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NativeScript vs React Native: Comparing Cross-Platform Mobile Development Frameworks

Hi tech fellows, the comparison series continues to dive in mobile development frameworks. This-week candidates call out NativeScript vs React Native. Both of them offer developers the ability to build apps that run seamlessly on both iOS and Android devices. So let's explore the similarities and differences in this article and make an informed decision when choosing a best fit for your project. Here are the six criteria to compare: Language and Development EnvironmentPerformance and User ExperienceUI Components and CustomizationDevelopment environmentCommunity and Ecosystem SupportPlatform Support and Integration Language and Development Environment NativeScript allows developers to write applications using JavaScript or TypeScript. It provides access to native APIs using JavaScript. React Native uses JavaScript and React, a popular JavaScript library for building user interfaces. Developers write components in JavaScript which are then compiled to native code. Both NativeScript and React Native empower developers to build cross-platform mobile applications using popular programming languages. NativeScript supports JavaScript and TypeScript, while React Native utilizes JavaScript and the React library. This means developers can leverage their existing skills and knowledge to kickstart their projects. Performance and User Experience NativeScript apps are compiled to native code, which generally provides better performance compared to hybrid frameworks. However, there might be some overhead due to the bridge between JavaScript and native code. React Native also compiles down to native code, but it uses a JavaScript bridge to communicate with native components, which might introduce some performance overhead. UI Components and Customization NativeScript provides UI components that map directly to native components, allowing for a truly native look and feel. It provides a large set of UI components out of the box. React Native also provides access to native UI components, but its component library might not cover all native features. However, it offers a vast ecosystem of third-party libraries and components. Development Environment NativeScript can be used with various development environments including Visual Studio Code, WebStorm, and others. It provides a CLI for project setup and management. React Native has a strong community and excellent tooling support. It comes with tools like Expo and React Native CLI for project setup and management. Community and Ecosystem NativeScript has a smaller community compared to React Native but still has a vibrant ecosystem with plugins and community support. React Native has a large and active community, which means more resources, tutorials, and third-party libraries available. While React Native boasts a larger community and ecosystem compared to NativeScript, both frameworks benefit from active developer communities and extensive documentation. This means you'll have access to resources, tutorials, and support channels to help you overcome challenges and streamline your development process. Whether you're a seasoned developer or just starting, the wealth of resources available for both frameworks ensures you're never alone on your development journey. Platform Support and Integration NativeScript supports iOS and Android platforms. It also provides some level of support for building web applications. React Native primarily targets iOS and Android platforms, but with the help of libraries like React Native Web, it's possible to target web browsers as well. Additionally, both frameworks offer mechanisms for integrating with native code when necessary, enabling you to access platform-specific features and functionalities. Whether you're targeting a specific platform or aiming for broad compatibility, both NativeScript and React Native provide the tools you need to succeed. NativeScript vs React Native: What should you choose? In conclusion, both NativeScript and React Native offer compelling solutions for cross-platform mobile app development. While NativeScript provides a more native approach with direct access to native APIs and UI components, React Native offers a familiar development experience with its use of JavaScript and React. Ultimately, the choice between NativeScript and React Native depends on your specific project requirements, familiarity with the respective technologies, and personal preferences. Whichever framework you choose, you can rest assured knowing that you're equipped with powerful tools and a supportive community to help you bring your mobile app ideas to life. Or if you need an expert to guide you through, we are here to help! Book a free consultation with us and share your pain-points. Thanks for reading! See you in the next article!

