve shtetërore, institucioneve, dhe ndërmarrjeve të reja që kontribuojnë në digjitalizimin e proceseve të ndryshme në shoqërinë tonë.

Takime dhe diskutime të tilla na inkurajojnë të vazhdojmë me punën ashtu si ne dijmë më së miri.
Vizioni ynë shkon shpeshherë përtej pritshmërive tona dhe atëherë puna dhe mundi ynë shpërblehet kur ofrojmë zgjidhje në anën teknologjike tek përdoruesit.

Ne gjithmonë do të punojmë me përkushtim të plotë për të zgjidhur probleme nga më të ndryshme përmes digjitalizimit dhe të kontribuojmë në një zhvillim të mëtutjeshëm në këtë fushë, së bashku.


Ekipi i Tentonit mirëpret të gjithë ata që duan të diskutojnë më tepër për punën dhe veprimtarinë e kompanisë sonë.

A journey through Tenton’s projects

Tenton develops websites through web design, web content, web engineering, e-commerce, etc. This journey will soon be bigger, full of innovative projects that always come from the heart of our team.

We make sure that the very best ideas are being developed and delivered to the users to make their life entertaining and comfortable. 

Operating with many projects worldwide, Tenton has managed to spare some time and effort to create great applications that are being used in Kosovo with great success. 

Let’s have a little journey to see how these applications have changed people’s lives.

AUTOSHKOLLA

One of the top things in people’s “to-do list” in life is having a Driving License. Thousands of people are now drivers, thanks to the Autoshkolla application. 

How is that?

The Autoshkolla RKS enables you to prepare for the theoretical part of obtaining a Driver’s License through question-marking tests and alternatives, as well as traffic signs and rules in a straightforward and fast way.

That’s not all of it; the Autoshkolla app has three learning categories: tests, questions, and the literature. Another category, Play and Learn, keep candidates focused as much as entertained.

Candidates that use the Autoshkolla app always end up having 100% success on the Final Test.

The Autoshkolla app is easy to use, and people find it very practical to learn from the application, as it is more like a digitalization-book.

KARTELA

Markets and Supermarkets are the ones that keep all the good things for us when we are home and chilling, right? All the food, the snacks, hygiene products, everything! 

Time by time, they spoil us with different offers, sales, new products, etc. But people were never fans of flayers at their door and their cars. Also, all the loyalty cards were taking a lot of space in our wallets. People needed a better solution.

Tenton created the Kartela app that can play both roles, the flayers and the loyalty cards. 

There is no need to throw out paper, flayers, being overwhelmed with different cards, and sometimes not knowing their functionality.

Using the Kartela app emptied the wallet of redundant cards and replaced them by storing them in a single application.

Also, the Kartela app detects the origin of products from the barcode; this way, you are notified of the country of its origin.

MARKETI

A platform that connects the seller and the buyer in a fast and straightforward way. Marketi helps sellers sell their products and use the chat feature to share details with buyers. 

If you are interested in any product, you can go to Marketi and search for the products that are for sale. You can also post the product you want to sell.

The application feature is the communication platform between buyers and sellers; they can exchange messages and make deal-purchase deals. Fast, easy, buyers find the products they need as retailers can develop their online businesses within the app.

PREFIX

Kosovo is growing in small steps, but as long as it has the youth to work for its future, it will be growing big.

For so many years, Kosovo did not have its own International Calling Code, so the people of Kosovo used other countries’ prefixes to deliver and receive calls such as +377, +386, and +381.

Switching to our code was a great thing to happen, but it was supposed to be switched manually for each number, and this was a massive challenge for everyone.

Tenton developed an application that could switch the prefix to +383 automatically. 

The prefix application helped people convert numbers all at once; no matter if their contact list would have 100 or 1000 people in it, the application would convert numbers. 

This saved people a few hours from switching the prefix code to a few minutes. 

Now you can see Kosovo in the International Countries’ list, with its own International Calling Code.

CRUSH

The most common conversation between friends is about crushes and dates. 

Some people are too picky when it comes to going out for a date, some others are too shy to ask, and others are just lucky. 

Lucky?

No, others use the Crush app developed by Tenton as the first dating app in Kosovo. 

We wanted to bring another way of having fun and creating adventures for people that want to try new things, challenge themselves, and have fun. 

Using the Crush app, you can create new connections with new people by creating a profile and looking for the perfect match. 

Go out on dates, plan a perfect day using the Crush app, to plan the perfect love story for the future.

We will have another journey soon, with greater innovative ideas and creations. 

These projects are a reflection of our passion for code and software development. We are continually working to bring people solutions for the largest to the tiniest problem they have, with good creations and hard work!

2020, The Year in Review

Looking back at this year, we can all agree that 2020 has been a rough year. A lot of people lost pieces of themselves in ways one could not imagine. All of us worked hard to get through this year and reach all the goals we had. 

It was hard, it was a huge challenge, but at the same time, it taught us a different way of living, socialising, and working. 

The Tech sector is continuously changing because of the behaviors and demands of consumers. This change was in a massive spotlight during this pandemic, which has seriously affected how customers and businesses experience and interact with the world. 

Even though this coronavirus pandemic has been a formidable challenge for each department, the tech sector made some trends that might be around for a long time. Some might have a long term staying power, and others might be only temporary. 

Some emerging tech trends with growth potential during the pandemic world 

Security education 

Being available online almost all day brought awareness of the security risks of doing everything online during this pandemic situation. People have been exposed more than ever to the online world in 2020. That is why people needed to know more about the consequences of putting their data online, so security risk awareness was raised. 

Learning how criminals operate and why managing credentials properly is critical to preventing fraud. This was great; people learning about risks over the internet was such a need, and hopefully, this awareness continues. 

Buying online; e-commerce

E-commerce will continue in the coming years to perform at its best. This pandemic created a new baseline in the ways consumers search for, meet their needs, and buy online. 

Working remotely

Working remotely will continue for a long time after the pandemic ends. There are many advantages to having a remote workforce from hiring, not to mention a business continuity standpoint are extraordinary. 

Video Conferencing

Zoom is one of the video software that was having the best results during 2020. Zoom meetings hosted many events, and we firmly believe this will continue for a long time. Even after the pandemic is over, Zoom meetings will be present on our schedules. 

Expanded use of Virtual Reality

VR has increased its performance in this war with Coronavirus. VR headsets let you explore destinations and partake in online entertainment. Not only entertainments, but businesses also are using VR to hold conferences and train employees. VR will continue to be part of our lives. 

What will 2021 be like in Tenton? 

Tenton wants to be one of the best teams in town, and only hard work can make us be the best.  We are in a continuous learning loop, getting more professionals, only to deliver to our customers the best of our work. 
We all know how a tough year looks like, and we are ready to welcome a new one. Together we are a perfect team, delivering great things to people who trust us.