Tag Archive for: android developers

How Clients Benefit From Android Mobile App Developers In Denver

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The bustling capital of Colorado, Denver, has so much to offer out-of-town visitors and those looking for Android mobile app developers. Owing much to its phenomenal museums and historical landmarks, it’s a city that showcases its rich culture and heritage with panache. And it’s also home to some incredibly talented app development studios.

One of these studios is NS804, which also ranks as one of the most reviewed developers in Denver, according to the Manifest. Furthermore, we’re renowned for developing quality apps for our clients and have earned several accolades over the years. We’re Gold Verified on Clutch and have a comprehensive portfolio and many happy clients that back up the quality of our work.

But what makes us better than our peers, and what can you expect from NS804? We’re a full-service mobile app developer specializing in native Android and iOS development. That means we’ve amassed a team of specialists in all areas of app creation. 

We have designers, project managers, programmers, testers, writers, and even app store optimizers. So, our clients benefit immensely by having access to a ‘one-stop-shop’ instead of dealing with disparate entities, which only complicates the app development journey. But clients can enjoy further benefits, which we’ll explain in more detail below.

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A Team Of Android Mobile App Developers Utilizing Design

Design plays a fundamental role in the app development process. We start by designing a wireframe of the user interface (UI) and may even create a prototype. And we do this to show clients how their app will look, feel, and function. 

If they’re happy with the results, we’ll proceed with a minimum viable product (MVP) or a full-fledged product. But if they’re not, we’ll listen to their concerns, feedback, and suggestions before going back to the drawing board. And once we return with satisfying results, our clients will be eager to move forward. 

Since we’re one of the leading native Android mobile app developers in Denver, we’re inclined to use the latest best-in-class tools. And that means we’ll use Jetpack Compose to create beautiful and modern native UIs. These UIs will delight Android users and keep them engaged, especially those that have purchased the latest smartphones and tablets.

Android Mobile App Developers Demystify The Development Process 

Many clients are new to app development and have many questions. We’re always available to answer their questions and demystify the development process as best we can. After all, it’s not uncommon for clients to have questions about the following:

  • Notable similarities and differences between Android and iOS
  • Required tools for Android app development
  • Game engines and tools required for making Android mobile games
  • Ways to optimize an Android app or game
  • How to succeed on Google Play and other Android app stores
  • How to build a backend and implement analytics

Building Android Apps That Succeed

App projects are always risky, even on popular platforms such as Android. That’s why we always strive to keep clients informed about the progress of their projects and any issues or upcoming roadblocks that may hinder progression.   

And since we know the Android landscape so well, we’re aware of the various factors that could sink even the most promising projects. These may include a lack of a clear objective, an unintuitive UI, failure to iterate, poor marketing, or a disappointing user experience. However, we work closely with clients to ensure none of these materialize.

The Bottom Line

As one of the leading Android mobile app developers in Denver, we use our vast experience to create phenomenal apps according to spec. And since we know all of the ins and outs of the Android platform, we’re well-positioned to tackle the most demanding projects and to support these in the long term. Contact NS804 to learn how we’ll help you create the most engaging Android apps today! 

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The Ultimate Guide For Android Mobile App Development Basics

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Mastering the Android platform as a developer always starts by comprehending the mobile app development basics. And that’s because the Android development ecosystem is incredibly dense and complex. Consider that it’s necessary to know two programming languages for this platform: Java and Kotlin. And while some programmers may scoff at the idea of familiarizing themselves with both languages, it’s a necessary step.

But why should programmers go to such lengths when it’s possible to develop Android apps if they only know one of these languages? That’s because it’s good practice to update apps regularly. And after a certain period, it’s essential to modernize apps, which may include moving from a dated programming language to a current one. Thus, developers planning to update Android apps should have the knowledge and skills to port these from the older Java code to the newer Kotlin codebase.

Sometimes, it’s necessary to know additional languages, such as C#, JavaScript, or even Python, for cross-platform development. And with such a large variety of programming languages, developers also have to deal with many integrated development environments (IDEs) and software development kits (SDKs).

Then, the types of apps developers make will impact tooling choices. For example, making a short-form video app like TikTok will require a different toolchain to a battle royale game such as Fortnite. And if developers wish to include networking features, considerations regarding backend and integration systems become paramount.

With so many considerations, Android development seems harrowing, especially for newcomers. That’s why we’ve compiled this handy guide to help aspiring and even seasoned developers understand Android mobile app development basics. 

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Android Mobile App Development Basics: Choosing The Right Development Environment

So you’ve taken the time to research the market and are now busy planning your mobile app strategy. However, you’ve yet to pick your development environment, which will play a crucial role in determining the overall development experience. It may even impact the success or failure of your upcoming app project, so research all the development environments thoroughly before settling on one.

But what do you even pick with so many Android development tools available? If you’re planning on making a native app, then Android Studio is a great choice. It’s Google’s official and recommended IDE and features the Jetpack Compose user interface (UI) designer, Android Emulator, and intelligent code editor. Also, you’ll need to download the Android SDK, NDK, and Java SE Development Kit (JDK).

But if you’re planning on making a cross-platform or hybrid app, you may want to consider another development environment. There’s Visual Studio with Xamarin for cross-platform apps with native performance. And then, there’s Flutter and React Native for making impressive-looking hybrid apps.

If you decide to make a mobile game, you’ll want to use a game engine such as Unity or Unreal Engine. Both engines provide their own asset content pipelines and tooling for creating animations, levels, and visual effects. However, Unity and Unreal recommend and offer a download pathway for the Visual Studio IDE for coding.

Gaining Programming Language Proficiency 

If you’ve picked Android Studio, you’ll need to gain proficiency in both Java and Kotlin. But if you’re a new developer, start with Kotlin since it’s a more modern language with a better and more streamlined syntax. If you already have experience in Java or any object-oriented language from the C family, it should only take several weeks to learn Kotlin.

But it’s also crucial to become proficient in JavaScript Object Notation (JSON) and Extensible Markup Language (XML). JSON is a file type based on an open standard used for parsing and storing data objects. XML can also parse, structure, and manage data but can’t perform computing calculations.

For the majority of Android app development scenarios, Java, Kotlin, JSON, and XML should suffice. But what if you already have C or C++ proficiency and want to develop Android mobile games? The good news is that Google offers the Android Game Development Kit (AGDK) for developers with C/C++ skills. It’s a comprehensive suite of libraries and tools with easy integrations for game engines, such as Unity. 

And on the subject of Unity, if you opt for this engine, you may want to use the C# programming language. If you already know Java or Kotlin, C# is easy to pick up and start making simple games within days. Moreover, Unity provides many in-depth tutorials and programming resources to help newcomers become proficient with C#, the game engine, and mobile app development basics.  

