App Development Notes
App Development Notes
APP DEVELOPMENT
UNIT 1
FUNDAMENTALS OF MOBILE AND WEB APPLICATION DEVELOPMENT.
1.basics of web application development.
Web application development is the process of building application programs that reside on remote servers and are
delivered to users over the internet via a web browser. Unlike traditional desktop applications, web apps don’t require
installation and can be accessed from any device with internet access.
Here are the main components and steps in web application development:
1. Planning & Requirements
Define the problem the app will solve
Identify the target audience
Outline the core features and functionality
Create wireframes or mockups
2. Frontend Development (Client-side)
This is what users see and interact with. It involves:
HTML – HTML is the standard markup languages used to structure content of the web. It defines the structure of
web pages using elements like <html>,<head>,<body>,<div>,<p>,<img>,etc.
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CSS – is used to control the presentation and styling of the HTML elements.it defines styles such as layouts,
colors, fonts, spacing, etc and introduces advanced features like animations, transitions and layouts.
JavaScript – is a powerful scripting language used to make web pages interactive.it allows for dynamic content
updates, event handling, form validation and client-side behavior.
Frameworks/Libraries: React, Angular, Vue.js, Svelte, etc.
3. Backend Development (Server-side)
Backend development involves server side programming and managing databases. It handles the logic, database
interactions, user authentication and other behind the scenes functionalities.
Languages: JavaScript (Node.js), Python (Django/Flask), PHP (Laravel), Ruby (Rails), Java (Spring), Go, etc.
Databases: MySQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, Firebase, etc.
APIs: REST, GraphQL, or WebSockets for real-time communication
4. Hosting & Deployment
Web apps are deployed on cloud platforms like:
Hosting services: AWS, Heroku, Vercel, Netlify, DigitalOcean
CI/CD tools: GitHub Actions, GitLab CI/CD, Jenkins, etc.
5. Security
Important measures include:
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HTTPS/SSL encryption
Input validation & sanitization
Authentication (OAuth, JWT, sessions)
Rate limiting & firewalls
6. Testing
Types of testing include:
Unit tests
Integration tests
End-to-end (E2E) tests using tools like Selenium, Cypress, or Playwright
7. Maintenance & Updates
Bug fixes
Adding new features
Performance optimizations
Mobile app development refers to the creation of software applications that run on mobile devices, like smartphones
and tablets. It typically involves designing, coding, testing, and deploying applications that perform specific tasks or
functions. Here are the core elements that you need to understand when starting mobile application development:
Competitive Analysis: Check out similar apps to identify features, design, and user experience.
B. Designing UI/UX
UI (User Interface): The layout, colors, buttons, and everything the user interacts with.
UX (User Experience): How the app feels, how easy it is to navigate, and the overall flow.
Wireframing & Prototyping: Tools like Figma, Sketch, or Adobe XD help create wireframes and prototypes.
C. App Development
Frontend (Client-Side):
o This is what users see. Involves writing code that makes the app interactive and functional.
o You can use native development tools (Swift, Kotlin) or cross-platform tools (React Native, Flutter).
Backend (Server-Side):
o If your app needs to store data (user accounts, photos, etc.), you’ll need a backend.
o Popular tools: Node.js, Python (Django, Flask), Ruby on Rails.
o Use databases like Firebase, MongoDB, or SQL-based databases like PostgreSQL and MySQL.
D. Testing
Unit Testing: Test individual components of the app for functionality.
UI Testing: Test how users interact with the app.
Performance Testing: Ensure the app is smooth and responsive.
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Beta Testing: Release to a small group of users for feedback before the official launch.
E. Deployment
Publish to App Stores:
o iOS: Submit the app to the Apple App Store.
o Android: Submit the app to the Google Play Store.
Each store has guidelines that must be followed, like code reviews, screenshots, descriptions, and more.
