Frontend
The frontend, also known as the client-side, represents external elements of the app accessible by a user. Basically, it’s all you see and interact with whenever you browse a mobile app. The process is running thanks to the combination of programming tools, usually, these are HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) is a markup language used for creating and structuring sections, paragraphs, headings, and other elements presented on a web page. HTML5 is the latest version of HTML, which has new elements, like audio and video support, that facilitate the app development process.
CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) is a formal description language for adding style (like fonts, colors, or spacing) to web documents written in HTML. An updated version of CSS (CSS3) allows designing responsive web pages, that adjust for different screen sizes. CSS3 provides a different gradient color and schemes gradients and is split into lots of individual modules, which simplifies the development process.
JavaScript (JS) is the magic third element that automates and animates everything that was created in HTML and CSS. JavaScript is a scripting language that creates dynamic content that includes but is not limited to photo slideshows, animated graphics, interactive forms, or autocomplete text suggestions. Besides, JavaScript is used for backend infrastructure development.
Frontend frameworks
Frontend frameworks are packages of pre-built components and standardized code samples in files and folders. By using frontend frameworks with pretested and functional code developers can achieve the desired results without writing it from scratch. inVerita is using Angular and React.js, which are the most efficient frameworks, to develop sleek and easy-to-use interfaces. Our article on JavaScript frameworks can give you an insight into how you can choose the best framework for your project.
Backend
Even though the backend isn’t visible for the users it’s the app’s driver that performs at the server-side. It stores and secures important information, and is responsible for business logic. More precisely, it generates the output (visible through the interface) that users need.
Backend app
Here at inVerita, we develop mobile apps for both iOS and Android. We also develop cross-platform apps using Flutter.
Native app development
Programming languages and frameworks that we use for Android app development include Java, Kotlin, Node.js, C# (.NET framework), and Python. Frameworks greatly simplify backend development, and which you should choose depends on the programming languages you’ve picked. Any programming language has at least one universal framework.
Check out the following comparison articles to find out the best programming language or framework for your Android project.
.NET Core vs Node.js: What Should You Choose?
Ruby on Rails vs Node.js: What Should You Choose?
Ruby on Rails vs .NET Core: What Should You Choose?
.NET Core(C#) vs Python: What Should You Choose?
For iOS development, we prefer using Objective-C and Swift which are two main programming languages used to build iOS apps.
Cross-platform app development
Cross-platform applications are apps that run on both Android and iOS. For cross-platform development we use Flutter. In general, native development requires more effort from the development team to accomplish the project but it gives full control over tricky technical stuff under the hood. On the other hand, if you choose cross-platform, it can significantly speed up the development process due to a common code base, make project support easier, and reduce expenses for development.
Check out the following articles to discover what apps Flutter is good for.
Flutter vs Native vs React-Native: Examining performance
Flutter vs React Native vs Native: Deep performance comparison
7 Flutter advantages: A perfect platform for your next app
Mobile app needs these components
Servers
A backend server is the blood of the network. It provides resources (file storage, email, database, web services, as well as encryption and security) that the network needs to function efficiently. Among the most popular app services are Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, and Google. Check out our cloud comparison article to choose the best server for your project.
Databases
A database is an organized and structured collection of data. Databases usually incorporate aggregations of data records or files.
There are a plethora of types of databases and we only touch upon the most popular ones that you can use for your app.
MySQL. Being an open-source and multi-threaded database, MySQL provides high performance, scalability, and is a wise choice for apps that rely on multi-row transactions, like banking apps.
PostgreSQL. It is an advanced and enterprise-class relational database system. This database can be used for financial, governmental, manufacturing, and scientific projects. PostgreSQL has amazing analytical capabilities and a powerful SQL engine, which makes processing large amounts of data a real joy.
MongoDB. It is a popular document that can handle unstructured data with ease and bring scalability and flexibility to the querying and indexing processes. It’s also good as part of a content management system, file sharing system, metadata project, authorization and profiling, and geospatial data management.
Application Programming Interfaces
An Application Programming Interface (API) is a software that provides a connection and allows the server and the client to talk to each other. Each time you use an app like Instagram, text instantly, or check the weather on your phone, you’re using an API. The server then pulls that data, performs the necessary actions, and sends it back to your phone. As services rely on interconnected APIs, they must be constantly tested and function properly.
What to consider when choosing a tech stack
The type of technology you should choose depends on the type of app you’re developing. A banking app, for example, requires high security, while video apps like Youtube need programming languages and frameworks that can handle high load.
Try to narrow down the list of programming languages you have by sticking to the criteria we provided. Bear in mind that choosing a programming language must be your priority — technologies and frameworks are picked after the programming language has been agreed on.
Project size
Accurate software project estimation allows choosing the perfect technology stack for mobile application, which depends upon the project complexity. In general, projects can be classified as small, medium, and large.