How To Structure A Basic Android App’s UI With Jetpack Compose

Google recommends that developers use the Jetpack Compose UI framework for making modern Android apps. And that’s because it simplifies the creation of UIs with dynamic animations, styles, and themes. Its composable functions make it easy to change states and add images, texts, lists, grids, and scrollable columns. 

A few neat features of Jetpack Compose, which should also excite UI/UX designers, are its Material Design and Material Theming. These allow designers to make their apps more accessible and attractive to a larger demographic of users. Designers can alter all aspects of an app’s UI, from its typography to its colors. 

And some of the more advanced features of Jetpack Compose allow smooth navigation between screens, navigation across multiple screens, and passing of data between screens. With the proliferation of foldable Android smartphones, designers must take advantage of the additional screen real estate as efficiently as possible. 

One way to do this is by creating an adaptive app featuring dynamic navigation. This approach allows the app’s UI to transform elegantly and fluidly for any screen size, orientation, form factor, and device type. Moreover, there’s no loss or degradation of usability of the app, regardless of these changing factors.

Understanding Persistent Data On Android

It’s necessary to read, store, and manipulate data between an app and a relational database, such as SQLite. And that’s because you’ll need to store all kinds of app and user data and do so securely. But setting up a database and dealing with so much data can be difficult, especially for those getting to grips with Android mobile app development basics.

However, one of the most useful Kotlin APIs for this purpose is Room, which is part of the Jetpack library. It acts as an abstraction layer for configuring SQLite databases and reading, manipulating, and querying stored data. 

Sometimes, it’s more sensible to store user data and preferences on the device instead of a relational database, especially if the app will predominantly operate offline. DataStore is yet another Jetpack tool but meant for smaller datasets, such as typed objects or key-value pairs. Another benefit of DataStore is that it performs asynchronous operations but can also perform synchronous operations. This helps deal with legacy codebases designed for handling data and disk I/O operations in a synchronous manner. 

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In Conclusion

The Android platform offers new and seasoned developers a rich and dynamic app development ecosystem that’s worth exploring. But before you embark on this journey, it’s best to internalize a few of the key points that we’ve covered in our guide about Android mobile app development basics. Contact NS804 to learn how we’ll help you create engaging Android apps using the best practices and industry-leading technologies.

Android Studios: Are There Any Experienced Mobile App Developers In Charlotte?

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If you’ve been feverishly searching for experienced Android studios in Charlotte, North Carolina — you’ve come to the right place! Not only is NS804 one of the leading lights of the mobile app development world in the Queen City, but we’ve also received many accolades. 

And while we pride ourselves on being one of the most prominent Android studios in this dynamic city, we’re experts at cross-platform native app development. That means that we know both Android and iOS platforms intimately and are renowned for creating engaging and performant apps for either platform.

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However, you may not be interested in iOS and only care about targeting Android for your upcoming project. Or you’re thinking of releasing an iOS version of your app at a later stage but want to focus on Android for now. Whatever scenarios you’re currently contemplating, we’re here to help you make the right choices and accomplish your goals.

But now you may be wondering what to expect from one of the most prolific mobile app developers in Charlotte. And if you’re embarking on your first app project, we understand you’ll have many questions. Also, we know there isn’t enough information available about what Android studios can offer their clients. 

So, to make things easy for you, we’ve prepared this in-depth article to demystify a matter that may seem obscure. Read on to learn more about what one of Charlotte’s most talented Android studios can do for you!

The Best Android Studios Go Native 

We’re now living in the era of powerful cross-platform development frameworks. These include the likes of Flutter, Ionic, and Reactive Native. While the latter framework promises native performance, it’s still fundamentally a hybrid development toolkit. Furthermore, it requires a significant degree of optimization to create performant apps. 

Now there’s nothing necessarily wrong with using these platforms, especially for startups on a tight budget. Cross-platform hybrid frameworks make app development cheaper and faster but not necessarily better. And by better, we mean that hybrid-developed apps seldom reach the quality and performance levels of native apps.

However, if you’re targeting a single platform, especially Android, there’s little to no reason to opt for hybrid app development. And the best part is that Google offers exceptional native development tools to create engaging Android apps. 

They offer the Android Studio integrated development environment (IDE) and several robust tools free of charge. Furthermore, these include well-written documentation, tutorials, and even training videos to help anyone commence their app development journey. 

Therefore, there’s no excuse not to take advantage of all these free resources. But if app development seems too complex or beyond your capabilities, consider partnering with NS804 to complete your Android project. Our deep knowledge and expertise of Google’s entire Android development stack put us in a position to deliver apps according to your exact specifications.

Creating The Perfect Android User Interface (UI)

There are considerable differences between the UIs and gesture navigation systems between Android and iOS. Yet many cross-platform mobile app developers attempt to make them similar when targeting both platforms. Unfortunately, this is a massive oversight that worsens the experience for users in the general sense. 

That’s why we continuously stress the importance of native app development, as it impacts the overall quality of an app. It’s not just about performance but also how the app looks and feels. That’s why it’s crucial to have an experienced UI/UX designer on the team with intimate knowledge of Android’s native UI. 

Moreover, this designer should feel at home with Jetpack Compose — the official Android UI development toolkit that integrates fluidly with several Kotlin application programming interfaces (APIs). And what makes Jetpack Compose so powerful is that it helps designers make engaging UIs for small and large screens. 

Let’s not forget that the Android ecosystem is larger and more varied than iOS. When targeting Android, you must consider the multiple screen sizes of smartphones, tablets, foldable devices, smartwatches, smart TVs, notebooks (Google Chromebooks and Windows 11 PCs), and vehicle dashboard systems (Android Auto). 

But the most experienced Android studios know how to create responsive UIs that work with any device flawlessly. They can foresee when and where issues may arise while working on an early wireframe UI or prototype. Then, implement the solutions to deal with any bottlenecks to avoid costly and time-consuming workarounds that may occur later on.

 

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Working With Firebase

Without any doubt, you’ll likely need a backend developer for your upcoming Android project. You may need to store client credentials on a database, authenticate users, or even keep track of scores on a leaderboard if you’re creating a mobile game. In most cases, you’ll use either an SQLite or NoSQL database and work closely with the backend developer.

But you may want a more elegant cloud-based solution that minimizes the need for a backend developer. In that case, you may opt for Google’s Firebase solution, which includes several powerful analytics tools. Therefore, you can spend most of your resources working on and improving your app without worrying as much about the backend elements. 