Android:
o Java (Older, but still widely used)
o Kotlin (Modern, recommended by Google)
Cross-Platform:
o React Native (JavaScript framework by Facebook)
o Flutter (Dart framework by Google)
o Xamarin (C# framework by Microsoft)
Web Apps: Websites that act like mobile apps but run inside a browser.
Hybrid Apps: Combination of native and web app, using technologies like Ionic or Cordova.
9. After Launch
Monitor User Feedback
Update the App.
3. NATIVE APP.
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Accelerometer
Microphone
Bluetooth
Push notifications
Offline capabilities
o This allows the app to offer rich and interactive experiences.
4. Offline Functionality:
o Native apps can work offline, storing data locally on the device. This is ideal for apps that need to operate in
areas with poor or no internet connectivity (e.g., music players, maps).
5. Security:
o Native apps can leverage platform-specific security features, such as biometric authentication (Face ID,
Touch ID), encryption, and secure storage.
6. Better User Experience (UX):
o Native app provide a consistent user interface conformimg to the platform’s design guidelines.
7. App Store Distribution:
o Native apps are distributed through official app stores (Google Play or Apple App Store).
Key Components of a Native App
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o Native apps can send push notifications to keep users engaged, notify them about updates, reminders, or
other events.
6. Security and Permissions:
o Native apps have access to platform-specific security features like encryption, secure data storage, and
authentication mechanisms (e.g., Face ID, Touch ID, fingerprint recognition).
o Users grant specific permissions to the app (e.g., camera access, location services).
7. Background Tasks:
o Native apps can run background tasks, such as syncing data or updating content, even when the app is not
in the foreground.
o iOS uses Background Fetch and Silent Push Notifications for this purpose.
o Android uses WorkManager or JobScheduler to manage background tasks.
Advantages of Native Apps
1. Optimized Performance.
2. Rich User Experience (ux).
3. Full Access to Device Features..
4. App Store Exposure.
5. Offline Capabilities.
Disadvantages of Native Apps
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1. Platform-Specific Development.
2. Maintenance Complexity.
3. Higher Development Costs.
4. App Store Guideline.
WHEN TO CHOOSE A NATIVE APP.
1. When you need an app the takes full advantage of a device’s features and capabilities.
2. When high performance and a smooth user experience are critical.
3. When offline functionalities is essential.
4. HYBRID APP.
A hybrid app is a type of mobile application that combines elements of both web and native apps.
It built using web technologies like HTML, CSS, and javaScript but runs within a native app wrapper that
provides access to device capabilities.
1. Web view.
The WebView is a native component that allows the hybrid app to display web content (HTML, CSS, and
JavaScript) as part of the app interface.
It's essentially a browser embedded in the app, which displays web pages directly in the app’s native
environment.
2. Native Wrapper
The native wrapper is a shell that houses the hybrid app and gives it the ability to interact with device-specific
features.
This wrapper is usually created using frameworks like Apache Cordova, PhoneGap, Ionic, or React Native.
o Ionic.
o React Native.
o Fluter.
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8. Push Notifications
Push notifications are essential for engaging users and keeping them informed about updates or new content.
Hybrid apps can use services like Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM) or OneSignal to integrate push notifications.
Advantages of Hybrid Apps
1. Single Codebase.
2. Faster Development.
3. Easier Updates.
4. Cost-Effective.
Cost effective – lower development maintenance costs compared to building native apps separately.
Wider reach – the app can reach users on multiple devices and platforms with one launch.
DEVELOPMENT PROCESS
Planning – define app goals , features, target, platforms and user needs.
Designing – create a user friendly interface that works well on platforms.
Coding – write the app using a cross platform framework (like flutter or react native).
Testing and deployment – test the app on different devices and then publish it to app stores.
PROS:
Reduced development cost and time.
Code reusability across platforms with a single codebase.
Easier maintenance and updates.
CONS:
Performance may not match native apps especially for complex animations and interactions.
Limited access to certain native features that may require custom plugins or native code.