Swift vs React Native for Mobile App Development in 2024

Hi tech fellows, welcome back to SupremeTech blog. It's been a long holiday for us here in Viet Nam. But we are back, so here we go. When it comes to mobile app development, what language comes to your mind immediately? I believe two giants stand tall: Swift and React Native. But which one should you choose? Let's break it down without the tech jargon. Swift vs React Native: The origins Swift, born from the Apple family, speaks the language of iOS like a native. It's fast, it's sleek, and it's all about that iOS love. It boasts of native performance, modern syntax, and seamless integration with Apple's ecosystem. But React Native? It's the rebel with a cause, using JavaScript to bring harmony between iOS and Android. It bridges the gap between iOS and Android, offering flexibility and efficiency in development. Performance: Native vs Cross-platform When it comes to speed, Swift takes the cake. It's like a racing car, zooming ahead with native performance. Swift enjoys the advantage of native performance, thanks to its direct compilation to machine code. This results in snappy, responsive apps that align closely with iOS standards. React Native, while not inherently native, has made significant strides in optimizing performance. Techniques like Just-In-Time (JIT) compilation and native code modules contribute to smoother user experiences, albeit with a slight compromise compared to Swift in certain scenarios. Development Time and Efficiency Regarding development time, React Native emerges as the frontrunner. Its cross-platform nature allows developers to write code once and deploy it across multiple platforms, significantly reducing time and effort. Swift, however, requires separate codebases for iOS and Android, potentially elongating development cycles. Nevertheless, Swift's native approach ensures precise customization and adherence to platform-specific guidelines, which might justify the additional time investment for certain projects. Community Support and Ecosystem Both Swift and React Native thrive on vibrant communities and extensive ecosystems. Swift developers benefit from Apple's backing and a growing community dedicated to enhancing the language and its ecosystem. React Native, on the other hand, taps into the vast JavaScript community, offering a plethora of libraries, tools, and resources. This robust support system fosters innovation, facilitates problem-solving, and accelerates the development process for both frameworks. UI/UX Design: Native Feel vs Cross-platform Consistency Swift shines in delivering native user experiences tailored to iOS devices. With access to native UI components and seamless integration with Apple's design principles, Swift apps exude elegance and sophistication. React Native, while capable of achieving native-like UI/UX, may exhibit slight discrepancies across platforms due to its bridge-based rendering approach. However, with careful design considerations and customization, React Native apps can deliver cohesive and visually appealing experiences on both iOS and Android. Swift vs React Native: Maintenance and Future-proofing Maintaining and updating mobile apps is an ongoing endeavor, and the choice of framework can significantly impact this process. Swift's separate codebases for iOS and Android necessitate individual maintenance efforts, potentially increasing complexity and resource allocation. React Native's single codebase streamlines maintenance tasks, allowing updates to be applied universally across platforms. This unified approach enhances agility, facilitates feature parity, and future-proofs applications against evolving technological landscapes. Integration with Native Code and Third-party Libraries Both Swift and React Native offer avenues for integrating native code and leveraging third-party libraries. Swift seamlessly interoperates with Objective-C, enabling access to a vast ecosystem of iOS libraries and frameworks. React Native provides a bridge that allows developers to incorporate platform-specific functionalities using Objective-C, Java, or Swift. This flexibility empowers developers to harness the strengths of both frameworks while capitalizing on existing libraries and resources. So, is it Swift or React Native? Despite their differences, Swift and React Native share some similarities in terms of criteria mentioned above. Ultimately, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Whether you opt for Swift or React Native, both frameworks offer distinct advantages and cater to diverse needs within the mobile app development landscape. By weighing the factors discussed herein and aligning them with your project objectives, you can embark on a journey that leads to the realization of impactful, innovative mobile experiences. Need a consultant for your development project? SupremeTech is here to help! When it comes to mobile app development, you are in our good hand. Dive in our success case studies to learn more about us. See you in the next article!

Cross-Platform Mobile Development with Golang: Build Native Apps

Over the past few years, cross-platform solutions have gained popularity for their ability to streamline development efforts. Golang is an optimal language for cross-platform app development, offering developers a powerful toolset and robust frameworks. In this article, we explore the use of Golang in cross-platform mobile development and delve into frameworks like Gomobile and Fyne that enable developers to build native mobile apps using Golang. Related articles: Automating Deployment of GoLang ApplicationsThe benefits of building chatbots with Golang The Rise of Cross-Platform Mobile Development Cross-platform mobile development allows developers to write code once and deploy it across multiple platforms like iOS or Android. With the diversity of mobile operating systems, cross-platform solutions have become increasingly popular among developers and businesses alike. Golang for Cross-Platform Development Golang's simplicity, performance, and concurrency features suit it well for mobile app development. Its efficient support for multiple platforms enables developers to write code once and deploy it seamlessly across various devices. Additionally, Golang's static typing and error checking contribute to the reliability and stability of mobile applications. Frameworks for Cross-Platform Mobile Development with Golang Gomobile Gomobile is an open-source project developed by the Go team at Google. It allows developers to build and deploy native mobile apps using Golang. Gomobile enables developers to write platform-specific code in Go and access platform-specific APIs, such as those provided by iOS and Android. The framework provides tools for compiling Go code into native libraries and generating bindings for mobile platforms, facilitating seamless integration with native code. Fyne Fyne is a lightweight, user-friendly framework for building cross-platform graphical interfaces in Go. While primarily focused on desktop applications, Fyne supports mobile platforms through its responsive design and flexible layout system. Developers can create mobile apps using Fyne's declarative UI components and build custom interfaces that adapt to different screen sizes and orientations. Fyne's simplicity and ease of use make it an attractive option for Golang developers seeking to build native mobile apps. Advantages of Building Native Apps with Golang Performance: Golang's efficient runtime and compiled nature result in fast and responsive mobile applications, providing users with a smooth and seamless experience.Code Reusability: Golang's cross-platform capabilities allow developers to reuse a significant portion of their codebase across different platforms, reducing development time and effort.Access to Native APIs: Frameworks like Gomobile enable developers to access platform-specific APIs and functionalities. As a result, it allows for seamless integration with device hardware and native platform features.Community Support: Golang's active and supportive community provides developers access to resources, libraries, and documentation. Furthermore, the dynamic community facilitates the development process and encourages collaboration. Challenges and Considerations While Golang offers several advantages for cross-platform mobile development, there are also some challenges and considerations to keep in mind: Platform Limitations: Cross-platform frameworks may have limitations in accessing certain platform-specific features or APIs. Sometimes it requires developers to find workarounds or use native code for certain functionalities.Learning Curve: Developers may need to familiarize themselves with the syntax and conventions of Golang.Performance Optimization: Developers may need to optimize their code and implement best practices to ensure optimal performance on mobile devices with varying hardware specifications. Read more: Golang for DevOps: Empowering Infrastructure as Code and Automation Conclusion Cross-platform mobile development with Golang offers developers a powerful and efficient approach to building native mobile apps. Frameworks like Gomobile and Fyne provide developers with the tools and resources they need to create responsive, performant, and feature-rich applications for iOS and Android platforms. By leveraging Golang's advantages, developers can unlock new opportunities and deliver high-quality mobile experiences to users worldwide. If you're considering Golang for your development project, let us help! Contact SupremeTech for your custom consultancy!

