5 P’s of App Development Developers and Business Executives Must Know
What is the most critical stage of app development?
That’s the question I asked to my former colleague, who’s been in the business of web and desktop app development for over five years, when I met him last year. His answer to me was this: “When there is no cash coming back to you after all the huge efforts.”
I completely understand his response because app development is an intricate business to deal with. And there are two reasons why I am saying that. First, there’s no time-guarantee for ROI. Second, coding is not only a highly technical job, but also a stressful one.
If you’re a developer working for a company, I think you’re getting me on the second. If you’re an executive in an app development company, you may disagree with me on the first and say, “It all depends on the planning.” If you’re coding and selling your own apps (like my former colleague), I fully understand the pressure you’re into right now.
I scoured the web for more specific answers to my question and I came to realize that there are five (5) critical aspects in app development. I decided to call them the “5 P’s of app development”.
Planning
App development has two parts: 1) frontend development, 2) backend development.
In developing the frontend, the stages involved are caching, synchronization, wireframing, UI design, UI development and polishing. For the backend, the process starts with data storage followed by user management, customization, data integration, user engagement, and finally, versioning. It takes about 18 weeks before an app can be released to the client.
The role of planning in app development is to clearly define the purpose and mission of the app. Proper allocation of time, people, budget and resources largely depends on concrete project planning.
Platform
Desktop platforms are Windows and Mac OSX. Before any project is accepted, it is important to confirm from the developers that they can build an app which will run in this platform. Their capacity to build an app for a specific platform depends on their coding skills.
Programming Language
There are many programming languages used in app development. These are Java, C, C++, C#, .NET, Objective-C, PHP, Python, Ruby, JavaScript, and SQL, just to name a few.
For cross platform development, Nightrain, WXPHP and TideSDK are the essential programming languages.
Project Management
Planning is a function of project management. But in handling technical projects like software development, what matters most are the concrete understanding and compliance to the six phases of project management.
In proper order, these are the initiation, definition, design, development, implementation, and follow-up phases.
Backend and frontend development stage must be aligned to these six phases.
Product Lifecycle
The product lifecycle of software application programs has two models. First is the software product engineering lifecycle model: requirement – prototype - design – development – testing – deployment – maintenance – support. Second is the product industry lifecycle model: introduction – growth – maturity - decline.
From engineering to marketing, sales to supply management, everybody must have a sense of understanding of these lifecycle models.
Here’s my conclusive thought.
What these 5 P’s reflect is that all stages of app development are critical. Everybody in the company is a member of the team who has an important role to play in every stage of the development – keeping in mind the purpose and mission of the app.
What do you think is the most critical stage of desktop app development? Do you agree with my 5 P’s?