USE CASES FOR CROSS PLATFORM:
Startups and MVP’s : ideal for startups looking to launch quickly and test their ideas on multiple
platforms.
Enterprise app : help businesses develop internal tools and applications that need to be accessible
across different platforms.
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TECHNICAL ADVANTAGES :
Faster load times.
Offline functionalities.
Push notifications.
Background task.
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Device integration.
Responsive web design (RWD) is an approach to building websites that ensuresthey look and function well
on a variety of devices and screen sizes, from large desktop monitors to tablets and smartphones.
Core components:
Benefits:
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Implementation consideration:
Performance Optimization – Minimize load times with optimized images, code, and resources.
Touch-Friendly Design – Ensure buttons, links, and menus work well on touch screens.
Navigation Adaptability – Use mobile-friendly menus like collapsible or hamburger menus.
Cross-Browser Compatibility – Test across different browsers and devices for consistency.
Content Prioritization – Show the most important content first on smaller screens.
Testing & Debugging – Use tools like Chrome Development Tools or online emulators to test responsiveness.
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1. Frontend (Client Side) – The user interface built with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
2. Backend (Server Side) – The logic, database interactions, and processing done on the server.
3. Database – Stores and manages data used by the app (e.g., user info, products).
4. Web Server – Handles requests from users and serves the web app to browsers.
5. APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) – Allow communication between frontend, backend, and external
services.
DIFFERENCE FROM TRADITIONAL WEB APPS
Offline capabilities.
Access to device features.
App store distribution.
DIFFERENCE FROM NATIVE APPS
Development approach – native web app use web technologies for development, while native apps are
developed using platform-specific languages.
Performance – native apps generally offer better performance and responsiveness compared to native web
apps due to direct access to device APIs and hardware.
User experience – native apps provide a more consistent and platform specific user experience, whereas
native web apps may have limitations .
BENEFITS OF NATIVE APP
Performance and speed.
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o Declarative approach
Best for: Android-first apps needing native UI
3. Sample Program
4. Benefits
1. Beginner-Friendly – Great for people just starting to code.
2. Backed by Apple – Made and supported by Apple, so it’s always up to date.
3. Builds All Apple Apps – Use it for iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and Apple TV.
4. Lots of Help Online – Tons of tutorials, videos, and guides available.
OBJECTIVE – C FOR IOS DEVELOPMENT
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Objective-c has been the primary language for ios development for many years and its still widely used,
especially with existing codebases.
1. Language Features
1. Based on C – Adds object-oriented features to the C language.
2. Uses Message Passing – Objects communicate using messages ([object message]).
3. Dynamic Typing Option – Can choose between strict or flexible typing.
4. Manual and Automatic Memory Management – Uses ARC (Automatic Reference Counting), but also
allows manual memory handling.
2. Development Environment
1. Xcode IDE – Write, test, and debug Objective-C apps using Apple’s Xcode.
2. Interface Builder – Design app screens visually in Xcode.
3. iOS Simulator – Run and test apps without needing a physical iPhone.
4. Compatible with Swift – Can mix Objective-C and Swift in one project.
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4. Benefits
1. Proven and Stable – Used to build iOS apps since the beginning.
2. Great for Legacy Projects – Many older apps still use Objective-C.
3. Works with Swift – You can use Objective-C in Swift projects and vice versa.
4. Detailed Control – Offers more control over memory and runtime behavior.
Sample Objective-C Code
#import <UIKit/UIKit.h>
@implementation ViewController
- (void)viewDidLoad {
[super viewDidLoad];
NSLog(@"Hello, Objective-C!");
}
@end
💡 This code just prints “Hello, Objective-C!” to the console when the app starts.
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1. Project Requirements
Swift is better for new projects with modern features and future support.
Objective-C is better for maintaining older codebases.
2. Team Expertise
Choose Swift if the team is new to Apple development or prefers modern syntax.
Choose Objective-C if the team has strong experience with legacy Apple code.
3. Compatibility
Swift and Objective-C can work together in the same project.
