What Should Be Included For Android Application Development?

As a powerful and hugely popular mobile operating system, Android attracts many developers to build mobile apps to target the mobile devices running on this platform. As the mobile platform is open source, programmers also get the option to tweak, twist and improve it according to their specific requirements. The mobile app development frameworks have further made it easier for programmer to switch to Android application development within a very short span of time.

But with every other company launching Android apps, it has become essential for developers to understand the latest trends in mobile application development. At the same time, they have to explore innovative ideas to optimize the look, feel, performance and security of the application. On the whole, a developer has to make and implement a comprehensive application development plan that must include several key factors.

Things that Must be Included in Android App Development

Mobile Payment
Mobile devices have become an inseparable part of modern lifestyle. In addition to gathering information on a variety of products or services, users also use mobile device to purchase the items on the go. So many users will love to use an app that allows them to make payment for the product or service in a quick, hassle-free and secure app. You can always consider designing apps with features of a mobile wallet that allows users to carry out financial transactions on the go, while keeping their sensitive financial data secure and inaccessible.

Cloud Technologies
Each user wants to access both personal and business data immediately regardless of his current location. Therefore, many people are using Cloud technologies to store a variety of information. As the technology enables users to access the information stored in the Cloud at their own pace and convenience, many enterprises have started investing in Cloud computing. Your Android app can surely meet the new trends in storing information when it supports Cloud technologies.

Health Tips and Advice
The busy lifestyle and packed professional schedules of modern people makes it difficult for them to follow a balanced diet and exercise regime. So an increasing number people are gathering health tips and advice by using their Android mobile devices. In addition to providing regular health tips and advice, the app will further enable the users to get relevant solutions by consulting a doctor. At the same time, the app can help users in remaining fit and active through regular exercise and yoga. You can always consider developing healthcare apps to target the users who are getting conscious about their health.

Blend Social Media into the App
Similar to mobile applications, social media has also become an integral part of modern lifestyle. Many people use social media to evaluate the pros and cons of a variety of products and services. At the same time, users also love to share their recent activities and achievements through social networking platforms. So you must consider blending social media seamlessly into the Android app. Along with allowing users to share photos, videos and posts on major social networking platforms, the app also needs to allow them access these websites in quick and convenient way.

Animation Effect
The choice of Android apps varies from one user to another. But most users decide about downloading a mobile app based on its look and feel. So you must explore options to optimize the aesthetic appeal of the application, along with its features, functionality and performance. Many reports have highlighted how animation effect can make an app look attractive and exciting. So you must consider designing apps with adequate animation effects to impress users belonging to different age groups.

The must-include things for Android app development keep changing on a constant basis. Also, these factors are affected by the frequent changes in user choice and technologies. So each developer must stay tuned to the ongoing trends in mobile application development to build a powerful Android app that will surely attract and impress users.

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Introduction of How Android Works for Java Programmers

A constant increase is noted in the number of people using their mobile devices to access the web. In addition to gathering information and data from various online sources, people also use mobile devices to carry out various types of regular and financial transactions. At the same time, the mobile devices are widely used to play games, listen to music, watch videos, and use apps. In comparison to other mobile operating system, Android is more popular among both users and mobile application developers. The huge popularity of the mobile platform has further made application development for the mobile platform one of the most popular trends in Java programming.

Most developers, with prior knowledge and experience in Java, are showing interest in developing Android apps. Some of these programmers also keenly follow the latest trends in smartphone application development to impress clients by building a hugely popular interface. If you have experience in writing Java programmers, you can avail several benefits by learning Android for Java programmers. Along with building mobile applications to target millions of users, you will get the opportunity to implement your innovative ideas and creativity. Also, the similarity between Android and Java APIs make it easier for you to acquire new programming skills without putting any extra time and effort.

Why a Java Programmer can Easily Switch to Android Programming?

Easy to Understand the Android API: If you are familiar with Java API, it will be easier for you to learn how Android works. The Android API is very much similar to the Java API. But it does not support all classes available in the J2SE SDK. It only supports some of the key and critical Java classes. Google has further provided a Java API to make it easier for programmers to write code. The API is also effective in compiling the code into class files. So you only need to learn a set of new features and classes to switch to Android programming.

Tutorials to Learn Android SDK: When a Java programmer decides to build Android apps, it becomes essential to understand how to install the Android SDK, and set up the initial environment to develop applications. The experienced developers and beginners have options to choose from a variety of tutorials. Along with designing the app, the tutorials can further help them to learn how to incorporate advanced features like location service, social media and Google maps. Once you decide the features and functionality of the app, you can refer to the tutorials to implement the ideas perfectly to boost user experience.

Option to Use Same Development Tools: Often Java programmers use customized tools to optimize user experience without writing lengthy code. But some mobile operating systems like iOS do not allow programmers to use the existing tools. A programmer is required to learn the iOS SDK and Objective C to start building applications for Apple devices. On the other hand, a Java programmer can use the same tools for Android programming. For instance, a programmer has option to build Android apps by using IDE like Eclipse. So you can develop robust smartphone apps at a rapid pace using the tools you are familiar with.

