A lucid account on demystifying app development myths…

Myths have a certain mystery attached with them, all thanks to urban legends and their likes. Worry not, this piece has nothing supernatural; these myths aren’t about something age old or mentioned in any folk lore. They are about something new, trendy and techy – application development! Even technological advancements have certain persistent myths attached and today I have decided to bust them. 

A thought is a predecessor for every piece I decide to share on LinkedIn… believe me, this one has stuck to the ritual too. I was watching a series about some urban legend on an OTT platform and then it hit me… how about I write something about the 21st century myths?! They might not harm the laypersons, but have quietly securely made entrepreneurs insecure. Hence, this blog-post…

Let us dig in and see for ourselves that “it isn’t as real as it might sound or appear” …

Myth-busting time!

• App development is ALL ABOUT CODING

First things first… it isn’t! developing applications is way more than just coding. Developers need to be well equipped with knowledge and understanding of design basics, frame works and architecture, cross-coding functionalities, programming languages, to name a few.

Moreover, while developing an app, you must keep abreast with the emerging and existing market trends, be well aware about your audience. Plus, apart from app developers, there are multiple stakeholders involved in a development cycle. What plays an important role is sound communication and collaboration between team members, along with an impressive strategy.

• It happens in a jiffy

No! Nothing happens in no time… everything takes time. That is how quality end-products get made and delivered. Developing an app is one such procedure; contrary to the popular belief, it is not a quick process. Adding to that, every app has a different time-table. Complex ones take longer to get built, while relatively less-complex apps take less time to develop – but all of them involve an arduous effort which requires an entire team to devote multiple hours for months!

Developing applications involves other processes like testing, marketing, checking for bugs, glitches etc. All this requires and deserves decent amount of time. Coming out with the final product, ensuring it is complete in every sense without any glitches, is a long process. Time is taken and due respect must be given to that reality. 

• Downloading app means it’s a success

Just because the app you built or got created by a company gets downloaded, doesn’t necessarily mean it will be used regularly!

Irrespective of how many users have downloaded your app, what determines its success is the usability and reusability factor. If your app is being reused, it means your ‘solution’ is a worthy one and is being revisited repeatedly. That reflects on how well your application is faring and how widely it has been accepted.

• Marketing is ‘oh-so-costly’

With the advent of social media platforms, word of mouth is a potent weapon! It spreads faster than wildfires. It doesn’t in any way mean you don’t need to spend on marketing your product… This means, it doesn’t have to be as costly as your giant peers’ campaigns! Yes… marketing doesn’t always leave your pockets burnt! 

• Applications are only for smartphones

Smartphones users are the largest chunk using apps, but smartphones are not the only devices that are “app-friendly,” so to say. Applications work on other devices too, for example – tablets, smart-watches, phablets, handheld consoles, etc.

The above-mentioned devices are fully capable of running apps on them. A popular misconception – DEBUNKED!

If you devise your marketing strategy smartly, preceded by a thorough research and analysis of the market, trends, audience, etc. – then you won’t have to spend heftily on publicising your app. Just make sure you use all platforms like – emails, social media, etc. fully! It is all about strategizing and spending smartly, rather than spending crazy.

Concluding note… 

I hope I have been able to successfully clear the air around some popular misconceptions. The main intent here is to motivate budding entrepreneurs to become a go-getter!

Always remember, what matters the most is your grit and determination – the myths… they will keep getting busted, don’t worry about them. But yes… a thorough research is important. Be inquisitive, that won’t just help your ideas become better, but would enhance your personality completely!

If you have any suggestions, queries, questions or feedback, share with us in the comments section. I always look forward to a healthy tech-discussion. 

Godspeed innovators!