Mobile application development is such a mighty task. Over time, mobile app development has embraced a lot of popularity and prominence in the market. If we go by the stats only then there are more than 5 million apps that are already on the Google Play and Apple App Store for users. Now in the […]
Updated 12 January 2024
CEO at Appventurez
Mobile application development is such a mighty task.
Over time, mobile app development has embraced a lot of popularity and prominence in the market. If we go by the stats only then there are more than 5 million apps that are already on the Google Play and Apple App Store for users.
Now in the work of the unrealistic and wide competition, mobile apps are becoming a major part of mobile app development strategies. However, the secret of mobile app development success depends upon the technology stack for mobile app development.
Yes, it is all about choosing the right technology stack for mobile app development.
But before that, coming up with an app idea for execution, engaging the target audience along driving large profit/revenue can never be an easy mission.
Certainly, the whole process of converting the idea into a profit-making app involves the selection of the right technology stack for mobile app projects. From designing to developing, prototyping to testing, and quality assurance to launch, you will require reliable frameworks from the very beginning of the project.
The selection of the right tools needs the exploration of your app requirements with end-goal analysis. Irrespective of whichever mobile app development process you are following, it will never turn successful and rewarding until you choose the right mobile app development technologies stack.
In this article, we will be highlighting the importance of choosing the right tech stack for mobile application development while offering you a few worthy tips to select the most suitable one.
But before that, let us quickly strengthen our understanding of what tech stack is-
The technology stack is a set of frameworks and tools that are required to develop a software product. When it comes to the mobile app development stack, the complete set of tools is divided into four main areas that work together to create a functionalized mobile application.
Here are the four main areas that together make a complete technology stack for mobile app development and websites-
The user interface through which users interact with the app. It is the major aspect of mobile app development that defines the interface through which users interact. Frontend development includes several platforms and tools that can mark the difference and define the particular task to develop an app on a scalable level.
Different tools are included in the development cycle such as:
However, the performance and accessibility of a mobile application are the major components that decide the front-end development. Additionally, multiple types of screens are also included for the development which helps in maintaining consistency as per the resolutions and sizes of the screen. This includes goals like manipulation of JavaScript, CSS, HTML, and rendering time along with lower load time.
The server takes the user’s input and then converts it into the output. This is a bit complicated but an essential aspect of the mobile app development world. This includes business logic, security, storage, and whatnot. This data is sorted and stored over the server(s) for the end-users. Additionally, it is ideal when it comes to sorting and storing critical company or user data. The mobile app backend development also includes frameworks, languages, database management systems, web servers, local development environments, microservice platforms, website performance testers, and collaboration services.
The platform where all the technologies, frameworks, languages, and tools together are used to design and develop the mobile application. MADP – Mobile App Development Platform is something that is included to test, create, and launch the app in the market for tablets or smartphones in a span of limited time.
The fact is that companies also depend upon third-party products that include features like management tools for APIs, frontend tools, backend as a Service, and so on. It can be for hybrid, web, or native app development that works with the MAM (Mobile Application Management) tools. Also, it is necessary to take necessary measures like low-code, codeless, on-premises, and cloud-based services.
Those components affect the security, robustness, and performance of the mobile application. Here the robustness, security, and performance of the mobile application are counted that define the technological elements. These include the additional requirements of the mobile app development that are related to the considerations.
It is also essential to understand why it is important to find the best technology stack for mobile app development.
To give you a better understanding of the technology stack for mobile app development, let’s walk through some major Apps and the tech Stack used by them.
Let us figure it out
Several traits or elements depend on the selection of the appropriate tech stack for mobile app development. It is something that would decide whether the app is robust or will be able to scale various versions of different operating systems among many other traits.
Hence, choosing the right and appropriate mobile app development technologies stack is surely going to affect the immediate performance of the mobile application while ensuring its future growth. Though the cost of mobile app development, and the right time to market the app are the obvious and initial tasks, neglecting or giving less importance to the tech stack can lead to more problems in your app.
