With the burgeoning app market, creating an application might be the next big step in expanding your business and gaining the most effective app marketing channel, but you are not an app maker and have no experience in app programming software and design – how do you go about making an application?

Your options are – you could hire an in-house developer, or an external company, to build your app but perhaps you are a start-up and can’t face the costs of full-blown app development. This is where app builders, or otherwise called app makers, come in.

Applying the philosophy championed by blogging platforms such as WordPress years ago, app makers allow non-coders to design their application with visual interfaces, like in ShoutEm’s case, dragging and dropping pre-coded elements and selecting themes, color schemes and designs.

Meanwhile, the app making software “codes” the resulting application in the background, ready for review and publication. Some even go as far as trawling a pre-existing website to import content directly on to the mobile application once your app is made.

• What is The Best Free App Builder?
• Which App Offers Free Service to Develop Your Own App?
• Which App is Best For Making App?
• Can I Build my Own App For Free?
• Top 9 App Development Platforms
• What Are The Major Mobile Development Platforms?
• Why Use App Development Software?
• What Are The Features of App Creation Software?
• How Much Does App Development Software Cost?
• Tools For Mobile App Development
• App Development Languages
• Mobile App Development Frameworks
• Mobile App Development Software Free
• App Development Software for Beginners
• App Development Software For PC
• Open Source Mobile App Development Software
• Swing2App
• Best Android App Development Software
• How Does a Free App Make Money?

What is The Best Free App Builder?

Whether you intend to build a native, hybrid or web mobile app, these open-source and free app builders contain the widest array of functionalities and have the best user interface for you to quickly turn your app into reality.

1. Appy Pie

The fastest growing app building platform in the world — Appy Pie has managed to leave a deep mark on the app building industry in many parts of the world. Our app building platform is particularly a blessing for those who are building apps for the first time and are novices in the field.

Small and medium-sized businesses have found the platform especially beneficial because of their wide range of plans that give them the freedom to begin building their app for free and then move to subscription plans that suit their budgets.

Read Also: How to turn your App into a Business

The one reason why this platform has gained popularity so quickly is because of the sheer number of unique features offered. For example, with Appy Pie you can add in-app purchases, ads, upload eBooks and other intense content, connect databases, integrate social media, build instant messaging apps, and so much more!

The best part is that there is a rich base of tutorials that are being developed so that customers do not get stuck with features or have any trouble in implementing any particular component in their app. Apart from this, we have quite a responsive live chat support with the option to call in for support anytime from anywhere.

This is one of the easiest to use platforms that are based on a drag and drop interface enabling people with no coding skills to build their business apps with no hassle and do so in just a few minutes. The pricing plans for Appy Pie are quite affordable and are perfect for startups, entrepreneurs, and small to medium-sized businesses.

2. Shoutem

Shoutem is one of the most polished products in the market and has only been growing since they were first founded in the year 2011. In their latest V5, they have made quite a few and have updated their platform enhancing the user experience manifold.

They have quite sleek template designs with a great number of options to customize them so that each app has unique aesthetics and design. Not only would your apps made here be good looking but also, they would have some great features.

This app building platform is especially great for Event apps. The app is especially great for communities as well because of their Social Wall, where the users can share comments and photos.

However, the subscription plans are not so pocket-friendly. With plans beginning from$49, they might not be the most expensive of the lot, but it is not cheap either. The cheapest of their plan that would allow you to publish your app on the Apple App Store begins at $79.00 which is quite a pocket burner, particularly for small and medium-sized businesses or startups.

Shoutem is making their code open and available to developers in their bid to get more and more people to build additional extensions or develop more features for them, as this is one area where they do not feature high in the ranks. In all, the designs, user experience, and templates might be exemplary, Shoutem is still low on the number of features it offers as an app-building platform.

3. Swiftic

Founded in the year 2010, Swiftic began as Como in Israel and has since been responsible for powering more than a million apps all over the world, which probably makes it one of the biggest fishes in the app builders’ pond today.

The components or building blocks that are provided by this app building platform are varied and include loyalty card feature, integrations for scheduling appointments, e-commerce, reviews & ratings from users, and events. The majority of apps that are built on their app building platform include businesses like restaurants, bands, and other kinds of organizations that run events.

In one of their recent moves, Swiftic has restructured its pricing completely. They have now shifted their structure to have just but one tier that has either a monthly ($57) subscription, yearly ($48) option, or bi-yearly ($41) payment plan.

As a gesture of good faith and a show of their confidence, some of their updates go on to promise a 6-month success guarantee, which means that if you were unable to achieve “any meaningful business result” with your app, Swiftic would give you six months of service for free.

The platform has a combination of seven different templates which may be combined with six different styles of navigation. What makes this truly your own is that all the colors on the app, the background images, and the icons can be adapted with your own artwork.

Their editor is quite smartly laid out for great ease of use, and the number of features and the design options they provide are many. Though the Success Guarantee is probably the most lucrative thing about them.

4. GoodBarber

Everything about this app builder starting right from its name is interesting. Based out of the French island of Corsica, the app building platform has some of the most impressive themes. Apart from the looks department, the app building platform is also known for offering some of the most advanced features including social networking, chat, Geofencing, iBeacons, and more.

With GoodBarber, you can get a native Android app for a monthly subscription plan of $32, and if you are looking for both Android & iOS, the monthly subscription plan would run up to $96. Both plans, however, include quite an impressive progressive web app.

The app building platform proudly showcases the apps that have been created with their platform, so that you know the quality and the range of apps they are capable of offering, to you and the other clients.

Not only are their templates beautiful, but they also offer quite a competitive pricing for native apps. They offer some great add on features like push notifications, chat, etc. while offering great flexibility while building their apps. One shortcoming, however, is a lack of an online store of their own, but you can always integrate third-party stores like Amazon, Etsy, Shopify etc.

5. BuildFire

Having built apps for and supporting 30,000 businesses through their app building platform, BuildFire is one of the more reliable platforms. Most of their clientele fall in the category of enterprises, influencers, and brands. BuildFire showcases itself as a platform that is one of the leading platforms in the industry that offer accelerated app development.

The combined power of a user-friendly dashboard and admin control panel eases out the whole process of releasing updates. The platform is particularly popular among the clients due to the ease of use, prompt reconfigurability, and the vast extent & possibilities of customization of the app.

It is possible to make changes to the app on the fly and even test these changes out in real time. They offer a free plan and a Premium Plan that is available for $49 a month.

6. Mobincube

This app building platform is one of those that have established themselves as app builders for everyone! Their motto is that everyone should be able to build their own app and be able to make a whole lot of money with Admob platform.

However, it is important that you understand, in order to make any money first, you would have to make some investments. With Mobincube however, you do not have to burn a hole in your pocket, because it is surprisingly affordable. The lowest of the ad-free plans with Mobincube begin at $9.99.

It might come as a surprise to most people but this platform lets you Go Native with each one of their plans from the lowest to the highest, which means that you can upload the app that you build on a single one or all of the popular app stores.

Though the editor might seem to be a little primitive at times and you might have to keep switching browsers in order to be able to use specific features. However, all that they do offer does seem to be quite a power-packed platform where you can even create some pretty complex page types, like using SQLite based database to pull in data from an external server.

While there might be a huge scope of improvement in the department of user-friendliness, there is no other app building platform that offers you a real app for free.

The platform has very competitive prices and a huge variety of templates to choose from with highly innovative features to choose from. There, however, is still a need to smooth out the technical hiccups that the platform faces, and the templates are a little too restrictive as well.

7. AppInstitute

Currently the biggest app makers in the UK, AppInstitute has won several prestigious startup awards. The platform is specially great when it comes to e-commerce features, like catalog menus that are extremely customizable and loyalty options that are quite lucrative.

The great thing here is that you can make payments from within the app, without navigating out of it for any reason whatsoever. This is a great measure for those concerned about security & privacy.

Their booking feature, in particular, is unique as it extends the ability of simply making appointments or bookings to creating some really rich events that can be supplemented with interesting content including videos.

The apps you build here can be availed for a monthly subscription of $49 a month (Android & PWA) or $81 a month (iOS). This subscription comes with features like basic push notifications & app analytics.

The features available on the platform are actually a lot stronger than what they might appear to be at first glance. However, you might observe a quite clear need for better options for integration on the backend.