Enhance the Compatibility of Your Web Applications: The popularity of a web application, nowadays, depends on its compatibility with different operating systems, browsers and devices. A constant increase is also noted in the number of users accessing the websites and web applications on their Android devices. The clients also require the website developers to make the website compatible with popular mobile operating systems. As Java is being used widely to build websites, it will be easier for developers to make the applications compatible with Android. Further, they can easily integrate innovative features to make the website popular among millions of Android device users.

Each Java programmer can switch to Android programming to avail a number of benefits. Along with retaining the clients, he can develop an application to reach millions of users. Also, a developer has option to use customized Java frameworks to build Android apps. The frameworks enable android widget development teams to build robust mobile applications without writing longer lines of Java Code.

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Advanced Tools and Techniques for Mobile Application Development

For every person in this world, cell-phone is a need. Every application is designed in a way to meet world-class business standards. There are a variety of applications in various fields including business, entertainment, utilities, hospitality sector, games and much more, these apps are made sure to fit to various screen sizes be it iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch, laptop, palmtop etc. It has many great features which makes it all the more demanding.

Advanced Features of Mobile Applications

There is a great demand for apps as it benefits the business, like builds relationships, increases exposure across mobile devices, generate repeat business, reinforces your brand, increases visibility, increases accessibility, connect you to consumers and enhances social networking strategies. Big businesses like Target and Gap, Amazon, eBay, also started promoting their brands and merchandise with Mobile Apps a few years ago. Auto dealerships, hair salons, realtors – a whole host of industries – jumped to mobile apps in quicker time. All this has progressed as mobile apps are the most affordable and effective way to reach out to customers these days. Mobile application development has many advantages; firstly it has one-touch access to your contact information. Secondly its fast, one can easily access to inventory, get notifications of special events, launches and schedule appointments. Thirdly, one can freely have one-to-one chat. Fourthly get directions and location information easily and much more.

Smart features and functions are embedded that are unique to mobile devices, such as mobility, personality and flexibility, mobile applications are able to provide end-users’ added values, including anytime, anywhere access, the ability to pinpoint users’ locations and flexibility in arranging tasks. Convenience and efficiency are the main advantages of mobile applications both for customers and the company’s employees. They are the two primary fundamental objectives that end-users expect mobile applications to provide.

The demand for having an iPhone or iPad app has increased necessitating the needs for businesses to think beyond the PC. There are around half a million iPhone applications available on the web which has 20 billion downloads every month. Most mobile applications are not only portable but also support multi-tasking, multi-touch and multi-language features. They run across multiple platforms though developed by a single code. There are certain tools and techniques, which helps mobile application development achieve the need of modern apps.

Cross-platform Mobile app development tools

Everyone is aware about the next 'in- thing' today, that is multi-platform applications. iPhone or Android app developers take a number of cross platform development techniques and successful developers search for the right tools and approaches to suffice appropriate requirements and use cases. Top tools used for cross-formatting mobile application development are:

• RhoMobile: An open-source framework written in Ruby. OS, which includes Android, Windows Mobile, Symbian, iPhone and RIM, creates native apps for all kinds of tablets.

• PhoneGap: is another great framework uses standard web development languages such as HTML and JavaScript. It now powers over a 1,000 native app per month.

• Appcelerator: This platform uses web technologies and develops great apps for desktop, mobile and tablet applications. It offers cloud-based services for packaging, testing and distributing software applications developed on the Titanium platform. Supports programming languages like HTML, PHP, JavaScript, Ruby and Python. At present influences over 1,000 native apps per month.

• Sencha Touch: It supports BlackBerry, Android, Kindle and iOS. It develops around innovative HTML5, mainly its components deal with touch functions. As it is HTML5 based, it has the capability to way in apps at the same time as offline.

• MoSync: Is multi-platform mobile app developer SDK tool, which is based on custom web programming. This SDK comprises of compilers, libraries, runtimes, device profiles and other functional tools.

• Whoop: Is a WYSIWYG editor that allows one to play around by simply drag and drop mobile app elements onto it. Apps can be exported in numerous formats, depending on the OS, incorporating Windows Mobile, BlackBerry, Android, iPhone and more.

• WidgetPad: Is a mutual, open-source environment for development of Smartphone apps. This program mainly utilizes customary web technologies like JavaScript, HTML5 and CSS3. Enterprises are focusing on porting existing desktop applications to mobile and creating new mobile applications for use within the enterprise to improve employee productivity.

• AppMakr: Browser-based platform designed to create iPhone app quickly and easily. It manages existing content and social networking feeds to produce a variety of different approaches for apps. It includes features such as push notifications, location- details GeoRSS, custom CSS and JavaScript capabilities.