Common software development mistakes to avoid

Software development is currently one of the most essential industries globally. While the digital era may not be new, it has gained momentum and dominance in recent decades. As a result, almost every corporation, startup, and small business relies on software to solve productivity, efficiency, and speed issues. For this reason, highly skilled software developers are in high demand. However, software development is not all about code and finding simple solutions to complex problems, far from that. Other common mistakes could delay or sabotage your project, avoidable mistakes. If you are a software developer or thinking about hiring one for your project, these are some common software development mistakes that could save you a fortune and a lot of time. Time is money, after all. 1.    Inadequate planning No matter how simple a project is or how many similar projects you've done, planning is critical to the success of any software development project. Your plan serves as more than just a step-by-step guide to executing the different stages of your project. It is also a reference point that you can use to see whether you are on track regarding timing and deliverables. The problem with some developers is that they use their experience to ignore the planning stage; after all, most projects follow the same core steps. It is critical to remember that while some projects might share many similarities, they serve different users with different expectations and deadlines. When there is no clearly defined plan in place, you risk erasing important stages like testing and evaluation, which are critical for future projects. 2.    Inadequate and distorted team and communication It is no secret that software developers are like writers; they like to work alone. However, when it comes to bigger and more complex projects, especially those involving large-scale companies, software projects are often the work of a whole team. In this scenario, communication and teamwork are just as critical as the code you're writing. There must be seamless communication between all the teams involved in the project. For example, if you are building an app that makes customer relations smooth, you need ongoing communication with the team during the testing stages of the project. In addition, it is essential to always keep the client in the loop at every step of the project. One common software development mistake many developers make is making executive decisions without consulting top management. Creating open lines of communication saves time, resources, and energy. 3.    Ignoring feedback from the client and users Another typical software development mistake developers make is ignoring feedback from clients and users. A usual misconception is that writing the code and getting it right is the most vital part of software development. This is only partially true. Two things can make your project fail: being too project-focused or being too people-focused. Being too project-focused means, you are only focused on following your plan, deliverables, and timelines and getting every aspect to work. While this is good, it is unrealistic because, at the end of the day, it is going to be used by people. What is the point of your product being perfect on paper if the client can't navigate it easily? The point is to simplify a task for the human aspect of the process, so they should be involved in the testing stage. On the other hand, focusing too much on the user experience can sully the integrity of the project because someone who needs help understanding coding may have many unrealistic expectations. 4.    Skipping the testing stage of product development For many reasons, testing your product should be a non-negotiable stage during product development. For one, it allows you to fix bugs that may have gone undetected during development. You want to avoid a client asking for a full reimbursement because their app crashed on its launch day. Unfortunately, no matter how perfect you think your process is, some errors can only be discovered through testing. 5.    Relying on temporary solutions During software development, it is common for software developers to rely on quick fixes to some errors and issues. This is in most cases when you are trying to beat a deadline or know you can fix the problem quickly, and it doesn't affect the project at the stage you're on. However, this can be detrimental to the final product. You are a human being, so there are high chances that you'll forget. How many times have you promised to plug your charger into your phone in 5 minutes but forgotten, only for the device to power off in a couple of minutes? This same concept applies to software development. It is much better to identify a problem and solve it entirely. Leave the band-aids for cuts and scrapes. 6.    Not evaluating mistakes While it is good to identify and fix errors and bugs, remember to evaluate their origin. Because of tight deadlines and the complexity of some projects, you may focus on problem-solving instead of assessment. Understanding an error might seem like wasted time, but ignoring it is a wasted opportunity. As we mentioned earlier, many projects share the same core foundations. What this means is that if you understand why and how an error occurred, you can avoid it in future projects as opposed to the monotony of waiting for it to arise again, then fixing it. In any profession, you are always learning, especially from your mistakes. 7.    Poor time estimates Poor time estimates are a direct consequence of poor planning. When you are designing the plan for your project, it is imperative that you create clear timelines for each stage of development, with realistic allowances for delays, dead ends, errors, and other unprecedented occurrences. Now, this isn't to say that you should be as slow as possible. When you create clear deadlines, you remove the pressure to rush through development and deliverables. Without set timetables, you are bound to skip essential steps and give the client false hope and vague optimism, which will affect your reputation in the long run. 8.    Misunderstanding requirements Before you start any project, you need to be clear on every requirement from the client. All projects are different; no one size fits every product. For this reason, you shouldn't leave anything to chance or rely on assumptions. It should be standard practice to read through the documentation and plan for software development as often as feasible. To ensure that all stakeholders are on the same page at every phase of the development cycle, it is fundamental to communicate progress regularly, preferably in a standing meeting, to encourage accountability on both ends. As you can see, a software development project's success depends on factors outside the technical aspect. The good news is that most software development mistakes are avoidable, fixable, and straightforward. Are you planning on creating a new and unique product for your customers? Check out SupremeTech for all your software development needs. Contact us for a free consultation before you entrust us with your project.