8. AppMachine

The app building platform has in fact named itself quite suitably. AppMachine is unique in having automated as many of the tedious processes as possible. if you already have a website, they can simply pull out all the relevant information with just your URL. This can even include your Facebook, Twitter and other social media feed, RSS feed, and even your images.

The editor AppMachine is not just impressive visually but is fairly easily navigable without overwhelming you in any manner. Though not every component right from the beginning may be intuitive, they sure seem promising in their climb up to the top.

At the moment, they are offering two different plans with Plus at $49 a month and Pro at $69 a month. While they might have managed to offer quite a powerful editor with a fairly comprehensive building block selection, but there is a need for the user interface to be more logical and quicker.

9. iBuildApp

iBuildApp has one of the easiest to use drag and drop editor, a built-in Content Management System and more than a thousand app templates to choose from! This app building platform has emerged as one of the ultimate all-rounders when it comes to building exemplary apps that are beautifully designed and need absolutely no programming knowledge.

The featured templates on the app building platform might not look ground-breaking, but the platform has been used for more than a million times, and that must say something about it.

Starting from a basic plan starting at $9.99 a month, there is a business plan for $39 a month, and an enterprise or agency plan for $99 a month. You can even go for a free trial before you opt for a more serious investment in it.

10. AppMakr

Now, this is an impressive platform! The Singapore-based app building platform has almost 2 million apps built on it. Not only do they claim to build an app in a mere 20 minutes, but they do so in quite a cost-effective manner. They have a free plan which can be converted to a $2 monthly plan for PWA, and a yearly plan for $99 for iOS & Android. On the whole, the app-building platform is in fact quite an affordable one.

They offer a great number of building blocks and offer the option to tweak the design of the app, but visually, the editor of the app builder leaves you quite underwhelmed. It might have some great app features and building blocks but is definitely in need of a major design overhaul.

Which App Offers Free Service to Develop Your Own App?

Now, let us check out the top class free and open source app development software programs in detail that will help you develop the best quality apps utilizing a variety of app development platforms.

1. Buildfire.js

Buildfire is a fully customizable, 100% free, simple and intuitive app creator to build Android, iOS and progressive web apps. The software facilitates elegant drag-and-drop UI, and this platform currently supports more than 10,000 apps.

Highlights:

• Buildfire is custom app development software for seasoned app makers as well as for beginners.
• It facilitates BuildFire Lockdown feature for app security and compliance.
• The app restricts user access for selected content.
• BuildFire Connect feature provides robust experiences by integrating or extending any element in your app.
• The app can be combined with any third party API’s or pre-built integrations. 

2. Apache Cordova

Apache Cordova is a renowned mobile application development framework initially created by Nitobi. The framework is written in C#, C++, CSS, HTML, Java, JavaScript and Objective-C and runs on Android, iOS, Windows 8.1, Phone 8.1 and 10, OS X, Electron (software framework) Deprecated Platforms: BlackBerry, Firefox OS, Symbian, Ubuntu Touch, WebOS, Windows Phone 7.0 and 8.0 platforms.

The stable version 9.0.0 release date of this software is March 20, 2019. It is available in English language and licensed as per Apache License 2.0.

Highlights:

• Apache Cordova facilitates creating mobile apps with HTML, CSS, and JS and targets multiple platforms with one code base.
• The software framework can be extended with native plug-ins so that developers can add more functionality to the app.
• The command line interface allows the users to create new projects, build them on different platforms and run them on different devices or within the emulators.
• A set of Cordova core components is used to create the base of the app so that one can spend sufficient time to implement the task of development.

3. PhoneGap

The open source cross-platform mobile app development framework – PhoneGap The software is used by many today. It is also a product by Nitobi Software (now Adobe), and its applications are built using JavaScript, HTML, and CSS. It operates on iPhone, Android, and Windows and is licensed as per Apache License, Version 2.0.

Highlights:

• The cross-platform app building facility with PhoneGap includes app building performance on iOS, Blackberry, Android, WebOS, Symbian, Tizen, and Bada platforms.
• It is a cost-effective software that provides better access to native APIs.
• It facilitates robust backend support and suppleness in development.
• UI libraries in PhoneGap help in improving the User Interface in the system.

4. Ionic Framework

As a complete open-source SDK for hybrid mobile app development – Ionic was initially released in 2013 by its creators – Max Lynch, Ben Sperry and Adam Bradley of Drifty Co. The stable version 4.3.0 release date of the software is April 17, 2019. It is written in JavaScript and is covered by MIT license.

Highlights:

• Ionic is an ‘npm’ module, and for installation, it requires Node.js.
• Ionic apps run with a mix of web code, and native code, and they provide full access to the native functionality with the UI of the app.
• Ionic allows Cordova based app building, and deployment with simplified ‘Ionic’ command line tool.
• The software includes interactive paradigms, typography, mobile components, and an extensible base theme.

5. Framework7

Framework7 is an astonishing HTML framework used for building Android and iOS apps created by Vladimir Kharlampidi. It is a free and open source framework to develop mobile, desktop and web apps with native look and feel. It works on HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, holds MIT license and its latest version 4.3.1 was released 14 days ago, i.e., on April 30, 2019.

Highlights:

• The software provides easy view management and navigation support facility.
• The built-in FastClick library helps in handling click delays for touch UI’s.
• The software provides easy and familiar syntax for the users if they are familiar with JQuery to get started quickly.
• It facilitates a built-in layout grid system and customizable themes and color schemes.
• The flexible router helps in loading pages from templates and provides hardware accelerated CSS animations and transitions.

6. NativeScript

NativeScript is one of the best open source frameworks for developing native iOS apps and Android apps with JavaScript, Angular, Vue.js, and TypeScript. The software provides a complete suite of professional services. Architectural assistance, in-person training, troubleshooting, performance analysis application design, and development are its scope of work.

Highlights:

• NativeScript platform is shipped with a rich set of cross-platform tools to build iOS and Android apps rapidly.
• NativeScript Theme Builder visually customizes the built-in themes.
• The software supports a robust CSS based styling system.
• The software makes users directly access all Native platform APIs from the code.
• The software uses native controls, and its applications are usable with screen reader technology.

7. Flutter

As Google’s portable UI kit – Flutter software is used for developing native mobile, web and desktop apps from a single codebase.

It is a free and open source mobile application development framework that is written in C, C++, Dart, and Skia Graphics Engine and operates on Development: Windows, MacOS and Linux, Target: Android, iOS and Google Fuchsia platforms. The stable version Flutter 1.5.4 release date of the software is May 7, 2019.

Highlights:

• Flutter software performance facilitates the fast development of native apps with fully-customizable widgets.
• It promotes native end-user experiences with incredibly fast rendering expressive and flexible designs.
• The widgets of the software system incorporate all critical platform differences such as icons, scrolling, navigation and fonts to provide ideal native performance.
• Dart platform, Flutter engine, foundation library, and design-specific widgets are significant components of this software system 

8. Jasonette

Jasonette is a high-level programming platform that uses JSON based markup to develop iOS and Android apps. It is created by a New York-based developer, Ethan Gliechtenstein in 2014. It is an open source markup-based approach for developing cross-platform native apps. It is licensed as per MIT licensing.

Highlights:

• Jasonette software works like a web-browser with having precisely the same code but can deliver different types of apps interpreting HTML markup into web pages.
• Users need JSON to get a 100% portable framework to use for building apps.
• It is 100% extensible and can be integrated seamlessly with your existing native code.
• It makes it easier to make live changes over the live native app within minutes only.

Which App is Best For Making App?

Whether it’s for your business, blog, product, service, or just something totally random, app creation software options are both plentiful and easy to find, if you know where to look.

With a small investment of time and a willingness to learn, you can create and manage your mobile site or application using one of the app building platforms listed below.

1. Appery.io

Appery is a cloud-based mobile app builder that you can use to create apps for Android or iOS, and it includes Apache Cordova (Phone Gap), Ionic, and jQuery Mobile with access to its built-in components.

Since the builder runs in the cloud, there’s nothing to install or download, and it’s easy to get started quickly. The Appery app builder includes a visual editor using drag and drop components to build the UI. Appery auto-generates the code for any components you drop in. You can connect to any REST API and use it in your app, and instantly add a cloud database and backend to your app if you need to store data.

You can add powerful functionality with the Appery plugin catalog, or create your own custom private plugins to use in your apps. If you’re working with a team, you can easily share your project with them and collaborate in real time for an extra fee.

Price: Plans start at $60/month for Pro, $135/month for Team, and custom pricing for enterprise solutions.