Some Swift features don’t translate well to Objective-C, which can limit integration.
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REACT NATIVE
Definition of React Native:
React Native is an open-source framework developed by Meta (formerly Facebook) that allows
developers to build mobile applications using JavaScript and React. It enables you to create cross-
platform apps for iOS and Android with a single codebase, using native components instead of web
components.
5. Hot Reloading / Fast Refresh: This feature allows developers to see changes instantly without
restarting the app.
Basic React Native Components:
1. View: A container component used for layout and styling (similar to <div> in HTML).
2. Text: Used to display text.
3. Image: Displays images.
4. TextInput: Allows user input.
5. Button: Simple button component.
To Begin Developing with React Native (3 Key Steps):
✅ Step 1: Set Up Your Tools (in 2 lines)
1. Install Node.js from https://nodejs.org.
2. Open terminal and run: npm install -g expo-cli to install Expo CLI.
🧩 Step 2: Create Your First Project
Now create your React Native app.
In your terminal, type:
bash
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CopyEdit
npx create-expo-app MyFirstApp
cd MyFirstApp
npm start
This will create a folder called MyFirstApp and start the project.
This code is your app. It just shows “Hello, React Native!” on the screen.
JSX
✅ Definition of JSX:
JSX (JavaScript XML) is a syntax extension for JavaScript used in React and React Native. It allows you to
write HTML-like code inside JavaScript, making it easier to create and understand UI components.
Example:
jsx
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const element = <Text>Hello World</Text>;
✨ Key Features of JSX:
1. HTML-like Syntax: Looks like HTML but works inside JavaScript.
2. Component-Friendly: Makes creating React components simple and readable.
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⚙️JSX Compilation:
JSX is not valid JavaScript, so it must be compiled using tools like Babel.
Example:
jsx
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const element = <Text>Hello</Text>;
This is compiled into:
js
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const element = React.createElement(Text, null, "Hello");
✅ Benefits of JSX:
1. Readable and Declarative: Code looks like UI structure, easier to understand.
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STATE
✅ Definition of State in React:
State is a built-in object in React (and React Native) used to store data that can change over time. When
the state changes, React automatically updates (re-renders) the component to reflect the new data on
the screen.
🧩 Stateful vs Stateless Components
Type Description Example
Stateful A component that uses state to manage data. It can change Uses useState or
Component over time. this.state.
Stateless A component that does not manage state. It only receives data Pure function with
Component via props and displays it. props.
✅ Stateful Component Example:
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jsx
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import React, { useState } from 'react';
import { View, Text, Button } from 'react-native';
return (
<View>
<Text>Count: {count}</Text>
<Button title="Add" onPress={() => setCount(count + 1)} />
</View>
);
}
✅ Stateless Component Example:
jsx
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import React from 'react';
import { View, Text } from 'react-native';
jsx
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function Greeting(props) {
return <Text>Hello, {props.name}!</Text>;
}
1. 🔄 Component Reusability – Use one component for many different data sets.
2. 🧼 Cleaner Code – Keeps components small and focused on one job.
3. 🧩 Parent-to-Child Communication – Easy way to send data or functions to child components.
4. 🔐 Immutability – Prevents unexpected changes in child components, improving stability.
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UNIT 3
HYBRID APP DEVELOPMENT
Developers with web skills (HTML, CSS, JS) can easily build mobile apps without learning platform-specific
languages.
5. 📱 Access to Native Features
Through plugins or bridges, hybrid apps can access device hardware like camera, GPS, sensors, and more.
6. 🔄 Easier Updates
Changes or bug fixes can be pushed to both platforms simultaneously, speeding up the update process.
✅ Criteria for Creating Native Apps
1. High Performance Needs
Apps requiring smooth animations, fast processing, or complex graphics (like games) benefit from
native development.
2. Full Access to Device Features
If the app needs deep integration with hardware (camera, GPS, sensors), native apps provide better
support.
