Differences Between The Processes Of Ios And Android App Development – Part 1

By Author: Kelly Burby
Total Articles: 349
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Mobile Application development is one of the most popular trends. But choosing one between Android application development and iPhone application development sometimes turns out the difficult decision. So to throw some light to the business individuals, in this article I am going to discuss the differences between iPhone app development and Android app development.

For Android Application development you need Android SDK, which is freely available. It uses pure java based language. Eclipse is the IDE (Integrated Development Environment) used through Android development plugin, which support Android environment. In the process of app development you can take reference of huge library available in Android SDK. In Android Application development, there are certain phases. Let us discuss those phases in details:

Pre-Production: In this phase, you first need to have a clear idea about the application that needs to be developed. You can decide and add new features and function that you need in your application. Try to draw initial rough sketch of the application and clearly identify its key component.

Production ...
... of Application: This is the next step once you have clearly understood and planned. You can move forward with the Application User Interface Design. In this detailed layout is made, as it gives clear idea what exactly application is going to look like. Developers closely work with the layout that matches the client’s requirements and perfection. We all know user interface is the backbone of any application developed. An application with good user interface will attract more users, as it will be visually appealing. Entire coding of the project is also done in this phase. It would be better to create a time frame for parallel running of your project. As this phase is one of the most time consuming.

Post-Production/Testing and Maintenance Phase: Once the development of the application is completed, the testing phases starts. This is the first time application runs and tester checks application for bugs. They are those who ensure that application produced is fully functional and free from the bugs. Developed application is tested on various parameters like:

1. Functional Testing: In this tester looks for the functionality of the app.
2. Security Testing: Applications are now most targeted by attackers. Testers will explore the application for security flaws.
3. Load and performance testing: It ensures that while your application is in peak usage period. It works exactly the way it used to.
4. Localization Testing: This testing is done to adapt application to local region.

There are many other testing phases but major are discussed above. Once testing from testers is done, application is submitted to the play store.

Application submission in the play store is again very easy process. Application submission in play store charges one-time registration fee $25. Once application is submitted they run some automated test to ensure your app is free from malware. Once the tests complete your app will be live in the store. You can say application in play store is live within 1hr of submission. Once application is made live next testing phase tarts in which negative feedbacks from the users are considered and changes have been made accordingly.

For iPhone Application development you need iOS SDK, It is governed system that is centralized on consistency. It means to use iOS SDK you first need to purchase it. Application must be developed under some guidelines means developers must follow some rules. Some tools used in iOS SDK are Coca Touch, Media, Core Services, MAC OSX kernel. It also contains Xcode tool chain and iPhone Simulator, which is one of the most important tools in iPhone application development.
Almost all the process of application development in iOS environment is similar like Android.But the point of difference lies in testing and application submission phase.
Let us discuss the stages that comes in iPhone Application Development Process:

Gathering the Information: It is same as the process that follows under the Android Application Development. All the client requirement must be gather out in this phase. A deep analysis of project is carried out to understand the requirement and feasibility of the project.
Production of the Application: Once all the information is gathered, User interface is designed. Coding of the application is also done in this phase.
Testing of Application: Testing in iOS is different from Android. Once the application development completes and you have tested it on iPhone simulator. It is submitted for Adhoc testing, in this application is distributed among testers by adding the provisioning profiles to the users.

Application submission in Apple store is far more different from the Android. You are charged $99 yearly as subscription charges. And once the application is submitted in Apple store may take week to live your application. They run several malware tests and check if your application meets its strict standard. If your application passed these test you might see your application live in the store. And if your application does not meets the strict standard then it may be rejected. Apple follows very strict rules in publishing application the Apple store. So, developer must look for all the bugs and resolve all the mistakes or error. Unless like in play store beta testing can be done while making your application live but Apple store does not allows it.

Here is some point of difference pros and cons with these two-platform for app development:

If you are going to choose iOS SDK for app development. Then you also need Mac windows and if you don’t have one you need to buy it.
If I talk about Android and iOS market shares, Android occupies 79.3% of the market shares means larger market to target. While iOS has only 13.2% of shares, but one can’t deny the fact that iOS user are more willing to pay. iOS users don’t mind in paying few bucks, if your application works great.
Many Android Application development communities support Android. iOS is also supported by iPhone application developers but not as much like Android.
Application development in Android platform is much more cheaper than iPhone app development.

I hope now you will be able to understand the point of differences between Android application development and iPhone application development.