2. Mobile Roadie

Mobile Roadie is an app creator that allows anyone to create and manage their own iOS or Android app. Even better, the building happens in a very visual way. The platform supports all media types, with automatic importing of RSS, Twitter, or Google News keywords, and an auto-refreshing fan wall for real-time communication with users.

You can preview your app accurately via Mobile Roadie’s back end, just as your users would on their devices. They will also guide you through the App Store submission process, with Mobile Roadie checking the quality and appropriateness of your content.

This app builder also gives you the option to send out push notifications. This can be content from your own site or via the platform itself. The platform as a whole is language agnostic, so you can pull data in a variety of formats, including XML, JSON, PHP, CSV and HTML. When you start, you are presented with several layout options, but you can also customize any of them to your liking. I will say that Mobile Roadie seems better fit for a brand or service, rather than product.

Price: Pricing available upon request.  

3. TheAppBuilder

TheAppBuilder provides a suite of apps to suit employees, clients, events, and brochures, with two different approaches available. This might be the platform to go with if you are designing an app as an intranet for a company.

You can build the app using the online toolkit, and either the training provided or TheAppBuilder itself will work with you to define and build the structure of the app and populate it with initial content.

Using the dedicated AppLibrary, you can provide your users with a window into multiple apps and even customize it with your own branding. You can protect both public and private apps with usernames and passwords, and distribute them via the app store, making use of TheAppBuilder’s Active Directory integration to enable login with existing credentials and user groups.

Updating the structure and content of your apps is easy, even after you go live, because you can make unlimited updates and publish on multiple mobile platforms in one click. The platform supports native iPhone, iPad, and Android, with updates going live within 60 seconds of submitting a change. The update timing appears to be unmatched from other services.

Price: Pricing available upon request

4. Good Barber

Good Barber provides a platform to build iPhone and Android apps, along with optimized web applications. For any of the platforms, you can control every detail of the app without writing out a single line of code. Several highly customizable design templates are available to get started, with plenty of beautiful icons and access to Google Fonts.

These progressive web apps could theoretically replace your current website, as they can be optimized for desktop, mobile, and tablets.

You receive immediate visual feedback every time you adjust any parameters in your app. Send unique, actionable push notifications and convert your readers into contributors by letting them submit articles, photos, and videos. You can also organize your app and add sections ranging from videos, photos, sounds, live events, and more.

Price: Plans start at $32/month for Android apps and at $96/month for iOS apps.

5. Appy Pie

Appy Pie is a cloud-based DIY mobile app creation tool that allows users without programming skills to create an app for almost any platform and publish it. There’s nothing to install or download — just drag and drop pages to create your own mobile app online.

Once it’s complete, you receive an HTML5-based hybrid app that works with all platforms, including iOS, Android, Windows, and even a Progressive app. All revisions are in real time, with the ability to send push notifications, monetize with ads, see live analytics, and track location with GPS. You can also integrate social media feeds, blogs, websites, audio, radio, and more.

When using this platform you’re presented with different themes, ranging from a restaurant to a radio station. They also have an appointment scheduler tool, which is especially useful for businesses such as doctors, salons, or spas with contact features such as one-touch call included. Using the code page you can embed custom code and embed iframes.

Price: Plans start at Free with ads and go up to $50/month for Platinum

Can I Build my Own App For Free?

Creating an app is not an easy process. It can prove to be a laborious task and is a very cash-intensive goal. However, Appy Pie AppMakr provides you with an effective solution to this. Appy Pie AppMakr lets you create apps without any coding and saves you time, costs, and manpower. Read on to learn how to make an app with our app-building software.

Follow these steps to create your own app:

1. Choose your app name
2. Select a color scheme
3. Customize your app design
4. Choose the right test device
5. Install the app on your device
6. Add the features you want (Key Section)
7. Test, test, and test before the launch
8. Publish your app
9. Promote your app
10. Ask your users for feedback

Top 9 App Development Platforms

App development software is an application that helps with the app development process by providing functionalities like IDE, code-free developments, templates, API, Data synchronization, and Analytics.

It helps in faster development of the application. These tools provide APIs to ease the process of integration with backend services. It provides a visual development environment and makes the process of developing the software much easier.

It also provides features like hardware compatibility and assistance in workflow design. Many app development software can develop apps for desktops, mobile devices, and web browsers.

1. React Native

React Native is one of the most popular app development frameworks widely used by 42% of developers worldwide. It is based on JavaScript and developed by Facebook. React Native developers can easily create a mobile app with a native look and feel for Android and iOS devices. 

React Native is one of the go-to frameworks for your startup because it’s cross-platform, cost-effective, time-saving, and that’s what pretty much your startup business needs right now to stay competitive.

Why Choose React Native?

• Cross-Platform Functionality
• Cost-Effective Development
• Third-Party Plugins
• Handy Libraries
• Allows Code Reusability
• Most Popular Framework
• Used Advanced JavaScript
• Assures High-Performing App

2. Ionic

Ionic is another popular open-source app development framework that is HTML5 based. This framework is mainly focused on the look, feel, and user interface of the app.

Ionic is considered a multi-purpose framework that helps develop hybrid apps, progressive web apps, and cross-platform apps. Startups should consider this framework if they want their app to be ready within a limited time and budget. 

Why Choose Ionic?

• Cross-Platform Development
• Intuitive User Interface
• Better Performance
• The AngularJS Benefits
• Cordova Plugins
• Low-Cost Development

3. FireBase

Firebase is another mobile application development tool. It supports the web, iOS, OS X, and Android clients. It can significantly cut down development time and avoids messing with servers and data storage.

Features:

• This Android development tool provides cloud service, so there isn’t any setup required
• Data is stored as native JSON, so users can see what they stored
• Data is safe because Firebase requires 2048-bit SSL encryption for all data transfers.
• File storage backed by Google Cloud Storage
• Treat data as streams to build highly scalable applications
• Data is reflected and backed up to multiple secure locations, so hardly any chances of data loss
• It integrates nicely with frameworks like Angular JS. So it allows creating an app in a very short time

4. Zoho Corporation

Best for Developing apps 10x faster. Build web, iOS, and Android apps for your business.

Zoho Creator is a low-code platform that enables the rapid development and delivery of web and mobile applications. You no longer have to write endless lines of code to build an application.

It also provides key features like Artificial Intelligence, JavaScript, Cloud functions, third-party integrations, multi-language support, offline mobile access, integration with a payment gateway and more.

With over 7 million users worldwide and 6 million apps, our platform is powerful and flexible to adapt to your business needs. Zoho Creator has been featured in Gartner Magic Quadrant for Enterprise Low-Code Application Platforms (LCAP), 2020.

Features:

• Create more applications with less effort.
• Connect your business data and collaborate across teams.
• Create insightful reports.
• Gain instant access to mobile apps.
• Uncompromising security.

Verdict: Build native mobile apps faster with Zoho Creator’s cross-platform app builder. Create apps on the web, publish and use them on your iOS and Android devices. No extra effort.

5. Appery.io

Best for medium and large businesses.

Price: Appery.io has three pricing plans i.e. Pro ($99 per month), Team ($200 per month), and Enterprise (Get a quote). Yearly plans are also available. It provides a free trial of 14 days for the Pro plan.

This low-code development platform is for developing hybrid mobile apps, web apps, PWAs. Apps built are compatible with all popular devices and platforms. Appery.io will allow you to integrate your existing backend with your app. It provides the facility to import and use backend services in the app builder instantly.

Features:

• It provides features for team management.
• It allows 50K to 200K platform API calls per month.
• It provides the facility of App backup with all the pricing plans.
• With the Enterprise plan, it provides facilities like Enterprise-grade-SLAs, Private deployment, Account Management, etc.
• It supports customization and advanced development through custom UI components, writing custom JS or CSS, advanced storage layer, source code editing, model-based data structure, etc.

Platform: Cross-platform development.
Max Storage: 15 GB

Verdict: It has collaboration features for teams that will allow you to share apps in the browser and devices. It is suitable for programmers as well as non-programmers. It provides support to multiple frameworks like Ionic and Angular.

6. AppyPie

Best for Small, Medium & Large businesses.

Price: AppyPie offers a free trial for 14 days on all the plans. For SMBs, it has three monthly subscription plans i.e. Basic (C$18 per app per month), Gold (C$36 per app per month), and Premium (C$60 per app per month). Yearly subscription plans are also available. You can contact the company for details about the Enterprise plans.

