Criteria for a brilliant mobile application

For a mobile app, the first thing a developer has to evaluate is whether to code the app in native language or hybrid.Lets take a quick look at the features of hybrid app vs Native.
NATIVE :Building native applications means using the native language of the platform, Objective-C on iOS, and Java on Android. The major advantage of a native app is its performance.Native apps are faster and more responsive.The look and feel that can be displayed for a native app will always beat that of an hybrid app.If the app requires accelerated graphic processing like a gaming app, native apps are preferred.
HYBRID :Hybrid applications are web applications (or web pages) in the native browser, such as UIWebView in iOS and WebView in Android (not Safari or Chrome). Hybrid apps are developed using HTML, CSS and Javascript, and then wrapped in a native application using platforms like Cordova.Hybrid apps are faster to develop and hence require less resources and are cost effective.For content driven service apps, hybrid apps are preferred.
But whether its a hybrid app or a native , there are certain common criteria that are required for building a successful mobile application.This blog talks about the criteria of a good app from a developer perspective and a user perspective!

FOR A DEVELOPER:

• Ease of developing: This includes the technology, programming language chosen and the familiarity of the developer with it.The SDK used and tutorials available.


• Ease of coding: This includes the type of integrated development environment (IDE). An IDE normally consists of a source code editor, build automation tools and a debugger.


• Ease of Debugging: How easy is it to debug the code(breakpoints,etc).


• Ease of Testing: Can the app be easily tested in an emulator and can it be tested on real devices.


• Ease of Distribution : How easy is it to distribute the app on stores like Google playstore and Apple store

FOR A USER

• Ease of use: how easy it is for a user to perform the basic app functions.(reach results with less taps and clicks).


• Performance: For a mobile app, speed is a critical evaluating criteria.


• Customize: Does your app allow users to change the theme of the app and change privacy settings?Does the user feel he is in control of the app?


• Social media: Can the user login using social media like Facebook, Twitter,etc?


• Correct and Exact information: Make sure the contents and functionality of the app match those of the website (if any).


• Analytics: Include analytics to capture metrics.


• Offline capability: As far as possible, avoid having the user rely of any network.


• Feedback mechanism: Allow a way for the user to contact the developer for his concerns,interests,etc.


• Security: Is your app secure against security dangers like weak server-side controls, data leakage, broken cryptography?


• Gamification: Allows you to be interactive.Users will return if it provides some kind of value and some fun!

I hope this information helps you build easy to develop and easy to use apps!Cheers!