• GENWI: This is a Smartphone publishing platform allows to create and manage on all popular mobile devices, including iPad, iPhone, Android and HTML5 apps. It delivers rich graphics, photos, video, audio and other forms of interactivity. Apps can include various revenue-generating capabilities for businesses, like ads, coupons and in-app subscriptions.

• Mippin: This platform allows to create apps for Android, iOS and Windows. It provides flexibility in designing apps and makes it available in the iTunes, Android, Windows and Amazon stores.

• SwebApps: It easily deploys, tracks and updates native mobile app for any business. One can easily create iPhone and Android app online. Once it is available for download via the iTunes Store or Android Marketplace one can easily update content in real time.

• MobiCart: An e-commerce store which links with PayPal to allow any business or consumer with an e-mail address which securely and conveniently receive payments online at a low cost.

• MobBase: This app builder allows RSS feed to keep fans up to date on band news and events, one can easily browse apps to find information on upcoming shows, buy tickets and get directions. It has a huge following fan of singers and band.

• IPFaces: iPFaces is an open source framework developed by Edhouse for simple creation of native application for iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, BlackBerry and devices . This framework is for simple creation of native, form-oriented network applications for mobile devices.

Building Mobile apps can be an effective way to differentiate your brand, opens new revenue channels and deepen relationship with customers. Above tools can help developers come up with the customized apps that are best suited for any business. Good tools help new developers easily get started and make experienced developers more productive in deploying great customized apps.

We provide mobile app development services. If you would like to know more about our android app development expertise, please reach out to us at Mindfire Solutions.

A Consistent Approach to Android Application Performance Testing

Android offers an open source software platform for mobile devices, initially created by Google and subsequently by Open Handset Alliance. The popularity of Android is on the rise as this platform is paving the way for a number of user-friendly apps. With more and more technological advancements, Android is making room for brighter features on Android phones. Irrespective of the time dedicated for Android design or the fact that an application developer is very careful with the programming part, nobody can deny the fact that mistakes can occur anytime leading to appearance of bugs. To reduce the impact of programming errors, and enhancing the productivity of the development procedure, it is crucial to adopt a consistent approach for Android application performance testing.

Phases of Efficient Android Application Testing

Before going into the details of consistent performance testing, let us discuss the crucial phases involved in testing of Android apps.

• Software Validation Testing: This testing phase can be sub-divided into functional testing, followed by non-functional testing, and finally documentation review. Code walk-through is a significant component of functional testing which involves tracing of the source code with the help of a miniature test case. The state program variables are monitored manually in order to analyze the assumptions and logic of the program. Most of the tests done revolve around the call flow and user-interface, involving a final testing done to locate new bugs. The non-functional sub-phase involves testing of user acceptance, compatibility and usability. Finally we have documentation review wherein things like design document review and architect reviews are performed.
  
  
• Performance Testing: This involves two elements: performance elevation followed by performance consulting. Performance elevation involves testing of code profiling, database, endurance, end-to-end transaction and so on, while performance consulting comprises capacity planning and architecture validation.
  
  
• Test automation: This phase ensures the quality assurance and comprehensiveness of the software through establishment of an automation framework, test execution, scripting and regression testing.
  
  

Significant Components of Android app performance testing

So far as performance testing is concerned a consistent delivery model needs to be followed across varying scenarios. This enables Android app developers to comprehend the performance level of the application on any given device from the end-users point of view. Let us understand the significant components of consistent performance tests on Android apps by taking a banking application as an example.

• Server Component: This component takes care of the business logic in case of the banking transactions initiated from a desktop browser or a mobile client.
  
  
• Network Emulator: This helps in the recreation of a range of network conditions like jitter, latency, packet error, reordering or loss, bandwidth restrictions, and so on, enabling developers to replicate environment like LAN, WAN, GPRS, 2G, 3G, etc. The network emulator helps in the determination of the traffic load that the application generates under diverse network conditions.
  
  
• Load Generator: This tool helps subjects the application to load under test conditions and evaluates the load times. Changes in configuration can be made like enhancing simultaneous users, increasing the load and boosting transactions occurring per second.
  
  
• Android Device: Both high-end and low-end devices are used for testing because performance varies and it is essential for a device to be configured accordingly.
  
  
• Performance Monitor: With the help of the performance monitoring tool ‘Perfmon’ which has windows mapping, the performance counters undergo configuration prior to the test. The data collector set once configured and started, leads to automatic data collection for every scenario.
  
  
• Android Debug Bridge: This is a tool that accompanies Android SDK, enabling interface with and control of the Android devices.
  
  
• Dalvik Debug Monitor Server: This tool for Android debugging makes room for things like screen capture, port-forwarding services, radio state information, location data spoofing, logcat and more.
  
  

It is very important to understand the plethora of resources involved before going for android app development. Performance testing is indeed crucial to understand how the application will perform with respect to satisfying the needs of diverse user groups.

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