3. Platform-Specific User Experience
For apps that must follow strict iOS or Android design guidelines with custom UI, native apps offer
full control.
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4. Offline Capability
Native apps handle offline functionality more reliably for apps that must work without internet.
5. Long-Term Maintenance & Scalability
Native apps are better for projects needing ongoing updates, security, and access to new OS features
over time.
5. PhoneGap
An Adobe-owned framework (based on Cordova) for building hybrid apps using web technologies
with native plugin support.
6. Xamarin
Uses C# and .NET framework to build cross-platform apps with native performance and access to
platform APIs.
7. Framework7
A free and open-source framework to build iOS and Android apps with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript,
focused on a native look and feel.
Ionic Architecture
Web Layer: Built with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
Framework Layer: Uses Angular/React/Vue.
UI Layer: Ionic UI components for mobile styling.
Native Bridge: Uses Capacitor or Cordova to connect to native device features.
App Shell: Wraps the app in a native container to run on iOS or Android.
3. Customizable UI
Ionic provides flexible and themeable UI components for native-like design.
4. Large Plugin Ecosystem
Supports Cordova and Capacitor plugins for native functionality.
5. Strong Community & Documentation
Backed by a large community and excellent documentation for troubleshooting and learning.
UNIT 4
cross-platform app is an application that can run on multiple operating systems (e.g., iOS, Android,
Windows, macOS, Linux) using a single codebase. This is achieved by using cross-platform development
technologies that abstract the underlying platform differences.
✅ Benefits of Cross-Platform Development
Faster development: One codebase for multiple platforms.
Lower cost: Fewer developers needed.
Consistent UI/UX: Shared components across platforms.
Easier maintenance: Bug fixes and updates are centralized.
❌ Limitations
Performance overhead compared to native apps (especially with heavy animations or graphics).
Platform-specific bugs or behavior.
Limited access to some native APIs unless using plugins or writing custom native code.
💡 When to Use Cross-Platform
Use it when:
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1. Single Codebase
Write once, run on multiple platforms (iOS, Android, Web), saving time and effort.
2. Faster Development
Building for multiple platforms simultaneously speeds up the launch process.
3. Cost-Effective
Requires fewer developers and resources compared to separate native apps.
4. Easier Maintenance
Updates and bug fixes can be applied across all platforms at once.
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5. Wider Reach
Allows you to target users on different devices without building separate apps.
6. Consistent User Experience
Ensures a uniform look and feel across platforms with shared UI components.
7. Code Reusability
Reuse business logic, APIs, and other components across platforms.
8. Faster Prototyping
Quickly test and iterate app ideas across platforms without duplicating effort.
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UNIT 5
NON FUNCTIONAL CHARACTERISTIC OF APP FRAMEWORKS.
Time to Market (TTM) refers to the total time it takes from the initial idea of an app until it is
launched and available to users. It is a key factor in gaining a competitive advantage, especially in fast-
moving markets.
✅ UI (User Interface)
UI refers to how the app looks — layout, colors, buttons, icons, and fonts.
It focuses on the visual elements that users interact with.
A good UI makes the app look clean, attractive, and easy to use.
✅ UX (User Experience)
UX is about how the app feels and works for the user.
It focuses on making the app easy, smooth, and satisfying to use.
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A good UX means users can achieve their goals quickly and without frustration.
✅ Importance of UI/UX
1. Creates a Good First Impression
– A well-designed app looks professional and makes users trust it quickly.
2. Keeps Users Engaged
– Easy and attractive design keeps users interested in using the app.
3. Improves Usability
– A good layout helps users find what they need without confusion.
4. Increases User Satisfaction
– Smooth experience makes users feel happy and comfortable.
5. Boosts App Retention
– When users enjoy the app, they are more likely to come back and use it again.
6. Reduces User Errors
– Clear buttons, labels, and messages help users avoid mistakes.
7. Saves Time for Users
– Good UX helps users complete tasks quickly and easily.
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