AppyPie will help you to build apps for multiple purposes. It has a wide range of app builder, right from Payment app builder to Worship app maker. There will be no need to resubmit the app after making the changes. It has app builder for small businesses, a restaurant app builder, real estate app maker, radio app builder, and much more.

Features:

• It has a radio app builder.
• It has a Prototyping tool for Android and iPhone.
• It will provide app analytics.
• It has multiple features like IAP, push messages, GPS, etc.
• The platinum plan will allow you to remove AppyPie branding.

Deployment: Cloud and On-Premises
Platform: Windows, Mac, & Linux.
Max Disk Space: 600 MB
Monthly bandwidth: 12 GB
Uptime: 99.9%
Customer support: Email, Chat, & Phone.

Verdict: Each app builder will come with certain features as per the specific needs of that app. With Enterprise plan there will be an unlimited bandwidth and disk space. It is easy to use as no programming skills are required. There is no development mode and it doesn’t support web development.

7. iBuildApp

Best for small & medium businesses, and Agencies.

Price: iBuildApp offers a 15 days money-back guarantee for all the plans. It has three pricing plans i.e. Company ($250 per month), Business ($59.40 per month), and Enterprise (Starts at $20000 per year).

With iBuildApp, there will be no limitation on the number of customers to use your developed app. 25 app features will help you to engage customers. It allows you to edit and update the app any time.

Features:

• Coupons and loyalty cards will help you to get repeated customers.
• It provides a promotional toolkit.
• Push Notifications.
• It allows you to create a custom feature.
• It supports App development for multiple industries like Healthcare, Radio Station, Event Planning, School & College, Restaurant Management, etc.
• It provides more than 1000 design templates.

Customer support: 24*5 full support.
Platform: It can develop an app for iPhone, Android, and Tablet devices.

Verdict: It provides features like integration with Zapier, content management, Google Maps Apps, Audio player, etc. It also has features like lead tracking, Menu App, and Event App Management Software, etc.

8. Apache Cordova (Apache License)

Apache Cordova is an open-source mobile development framework. It allows you to use standard web technologies – HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript for cross-platform development. Applications execute within wrappers targeted to each platform, and rely on standards-compliant API bindings to access each device’s capabilities such as sensors, data, network status, etc.

Use Apache Cordova if you are:

• a mobile developer and want to extend an application across more than one platform, without having to re-implement it with each platform’s language and toolset.
• a web developer and want to deploy a web app that’s packaged for distribution in various app store portals.
• a mobile developer interested in mixing native application components with a WebView (special browser window) that can access device-level APIs, or if you want to develop a plugin interface between native and WebView components.

9. Solar2d (GNU General Public License)

Solar2D (formerly Corona SDK) is a free and open-source, cross-platform software development kit originally developed by Corona Labs Inc. and now maintained by Vlad Shcherban. Released in late 2009, it allows software programmers to build 2D mobile applications for iOS, Android, and Kindle, desktop applications for Windows, Linux and macOS, and connected TV applications for Apple TV, Fire TV and Android TV.

Solar2D uses integrated Lua layered on top of C++/OpenGL to build graphic applications. The software has two operational modes: the Solar2D Simulator and Solar2D Native. With the Solar2D Simulator, apps are built directly from the Solar2D Simulator. Solar2D Native allows you to integrate your Lua code and assets within an Xcode or Android Studio project to build your app and include native features.

Features

Solar2D’s API suite features API calls for audio and graphics, cryptography, networking and device information such as accelerometer information, GPS, and user input as well as widgets, particle effects, and more.

What Are The Major Mobile Development Platforms?

1. Visual Studio

Microsoft Visual Studio is an integrated development environment (IDE) for developing console and graphical user interface applications along with Windows Forms or WPF applications, web sites, web applications, and web services.

2. Xcode

Xcode 6 introduces a radically new way to design and build software. Swift is an innovative new programming language for Cocoa and Cocoa Touch and, when combined with Xcode tools, makes programming a delightfully live experience. Live rendering within Interface Builder displays your hand-written UI code within the design canvas, instantly reflecting changes you type in code.

3. OutSystems

OutSystems is the most complete full-stack application development platform. Using high-productivity, connected, and AI-assisted tools, developers can build and deploy a full range of applications — from consumer apps to critical business systems — fast, right, and for the future.

4. BuildFire

BuildFire is the fastest and easiest way to create professional-grade iOS and Android mobile apps. This one-of-a-kind DIY platform lets you customize every aspect of your app without writing any code. Just drag-and-drop your way through building an app from scratch, or customize one of the pre-built templates.

You have full control over how your app looks and feels while the backend development work gets handled for you. It’s like having an entire team of developers at your fingertips.

With over 10,000 apps created using BuildFire, the platform is powerful and flexible enough to scale with you as your business grows. No other app builder offers this level of functionality at such an affordable price point.

5. AppCode

JetBrains AppCode is an IDE for iOS/macOS development. In addition to working with Objective-C, Swift and C/C++ programming languages, it supports web technologies such as JavaScript, HTML, XML, CSS, and more. It provides a variety of valuable integrations including among others CocoaPods manager and built-in Reveal support.

In addition to the benefits AppCode provides to developers (such as saving their time on automating routine tasks, locating and fixing errors, taking advantage of intelligent support from the IDE, and increasing their overall productivity), it can be an equally valuable asset for your business.

Why Use App Development Software?

A mobile application development platform (MADP) is a type of software that allows a business to rapidly build, test and perhaps deploy mobile apps for smartphones or tablets. 

A business can either build its own mobile application development platform or buy one of the many third-party products available on the market. The MADPs that third-party vendors sell typically include features such as mobile backend as a service (BaaS), front-end development tools and management tools for application programming interfaces (APIs).

A MADP may also provide native, web and hybrid app development capabilities, as well as mobile application management (MAM) tools for deploying and securing apps.

The term MADP is generally credited to the research firm, Gartner. It seems to have replaced two other terms introduced by Gartner, mobile enterprise application platform (MEAP) and mobile consumer application platform (MCAP).

What Are The Features of App Creation Software?

Some business mobile application developments are extremely useful, practical, intuitive, and outright fun to use. Others are frustrating, boring, or are very nearly useless. What makes them different?

What features and app design elements separate the proverbial wheat from the chaff when it comes to mobile applications? These features are essential for developing a mobile app that makes the grade with users.

1. Search Feature Shown in Mobile Application

Give your mobile app users a handy search bar so that they can find the content they need quickly.

Lots of content makes for great mobile app design, but all that content quickly becomes cumbersome and unusable if it isn’t made easily accessible to the mobile user. Most top-tier apps feature a dedicated search function to allow users to locate content that contains the keywords and key phrases relevant to what they need. This helps keep the mobile app convenient and accessible.

2. Social Media Networking Capabilities

Social media sharing isn’t just for quick cat videos and kids’ pictures anymore. Social media apps has already made its mark when it comes to communicating and collaborating with other people you know online, especially among workers who are geographically separated and between workers and their customers.

Make this easy and seamless by incorporating social sharing (as well as email sharing) directly from your mobile application.

3. Responsive Mobile App Design for Varying Screen Sizes

Mobile app designing for Android and/or Apple devices is no longer enough. Most mobile app developers also need to consider the range of screen sizes between the small ‘compact’ and ‘mini’ phones and larger tablets. Some smartphones feature screens almost as big as a small tablet.

The iPhone XS Max, for instance, features a 5.8″ screen, less than 1.5″ smaller than the smallest consumer-grade tablets. Make sure to incorporate responsive app design into your mobile app development so that all of these users receive a stellar design experience.

4. Different Versions for Different Mobile Devices

Similarly, you can no longer neglect any of the popular platforms. While BlackBerry used to rule the business world and Apple held a solid grip on the consumer market, BlackBerry devices are now obsolete after realizing too late that they needed to adopt Android operating systems in order to remain relevant, and Android devices constantly compete with Apple in both the business and consumer markets.

Still, Apple holds enough market shares that it can’t be ignored. Develop a mobile app product for each of these platforms so that you don’t alienate a large segment of your users off the bat with relevant UK mobile app development services.

5. Less Keyboarding and More Mobile Screen Touching

When users are at a keyboard-mouse setup accessing your website services, you can ask them lots of information and they can type, type, type away. This isn’t the case with mobile app designs. Design the app for minimal use of the keyboard and make as much of the user experience as possible touch-based.

