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There’s no question anymore that mobile app development is the way of the future for most businesses when it comes to building brand awareness, improving the user experience, and developing a robust online presence for your consumers.
These days, most of the online traffic comes from mobile devices. Compared to web apps, mobile apps are faster, more reliable, and able to interact more deeply with the mobile OS, leading to a better experience for users. Mobile apps have been shown to have a 100% – 300% higher conversion rate than web apps.
In light of this trend, outsourcing mobile app development services to specialized teams can streamline the process and ensure high-quality, user-centric apps tailored to meet the demands of the mobile-first market.
What is a Mobile App Development IDE? Why do I need to know about them?
An IDE (Integrated Development Environment) is a platform that makes building software faster and easier. IDEs and their supported plugins allow engineers to consolidate the various tasks associated with building applications: editing source code, testing, debugging, and running executables.
For example, an IDE offers code completion and linting to make the process of writing code faster and easier. It may offer a command line that lets engineers easily run a single file or set of files. It may even include an emulator or virtual machine that allows engineers to run their application and perform manual tests, and it may also include continuous integration tools that run automated tests and assist with deployment.
How is Mobile App Development different from Web App Development?
Mobile application development requires specialized skills and tools. While a web app is built for the browser and intended to be run on many devices, mobile apps are built for a single operating system and platform, such as iOS or Android.
There are three types of mobile app development: native app development, hybrid app development, and web app development. Native app development offers the opportunity to create more robust and feature-rich applications compared to hybrid or web app development.
Best IDEs for Mobile App Development
The best IDEs for mobile app development can be broken into three categories: the best for android app development, the best for iOS development, and the best for hybrid development. Let’s take a quick look at some of the top competitors.
Android Development
- Android Studio: The official IDE for Android app development. Developed and maintained by Google, it provides a suite of tools including a code editor, debugger, compiler, and visual layout editor.
- IntelliJ IDEA: A very popular IDE for Java development, which can be used to develop Android apps since they are written in Java. Includes a variety of tools for writing, testing, and debugging.
- AIDE: A popular IDE specifically for Android app development. Includes a code editor, debugger, visual layout editor, and tools for automated testing, debugging and deployment.
iOS Development
- XCode: The official IDE for iOS app development, built and maintained by Apple and shipped with most Macs and MacBooks. Includes an editor and compiler as well as a simulator, which can be used together or piecemeal alongside other solutions and editors.
- AppCode: An advanced IDE built on the IntelliJ platform and released by JetBrains. Can be used with C++, Swift, Objective C and JavaScript, making it popular among iOS developers.
Hybrid Development
- Visual Studio Code:Enables automation of the lifecycle of iOS, Android and Windows apps. Offers a suite of tools for editing, testing and debugging as well as deployment.
- JetBrains Rider:One of the most powerful IDEs available for Xamarin development, providing tools for code inspection, refactoring, version control and unit testing.
- QT IDEA very popular cross-platform development solution that allows engineers to build hybrid apps in C++, JavaScript, GML, and other languages. Includes an emulator and tools for debugging, inspection, automated testing, and more.
- JetBrains CLionAnother JetBrains solution for cross-platform development, CLion is a slightly more stripped-down IDE compared to Rider, which some engineers may find easier to use.
- AppceleratorFormerly a private system, the Titanium Appcelerator code has been made publicly available through GitHub, making it an excellent option for those looking for an open-source solution.
How to Choose the Right IDE for your Project?
Choosing the right IDE for your mobile app development project will come down to a number of factors. Your engineers’ comfort level with various tools and languages, and their personal preference will play a large role. The platform you choose to develop your application for will also be a major consideration.
Once those things have been established, you’ll need to consider things like the speed, security, maintenance requirements and cost associated with using each IDE.