So, now we are done with a basic understanding of what is a technology stack and why it is so important to find the right tech. It is the time to look at the technology stacks that fuel the development of scalable, robust, powerful, innovative web and mobile applications
The fact is that the tech stack is the secret recipe for developing a high-quality and top-notch mobile app. This choice is mainly based on the functionality, smoothness, and efficiency of the mobile app to be developed.
Let’s get started:
Developing an app is not just about Tech stack but there are certain things that one must be clear about. This will he;p in working for the development in a better way that can guarantee an effective future. The mobile app development team can work on designs and functions that can work with limited restrictions and business needs.
This will make it easy to choose the tech stack for your mobile apps as well. The mobile app depends upon the different layers that include the aspects listed below.
The developed team and investors need to be aware of the tools, frameworks, programming languages, web application architecture, and APIs that can fall under the budget. Along with this, the constraints and technical possibilities are also essential for ideation and implementation.
The choice of the tech stack depends upon different factors that include:
The vertical and horizontal growth of the future is a vital aspect when it comes to choosing the right tech stack. The developers need to be aware of the prospective mobile app development technologies that can lead to a better future.
The developers should work on the checklist of the mobile app development that can help them settle on the tech stack.
Several products are available in the market similar to your idea that can give a better understanding of the technology stack and languages used. The checklist can help in choosing the optimal stack as per the business need.
Especially when it comes to the development of tools and frameworks that are free and open-source. A paid subscription to many frameworks is also available that helps in getting the advanced features.
However, before investing money in the development world, it is best to compare the cost of the tools that can best fit the business requirements. Also, there is the usability of the tool that is essential to know before purchasing the license.
It is best to go for open-source solutions that can save a lot of money and time securely adding new features. But with time, the languages and platforms also evolve and business requirements are also altered.
You need to understand that any mobile app development technologies are not here to stay forever. With evolution, there will be a change in the market and user demand that makes it essential for businesses to know about the smaller components.
Native mobile apps are preferred by most companies across the globe. This is because they possess robust functionalities and high performance. Furthermore, they can access various smartphone features that other app types cannot (e.g. NFC module, camera, address book).
Building a native app lets the developers integrate the device with several built-in functions without the need for additional or 3rd party APIs. And when it comes to native apps then you might need to pick the right tech stack for the Android app or iOS app.
In contrast, both mobile platforms have different specifications. So, developers need to choose an entirely separate tech stack for mobile apps on both of them.
Know more about Native Apps:
Let’s get started with them one by one:
A competitive comparison between Java vs Kotlin can offer you insights into what these frameworks are capable of doing for your mobile app. However, make sure to go for the programming language that can be more productive coding and can easily handle the null-pointer exception for a streamlined coding experience.
The best choice for iOS app development depends upon the complication of the syntax and the difficulty level in the coding.
Next in line is cross-platform app development that can work well with the iOS and Android platforms. It is a single code-based platform that can be used for multiple operating systems. The codebase is usually shared between different platforms for better performance.
The major platforms used for the cross platform app development frameworks are:
These aspects are explained in a better way later in the blog.
The fact is that it is not a mobile application but a web-based app that gives a native-like look and feel. Progressive Web Apps or PWAs are developed using HTML5 which gives a better understanding as compared to web apps or web pages. The major reason for opting for PWA development is that it can run on any platform, has common codebase development, and is easy to maintain.
The toolkit used for the PWA development is:
Talking about native apps, there are a lot of facts you can discover about them. They are specifically designed to perform effectively on a particular mobile operating system. Native apps are a bit expensive as companies need to build duplicate versions of the same app.
You will know better and more when you read the pros and cons of native mobile apps below:
In general, a hybrid app is built to represent a website through a set of native features. These apps offer an in-hand experience that web apps don’t, making the user experience better than ever.
These apps are built in such a way that it utilizes HTML5, CSS, as well as JavaScript. This combination of app development languages helps to strengthen hybrid apps with cross-platform abilities apps that have a similar look and feel as native apps have, and hence they can be distributed via different app stores.