6. Allow for Compelling User Feedback

Sometimes the user just needs to express something. Giving users the ability to provide instant feedback is gratifying and eliminates lots of calls to the tech support department.

Allowing users to give you feedback definitely gives you and your team of mobile app developers a helpful insight into what you need to add, eliminate, and change. But it does more than that.

Giving the users the ability to provide immediate feedback lets them vent their frustrations (and with a working app, there are always frustrations), meaning your mobile agency tech support staff has to field fewer angry phone calls. Win-win.

7. The Ability to Work Offline

Provide as much app usability as possible without an Internet connection. This feature has to be balanced, of course, with the issue of data protection and security.

While you don’t want to have load lots of sensitive data on mobile devices that will spend lots of time on busy commuter trains and coffee shops, you do want to enable at least some work to be done if Internet access isn’t available. What and how much data and functionality is stored on the device depends on your specific mobile app requirements.

How Much Does App Development Software Cost?

The typical cost to build an app of good quality ranges from $60,000 up to $300,000+ per platform. Factors like app type, number and complexity of functionality and design, IT vendor influence the app price, where at 40$/hour rate:

• Simple app development cost – $60,000 for one platform (e.g. Calculators, Camera)
• Basic app price – from $60,000 to $150,000 per platform (e.g. McDonald’s Loyalty)
• Complex, custom (multi-feature) app cost – starts from $300,000+ (e.g.Uber, Instagram)

The app development process timeline also varies from 2-3 for a small app, 3-6 months for an app with a basic feature-set, and 9+ months for a complex product, which is considered an ongoing project.

Basic app	> ~$15,000	~1 month	Calculators, Camera, Clock
Data-driven app	~$15,000+*	~1-1.5 months	Calendar, Weather, Stocks
Authentication app	~$60,000+*	~3-6 months	McDonald’s Loyalty App, Google Drive
Social networking app	~$60,000 – $300,000+	~3-6 up to 9+ months	Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Yummi
E-Commerce app	~$60,000 – $300,000+	~3-6 up to 9+ months	Amazon, eBay, Alibaba, ASOS, GoPuff
On-demand app	~$70,000 – $100,000+ (basic, per platform)*	~5-7+ months	Uber, UberEATS, Postmates, Nimber, Melabiz
Marketplace app (multilevel web platform)	~$300,000+	~9+ months	TripAdvisor, Booking.com
IoT & Hardware app	~$60,000+*	~3-6 months	Beacons, Amazon Dash Buttons, WeMo, DirectTV, BELI Printing Service, Jo

Tools For Mobile App Development

we are going to talk about the best mobile app development tools in 2021. Let’s discuss this in detail.

1. Appcelerator Titanium

Appcelerator Titanium is one of the popular open-source frameworks to build native mobile applications on various platforms like android, iOS, and Windows with a single JavaScript code.

The titanium’s core component is the software development kit that is Apache-licensed, Titanium SDK. In addition, Appcelerator also made of alloy, Apache-licensed a model-view-controller based on titanium, and Appcelerator Studio integrated development environment for starting owner free frame.

It was first introduced in December 2008.

Core features of Appcelerator titanium are as below:

• It is MVC based framework.
• There is ease of access to native functionality which is covered by Hyperloop (latest technology addition) and native modules.
• It is a cross-platform API.
• It uses the platform appropriate notification mechanism.
• There is also a virtual private cloud for the enterprise customers for sensitive organizational data which needs 100% security.

2. PhoneGap (Apache Cordova)

PhoneGap is an open-source framework that was created by Nitobi. In 2011, Adobe Systems purchased it.

Adobe PhoneGap framework is Cordova’s open-source distribution it provides the advantage of technology that is developed by a diverse team of professionals along with a community of robust application developers – as well as access to the toolkit PhoneGap, so you can get moving faster.

There are extended features of HTML and JavaScript which work with any device. Apache Cordova apps use HTML5 and CSS3 for rendering. It uses JavaScript for logic.

Core features of PhoneGap are as below:

• It is based on HTML5, CSS3 and JavaScript.
• Supports smartphone’s hardcore and native application properties
• Compatible on all platform
• Flexible and Open Source Nature
• Robust Backend
• There is a disadvantage of this framework that you can build your app for free one time only. After that, there is a monthly fee to use it. It doesn’t
• perform well in comparison to other frameworks.

3. RhoMobile

Rho mobile Suite is usually based on the open-source framework.

Rhodes is a set of development tools for creating data-centric, cross-platform, native applications for mobile consumers and businesses. It allows developers to build mobile apps using web technologies like CSS3, HTML5, JavaScript, and Ruby.

Developers can implement Rhomobile Suite to write an application once and run it on the most widely used operating systems, including iOS, Android, Windows Phone, Windows Mobile, Windows CE, Windows Mobile, and 10 Windows Desktop.

Debug, integrate, deploy and manage consumer and enterprise applications. It has products like Rhodes, RhoElements, RhoStudio, RhoConnect, RhoHub, and RhoGallery.

Core features of RhoMobile are as follows :

• It is based on the MVC model.
• Offline capabilities of using data with the RhoSync feature.
• Inbuilt Rhom feature which helps to write queries in a database.
• Highly scalable sync server.
• Hosted Development.

4. Sencha

Quickly build cross-platform enterprise web applications with Sencha Ext JS; JavaScript framework featuring a robust component library including powerful UI components like the D3 Adapter and Pivot Grid.

Spend more time building your React Apps, not the components, with Sencha ExtReact; a whole set of professionally built, tested, and maintained with React UI components.

It delivers high-quality mobile apps to the target audience. It is quicker with functional and unit testing designed specifically for Sencha Ext JS apps with Sencha Test. You can execute and automate tests across multiple browsers altogether.

Core features of Sencha are as follows :

• Lock the filter
• Add a reference to an external Third-Party JavaScript API
• Collapse the Toolbox categories or the entire Toolbox
• Promote to Class
• List Tabs keyboard shortcut: Ctrl-L (⌘-L on Macs) – New for version 2.2!
• Property filter keyboard shortcut: Ctrl-E (⌘-Eon Macs)

5. Xamarin

.NET is a development platform consisting of tools, programming languages ​​, and libraries for building many different types of applications.

Xamarin expands the platform .NET development tools and libraries specifically for creating applications for Android, iOS, TVOS, watch OS, macOS and Windows.

Xamarin enables you to get a fully native cross-platform app, its running live on your device; it allows creating apps that easily run on multiple platforms

It allows developers to fix and detect errors before the end customer, the program will deliver a variety of advanced and creative forms for you to create original apps.

Core features of Xamarin are as follows :

• Various code signing
• Native platform integration for Android and iOS
• PCL
• Application loader
• Google emulator manager
• Diagnostic tools
• Gaming
• Storyboard files
• Visual Studio integration

App Development Languages

There are many programming languages on the market to consider for your app development projects. The best is to fully understand how each programming language works prior to any decision. 

Here is the list you can check for your mobile app development needs.

1. JavaScript

One of the most popular programming languages you can easily learn is JavaScript. 

It is a high-level, interpreted programming language that can support object-oriented and functional programming. It is a paradigm language run by a browser and is also used to develop web pages.

Its frameworks are well-versed for mobile app development that can be used in any Android, iOS, and Windows platform. Many developers love JavaScript as it is straightforward to work with and can be controlled with ease. You also get plenty of room for variations with this programming language. 

2. Scala

If JavaScript is one of the most known, Scala is one of the newest programming languages available today. It is a modern, general-purpose programming language that has a reliable static type system. Its strongest asset, among others, is its multi-paradigm language. 

Scala emerged as one of the most durable alternatives that can take in place of Java. It is designed to address the underlying struggles encountered by Java. It is interoperable with Java as it runs on Java Virtual Machine (JVM), making it one of Scala’s notable features.

3. Java

Perhaps the most popular programming language you can encounter, JAVA is one of the most preferred languages by many mobile app developers. It is even the most searched programming language on different search engines. Java is an official Android development tool that can run in two different ways. It can be run either in a browser window or in a virtual machine.

Java is a general-purpose programming language that is class-based, object-oriented, and designed to have as few implementation dependencies as possible.

Though Java is not likely a top choice when you will be developing an iOS app, yet it can still provide well when working cross-platform apps. 

4. Kotlin

Developers consider Kotlin as an advanced version of Java; it is an interoperable and versatile programming language that can easily overrule the shortcomings of Java.