Another reason why you’d want to use Firebase is for its Crashlytics feature, as it’s a lightweight crash reporting tool. It will give you real-time reports with in-depth insights into the health of your app. And it’s possible to conduct A/B testing and remote configurations via Firebase, which means you’ll cut down on tools for these additional tasks. 

Of course, if you’ve partnered with one of the leading mobile app developers in Charlotte, you won’t have to go it alone. You can rely on NS804 to integrate Firebase into your app development toolchain.

Making Mobile Games For The Massive Android Market

In 2023, Android ranks as one of the largest and most important gaming platforms. It also overshadows iOS significantly, even though Apple Arcade has made great strides as a game subscription service. Nevertheless, Android dominates, with 75% of all smartphones and tablets in the world powered by this operating system (OS).  

Then, there are Android gaming smartphones available in the marketplace, such as the Asus ROG phones. And devices such as the Nvidia Shield Android TV Pro gives gamers a console-like experience at an affordable price. Moreover, Microsoft’s Windows 11 OS can run Android apps and games from the Amazon Appstore. Thus, there’s no shortage of devices capable of running Android games, making it a truly all-encompassing platform.

And the world’s most popular game engines and tools vendors have responded in kind. Construct, GameMaker, Godot, Unity, and Unreal Engine all offer Android export modules. And Unity takes things several steps further by having the capability to run and export to Chrome OS (Google Chromebooks). A key benefit of Chromebooks is that they can run Android, Linux, and Windows apps and games. 

Making games is hard enough, but supporting all these devices requires the expertise of a professional studio. While an Android game should run on all these devices without issues — this seldom happens. It’s not uncommon for mobile games to run great on specific devices and perform poorly on others. However, the most effective Android studios know how to optimize mobile games for a wide range of devices, even those not commonly used.

In Conclusion

There are several mobile app developers in Charlotte, yet NS804 stands apart due to experience and reputation. Furthermore, we’re one of the top Android studios in Charlotte but also have a notable presence in Denver and Richmond. Contact us today to learn how NS804 can help you create Android apps that engage users on Google Play and beyond!

Mobile App Development Questions: 5 Things You Should Be Asking Before Partnering

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It may seem like a technical matter to ask a professional studio several crucial mobile app development questions. But this is the essential first step that will help you assess whether or not they would make a good development partner. After all, you have specific needs for your upcoming app project and want to know if the studio can complete your project according to spec.

The studio’s portfolio of completed projects will undoubtedly play a role in your decision-making process. Another aspect that will likely affect your decision is the studio’s reputation and accolades. 

For example, NS804 has consistently ranked as one of the top app developers (2018-2022) and B2B companies — according to Clutch. And according to the Manifest, we’re also one of the most reviewed app developers in Denver. Furthermore, we’ve gained the trust of prestigious brands such as Dominion Energy, Luck Stone, and Wells Fargo Advisors, to name a few.

While that may seem like we’re tooting our own horn, we intend to pinpoint what you should look for early on. Does the studio you’re talking to have the ability, reputation, and track record to complete your project satisfactorily? Or are you dealing with freelancers or a fly-by-night studio that may not see your project through to the end? We’re hoping it’s the former scenario and not the latter.

But even if it seems that you’ve found the studio right for you, don’t sign on the dotted line just yet. Ask them the following mobile app development questions before making your decision.

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1. Which Of Your Apps On The App Stores Can I Download?

It’s all well for the studio to show you their portfolio, but that’s not enough. And that’s because you’re never sure if those apps shown in the portfolio function properly. You’ll only see several screenshots with hardly a hint of app functionality. However, more savvy developers will use motion graphics or make demos available.

While that’s a significant improvement from static app screenshots, it’s wise to ask for more. And we recommend that you ask the studio to provide you with download links to their apps in both the App Store and Google Play. Then, take the time to download and install these apps to try them out. Put yourself in the position of a user to see if these apps make good on their promises.

Furthermore, we advise you to read user reviews, view the ratings, and check if these apps receive regular updates. If these apps receive mostly positive reviews with high ratings, it’s already a good sign. But it’s also crucial that these apps aren’t outdated and are still supported, as that shows that the studio is still involved in maintaining them. 

You may also ask to see the studio’s Android apps in other stores (if available), such as the Amazon Appstore, Huawei AppGallery, and Samsung Galaxy Store. Quite often, users will leave reviews and ratings at these stores too. And you can also cross-check to see if the apps on these stores are on the current versions as those on Google Play.

2. Do You Specialize In Native Mobile App Development? 

Undoubtedly, this is one of the most important mobile app development questions you should be asking. But why is native app development so important, especially with the growing popularity of cross-platform frameworks nowadays? While these cross-platform frameworks and tools make development easier when targeting Android, iOS, and other platforms, they come with a performance penalty. 

Whether we like it or not, native app development is the only way to create the most performant apps. That means the studio should use Apple’s development tools and the Swift or Objective-C programming languages for developing iOS apps. And Google’s development tools and the Kotlin or Java programming language for making Android apps. 

Another benefit of native app development is that the studio will follow the best practices and implement user interfaces (UIs) native to the target platforms. Ultimately, your users will appreciate the high performance of your app and that it looks and feels similar to other apps on their respective platforms.

3. Can You Help Me With My App’s Monetization Strategy? 

If you want to develop a B2B or internal business application, you probably don’t want to monetize it. But if you’re targeting ordinary iOS and Android users, you’ll want the studio to help you with your monetization strategy. 

Since this will impact an app’s success, you need to know if the studio has the relevant experience to advise you every step of the way. Moreover, it must know as early as the planning stage if you’ll need to implement ads, in-app purchases, pursue a subscription model, or release a paid app.  

But the studio should also have the foresight to propose monetization strategies as you scale your app. For example, you may release a freemium app early on, but once you gain enough users, you’ll need to choose the correct monetization model. 

The studio will have already determined that in-app purchases will be the best way to monetize your app instead of ads. Thus, you’ll have designed your app for this eventuality at an early stage. So you won’t have to waste valuable resources trying different strategies to figure out what works best.

4. Have You Developed Apps For Devices Besides Smartphones And Tablets? 

You likely want to target smartphones, tablets, and possibly desktops. Most studios have the experience to develop apps for these platforms, but little beyond this point. However, you should ask if the studio can bring your app to other platforms, such as Android Auto, smart watches, smart TVs, augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and mixed reality (MR) devices.

These options will allow you to bring your app to a massive and diverse audience. And while it’s always challenging targeting multiple platforms concurrently, it’s worthwhile for the long-term sustainability of your app. Also, it’s not uncommon for apps to have a lackluster reception on one platform but enjoy phenomenal success on another.