Automating Deployment of GoLang Applications

Welcome back, tech fellows! Happy Lunar New Year to you all! Looking back on the past projects we've done, we realized that even big companies are struggling with some time-consuming and unbelievably outdated deployment process. Believe me there's plenty of them out there. I wonder whether it's hard to adapt new procedures or automation is out of reach? Neither should make sense. In this article, we'll explore strategies, tools, and best practices for automating the deployment of GoLang applications to various environments. Deploying GoLang applications across different environments, such as development, staging, and production, can be a complex and error-prone process. Automating this deployment process ensures consistency and reliability, reduces human error, and speeds up the delivery pipeline. See more: Cross-Platform Mobile Development with Golang: Build Native AppsThe benefits of building chatbots with Golang Introduction Deploying GoLang applications involves tasks like building binaries, managing dependencies, configuring environment-specific settings, and deploying artifacts to target environments. Manual deployment processes are tedious, error-prone, and time-consuming. Automation streamlines these tasks, enabling teams to deliver software faster and with greater confidence. 1. Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) Pipelines Implementing CI/CD pipelines automates the entire deployment workflow, from code commit to production deployment. Tools like Jenkins, GitLab CI/CD, or CircleCI can be configured to trigger builds, run tests, and deploy GoLang applications automatically. Utilizing GoLang's robust testing framework ensures that only quality code gets deployed. 2. Infrastructure as Code (IaC): Using tools like Terraform or Pulumi, infrastructure can be provisioned and configured programmatically. GoLang's rich ecosystem of libraries and its concurrency model make it well-suited for defining infrastructure in code. Infrastructure changes can be version-controlled, audited, and applied consistently across different environments. Read more: Golang for DevOps: Empowering Infrastructure as Code and AutomationKey Skills and Qualities to Look for When Hiring Golang Developers 3. Containerization and Orchestration: Containerizing GoLang applications using Docker simplifies deployment and ensures consistency across environments. Kubernetes, with its declarative approach to managing containerized applications, can automate deployment, scaling, and rolling updates. GoLang's lightweight footprint makes it ideal for containerized environments. 4. Configuration Management: Automating configuration management ensures that GoLang applications behave consistently across environments. Tools like Consul, etcd, or Kubernetes ConfigMaps can store configuration settings external to the application code. GoLang's ability to parse various configuration formats and its strong typing facilitate seamless integration with configuration management systems. 5. Blue-Green Deployment and Canary Releases: Implementing blue-green deployment or canary release strategies reduces deployment risk and enables gradual rollout of new features. GoLang's support for graceful shutdowns and zero-downtime deployments ensures uninterrupted service during deployments. Automation tools can facilitate switching traffic between blue and green environments or gradually increasing traffic to canary releases. Conclusion Automating the deployment process of GoLang applications to various environments is essential for achieving consistency and reliability in software delivery. By leveraging CI/CD pipelines, Infrastructure as Code, containerization, configuration management, and deployment strategies like blue-green and canary releases, teams can deploy GoLang applications confidently and efficiently, ultimately delivering value to end-users faster. Contact us for a fast and productive development procedures!