Its language is clear, concise, and a statistically typed programming language. Working similarly like Java, it has several advanced features making it a better option.

What makes this option unique for your programming needs is that it supports almost all IDES. 

5. Python

Python is another widely used programming language used for any purpose. Developers used it to develop cross-platform applications in web, desktop, and mobile. It can also produce any Android and desktop applications from scratch.

In schools, Python is the most common programming language to be taught to students. Many use Python because of its ease of learning and reading. It is a language that is simple, readable, a bit complex but not too complicated.

Many popular applications like Instagram, Dropbox, YouTube, Reddit, Spotify, Quora, and more were created in Python.

6. PHP

Most developers recommend PHP for mobile apps that require database access. It is an open-source programming language that is easy to learn, making it perfect for beginners with exceptionally smooth integration. It is highly favored for content-heavy apps. PHP loads quickly, even with a slow internet connection, and has built-in security features.

Hypertext Preprocessor or PHP was developed mainly for websites but, these days, it also serves in all-around development. It can now be used to build any Android and iOS applications. It is used as well for command-line scripting, server-side scripting, and coding applications.

7. C#

A general-purpose programming language, C#, or pronounced as ‘C-sharp’ is fast, quick to deploy, and easy-to-use. It is a general-purpose programming language that is used in cross-platform, windows, and mobile app development. C# is simple, strong typing, imperative, and one of the most preferred programming languages by most developers.

C# is made for Microsoft as it can produce durable Windows Phone applications. It is also supported by Unity3D, making it a great tool for building game applications. It is a versatile programming language that has been used to create applications in different sectors at the market. 

8. C++

Many consider this programming language to be their top choice in mobile app development. C++ is used for Android app development as well as development of native apps. It is the best choice for those who are just starting to develop any mobile app as C++ has a built-in and massive pool of ready-to-use libraries for your app development.

C++ is used in apps for industries like financial institutions, banking sectors, manufacturing businesses, and more. It has been in the market for quite a long time and has been loved by many developers for building mobile applications for iOS, Android, and Windows.

You can use C++ to create and develop various operating systems, game development, web browsers, medical applications, Enterprise tools, and more. 

9. Objective-C

Objective-C is a primary programming language designed for and used by Apple app developers for its iOS and OS X operating systems. It is an object-oriented and general-purpose programming language that is easy to learn.

Though considered a bit old as many new programming languages are entering the market scene, Objective-C is still popular among developers. 

Objective-C remained in the playing field even though there are newcomers. It is because many apps have already invested in the language in terms of security. Many still mostly rely on Objective-C even to this day.

10. Swift

Swift is one of the latest open-source programming languages designed to work with iOS, OS X, and tvOS platforms. It requires little maintenance and avoids bugs of Objective-C. 

Swift makes projects easier to scale. Its language is flexible and can add features to any app by adapting a programming pattern. Released mainly for iOS, iOS-supporting, and Linux, it has become the primary language developers lean on to develop iOS and OS X.

Mobile App Development Frameworks

Obtaining the services of a reliable mobile app development company or hiring a mobile app developer on a freelance basis can enable a business to build mobile apps that are fast, responsive, and deliver exceptional user experiences. Leveraging mobile app development frameworks makes the mobile app development process efficient and fast.

1. React Native

Developed and maintained by Facebook, React Native is an open-source, cross-platform app development framework that has become the developers’ top choice in a short span of time. React Native helps develop Android and iOS mobile apps seamlessly. Mobile apps of top brands such as Tesla, Airbnb, Skype, and Amazon Prime are the best examples of React Native apps.

Faster development and deployment are the primary reasons behind the universal popularity of React Native. Other notable features of React Native include reusable components,  integration with third-party plugins, and component-based GUI development for front-end applications. 

2. Flutter

Flutter is Google’s open-source framework for developing native Android and iOS apps using a single codebase. It is a revolutionary SDK for cross-platform app development that stands out as it uses a unique approach for delivering apps with a native-like look and feel.

It is an unmatched and highly reliable mobile UI framework for creating stunning apps quickly by speeding up the development process. Flutter is a complete framework that includes widgets, a rendering engine, testing and integrating APIs and tools to help developers build and deploy aesthetically pleasing mobile apps.

Examples of some of the prominent market players’ apps developed using Flutter include Google, Alibaba, and Abbey Road Studios. 

3. Xamarin

Xamarin is a Microsoft-owned open-source framework used for developing native and high-performance Android, iOS, macOS, tvOS, and watchOS apps leveraging .NET and C# programming languages. The framework empowers businesses to provide native performance and unique user experiences to end-users.

In Xamarin, an abstraction layer controls the communication between the underlying platform code and shared code. The framework allows the developers to build an ecosystem with APIs, back-end, components, etc., using tools, libraries, and programming languages supported by an active community. 

4. Ionic

Ionic is an open-source framework built with Apache Cordova (PhoneGap) and Angular, allowing the developers to build Android and iOS apps for seamless mobile performance. The framework helps the developers build robust and feature-rich native applications.

Ionic’s most significant advantage is that it allows the developers to use several UI elements such as filters, forms, views, navigation menus, and actions sheets in the application design. Ionic is a complete framework that enables developers to build Progressive Web Apps (PWAs), hybrid and cross-platform mobile applications. 

5. Apache Cordova

Formerly known as PhoneGap, Apache Cordova is a leading mobile app development framework that is developer-friendly. It is a cross-platform app development framework that leverages CSS3, HTML5, and JavaScript to build mobile applications.

Cordova plugins enable the developers to access device hardware capabilities such as GPS, camera, and accelerometer to deliver a native-like app experience. Apache Cordova’s notable features include a faster development process with a single codebase and third-party app management tools. 

6. JQuery Mobile

JQuery Mobile is a hybrid mobile app development framework that helps build platform-independent apps. The framework uses JavaScript library and HTML for building responsive websites that work on various devices such as smartphones, tablets, and desktops.

JQuery leverages the HTML5 based framework and the ThemeRoller to offer highly customizable themes for mobile apps and web applications. JQuery Mobile comes in two variants, namely customized framework and stable version. 

7. Framework7

Framework7 is an open-source framework that is very easy to learn and use. It allows the developers to build Android, iOS, and desktop apps with a native-like look and feel using popular web technologies such as HTML5, JavasScript, and CSS3. Framework7 provides additional support for Vue.js, React, and Svelte.

Another attractive feature of Framework7 is its stunning UI elements, including features such as action sheet, list view, popup, side panels, layout grid, and more. Framework7 makes the development process easy, convenient, and fast. 

Mobile App Development Software Free

The use of smartphones has given rise to the need to develop mobile applications. Whether it is for personal use or business purpose, contracting a development company requires big money. Not everyone has that. 

Fortunately, you can now create your own app with the help of mobile app development software. You don’t need any prior coding experience or huge investments. 

This mobile app development platforms help you build an app with the right framework. Below are the top free and open-source mobile app development software that you can consider choosing.

1. PhoneGap
2. Flutter
3. Ionic
4. Xamarin
5. Buildfire
6. Felgo
7. Appcelerator
8. Mobincube
9. LongRange
10. Qt
11. Alpha Anywhere
12. Sencha Ext JS

App Development Software for Beginners

The right tools will make any job easier and more successful. Mobile app development is no exception. Cross-platform development tools have become increasingly important for companies, who want to ensure that they’re reaching the widest possible audience.

That means making sure that both Android and iOS users can get the same functionality through their mobile applications. A consistent, high-quality user experience is incredibly important.

Developing clear, accessible, user-friendly apps starts with using the right analytics and development services. Mobile is about more than just products.

1. Appzio

One of the most versatile and easy to use app building tools on the market, Appzio allows businesses to create native applications for both Android and iOS operating systems. This technology doesn’t require any knowledge of coding, which is a major boost for businesses who don’t want to get bogged down with too many details.

The features included in the Appzio development tool are registration forms, media streaming and a myriad of monetization possibilities.

The flexibility included in Appzio allows businesses to have incredible autonomy over how they want users to experience their product. Whatever kind of app it is that you need to develop, Appzio can help you to do it. With the ability for unlimited updates, a comprehensive how-to guide, and several different price plans, there’s almost no limit to the possibilities with Appzio.

2. Appsee

Beyond app development is analytics, an area where Appsee offers a comprehensive and user friendly way to get exactly what you need to find success in app development.

More than just reporting, Appsee offers functionality like touch heatmaps and user recordings to allow developers to get a real world understanding of how users are engaging with their application. Behavior is everything.