Obviously, practice due diligence and investigate whether a target platform is feasible for your app. Budgetary bottlenecks may prevent you from pushing your app onto multiple platforms. But if the studio has the ability to port your app later on, you may adopt a staggered release schedule instead. This approach will allow you to stay within budget and limit the stress associated with multi-platform releases. 

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5. How Well-Rounded Is Your Team? 

Your list of mobile app development questions should always include questions about the studio’s staff. And you’ll want to know if they have a well-rounded team that can handle all aspects of app development. You don’t want to deal with a studio that will build your app but leave you high and dry when you require App Store Optimization (ASO).  

So, you’ll want to know if they have at least one Android developer, iOS developer, backend developer, mobile app tester, project manager, quality assurance engineer, and UI/UX designer on the team. If the studio is doing work for several clients, then they should have enough staff available to handle multiple projects. Be cautious of partnering with an understaffed studio, as it’s unlikely they’ll complete your project on time or at all.

Asking The Right Mobile App Development Questions Will Yield Favorable Results

Never be afraid to ask a succession of tough questions to any studio competing for your app project. Always remember that you’re in the driver’s seat and intend to partner with a studio that can deliver and not offer hollow promises. 

If you’re undecided or are unconvinced that the studios you’ve already contacted can bring your app to fruition, give NS804 a call today! With our long experience in app development and list of achievements, we’re sure we can develop the phenomenal app you’ve always wanted.  

Are There Mobile App Developers In Charlotte?

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If you’re looking for mobile app developers in Charlotte, then you’re in luck! Yes, there are indeed talented developers in North Carolina’s Queen City. And one of the most prominent mobile app development studios is NS804.

But what makes NS804 so special to make it stand out from its peers? As an award-winning and highly-rated developer, according to Clutch, we work tirelessly to deliver quality apps to our clients. Furthermore, we ranked as one of the most reviewed app developers in Denver by The Manifest.

While recognition for our efforts is always appreciated, we strive to improve and stay ahead of the curve. App development continues to evolve, and clients regularly demand outstanding and innovative apps. And that’s why we never rest on our laurels and are always willing to tackle new projects, no matter how challenging or unique these may be.

But what does all this mean, and what can a studio such as NS804 offer you? You’re always welcome to arrange a meeting and visit our Charlotte, Denver, and Richmond offices. And you’ll have the assurance that you’re dealing with an established development studio and not a fly-by-night or freelancer. 

However, there are several other reasons to connect with one of the most notable mobile app developers in Charlotte, NC. We’ll discuss in more detail below what you can expect from NS804 in the long run.

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We’ll Help You Scale As Your Business Grows

Growing a business is challenging but necessary to stay feasible in the long term. Thus, you’ll need to scale at some point and have the right partners to help you out. But are there any mobile app developers in Charlotte that can fill this role? NS804 certainly can, and here’s why we’re the right choice for discerning entrepreneurs:

  • Interested in your business: We care about your business and brand while helping you achieve your goals. 
  • An impressive portfolio: We have a substantial portfolio of completed and successful projects and plenty of happy clients. 
  • A focus on design: We care about all aspects of design, from the user interface (UI) & user experience (UX) to the minimum viable product (MVP) design process. 
  • Building relationships: We’re here to build a long-term relationship with you that’s not limited to designing and developing your app. But also assist you with advertising, marketing, and maintaining your app, even for long durations if necessary.

Track And Tweak App Performance

You’ll need a team of experts to measure all the key performance indicators (KPIs). NS804 will implement crash analytics, performance monitoring, testing, and in-app feedback. We’ll know how your app is performing every step of the way. And immediately make the necessary improvements to increase your app’s performance.

Also, we’ll look at the number of downloads, active users, frequency of user sessions, reviews, ratings, retention rate, and churn rate of your app. If anything is impacting these KPIs negatively, we’ll be there to offer advice or implement the required changes.

Dealing With The Complexities Of Multi-Platform App Development

You’ll likely want your app to come out on Android, iOS, and possibly the web. But multi-platform app development is challenging as you’ll need to deal with various development environments. This means you’ll need to use an entirely different integrated development environment (IDE) and programming language when targeting Android and iOS.

While many cross-platform tools allow you to target several platforms from a single codebase, these are not ideal. You won’t get native performance and a coherent look and feel. So, it’s better to work with an experienced studio that can deliver quality native apps following best practices.

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Work With One Of The Best Mobile App Developers In Charlotte

Charlotte is a fantastic city for work and play and is home to many talented developers. NS804 stands out from the crowd and will certainly remain one of the most prominent mobile app developers in Charlotte for the foreseeable future. Contact NS804 today to learn how we’ll help you create phenomenal apps, and feel free to arrange a meeting with us in our offices in Charlotte! 

5 Android App Development Myths, Debunked

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Whether we like it or not, development myths surround the Android platform. In a way, the Android platform is a victim of its own success, given its vast popularity. As the world’s leading mobile operating system (OS), it has evolved rapidly over the past 14 years. And with so many changes and new features introduced regularly, Android app developers have their work cut out for them.

It’s also necessary for developers to create apps that work well across a wide range of devices from various manufacturers. And there’s a need to test on more devices and spend additional time fixing bugs and patching apps.

These hoops that Android App developers have to jump through have led to several myths. One of which is that it’s far harder to develop for Android than iOS. And while there’s some truth to this, few realize that Android app development has become easier with the introduction of Kotlin and the Jetpack libraries.

But there are many more Android app development myths that we need to discuss. Read on to learn more about these myths and why we’re about to debunk them!

Myth 1: Android App Development Is Highly Profitable

During Android’s early years, many developers came on board to capitalize on this exciting new platform. And many of these developers found success, and much hype ensued about the Android platform. So much hype, in fact, that software developers specializing in other fields decided to pursue mobile app development. 

But as the platform matured and Google Play became inundated with an abundance of apps, Android app development became less profitable and far riskier. As of September 2022, the Google Play Store had over 2,6 million apps. But that’s significantly lower when the store peaked at 3,6 million apps in March 2018. 

So what does that bit of information tell us? It reveals that the golden age of Android app development has long passed. Developers and publishers have learned that it no longer makes sense to push apps onto the store on a whim. And that’s because the most successful and sustainable apps solve a problem and are high quality.

Ultimately, the Google Play Store still remains viable for those developers willing to go the extra mile. But newcomer Android developers will unlikely strike it rich with their first few apps. While there’s been a decline in apps available in the store, it’s still heavily saturated. Thus, it’s best to avoid being blindsided by claims on the internet about Android’s vast earning potential.

 

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Myth 2: The Android App Development Environment Is Inferior To iOS

That’s completely false and may even be the other way around. Google has gone to great lengths to improve the Android app development experience, and they’ve largely succeeded. Android Studio and the accompanying App Tools truly empower developers to make some amazing apps.