Since they are completely based on a particular website, picking the best mobile app technology stack for these types will require attention to some frameworks that also have web APIs and tools.
Let’s consider the most up-to-date mobile app development frameworks for building the right mobile app development technologies:
This framework offers various tools for cross-platform app development. PhoneGap is well-recognized for the distribution of Apache Cordova (developed by Nitobi Software) which was later acquired by Adobe. The framework avails various JavaScript APIs that can allow the app to access the device on a hardware level.
Ionic is another open-source framework that can be very fruitful to include in your technology stack for mobile apps. It allows developers to utilize HTML5, CSS along with JavaScript.
It also supports a variety of plug-ins and extensions from third-party patch files and libraries. Also, this essential framework is easy to learn and fast to deploy as compared to other large tools like jQuery Mobile.
It’s another powerful mobile app development stack that embraces the capabilities of several languages like HTML5, and ExtJS as well as the JavaScript framework. This combo of technologies helps to build complex hybrid apps with responsive UI and added functionalities for a better native experience.
Hybrid apps usually require standard web techniques like CSS, HTML5, and JavaScript for mobile app development. The process consists of two major sections – Backend and Native Shell. Along with native features, these apps are compatible with all platforms.
To explore more about Hybrid apps precisely, take a look at their pros and cons:
Cross-platform apps are not much different than hybrid apps. The only difference is that hybrid apps are dedicated to the referring website and cross-platform apps are independent.
In cross platform app development, developers are allowed to utilize one codebase for all mobile platforms. This saves time for them while targeting each platform separately. As a result, these apps can be installed and utilized on multiple platforms.
Let’s move on to the list of the best stack for mobile app development that developers should consider while building dynamic, engaging, and impactful cross-platform mobile apps:
React Native is a powerful framework for developing cross-platform apps. Based on Javascript, it offers native features that will work on iOS as well as Android platforms. Developers can easily put different codebases using JavaScript and React.
Besides, you also have an option for TypeScript programming language to write cross-platform apps. It offers various features with easy and flexible error recognition throughout code execution while writing React components.
Generic components present in the TypeScript toolbox offer an additional rise in the app’s security. From writing components to binding the loop and detecting errors, the safety level works on top of everything.
Developing cross-platform mobile apps using Xamarin is effective and productive for developers. It allows app developers to utilize almost 90 percent of the whole codebase for every major platform. Developers need to use C# language to write applications.
This typed language comes with mature app development tooling and on-front IDE support. Compiling cross-platform apps in C# is native to both iOS and Android binaries. Developers can also use platform-specific functions and APIs written in C#.
With different tooling and a combination of technologies, app developers can build visionary applications that can run on any device. However, there are several advantages and setbacks to utilizing these apps. Let’s see their pros and cons to know them better:
As we have explored different mobile app development stacks, it’s time for our readers and developers to know how they will pick the right one. After front-end technologies, it’s time to choose the right backend platform for your mobile app.
So, the next section is to choose the best backend technology for mobile app development:
Backend as a Service (BaaS) refers to the mobile backend run on a cloud computing model. It offers app developers a method to connect their applications with cloud-based storage and other APIs merged with the backend.
A mobile app backend development solution offers features like push notifications, user action management, and social media integrations. The backend can access the database, respond to user requests, and execute the Update/Read/Create/Delete operations.
Here are the top backend technologies to choose for mobile app development projects:
It is a combined form of Linux, Apache, MySQL, and PHP or Python. It includes a set of open-source app development tooling components. Moreover, developers can also connect them with other open-source software. LAMP backend technologies are customizable, easy to use, and flexible. Considering this as the best stack for mobile app development will help with robust and reliable mobile app development.
It is an abbreviation for MongoDB, ExpressJS, AngularJS, and NodeJS. This backend technology is open-source and the availability of javascript frameworks helps to build an event-driven architecture. Moreover, app developers can write the codebase for both the client-side and server-side. Choosing the MEAN stack will also help in MVP development.