Top non-tech professionals that can help in app development

When you examine the composition of many app development teams, you will usually find some team members who aren't necessarily developers, testers, engineers, data scientists, or practicing in any other technical capacity related to IT and software development. Sometimes, they go unseen since they are brought in temporarily for brief consultations rather than being permanent core team members. However, these people often offer insights that are pivotal to an app’s success, so let’s list the top non-tech professionals who can help in app development. Behavioral psychologist A behavioral psychologist studies the relationships between a person's sensory abilities, emotions, and behavior. They also develop methods to change a person's behavior, especially when exposed to specific stimuli or in particular surroundings. Such a person can examine various aspects of your UI and UX, like button placements, transitions and animations, and point out possible results that may have been overlooked. For example, they can tell you whether a user will stay on a page for too long because they can't find the desired function button or because they found it but are staring at other elements. A behavioral psychologist can also guide you on how to use images, colors, sounds, and text in a combination that heightens the user's positivity. For instance, should a success message be strictly a pop-up picture or accompanied by a happy chime and a vibration? With the advent of usability testing tools that record entire sessions, a behavioral psychologist has a good starting point in that they can analyze patterns to affirm or disprove assumptions and predictions. Lawyer In almost any business, it helps to have someone who can offer counsel on staying within the law when offering products and services. But in app development, you may need a more diverse team of lawyers to address different subjects. For example, there are issues with copyright and the use of intellectual property, which can range from the look and feel of an app to the underlying back-end techniques used to deliver certain functionality. Source: Unsplash Additionally, there’s the issue of data privacy and security. Even when you’re not unlawfully using customers’ data, your app’s architecture could have vulnerabilities that put this data at risk. Accordingly, you need a lawyer who can sufficiently interpret all details in the applicable laws and let you know how you could end up liable. They can translate this language for the developers and architects so that when coding and combining several modules, they don't do it in a way that may contravene the law. Medical doctor Recently, we’ve seen the rise of features like dark mode and eye care. These are in response to concerns that cover most app types, such as prolonged exposure to blue light and its effects on sleep, photosensitivity amongst users, possible ear damage from app audio signals, etc. To fully understand how decibel levels or brightness affect users, you should consult different kinds of doctors like ophthalmologists and otolaryngologists. This way, you can design eye care filters accurately and install appropriate warnings regarding high sound volume. Source: Unsplash Additionally, there are cases where an app leans towards health, such as nutrition apps, diagnosis and consultancy apps, smartwatch apps and more. Here, you’d definitely need massive input from people in fields like cardiology. Financial analyst A financial analyst can scrutinize data and devise ways to make an investment more profitable or create new income streams. Typically, when engineers and designers are working on an app, they may be more concerned about how to make the app solve the user's problem better. However, there are other concerns, like the rate at which the team may be burning through money compared to the rate at which they raise funds. Such issues can lead to a project's premature collapse if not adequately addressed. Source: Unsplash A financial analyst can advise on moves like creating tiered subscription plans, renting out application modules in a SaaS model, monetizing developer access to APIs, selling advertisement space and more. They can also help in pursuing strategic partnerships that could increase inbound traffic and institutional-grade clients with bespoke requests. Human resources manager In this era of remote and hybrid work, it can be tricky to maintain cohesion between team members scattered geographically and performing roles that may not massively intersect. But to develop amazing apps, you need the utmost trust within your team so everyone can voice their opinions on what they like or don’t like. To achieve this openness and fluidity of ideas, you need someone in charge of team building and bonding. With the right human resources manager, you can significantly reduce instances of hiring the wrong people, build a welcoming culture and boost collaboration. They can also help improve the relationship between technical staff and senior management, especially regarding communication about project requirements. Tips for selecting and utilizing non-technical staff Several non-technical skills could come in handy during app development, so before you decide who to bring on, here are a few tips to follow: Start by considering your app’s category (health, gaming, social/messaging, finance, etc.).Identify the point in the development journey when input will be needed. This also includes determining whether their contributions entitle them to greater rights and benefits.Pinpoint the technical staff they'll liaise with and have them prepare the questions they want answered. This is also the point where you organize the meetings. Wrapping Up Most app development projects require a good number of non-technical team members (marketing officers, operational heads, project managers and more). Sometimes, the project may even be started by a non-technical founder. Ultimately, it’s crucial to determine how much creative influence the non-technical personnel will have on the actual product or if they'll be offering more administrative assistance. At SupremeTech, we are known for building from scratch instead of simply sending out people to work. This gives us tremendous expertise in combining technical and non-technical roles in app development, so if you need assistance in this area, contact us for a free consultation.