Beyond just user behavior, Appsee allows developers to more accurately understand crashes and to effectively reproduce them in order to solve problems. There’s no need to dig into log reports that are confusing and difficult to understand when you’ve got this kind of information available.

Businesses can learn about conversion, retention and user experience effectively through Appsee. The tracking is right there in real time, with little impact on the performance of the application.

3. PhoneGap

Adobe’s mobile app development tool, PhoneGap, used to go by the name Apache Cordova. There’s a reason that this mobile app development tool has long been considered one of the best available, and that’s in large part due to its impressive flexibility for developing cross platform mobile applications.

This open-source tool allows developers to build with HTML, JavaScript, and CSS. These applications can then be launched through Android, through iOS, and through most any other platform imaginable, all without losing even one of the native features that have been built into them with such care.

There’s an additional service, PhoneGap Build, which allows developers to create apps right in the cloud, along with other cloud based services. The plugin friendly nature of the architecture gives developers ultimate control and massive autonomy in building a user friendly experience for customers.

The whole service is completely free, with the exception of the cloud-based service which does have a monthly fee. Overall, this development tool has become a standard for a reason, though it’s important to note that it does require a knowledge of coding.

4. AppGeyser

If you want to just dip your toes into the app development market, then AppGeyser is a good place to start. It’s free, it requires no coding, and it’s easy to use. You’re not going to create the next great app with this one, but you will be able to get something up quickly and easily for Android only that’s based on your website or your YouTube channel.

The lack of iOS support is of course a big issue, but again it’s a good starting place for developers who want to just see what the process looks like before jumping into a more complex and costly version of app development.

The company gains revenue by placing ads within the user developed applications, so it’s important to note that your app will have ads if you use this development tool. There’s no monetization functionality to the developer, nor is there any inbuilt distribution functionality. AppGeyser is still a good choice for beginners who are just starting out in mobile app development.

5. Mobilesmith

Organizations that need a top of the line, cross platform development tool will find exactly what they’re looking for with Mobilesmith. No coding is required for development with this platform, and businesses can feel confident that the end result will be not only polished but also user friendly.

This company is the top provider of mobile application development for hospitals in the country and has pioneered mobile technology for this industry. Mobilesmith’s apps are award-winning, utilizing the most innovative and effective methods in the industry.

What makes Mobilesmith different is that it works first with the end-user in mind. With applications that work for both end-users and for employees, Mobilesmith works hard to bring technology to the places where it’s most needed and most effective.

The truly useful nature of this app developer allows businesses to move forward in meaningful ways with mobile technology. The end results are both beautiful and incredibly functional.

App Development Software For PC

1. RAD Studio

RAD Studio is a Powerful IDE For Building Native Apps on Windows, Android, iOS, macOS and Linux. It enables you to design Beautiful Desktop and Mobile App UIs with less coding effort. Write once, compile everywhere.

Features:

• Single Code Base for all major platforms
• Connect to over 20 databases natively with FireDAC’s high speed direct access
• Up-to-date user interface controls, WinRT APIs, HighDPI-related features and Windows Store support
• Use the HTTP and REST client libraries, available on all platforms, to invoke REST services or AWS and Azure components
• Powerful CData Enterprise Connectors to access 70+ data sources

2. Collaborator

Collaborator is a peer code and document review tool for development teams that take quality seriously.

• Comprehensive Review Capabilities – Review source code, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Visio Diagrams, Adobe PDF, Images and Simulink models all in one tool.
• Enhances the code review process for GitHub, GitLab, BitBucket, and Azure DevOps
• Supports 11 version control tools including Git, SVN, TFS, Perforce, CVS, ClearCase, RTC and more.
• Proof of Review – Ensure proof of review with electronic signatures & detailed reports to meet auditing and regulatory compliance standards (ISO26262, 21 CFR Part 11, DO-178C, AS9100, OWASP).

3. Embold

Fixing bugs before deployment saves a lot of time and energy in the long run. Embold is a software analytics platform that analyses source code and uncovers issues that impact stability, robustness, security, and maintainability.

Features:

• With the Embold plugins, you can pick up code smells and vulnerabilities as you code, before making commits.
• Unique anti-pattern detection prevents the compounding of unmaintainable code.
• Integrate seamlessly with Github, Bitbucket, Azure, and Git and plugins available for Eclipse and IntelliJ IDEA.
• Get deeper and faster checks than standard code editors, for over 10 languages.

4. GeneXus

GeneXus provides a unique platform that captures the needs of users and generates applications for present and future technologies, without the need to learn new technology. Allows pragmatic developers to evolve quickly, responding to market and technological changes in an agile way.

Features:

• AI-based automatic software generation.
• Multi-Experience apps: Model once, generate for multiple platforms (responsive and progressive web apps, mobile native and hybrid apps, Apple Tv, chatbots & virtual assistants).
• Highest flexibility: The largest number of databases supported in the market.
• Business Process Management Support: Digital Process Automation through integrated BPM modeling.
• Deployment flexibility: Deploy apps on-premises, in the cloud, or in hybrid scenarios.
• Application security module included.
• No runtime for generated applications, price by developer seat.

5. Linx

Linx is a low code IDE and server. IT pros use Linx to quickly create custom automated business processes, integrate applications, expose web services and to efficiently handle high workloads.

• Easy-to-use, drag-and-drop interface
• Over 100 pre-built functions and services for rapid development
• One-click deployment to any local or remote Linx Server directly from the IDE
• Input and outputs include nearly any SQL & NoSQL databases, numerous file formats (text and binary) or REST and SOAP Web services
• Live debugging with step through logic
• Automate backend processes via timer, directory events or message queue or expose web services, and call APIs via HTTP requests

Open Source Mobile App Development Software

you can now create your own app with the help of mobile app development software. You don’t need any prior coding experience or huge investments.

In this piece, we will cover the best open-source mobile app development tools and compare their features, based on our experience.

1. Flutter

This one is a portable UI kit backed by Google. It allows developing native mobile, web and desktop apps from a single codebase. Flutter is written in Dart, C, C++, and uses the Skia Graphics 2D rendering engine for creating visuals that are very close to native Material Design and Cupertino style widgets.

Flutter also has the support of a large community, which allows creating plugins with channels that can be used by any new developer.

Features:

• Incorporate all critical platform differences such as navigation, scrolling, icons, and fonts.
• Offers fully-customizable widgets to render the fast development of native apps.
• Creates plugins using channels to be easily used by every developer.

2. Xamarin

Xamarin is a great tool for developing native mobile applications for iOS, MacOS, Windows, and Android. It uses layers of business logic and data access across platforms.

This software uses a shared codebase to build apps for all operating systems. Xamarin Component Store includes user interface controls, cross-platform libraries, and third-party libraries. But the specifics of the platform allows you to use the functionality available only on certain platforms.

Features:

• Offers a real-time testing module to monitor and catch app errors as and when they happen.
• Easily integrates with modern backend services, components, native APIs, and more.
• Enables you to build stunning cross-platform user interfaces.

3. Appcelerator

This tool allows creating applications with fewer lines of code. It supports HTML5 applications for iOS, Android, Windows, and browsers.

Appcelerator also increases the speed of developing mobile apps and allows creating mobile applications for all supported operating systems. Besides, global deployments are supported across multiple regions.

Features:

• Gives full and direct access to iOS and Android APIs using JavaScript.
• Allows you to have a live view of all the changes being made in a preview window.
• Its cloud capacity provides mobile-optimized access to any data source.

4. PhoneGap

PhoneGap is a mobile application development environment that falls into the category of frameworks for cross-platform application development. It can be used to develop a single application that works on all mobile devices. This tool can integrate with various libraries for app development, and allows managing and viewing any changes easily.

PhoneGap also provides the benefits of plug-in architecture defined by Cordova, which extends its functionalities and allows access to a device’s file system, microphone, and accelerometer.

Features:

• Easily integrates with various libraries for developing the app.
• Allows you to view and manage any changes in the app using PhoneGap.
• Operates on multiple operating systems, including iPhone, Android, and Windows.

5. Ionic

Open Source Mobile App Development SoftwareIonic is another best free, open source mobile app development software mostly preferred for creating hybrid apps. The best thing is that it allows you to build applications for various platforms, including Android, iOS, and web – using a single codebase.

What’s more, it offers intuitive UI components that accelerate the app development process. Besides, it can be deployed virtually anywhere. Ionic boasts over 120 native device features, predefined elements, and a large community of developers.

