Key Steps in the App Development Process

ElevatEd
Coding
March 27, 2025

App development is one of the most exciting and creative fields in the tech industry. Whether it’s ordering food, booking a cab, or connecting with friends, apps have become an essential part of our daily lives. Have you ever wondered what goes into creating these apps? How do developers take a simple idea and turn it into something millions use daily.

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In this blog, we’ll dive into the app development process step-by-step. Whether you’re a budding developer or just curious about how apps are built, this guide will help you understand the magic behind the scenes.

Ideation: Transforming Ideas into Goals

Every app starts with an idea. The ideation phase is where you brainstorm and ask questions like:

What problem does this app solve?
Who is the target audience?
How will the app stand out from competitors?

Take the example of food delivery apps like Zomato or Uber Eats. Their idea began with solving a simple problem: making food accessible to customers from the comfort of their homes. Your idea should focus on solving a problem or meeting a need.

Once you have a clear idea, turn it into a goal. Write down the core purpose of your app and what features it should include to achieve this goal.

Planning and Research

Now that you have an idea, it’s time to dig deeper. Research is essential to validate your idea and understand the market. Here’s what you should focus on:

Competitor Analysis: Study similar apps and identify their strengths and weaknesses. For example, if you’re building a fitness app, check what features apps like MyFitnessPal offer.
Target Audience: Create user personas to define who will use your app, their needs, and preferences.
Technology Stack: Decide whether your app will be built for iOS, Android, or both. Will it be a native app (built for a specific platform) or a cross-platform app?

At this stage, you’ll also plan the app’s functionality. Use flowcharts or wireframes to map out how users will navigate through the app.

Designing the User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX)

The design phase is where your app starts to take shape visually. A great app isn’t just functional; it’s also visually appealing and easy to use.

User Experience (UX): This focuses on making the app intuitive. For instance, the login page should be easy to locate, and features should be accessible with minimal clicks.
User Interface (UI): This is about aesthetics—colors, fonts, and layout. The goal is to make the app visually appealing while maintaining simplicity.

Let’s take Instagram as an example. Its clean layout and easy navigation make it a favorite among users.

You can use tools like Figma or Adobe XD to create app prototypes and share them with stakeholders for feedback before moving to development.

Development: Bringing the App to Life

This is where the magic happens—coding. The development phase involves translating the design into a working app.

Frontend Development: This is the part users interact with. It includes buttons, forms, and the app’s overall look. Languages like JavaScript, Swift, or Kotlin are commonly used.
Backend Development: This is the app’s brain. It handles databases, servers, and user authentication. Popular backend technologies include Python, Node.js, and PHP.

During this stage, developers use Agile or Scrum methodologies to divide the process into smaller, manageable tasks.

At 98thPercentile, our live coding classes introduce students to app development by teaching them the essential skills needed for frontend and backend development. With hands-on projects, students can build their apps from scratch!

Testing and Launching

Before an app goes live, rigorous testing is crucial to ensure it works seamlessly.

Functional Testing: Ensures every feature performs as intended.
Usability Testing: Focuses on the user experience—checking for ease of use.
Performance Testing: Ensures the app works well under heavy usage.

Once testing is complete, it’s time to launch your app. Submitting it to app stores (like Google Play Store or Apple App Store) requires adhering to their guidelines, so ensure your app complies with their standards.

Summary

The app development process is a journey that transforms ideas into impactful tools. It involves ideation, planning, design, development, and testing. Each step requires creativity, technical skills, and a clear understanding of user needs.

At 98thPercentile, we understand how exciting and challenging app development can be. That’s why we offer live coding classes that guide students through the fundamentals of app creation. Our hands-on approach ensures you don’t just learn coding—you apply it to build projects you can be proud of!

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FAQs

Q1: How long does it take to develop an app?
Ans: It depends on the app’s complexity. A simple app may take 2-3 months, while a more complex one could take 6-12 months or more.

Q2: Do I need coding knowledge to build an app?
Ans: Yes, basic coding knowledge is essential. However, tools like no-code platforms are available for beginners who want to experiment.

Q3: Can I create an app on my own?
Ans: Yes, with the right resources and dedication, you can create a basic app. Live classes at 98th Percentile can help you get started.

Q4: Which platform should I choose—iOS or Android?
Ans: It depends on your target audience. If your audience primarily uses Android devices, start with Android, and vice versa.

Q5: What skills do I need to become an app developer?
Ans: You’ll need coding skills (Python, JavaScript, Swift, etc.), UI/UX design knowledge, and an understanding of app store guidelines.