Top milestones to consider for your app development project

Before you start developing an app, you should have a set of targets that let you know how much progress you’re making. They also guide you regarding possible changes in your app development roadmap and other aspects of the project. These app development milestones are divided into two major categories: application characteristics and business-related/organizational developments. Let’s discuss the most important milestones and what they tell you about your project. Scope and requirements The project scope establishes the boundaries within which you'll operate, particularly the problems you want to solve and how advanced the solutions should be. At times, the project scope may also hint at the different market segments you intend to serve based on various demographics, such as age brackets, geographical region, individual or institution, public or private organization, and more. Establishing a scope helps narrow your targets so you're not distracted by the other possibilities regarding the target audience and app features further down the road. You can rest assured knowing that whatever new ideas the team suggests along the way align with achieving one or more of the predetermined goals. Source: Unsplash In addition, the project scope helps you ascertain your requirements, such as human resources, tools, permits and licenses, funds, and more. Many tech talents like to experiment with new methods and state-of-the-art tools, some of which may be unnecessary, complicated, and expensive. In that sense, having a project scope helps you zero in on the essential requirements and possibly even start consultations on how long the project could take or how much it might cost. Project approval Whether you intend to produce software for internal use, a specific client, or the general public, senior management officials must green-light the project. This usually happens after you prove that the proposed solution will address the problem and be affordable. Furthermore, project approval can be viewed as continuous since, in many cases, the initial sign-off focuses on a few primary features while others may be okayed later. Therefore, as teams seek approval, they should have estimated durations, costs, revenue and profit. Fund-raising Every project requires a certain amount of money to get started, and in many cases, the team will need more later. However, teams rarely have the luxury of getting their entire budget funded before they begin since they could lose their competitive edge if someone else is first to market. That said, many teams start with a particular amount and gradually search for more funds as the project progresses. This requires clear and constant communication between the technical teams, managers, and business leaders because the project could consume funds much faster than everyone expected. The last thing you want to do is have to pause development progress on the app after gaining momentum. Modules completed Think of a module as an individual software component with a clear and distinct purpose. Sometimes it may be the kind that can run independently, but occasionally, a module may depend on another to perform a specific function. A module can be something like a file export/render component, an ecommerce checkout, an account synchronization option or some other piece that can perform a complete task. Often, development teams have a disconnect with management and business leaders regarding the level of progress, especially when communication is dominated by technical terms like code commits, compilations and more. Source: Unsplash The non-engineering staff may need help understanding what these mean regarding work done. Accordingly, tracking the number of modules completed helps everyone understand how functional the app is at any point in time. Since every module has a name representing a capability, the list of modules completed is a way of saying, "Here is what the app can do so far?" However, this milestone can be subjective since the team may still need to address inter-module communication and bugs. Defects fixed Whenever a new piece of an application is completed, it has to undergo testing. Occasionally, teams discover some defects in the application. Unfortunately, circumstances don’t always allow for discovered issues to be rectified at once. Typically, teams focus on issues integral to the app's baseline functionality, then tackle other non-critical UX problems later. Moreover, even when teams fix many defects, others may go unnoticed and surface when the app has already gone public. So in every app development project, teams ought to keep an updated list of app defects discovered and those fixed. Firstly, this helps keep the team focused since they know the portion of problems they will fix in each iteration. Secondly, when that portion is sorted, they also have something concrete to communicate to the general public and show the importance of each update. User interactions For many app development projects, the team releases a leaner version in the early stages, which they continuously improve. Along the way, they track interactions such as downloads, free trial sign-ups, and subscription payments. While interactions like downloads may be more indicative of marketing efforts, sign-ups and subscriptions speak more about the relevance of app features. Also, figures highlighting paying customers can show how lucrative the app might be in the future. These are some of the numbers that potential financiers are more interested in. This revenue is often compared to the time since the app launch and the cost of developing and delivering its current features. In that sense, such a milestone can be considered an intersection between business targets and application characteristics. Wrapping Up Several events, metrics and other pieces of information can be considered milestones in an app development project. Nevertheless, when developing milestones for your project, always ask yourself, “Do they help indicate progress?” “Could they influence the duration of the project?” “Do they help secure buy-in from decision-makers or motivate frontline team members?” The milestones you emphasize can massively impact your project's success, so it's prudent to seek professional assistance before you begin your app development journey. For help establishing and utilizing milestones throughout the software development lifecycle, contact us for a free consultation.

How to execute the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) approach in software development