And if we’re to make a quick comparison between Android Studio and Apple’s XCode, we often find Android Studio’s code editor and layout designer more useful for handling larger projects. Some developers even seem to prefer Android Studio overall, but that’s also a matter of preference.

The only major downside of Android Studio is that it consumes far more memory than it should. Furthermore, it’s often a chore to configure and deal with the Android Emulator Hypervisor Driver. And this can get rather complicated if you’re using a system with an AMD processor. But once the Android Emulator is up and running, it truly gives you a feel of how your app will run on a wide range of devices.

Myth 3: You Need To Own A Wide Variety Of Test Devices

Preferably, yes, but it’s not necessary to own many test devices. The hard truth is that you probably don’t have the resources to own a large number of devices. Moreover, it doesn’t make sense to keep a bunch of older devices with deteriorating lithium-ion batteries in your studio, as that’s a potential fire hazard.

Instead, you’ll rely on the Android Emulator to give you a broad picture of how your app will run on devices made by various manufacturers. But you’ll still need to test on actual hardware, so you’ll use all the Android smartphones and tablets your team owns. And you can take things a step further by running an invite-only beta program where users with different devices can test your app.

You’ll implement analytics in your app to collect device and performance data. And you may also run a survey where you’ll ask your users questions related to the performance and smooth running of your app. Thus, you’ll gain a clearer picture of your app’s performance on a wide variety of devices. You’re also able to pinpoint the Android versions, manufacturers, models, and configurations that impact the performance of your app long before its official launch.

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Myth 4: You Need An Engine Such As Unity To Make Android Mobile Games

While Unity is a great choice for cross-platform mobile app development, you do have other options. There’s Unreal Engine if you need to create high-fidelity 3D games and AR/VR experiences. Then, there’s GameMaker and Godot if you want to make addictive pick-up-and-play 2D games.

However, if your team has the necessary skills, you may forgo a game engine. And instead, use tools and libraries such as Google’s Android Game Development Kit (AGDK). The AGDK libraries consist of the Android Frame Pacing library, Android Performance Tuner, and C/C++ game libraries. 

The latter libraries allow developers more comfortable with C or C++ instead of Kotlin or Java to create Android mobile games. And since many legacy games have been programmed in C and modern games have been programmed in C++, porting these to Android becomes a lot easier.

Myth 5: You Can Easily Release Your Android Apps On Windows 11 

Microsoft surprised everyone when they announced that Android apps would make their way to Windows 11. But it’s also one of the biggest app development myths to think this is as straightforward as it sounds. And that’s because Windows 11 users need to access the Microsoft Store and then download and install the Amazon Appstore. They’ll also need to sign in to their Microsoft Account (if necessary) and Amazon account.

That’s a very inconvenient process to gain access to Android apps only available on the Amazon Appstore. From a developer’s standpoint, it’s additional work to put an Android app onto the Amazon Appstore if it’s already on Google Play. It’s necessary to comply with Amazon’s guidelines and implement the Appstore SDK. Also, Amazon only accepts Android apps and not iOS apps, which may disappoint developers that support both platforms.

And while it’s possible to sideload Android apps on Windows 11 with Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA), it’s a complicated process. Most non-technical users will likely struggle with this; thus, the Amazon Appstore will remain the more convenient option. However, it’s a straightforward process to run Android apps from the Google Play Store on Chromebooks.

Android App Development Myths And Misconceptions

The Android platform remains exciting while offering developers the opportunity to reach over 2.8 billion users. But the popularity and overall success of the platform has led to various app development myths and misconceptions. We’ve debunked several of these, but we expect many more to make the rounds. Contact NS804 today to learn how we’ll help you create phenomenal Android apps that will reach mythical heights! 

Questions About Android App Development? 9 Answers You Need To See

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Every appreneur or forward-looking business leader wants to know about Android app development. And that’s because Android dominates the mobile OS market, at a whopping 71% as of November 2022. With such a massive market share, it makes good business sense to push your apps onto this vibrant platform. 

And while Android plays a significant role in the mobile market, it’s also a platform that many don’t properly understand. That’s because it’s a platform that will run with Google Play Services or without if a user wants to DeGoogle their phone. In some markets, such as Russia and China, Google services are no longer an option without a VPN. 

Furthermore, Android doesn’t only run on mobile devices but also computers, game consoles, IoT devices, TVs, vehicle entertainment systems, and wearables. And since it supports such a wide range of devices, Android comes in various flavors, not dissimilar to the Linux ecosystem. While this is great and a testament to the versatility of Android, it also complicates things. 

The hard truth is that Android isn’t locked down like Apple’s iOS platform. So, there’s no simple one-size-fits-all approach here. Not that’s necessarily always the case with iOS, but it’s far less open-ended than Android. 

And given Android’s open-ended nature, this presents many challenges and opportunities. Ultimately, this will cause some to ask many crucial questions about Android app development, which we’ll answer in more detail below.

1. When Did Android Debut?

Android 1.0 launched on September 23, 2008, and was made available on the T-mobile G1/HTC Dream phone. Surprisingly, it was feature-rich at such an early stage. It featured Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, a browser, a camera, Gmail, Google Maps, YouTube, and several other applications and features.

2. Is It Similar To Linux?

Android isn’t only similar to Linux but sports a repurposed version of the Linux kernel combined with other open-source components. Google releases Long Term Support (LTS) versions of these kernels under the Android Common Kernels (ACKs) name. 

But that doesn’t mean Android apps will run on Linux and vice versa. Users will need a tool such as Anbox, which will set up a container on Linux to run Android apps. And while it’s possible to run certain Linux apps made with Java on Android, it’s a messy process that often requires cross-compilation. Understandably, this isn’t a practical solution for most Android users. 

Furthermore, not all Linux app developers will use Java but another programming language instead. So their apps will only run on an Android device via a Linux emulator, but there are no guarantees that they’ll run smoothly, fast enough, or at all. The optimal solution is for these developers to port their apps to Android and take advantage of its touchscreen functionality.

3. Is It Better Than iOS?

No. Only fanboys, platform holders, and some tech publications and journalists play favorites. As an appreneur or business leader, you only need to care about the potential of each platform. In this regard, Android offers a massive user base and a mature ecosystem that has already outpaced iOS. But that doesn’t mean you should ignore iOS, either.

4. What Tools Will I Need For Android App Development?

You will require a recent Windows, macOS, Linux, or Chrome OS computer capable of running the latest version of Android Studio. You will also need at least one test device — preferably running the latest version of the Android OS. While it’s possible to test your app using the Android Emulator (part of the Android SDK), you’ll still want to run it on an actual device.