Features:

• Includes interactive paradigms, mobile components, typography, and an extensible base theme.
• Written in JavaScript, the program is covered by the MIT license.
• Allows for Cordova based app building.

6. Mobincube

This application builder allows users to develop any mobile app. Developers can create applications for business, education, entertainment, healthcare, and more. The tool helps in the development of advanced functionality, allows updating online content, and customizing every little thing in the application.

Features:

• Enables you to easily integrate third-party solutions within your app.
• Allows you to deploy apps on various platforms like Amazon, Google Play, etc.
• Lets you add your own POIs on online maps.

7. Buildfire

Another best in the category of free mobile app development software is Buildfire. It offers a robust set of tools to build apps for both Android and iOS. It is well-known for its high-end custom development capabilities as well as an easy, intuitive DIY platform.

What’s more, it currently supports more than 10,000 apps and is flexible enough to scale as your business starts to grow. You can’t ignore the simple and functional drag-and-drop UI either, as it makes it easy to build the app quickly.

Features:

• Allows you to build custom functionality with their developer SDK.
• Offer an interactive intuitive app builder where no coding is required.
• Can be combined with any third-party API’s or pre-built integrations.

8. Felgo

Felgo is a free mobile app development software that supports apps for various platforms, including iOS, Android, desktop (Windows and Linux), and counting. Using a single codebase, you can create an application for different operating systems.

Well, it was ranked first as the most time-saving framework, easiest to learn, and best support system as compared to other 40 leading tools. Besides, it’s a great system to develop game apps as it supports 3D objects too.

Features:

• Uses custom UI rendering to reduce the interaction between the native layer and runtime environment.
• Provides a well-designed abstraction of platform-specific concepts.
• Supports creating both business apps and gaming apps.

Swing2App

Swing2App is a mobile application development platform that helps businesses design, launch, test and manage apps for iOS and Android devices. The software includes an authoring tool with configurable templates, which let users personalize apps using custom colors, themes, user interface (UI) and more.

The content editing tools in Swing2App allow developers to add or remove content in real-time. It offers a host of features including posts, bulletin boards, multiple chat rooms, submission to official app stores, custom domain, version tracking and more.

IT professionals can manage push notifications and memberships using the administrator portal. Additionally, the platform uses AWS cloud infrastructure system, enabling organizations to handle daily data backups, safeguard app users’ information and securely transfer data using HTTPS.

Swing2App offers a free version and paid plans include monthly/annual subscriptions. Support is extended via phone, email, FAQs and other online measures.

Best Android App Development Software

These days, Android developers need to stay productive to create better quality apps at record speed. To that end, they have a wealth of useful tools and applications at hand. In this article, we are going to have a look at what’s inside a developer’s toolbox and Android development kit. So here’s the list of the best Android development tools.

Android Studio: Key Android Build Tool

Android Studio is, without a doubt, the first one among Android developers’ tools. It’s an official integrated environment for Android app development that lets easily edit code, debug, and test. 

Created in 2013, it made a splash and unseated Eclipse Android Development Tools as the one and only IDE for native Android apps. It’s free and actively supported by a vibrant Android development community.

AIDE

It’s an Android IDE that allows making an Android app on your Android device. AIDE provides a way not only to write the code on your phone or tablet but also to run, test, and debug. This environment is a good option for novice developers as opposed to Android Studio or IntelliJ IDEA.

The downside is that it only supports Java and C/C++. If you are building an app in Kotlin, go with another Android IDE.  

Stetho

Stetho is an open-source library developed by Facebook and designed for quick application debugging. Stetho gives the application a website experience by making the allows access to a Chrome Developer Tools feature native to the desktop browser.

With the Chrome DevTools, you can easily view the hierarchy of an application, monitor network activity, manage an SQLite database, monitor shared SharedPreferences, and more.

Gradle

Gradle is an open-source build automation system that appeared in 2013. Combining the best of Apache Maven and Apache Ant, this system is ideal for multi-project, large builds. Gradle makes it easy to add a third-party library with one line of code. Gradle is mainly used for Android software development using Java, but there are also Groovy and Scala plugins. 

Android Asset Studio

It’s an excellent collection of easy-to-use tools for generating various types of icons that you will need when designing and developing applications.

LeakCanary

Powerful memory leak detection tool developed by Square. Once installed, it will automatically launch and notify you of every memory leak in your application. To rectify the problems, there is a built-in stack trace available for use.

IntelliJ IDEA

JetBrains created a Java IDE with Android support. It’s a good alternative to Android Studio, mainly used for simpler apps. IntelliJIDEA is fast and comes with a variety of development tools right out of the box: smart code completion, instant code analysis, refactoring, and JetBrains plugins. 

Source Tree

A simple and free tool that provides an easy way to manage Git repositories using Git GUI. You can visually visualize all your changes, commits, branches without having to write even a single command in the command line. Available for Mac and Windows users. 

Unity 3D

Creating mobile games, you can turn to a cross-platform engine with a wealth of features for graphically intensive and VR/AR games. It’s fine to stick with Android Studio or IntelliJ IDEA for developing games, but Unity is will provide more tailored-to-game-development tools, such as storytelling, next-level performance profiling, real-time rendering, and many more.

GameMaker: Studio 

This is one of the most popular game engines from YoYo games that allows you to develop 2D games for Android and other platforms. GameMaker: Studio is a powerful yet simple, easy-to-use tool with a convenient drag-and-drop interface. It’s also a good tool to kick off your game development career. 

BlockCanary

Recommended by many, this powerful performance monitoring library that helps you identify when your application’s user interface thread is blocked for a while and slows down the application. Installing BlockCanary is very simple, and it works much like LeakCanary.

AVD Manager

A useful tool from Android Studio that stands for Android Virtual Device. It enables developers to create emulations of all Android devices on a single computer to test an app’s performance and responsiveness. AVD manager eliminates the need for having each type of physical device, screen size, and resolution. 

Firebase

Mobile apps require a server to perform tasks such as authenticating users and synchronizing user data across multiple devices. However, building such a server requires a skill set that most ISVs lack. Fortunately, there are several back-end service platforms, often referred to as BaaS, that you can use today. Google’s Firebase is one such platform.

Firebase provides essential services like analytics, crash reporting, user authentication, and cloud messaging for free. Its freemium services include real-time NoSQL database, file hosting, and static website hosting.

Vysor

Vysor is a tool that brings Android to the desktop so you can display and interact with the device right from your computer. It lets you type from your keyboard, show your screen during meetings, and work more efficiently. Vysor is compatible with all operating systems. 

Android Debug Bridge 

This is a versatile command-line tool that lets you communicate with a device. ADB allows you to exchange data with a running Android emulator or a real connected (via USB, Wi-Fi network) Android device (tablet, phone). The tool belongs to Android SDK tools and is included in the Android SDK Platform Tools package. 

NimbleDroid

A platform where you can test your Android app for flaws before pushing it to Google Play. This tool brings a lot of value to the Quality Assurance process because it helps expedite the testing stage. NimbleDroid is appreciated by Pinterest, Tinder, Yahoo, Paypal, and many more.

RAD Studio

An integrated environment where you can create apps for Android devices. RAD Studio has a visual designer and code editor that lets you write, compile, and deploy hybrid applications using a single code base. It comes with support during an entire SDLC. You can take it for a spin using a trial version. 

How Does a Free App Make Money?

A mobile app has the potential to bring in billions of dollars in a year, however there are really very few apps that finally reach that number. A surprising number of mobile apps end up making absolutely no money. Hence, to actually come up with a generic number of the bat is not really possible.

Read Also: Top 10 Business Apps to increase Productivity

To get a clearer idea of what I mean by this, let me tell you this – the top 200 apps on the app store make about $82,500 a day. Now once we broaden these criteria and take a look at the top 800 apps on the play store, this number drops down to $3,500 a day!

This number also varies with categories. While the top gaming apps make about $22K a day, while the top entertainment apps make about $3,090 a day.

Follow these steps to make money from mobile apps:

• In-app Advertising
• In-app purchases
• Subscription
• Paid apps
• Sponsorship
• Affiliate income
• Selling merchandise
• Crowdfunding

Finally

To decide which development approach to take, ask yourself these key questions:

1. How important is the performance of your app?
2. Does your app need to include any device-specific features?
3. Do you want your app to support multiple platforms and devices?
4. What is your mobile app development budget?