The concept of a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) has manifested in various industries for years, producing massive success for many adopters. However, even when a software product has a seemingly finite purpose, there are usually some ways to improve how it solves a specific problem. This is part of what makes the MVP approach a bit tricky when developing software. With that in mind, let’s define the minimum viable product and discuss how to apply it successfully when developing apps: What is an MVP? In a software development context, a minimum viable product (MVP) is the simplest version of a software product you can offer to the public to perform a particular function, with prospects of improvements further down the road. This product usually has a few essential features, and it's released primarily to gauge the viability of a core idea, gain some market share early, and learn more about what users may want later. An MVP can also save you from sinking many resources into a product or feature that users aren’t interested in. How to Build a Minimum Viable Product Every app comprises several facets on the front and back end, so while the product idea may be clear, the question of which parts must be released first is more challenging. That said, here are some tips on how to build a minimum viable product and continuously apply this technique: List the desired app capabilities Say you want to build an app that enables people to store files in the cloud. Such an app can come with numerous capabilities. For example, you could allow users to organize uploaded files under folders, synchronize the storage across different devices, and share access to the files using public links. But what if they want larger storage space and a search bar they can use to quickly find a file by typing in its name? Listing possible functionality helps you understand the fundamental function, which complementary functions are close to it, and which are mere nice-to-haves. Creating this list also lets you know which questions you want to be answered before the next iteration. Ascertain the resources available Another helpful step in building an MVP is to measure your resources, especially the funds. When you know the exact amount of money you have, you can easily cancel certain features off the list for the MVP. A few quick inquiries with developers, designers, marketers and other necessary personnel will produce quotations that let you know what you can or can’t afford. This step can help in your fundraising efforts since you have an estimate of what each feature costs. So when your MVP is released, you'll know how much you need to raise as you receive feedback. You'll also have an easier time deciding which of the requested improvements you'll fit into the next release. Examine the competitor’s product While some MVP champions emphasize a super lean product, there’s a limit to how minimalist you can be if there’s already someone doing what you want to do. If the competition has already offered certain complementary features, you may also have to provide those features at the very least. Many users will wonder why you even bothered releasing something that offers only a fraction of what the other available solutions offer if you roll out a much leaner MVP. However, this rule isn't absolute. The competition may offer many non-resonant features, so you should also search for other users' opinions on the product on top of trying it out. Doing so lets you know which unwanted features they offered and which relevant features they’ve delivered with flaws. Essentially, the competitor’s product can guide you on what to emulate while also showing you how to differentiate yourself. Set a timeframe Some argue that money can expedite a software development project, but there’s only so much speed it can buy you. When you embark on a project, you need time to recruit employees and build and test the product. The more features you add to your initial release, the longer it takes to get it out. So, when building an MVP, you should specify a precise date by which the product should be ready to go public. Once you've done so, you can talk to engineers and other technical staff, who will let you know whether it's possible to complete a faultless build within that time. Accordingly, you can then concede on a few features where necessary. Additionally, a concrete release date does more than keep you on schedule. It can help you align marketing with development. For example, when it drops later, you can invite people to sign up and be the first to try your new app. As the list grows, you’ll get a sense of the load your app will have. This enables you to decide on infrastructural provisions, customer support, and more. You’re starting a conversation and creating awareness while adequately preparing for the upcoming test.  You can undertake various efforts before releasing an MVP since every organization has unique goals. Nevertheless, to continuously apply the MVP approach, you ought to follow these tenets: You should have some assumptions about what users may likeYour MVP should embody these assumptionsOnce you receive feedback affirming or dispelling those assumptions, you shouldn't remain adamant. Instead, be ready to stop or pivot.The steps leading up to your first MVP should be condensed into a straightforward, repeatable process. Wrapping Up Ultimately, a lot changes once you release an MVP. One day, it may be about getting many sign-ups, and the next, it may be about increasing the percentage of paying customers. You may need five employees in one month and eight in the next. There’ll be a lot to track and many parties to please. Fortunately, here at Supreme Tech, we focus on building mobile and web apps from scratch using agile methodologies, so contact us for a free consultation on app MVPs.

Is React Native Good for Mobile App Development? A Simple Guide

Mobile app development has evolved rapidly, and developers often find themselves faced with the decision of choosing the right framework for their projects. Among the various options available, React Native has gained significant popularity. But is React Native really a good choice for mobile app development? Let's break it down in simple terms. Understanding React Native React Native 101: React Native is an open-source framework developed by Facebook that allows developers to build mobile applications using the familiar syntax of React, a popular JavaScript library for building user interfaces. The key advantage? You can write your code once and run it on both iOS and Android platforms, saving time and effort. Find out more about the general pros and cons of using React Native for web app development. When to Choose React Native 1. Prototyping and MVPs: If you're in the early stages of app development and need to quickly validate your ideas, React Native is a solid choice. Its rapid development capabilities make it ideal for creating prototypes and minimum viable products (MVPs) that can be tested on both iOS and Android platforms. 2. Limited Development Resources: For teams with developers skilled in JavaScript, React Native provides a familiar environment. This is particularly advantageous if you have a smaller team or a tight budget, as it allows you to leverage existing skills rather than investing in learning platform-specific languages. 3. Content-Driven Apps: Apps that heavily rely on displaying content, such as news apps or social media platforms, can benefit from React Native's efficiency. The framework's ability to handle complex UIs and its performance optimization make it suitable for content-centric applications. 4. Apps Requiring Regular Updates: React Native's hot reloading feature makes it an excellent choice for apps that require frequent updates. Developers can make changes on the fly without disrupting the user experience, making it easier to implement improvements and fix bugs promptly. 5. Small to Medium-Sized Apps: While React Native can handle large-scale applications, it truly shines in the development of small to medium-sized apps. Its simplicity and efficiency make it an excellent fit for projects where a lightweight framework is preferred. Considerations and Limitations 1. Complex Animations and Graphics: While React Native is excellent for most UI interactions, highly complex animations and graphics might benefit from a more native approach. In such cases, a blend of React Native and native modules might be necessary. 2. Platform-Specific Requirements: If your app heavily relies on platform-specific features, you might find yourself writing native modules or components. While React Native tries to be a one-size-fits-all solution, there are instances where platform-specific code is unavoidable. 3. Learning Curve for Native Modules: When dealing with complex functionalities or integrations, you might need to dip into native modules. This could require knowledge of Swift or Java, adding a bit of a learning curve for developers primarily familiar with JavaScript. Conclusion In the ever-expanding landscape of mobile app development, React Native stands out as a versatile and efficient framework. Its cross-platform capabilities, along with a plethora of benefits, make it a compelling choice for many projects. However, like any tool, it's crucial to understand its strengths and limitations. So, is React Native good for mobile app development? Absolutely, especially when it aligns with your project requirements and development goals. For rapid prototyping, cross-platform compatibility, and content-centric applications, React Native proves to be an excellent companion. As with any development decision, it's about finding the right tool for the job, and React Native certainly deserves a spot in the toolbox.