It is not a complete tech stack for mobile apps like the above two backend frameworks, still, it can be utilized to support the backend of a mobile app. It is also open-source and has a stable framework for multi-functional support. It is compatible to work on complex mobile apps more quickly than other frameworks.
Due to the rich repository of libraries, Rails might be the best stack for mobile app development for backends. Especially for scalable apps, this framework will work as a perfect tool with the essence of MySQL. With an in-built database, this framework can enhance the response rate of your app. This is a major advantage of Ruby on Rails for building your multi-purpose mobile app.
LAMP or MEAN are used to develop high-performing apps for businesses with platforms like Python. If we go by stats, then there are more than 71% of companies work with backends with the integration of platforms like Node.JS and Python.
Hypergrowth companies usually depend upon platforms like Ruby on Rails, Node.JS, and Python. Additionally, it is essential to work on data caching issues in mobile apps that lead to management and security issues.
These can be taken care of with the help of a VPN – Virtual Private Network – that can be used for the extended security of the business.
To expand your business beyond the mobile app targeted aspects, your backend stack must be scalable enough to provide all the further functionalities.
Other than the front-end and back-end best stack for mobile app development, developers need to pick the right cloud platform or platform as a service (PaaS) solution. Let’s see what’s best for the developers in the market:
Utilizing the Platform as a Service (PaaS) model helps to keep the companies out of manual management as they offer automated hosting. These frameworks also help to expand your application for a wider audience using several capabilities.
Adding these services to your mobile app technology stack will provide a scope of integration with different IDEs like Android Studio, Visual Studio, etc. There are a lot of providers that offer mPaaS (mobile platform as a service) along with flexible and scalable features. Let’s have a look at these platforms:
This platform is integrated with Google Cloud and has the same infrastructure as Google Search possesses. Developers can easily develop, deploy, test, and manage their applications using this complete cloud platform. They can scale their application to any extent using its configuration and provisioning features.
Google App Engine is compatible with all the major languages like Java, PHP, .NET, Ruby, etc. Along with these features, it also provides firewall configurations, SSL/TLS certificates, and an Access/Identity Management System. Above all, it can be the best technology for mobile app development operations.
Salesforce offers a unique application Platform as a Service (PaaS), which is appreciated by leading market watchers. It has all the standard features usually available in PaaS, including servers, networking, storage infrastructure, security features, runtime environments, and integration with 3rd party API.
The platform also offers sample codes and learning guides through its ‘Lighting design’ system. Salesforce is acknowledged by developers worldwide as a fast PaaS platform for managing mobile apps.
The best thing about this AWS PaaS is developers only pay for the time they spend using the framework. As long as they run their codebase, they will pay. The time they stop utilizing it, the billing will halt automatically. Adding this PaaS can strengthen your tech stack for mobile app development.
Developers just need to upload the code and Lambda will take care of it. It will set up the code to scale with other AWS services or run code for any type of mobile app. The feature set remains automated like other PaaS platforms, and pricing criteria are just an added advantage for Lambda.
Azure offers IaaS (internet as a service) and PaaS (platform as a service) together for developers to make a choice. This PaaS provides the same robust features as available with Azure IaaS and SaaS.
Also, Azure provides a free trial period along with a price estimation tool. As a result, it will be easier for users to choose a plan for their mobile apps. They can get a detailed document exploiting the services available in each plan as the best stack for mobile app development.
IBM Cloud platform merges the infrastructure for IaaS and PaaS. It offers various choices to the developers for running their mobile apps:
The features in the IBM cloud are the same as other PaaS, however, you will get plenty of services to choose from.
With a scope of integration with other open-source technologies, these platforms offer public, private, and hybrid cloud environments. Pick the right PaaS provider for your app to keep it running effectively.
Before going further, you need to know the crucial factors included in picking up the right tech stack for mobile apps. Each of them has its significance so, let’s move on to the checklist consisting of these factors:
The selection of the right mobile app development technology stack is a very crucial process. Developers need to make the right choice else they might not be satisfied with the end product.