Furthermore, you should download and install the Android SDK, Android NDK, and Java SE Development Kit (JDK). You can download Android SDK & NDK directly from Google’s Android developer portal and the JDK from Oracle. Read through the documentation thoroughly to configure all of these SDKs properly. 

While it’s possible to use other IDEs, Google recommends and officially supports Android Studio. And if you’re planning on developing native Android apps, then it’s best to stick to Android Studio in the long term. Consider using other IDEs, such as Visual Studio, if you’re developing cross-platform apps or mobile games.

5. Which Programming Languages Should I Use?

For native Android app development, choose either Kotlin or Java. But it’s preferable to go with Kotlin since Google officially supports and recommends it for modern app development. However, if you’re a cross-platform developer, you may want to go with C/C++, C#, Dart, JavaScript, or Python.

6. Which Engine Should I Use For Mobile Game Development? 

We recommend Unity since it’s the most popular, versatile, and well-supported engine for mobile game development. Also, it’s a good option for 2D & 3D game development, augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR) experiences. But if you require a more heavy-duty engine for creating games with high-fidelity visuals, then you’ll need to go with Unreal Engine.

Either way, you’ll likely use Visual Studio as your IDE or each engine’s visual scripting component. If you want to use Android Studio for game development, you’ll need a game framework instead. One of the best frameworks for native Android game development is libGDX.

7. Will I Need Any Additional Tools For Game Development?

If you’re developing an intensive 3D game, you’ll probably put plenty of stress on the Graphics Processing Unit (GPU). Thus, you’ll need a way to analyze draw calls and monitor your game’s performance frame-by-frame. Luckily, most mobile GPU manufacturers and even ARM offer graphics analyzers and profilers for these purposes.

While it’s possible to ship a mobile game without using these profilers, you risk shipping it with undetected graphical issues. And given that your game needs to run equally well on devices that support different graphics libraries, such as OpenGL ES, OpenCL, EGL, and Vulkan, it’s wise to profile your app before release.

8. Should I Only Focus On Google Play Store?

The beauty of the Android platform is that you have plenty of options besides the Google Play Store. If you’re willing to acquaint yourself with the requirements and Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) of other stores, you’ll find many more avenues to reach new audiences. 

After the Google Play Store, you should consider the Amazon Appstore, which runs on Fire OS devices and even on Windows 11. And don’t forget that large smartphone manufacturers such as Samsung and Huawei have their own app stores, and both have sizable audiences.

9. How Do I Get The Most Out Of My Android App?

One of the best things about Android app development is the free tooling that’s available. And one of the best free tools is none other than Google Analytics for Firebase. The Firebase SDK will give you access to a reporting suite that allows you to monitor up to 500 pre-defined events. Moreover, its analytics reports will give you a clear picture of your app’s performance, your marketing endeavors, and user behavior.

In Conclusion

Android app development is worthwhile even though it’s complex and sometimes plagued with difficulties. But it has become easier thanks to the introduction of Kotlin and an ever-improving Android Studio and tooling. Contact NS804 if you have any more questions about Android app development and how we can help you create outstanding apps. 

Android Developers Richmond, VA

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The Android operating system has over 70% market share worldwide, making it a dominant force in the thriving mobile app market. Google continues to come up with exciting, feature-rich applications, driving entrepreneurs to desire a piece of the Google pie.

Today, more than ever, entrepreneurs are looking for enhanced security and scalability, and Android apps seem to be meeting this demand. Today, Android apps are the new frontier, driving sales for enterprises seeking unique and innovative solutions.

And if you’re running a business in Richmond, Virginia, you need a custom-built Android app to help you target and retain Android users. So, what do you benefit from when you contract or hire Android app developers in Richmond, Virginia?

Well, let’s take a look:

1. Higher Returns on Investment (ROI)

The Android Software Development Kit is open-source software readily available to developers. In addition, Android app development is cost-effective and budget-friendly to enterprises operating with a cost-structure model in mind.

The Android app development has four stages:

  • App design
  • App development
  • App testing
  • App deployment

In addition, the entire development cycle is cost-effective, making it easier for enterprises to attract a good return on investment. So, if you’re looking for an affordable, cost-effective mobile app development solution, you’re in the right place. Android mobile app development delivers on its promise.

2. Substitute for Bring Your Own Device

Bring Your Own Device, commonly abbreviated as BYOD, is an evolving trend in most enterprises. Most organizations are not encouraging their employees and co-workers to bring their own devices to enhance collaboration and communication in the workplace, regardless of distance.

So, with Android app developers Richmond, VA, you are guaranteed to promote collaboration across your Richmond team of workers. Android mobile app development allows your employees to collaborate on shared projects without losing touch on crucial matters.

3. Easy Customization

Did you know Android is a versatile and easy-to-customize platform with enhanced flexibility and agility? What you get with Android mobile app development is an innovative app with varied customization options. As a robust operating system, Android can integrate both simple and complex modifications, enhancing your business functionality across the board.

4. Security and Marketing

Since its inception, Google has launched many varied business-friendly features. Today, Android stands firm against its counterpart Apple, especially regarding usability and security. It’s hard for malware and other third-party viruses to locate Android’s data structures, making the OS a safe and secure enterprise application.

In addition, the Android operating system allows an automated system to send instant notifications to the end-users, keeping them updated on important issues. In addition, you can easily monetize your Android app, thanks to its already existing prevalence and reputation.

In a way, Android mobile app development gives you shared benefits – security and promotional capabilities.

NS804 – Maestro of Android Mobile App Development

NS804 serves enterprises across Richmond, Virginia, allowing these brands and businesses to take advantage of an already existing, superior application – Android. So, if you live in Richmond and you’re looking for trusted and secure Android app development solutions, look no further.

NS804 is your trusted Android Developer in Richmond, allowing you to design, develop, test, and successfully deploy your Android App.

Contact NS804 for time-to-value Android app development solutions.

The Best YouTube Video Downloader Apps For Mobile Phones

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There are many good reasons why you’d want to track down a YouTube video downloader. 

Firstly, there’s content on YouTube that you’d like to store to watch later on. Secondly, if you’re a content creator, you may need to download trailers and promotional videos to edit and reupload later. And thirdly, you may need to show video snippets at a company meeting presentation. Instead of awkwardly searching YouTube to find those videos during the presentation, it’s better to have downloaded them beforehand.

But is it legal to download YouTube videos? The short answer is no unless you have permission from YouTube or the initial copyright holder of the videos. And the law is very stringent about this matter in the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union. However, you may legally download those with a creative commons license, public domain works, or copyleft videos. 