Pros and Cons of Using React Native in Web App Development

As a seasoned React developer navigating the dynamic landscape of web app development, the choice of frameworks can significantly impact project outcomes. React Native, originally designed for mobile app development, has increasingly found its way into the realm of web applications. Let's dissect the pros and cons of employing React Native in web app development with a straightforward lens. Pros of using React Native **1. Cross-Platform Development:** React Native's hallmark is its ability to facilitate cross-platform development. This is a game-changer for web apps seeking a unified codebase for both desktop and mobile experiences. The advantages are evident in projects like Facebook's own Ads Manager, where a shared codebase expedites development and maintenance. **2. Reusable Components:** The component-based architecture of React Native isn't just for show. It promotes code reusability and consistency across different parts of your web app. For instance, a custom UI component developed for a specific feature can seamlessly find its way into other sections, ensuring a uniform look and feel. **3. Familiarity with React:** For developers well-versed in React, the transition to React Native for web app development is remarkably smooth. The ability to leverage existing knowledge and skills in JavaScript and React principles expedites the learning curve, fostering a more efficient development process. **4. Community Support:** The React Native community is robust, offering a plethora of resources, libraries, and third-party tools. For web app developers, this translates into an abundance of solutions and best practices readily available. A supportive community ensures that challenges are met with collective knowledge and innovation. Cons of using React Native **1. Limited Access to Native Modules:** While React Native provides access to a wide array of native modules, it may lack support for certain platform-specific features. For example, if your web app requires intricate functionalities deeply rooted in native capabilities, relying solely on React Native might present limitations. **2. Web-Specific Performance Challenges:** React Native, initially designed for mobile environments, may not seamlessly translate to optimal performance in web browsers. Rendering complex UIs and handling animations can pose challenges, as the framework's strengths lie more in the mobile app domain. **3. Learning Curve for React Native Web:** Despite React Native's familiarity for React developers, adapting it for web app development involves a learning curve. Navigating the nuances of React Native Web, the library extension for web applications, might require additional effort. This could potentially impact development timelines. **4. Limited Ecosystem for Web:** While React Native boasts a mature ecosystem for mobile development, its offerings for web app development are relatively nascent. Developers might encounter scenarios where specific web-related functionalities are not as well-supported or documented as their mobile counterparts. Navigating the Decision Scenario 1: Building a Cross-Platform App with Unified Codebase Consider React Native for a project where a cross-platform web app with a unified codebase is a priority. For instance, an e-commerce platform aiming for consistency across desktop and mobile interfaces could benefit significantly from React Native. Scenario 2: High Dependency on Platform-Specific Features If your web app heavily relies on platform-specific features or demands high-performance graphics, consider evaluating alternatives. Directly using native frameworks or exploring hybrid solutions tailored for web might be more suitable. Scenario 3: Leveraging Existing React Skills for Web Development If your team is well-versed in React and wishes to leverage existing skills for web app development, React Native becomes a pragmatic choice. This is particularly relevant for projects where a rapid development cycle is crucial. Conclusion: In the nuanced landscape of web app development, React Native brings both advantages and challenges. Its cross-platform capabilities and code-sharing benefits can be instrumental in specific scenarios, while considerations such as performance optimization and access to native features must be weighed. Ultimately, the decision to use React Native for web app development hinges on project requirements, development goals, and the unique characteristics of the application. A pragmatic approach involves assessing the strengths and limitations outlined here, aligning them with the project's needs, and making an informed decision that best serves the development objectives.