With the availability of functions, scalability, and flexibility of tools in mind, the checklist is made up of all the essential factors. Let’s have a look at them:
It is the primary and most crucial factor in determining the right technology stack for mobile app development. For instance, if you aim to build a fintech app that offers secure and easy user access, then you should opt for native app development tools. In such a case, you need to pick a stack that includes Kotlin or Swift frameworks.
The goal of your app completely helps to choose the type of development you will implement. For a robust app development process, you will get an app with higher latency and quick response.
Moreover, if you are aiming for a mobile app that is completely dependent on heavy loads of data processing then JavaScript frameworks will be the right choice for your project.
Deciding on the expenses required to build a dynamic app is required to set up a perfect budget. In such scenarios, there is tough competition between native vs cross-platform app development approaches.
Many of the app developers will consider React while others test Xamarin for robust development. It also depends on the type of app and its complexity. Analyzing all the factors will help to spend the money on the right tech stack for mobile app development.
There are several platforms available for your mobile app, and you can choose according to the end goal of the app. Whether you meant to target Android users, then picking the technology stack for Android app development will be the key factor.
However, most companies are looking to target the maximum number of audiences with cross-platform and hybrid apps. So, the choice will be yours. Just analyze your requirements and objectives behind mobile app development.
Along with the choice of platforms, you need to gather technological requirements. That’s why you will choose the perfect technology stack for mobile apps. It includes tooling for designing, development, testing, and quality assurance. Designing and development can be eased by the toolkits mentioned above, however, the testing phase will be the key factor for your app’s success. Make sure to run compatibility, efficiency, and performance tests for better outcomes.
It is necessary to know what technologies your app development team will be able to show their skills. Analyzing their capabilities and knowledge is required to pick the right tech stack for mobile app development.
No matter how scalable or flexible frameworks and platforms you choose for your development team, they should know about the occupied tools. Or else you might reconsider your requirements from the beginning. Talk to your team and make the right decision for fluent workflow.
When you are utilizing a set of technologies, served by developers or app development companies, it might be possible that your business needs remain unfulfilled. These cover the core business operations that one needs to set out the technologies for. This includes the business needs and overall investment in the mobile app development technology stack.
To get them to fit your requirements, you can consider the following non-functional aspects:
To prevent any additional expenses from happening, make sure you are including these requirements with mobile app development technology stacks.
For a unique app idea to be successful, time-to-market is a crucial factor. Some enterprises ignore or leave this factor behind as they focus more on other aspects. But you need to stick with it if you want to gain a competitive edge.
For better timing and response, you should consider React Native or Xamarin app development as they provide quick deployment and development tools. These tools will also help in post-development operations such as mobile app promotion and in-app optimization.
When you get these factors right, picking up the right tech stack for a mobile app will be an easy task. You will get a competitive advantage in building a solution that will be valuable to the market.
It is not easy to choose the right tech when there are so many options available to use. To help you out, here is a small list that can guide developers and business owners to make the right choice.
Mobile app development isn’t an easy task. You need to find the right systems and tools to execute the project. This profound guide for choosing the right technology stack for mobile app development will help you adopt the latest technologies and tools.
Enterprises will be able to discover new and unique functionalities for their app development. Get your insights clear using this guide as you will be laying a stable foundation for your app’s success.
Choosing a native as well as a cross-platform app development framework will be a better choice in today’s era of development. In this guide, you will get options for various tools
There are a lot of tools and technologies required from designing to launching an app. You need to carry out a list of these tools along with their average pricing. Overall, an average mobile app development cost ranges between $150K to $300K. So, 30%-40% of the total amount will be required to pick the right technology stack for mobile app development.
It depends on your app’s end goal, requirements, and budget. Since different app types have different development costs and specifications, you need to compare them and then make the decision to pick the right platform. According to the market, native-like cross-platform apps are trending in the business.
Elevate your journey and empower your choices with our insightful guidance.
CEO at Appventurez
Ajay Kumar has 15+ years of experience in entrepreneurship, project management, and team handling. He has technical expertise in software development and database management. He currently directs the company’s day-to-day functioning and administration.
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