When companies release promotional videos and trailers, it’s best to visit their official websites. Here, they’ll usually make available a press kit for the media and content creators and often provide links to videos for use.

Now that we’ve got that out of the way, it’s actually possible to download YouTube videos without a dedicated downloader but with a few caveats. YouTube allows mobile users to download videos in certain countries and regions for up to 48 hours. If users want to retain these videos on their phones, they need to reconnect to a WiFi or mobile network within that 48-hour period. 

It’s hardly an ideal solution, so you’re better off finding a versatile YouTube video downloader. Therefore, we’ve listed several of the best apps in this category below.

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1. Dentex YouTube Video Downloader For Android

Developed by Samuele Rini, Dentex is available as an APK file from the developer’s GitHub site, so you’ll need to sideload it onto your device. You can also find it at APK Combo, APKPure, BestForAndroid, and Uptodown. But we recommend you download it directly from GitHub, as it’s easy to donate there if you’re happy with the downloader. 

And it’s definitely one of the better downloaders available due to its ease of use. The user interface (UI) makes it easy to search for videos, set the format and quality of the download, and view previously downloaded videos. Furthermore, it’s possible to extract audio snippets from the videos and subsequently convert these to MP3. 

However, it only supports Android 5.0 (API 21) or higher, which means those with older devices are out of luck. It’s also a little buggy, and videos won’t always download correctly or stop without warning. But its biggest letdown is that it’s unavailable for iOS — a missed opportunity!

2. iTubeGo

One thing immediately noticeable when running iTubeGo is how incredibly slick and polished it’s when compared to its counterparts. Undoubtedly, the development team behind this app has gone the extra mile to deliver a quality product. It’s free for Windows, Mac, and Android, but users can upgrade to the PRO version to unlock additional features.

Once again, there’s no iOS version, which is an oversight that the developers need to address. But what makes iTubeGo so compelling to make it in our list of best YouTube video downloader apps? 

Apart from being incredibly polished, iTubeGo also offers tons of download options. Not only can users download from YouTube but also from AudioBoom, Bandcamp, Bilibili, Coub, Dailymotion, Facebook, Instagram, Mixcloud, Niconico, TikTok, Twitter, SoundCloud, Vevo, Vimeo, VK, and more. 

Moreover, it features lossless technology that replicates the original video quality, regardless of its resolution. And it also has a 320kbps MP3 downloader, multiple format support, external SD card storage capability, batch downloading, and a smart link detection tool.

3. NewPipe

NewPipe is yet another Android-only APK download and is supported by donations. With over 6 million downloads at Uptodown, it’s a testament to its popularity and versatility. But what makes it so good when compared to other YouTube video downloaders available today?

For one, it’s incredibly lightweight at only 2 MB, making it resource-efficient. And secondly, it isn’t dependent on the Google framework or YouTube API, so it can function perfectly without Google Services. In a nutshell, it’s designed to run on any Android device (even a De-Googled phone running another operating system such as Calyx or Graphene) with privacy in mind. 

And if users need that extra layer of privacy, downloads and traffic can go through Tor (a browser renowned for its anonymous communication capabilities). Furthermore, it will run on Android TV and can seamlessly download videos or audio while having them play in the background. 

It doesn’t have any ads whatsoever, which should please most users. But since this is a one-man project, support isn’t the greatest. And the app does lack some of that polish found in commercial alternatives, so it’s not an entirely smooth experience. It’s known to suffer from occasional errors and unsuccessful downloads.

4. Snaptube YouTube Video Downloader & MP3 Converter

A common theme throughout this list is the lack of iOS YouTube video downloaders. It seems as if Android has the lion’s share of these apps, and iOS gets the crumbs. Well, that’s largely the case, and that’s due to Android being a more open system. And this allows developers the freedom to create apps that may not always be welcome in the App Store.

But iOS users shouldn’t feel disheartened as downloaders such as Snaptube more than compensate for the lack of options. While Snaptube isn’t exclusive to iOS, as it’s also available on Android, it does provide the functionality users want in a YouTube video downloader.

It’s similar to Dentax in its user-friendliness, making it a relatively simple process to search for and download videos. Also, it’s a simple process to set video quality or to choose to download the audio only. And apart from YouTube, it can also download directly from Facebook, Instagram, LiveLeak, SoundCloud, Vimeo, Vine, and many others. 

Other notable features include its dark mode, floating video player, and ability to run smoothly alongside other apps. Users can check their email or chat while Snaptube completes downloads in the background, which is incredibly handy. 

5. YMusic For Android

Music lovers who want to listen to their favorite artists found on YouTube no longer need to watch or download bandwidth-heavy videos. What YMusic does so well is play only the audio of any artist’s YouTube content. Thus, saving up to 90% of user data.

YMusic utilizes the last.fm service to quickly detect artist and album details on the fly. Then, it downloads the content as an MP3 or another format. Users can also easily customize the app’s UI and utilize its 81 color combinations. And since this app functions as a media player, it also boasts custom equalizers, gapless playback, and screen widgets.

And users that already use the YouTube app can quickly navigate to YMusic via the Share button. Overall, this is a straightforward app that makes accessing, downloading, and listening to music a breeze. 

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In Conclusion

Due to the legalities surrounding copyrighted content on YouTube, it’s not surprising that many downloaders aren’t available in the App Store or Google Play. But given Android’s open nature, many developers have made available their YouTube video downloader apps directly from their websites and various APK download sites. But we recommend you proceed with caution and only download and install APKs from trusted sources.

However, if you want to create a YouTube video downloader or a similar app that’s developed and distributed professionally, you need to partner with a reputable studio. Work with NS804, a mobile app development company with locations in Richmond, Denver, and Charlotte. Contact us today to learn how we’ll help you create phenomenal apps using leading-edge technologies!

Best Programming Languages For App Development — Our Top 10 List

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Every developer wants to know what the best programming languages are for a number of reasons. Firstly, it’s always interesting learning about the languages that rank high on GitHub, Stack Overflow, and TIOBE Index. Secondly, high adoption rates of a particular language impact how easy it’s to find and hire skilled developers. And thirdly, knowing which languages are most suitable for specific market segments, helps us make better decisions.

Below, we’ve compiled a handy list that pinpoints the best-in-class programming languages for app development. A few of these choices may surprise you, but we laser-focused on the languages that are the most useful and relevant.

1. Kotlin

In 2017, Google announced that Kotlin would become a first-class citizen for developing Android apps. And during these past five years, Kotlin has become the preferred language for Android mobile app development. But what does this mean for Java — is it still relevant? Yes, many developers still use Java, and it’s still possible to develop Android apps using this language.  

However, Kotlin is modern and offers several time-saving features that help developers be more productive. And coupled with Google’s Jetpack libraries and easy-to-implement Kotlin APIs, there’s never been a better time to develop for Android. 

Given the popularity of Android on a global scale and its proliferation on a wide range of devices, it’s a platform that no app developer can ignore. Therefore, if there’s one programming language that will open many doors, it’s Kotlin. And that’s why Kotlin is in our number one spot in our epic list of best programming languages for app development!

2. Swift

Similar to how Google is replacing Java with Kotlin, Apple has a similar strategy. The company is heavily promoting Swift as its flagship programming language, even though it’s possible to develop for iOS using Objective-C. And that’s a good thing, as Objective-C is a dated language that not every programmer enjoys using. 

What Swift brings to the table is a cleaner and simpler syntax, which allows developers to enjoy substantial productivity gains. Therefore, if you were to start developing for iOS today, you’re better off choosing Swift over Objective-C. Not only will you complete your projects faster, but your code will be more readable and maintainable. 

Another advantage of Swift is that it’s native to iOS, which means it’s more performant than third-party languages. Generally, always opt for a programming language native to the target platform unless this isn’t financially feasible or there isn’t anyone on your team that’s skilled in the language.

3. C#

Microsoft may not have made a significant impact in the mobile space. After all, they failed to respond quickly to the rise of smartphones, and their Windows Phone failed miserably. But where Microsoft does shine is in their development tools and releasing the powerful and versatile programming language — C# (pronounced C Sharp and not C Hash).

Designed by Anders Hejlsberg — the author of Turbo Pascal and lead architect of Delphi — C# closely resembles Java but has more quality of life features. And similar to C++ and Java, it’s also an object-oriented programming (OOP) language, ideally suited for business applications and games. 

C# programmers that want to develop for Android and iOS can do so with the Xamarin framework. And it’s possible to achieve near-native performance on both platforms, as long as these programmers are skilled at taming the rather complex .NET garbage collector (GC). Mobile game developers can also use C# together with Unity to create stunning-looking 3D games.

4. C++

C++ is one of those languages many developers prefer to avoid using whenever possible. And that’s because it’s incredibly complex and hard to master. However, C++ is the lingua franca of the game development world. So, if you’re developing a game engine or using Unreal Engine for your next mobile game, you’ll need to know C++. 

And while Unreal Engine has the Blueprints Visual Scripting language, it has a steep learning curve and doesn’t offer the same level of performance as C++. But it doesn’t end there; Google recently released the Android Game Development Kit (AGDK), which allows developers to code in C++ while taking advantage of the Jetpack libraries. 

Another area where knowing C++ comes in handy in dealing with application programming interfaces (APIs). You’ll find a large number of APIs written in C++, and these can range from networking to app monetization modules.

5. OpenGL ES Shading Language (GLSL)

OpenGL ES is a free-to-use cross-platform API owned by the Khronos Group. Also, it’s one of the most indispensable APIs any Android developer will use, as this handles 2D and 3D rendering. That’s why having sufficient know-how of GLSL not only comes in handy; it’s essential for any graphically intensive apps. 

But what exactly is GLSL, and how does it work? GLSL is a programming language resembling C (a low-level language that precedes C++). Furthermore, GLSL commands will execute on the graphics processing unit (GPU) instead of the central processing unit (CPU).

6. Metal Shading Language (MSL)

Not to be outdone by its rivals, Apple has created a proprietary API for hardware-accelerated graphics for its platforms. Known as Metal, this API only works on Apple’s devices, unlike the OpenGL standard, which is cross-platform. But it’s possible to cross-compile GLSL to Apple’s MSL standard via the SPIR-V transpiler. 

MSL allows Apple developers to achieve similar results to what their Android counterparts can do with GLSL. And thanks to the Metal-cpp interface, C++ programmers can easily code for Metal or port apps and games from other platforms. Developers accustomed to Microsoft’s DirectX API and High-Level Shader Language (HLSL) shouldn’t find it difficult to adopt or transition to MSL.

7. Java

Java is a language that remains useful for Android and enterprise developers. And knowing the ins and outs of Java is still helpful for those getting to grips with Kotlin and even C#. Furthermore, developers may need to maintain existing Java apps or port these over to a more modern language, such as Kotlin. 

And surprisingly, Java is a decent language for mobile app development coupled with a good framework. The open-source libGDX game development framework is lightweight and versatile, making it relatively easy to develop 2D and 3D cross-platform games. However, libGDX also works with Kotlin, which is likely the better choice for newer projects overall. 

8. Structured Query Language (SQL)

Now, SQL may not seem like the most interesting of languages. And some may think that it should never have made it to our best programming languages list. However, if your app uses a database extensively — and most do — then knowing SQL makes sense.

The language is powerful and versatile enough to handle large amounts of data and complex queries. But it should be coupled with the framework that best suits your needs. And that’s the tricky part, as there are many flavors of SQL and NoSQL (not only SQL) databases out there, such as Amazon DynamoDB, Cassandra, MySQL, PostgreSQL, and SQLite, to name a few.

9. JavaScript 

Over 16 million developers use JavaScript, which often ranks as one of the world’s most popular programming languages. So why does it rank so low here? Well, JavaScript is a web-based language designed primarily for client-side web pages and never meant for mobile apps.

But that doesn’t mean you can’t use JavaScript, as long as you don’t mind creating a hybrid app instead of a native one. You’ll need to use a framework such as React Native or Ionic Framework. And while these frameworks promise amazing results, it’s unlikely they can perform as well as native apps developed by professional studios such as NS804.

10. Python

Many newbie developers and script kiddies probably consider Python one of the best programming languages for app development. And there’s no shortage of YouTube tutorial channels that have generated much hype for Python. But it’s not the be-all and end-all of programming languages, not even close. 

Unfortunately, the fanboyism surrounding Python may cause some developers to opt for this language instead of more appropriate alternatives. And while often touted for its machine learning (ML) capabilities and ease of use, Python seldom matches the performance, look, and feel of native apps made with Kotlin and Swift.

But it’s not all bad, as Python is still a good choice for creating prototypes and minimum viable products (MVPs). And it’s possible to complete smaller projects using frameworks such as BeeWare or Kivy relatively quickly.

In Conclusion

Our top 10 list of best programming languages for app development was carefully considered. Mainstream popularity and hype didn’t affect our choices, as we focused exclusively on the languages that truly facilitate the app development process. And we placed languages native to a platform or offer near-native performance right at the top, and the least performant languages at the bottom. 

Contact NS804 to learn how we’ll help you create native apps with the best-in-class programming languages and tools!