Nowadays, the world has gone crazy with software focused on mobile devices. There has been a rapid (almost magical) demand for and increased use of smartphones and other mobile gadgets. As a result, the mobile has become the main means of access to the Internet since more than 90% of users connect through mobiles.
This change has forced companies to adapt their strategies to focus on mobile. Websites have been redesigned to optimize for different screen sizes, and in the meantime, mobile app development continues to rise.
All companies have to position themselves in taking advantage of strategies to increase their income. One of those strategies is to create an app for your brand. You can use app builders to build your mobile app even if you have no previous coding knowledge.
However, before considering the diverse variety of app builders, let's focus on understanding the different mobile apps. Thus, you will get an idea of what yours should be like.
Different Categories of Mobile Applications
Native apps: They are applications that have been specifically designed to adapt to a specific platform, be it iOS or Android. Native apps give users a streamlined experience because they tend to work more efficiently on the platforms they were designed for.
Web applications: When a web application is adaptive, it adapts to the application. It is software that has been designed to be run on a web server and can be accessed through the web browser.
Hybrid apps: Hybrid apps combine the features of a native app and a web app. The app is developed using web technologies like HTML5, but is wrapped in a native app wrapper.
This means that you can download a hybrid app locally and install it on your device like any native app. However, it runs and displays web pages like a browser.
The Best App Builders
With the help of technology, you can now easily develop your app without any coding knowledge. Regardless of the type of app you want to create, these tools make the process easy and very affordable.
App builders are the fastest way to get what you want without breaking the bank. Let's look at some of the best app builders.
1. Andromo – Best Android App Builder
With seven years of effectiveness for its 780.000 users, Andromo has everything you need to create your mobile application. With a simple user interface and no coding required, you can develop interesting applications without any hassle.
Creating a project for an application in Andromo is easy. With a little information and a few clicks you will be one step away from developing your application. Add the features, activities and style you want. Once you're done, click the button provided and your awesome app will be ready waiting for you in your email.
An application created by Andromo is available at affordable prices and you can create it for iOS, Android and the Internet. Plus, it has support for 24 languages, which makes your app easier to use for visitors who don't understand your primary language.
One of the things we love about Andromo is how the company continues to use customer feedback to improve the functionality of its app builder.
Remarkable Features:
- Built-in language translator
- HTML5 enabled
- JavaScript functionality
- Interactive plugins such as maps, videos, polls, ads, etc.
- The first creator in the world to work with Flutter, providing versatile opportunities for app customization
2.Xcode
Xcode uses Swift for app design. Swift is a programming language that uses innovative ways to create mobile applications. Users don't need much coding knowledge when using Apple's Xcode.
With Xcode, users can create apps for Apple products like iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and Apple TV. UI design, testing, and coding are unified in operation.
There are discussion forums and step-by-step visualizations of the UI codes within the design board. Changes made to the code are immediately reflected in the instructions provided to developers. Also, the Xcode app builder uses Interface Builder.
Remarkable Features:
- Functional for all Apple platforms
- The codes are simplified and the syntax is declarative
- Live work giving multiple previews for cross-correction and making changes
- Split screen features
3.Buildfire
One of the fastest professional app builders, Buildfire provides a cloud-based platform that caters to your app needs regardless of your area of requirement. This app builder allows small and large businesses to create custom mobile apps without writing a line of code. You can use the drag and drop mechanism or adapt a pre-existing template to your liking.
With no graphical or coding skills required, you can create an aesthetically pleasing app that will have unique functionality and features. Some of the features it offers are user management, security and session expiration features, troubleshooting reports, etc.
And what else? It's a flexible platform that can scale with your business growth and integrate with third-party applications if the need arises.
Remarkable Features:
- Easy to use
- Built-in theme catalog
- Image library tool to access high resolution images offline
- Ease of integration with third-party apps
4.Adobe PhoneGap
Adobe PhoneGap allows developers to use one code base while working with various technology plug-ins.
This app development software uses JavaScript, HTML5, and CSS to create mobile apps. Your apps are a set of HTML5 pages assembled into a native app. Because your apps are API native, they can be loaded on native platforms.
Using this software to create an app is very similar to creating a website. You can save your work files to your local or cloud storage. These files are activated through plugins.
Remarkable Features:
- Debugging is fast and it's easy to start building.
- It is easy to share prototypes or samples of the app with clients or colleagues
- Team collaboration is enhanced through the PhoneGap Build Projects feature
5. Shoutem
Shoutem uses a React Native system to build apps that cross multiple platforms. Its interface is easy to use and the layouts are excellent. Users have a vast library of templates to choose from.
This open source product is unique because of the native app preview it offers, local testing, and drag and drop capabilities.
Shoutem provides users with more than 200 layouts and 40 ready-to-use extensions that are easy to adopt. These features and designs include user authentication, APIs, and a content management system.
Remarkable Features:
- Wide range of documentation and resources available
- Cheap and easy maintenance
- A wide range of out-of-the-box extensions and layouts
- Provision of analytics.
- Availability of third-party integration.
6.NativeScript
Considered one of the best open source frameworks for building native iOS and Android apps with JavaScript, Angular, Vue.js, or TypeScript, NativeScript comes equipped with a cross-platform toolset. The app builder offers professional services such as troubleshooting, in-person training, performance analysis, and app design. Suitable for iOS and Android, NativeScript has several cross-platform tools to help you create native mobile apps. It includes everything from maps to gaming and social messaging applications.
Remarkable Features:
- Custom built-in themes
- Great CSS based styling system
- Direct access to platform APIs through code
- 100% free and open source
7.AndroidStudio
Android Studio is another app builder that comes with a deployment editor. This editor helps reduce the time it takes to code because it provides special shortcuts for coding and layout.
Project layouts are handled with drag and drop when designing. In addition, the smart code editor covers Java, C, C++, and even Kotlin.
Google's Android Studio is what each user can customize to suit their intentions. The coding is so superior that it can produce multiple versions to fit various devices.
Remarkable Features:
- APK analyzer to reduce the total size of the app.
- Fast emulator that tests various settings and features
- Visual layout editor for the coding process
- Profiling tools that give real-time statistics on network, memory, and CPU
8. AppMySite
AppMySite is one of the best platforms for building apps for people with no coding skills.
Help developers or users convert websites into mobile apps. What's even more amazing is that it doesn't require any technological skills.
Knowing the importance of mobile applications in today's world, companies use the platform to develop native applications compatible with platforms Android and iOS. These companies can customize the app to match your brand identity.
With the free trial of AppMySite you can create an application in a few minutes. Then, when you're ready to launch, you can sign up for pricing plans by following a simple three-step process.
Remarkable Features:
- No coding knowledge required
- Efficient and fast application creation
- Premium features are available
- Compatibility with multiple platforms
- Integrated with social networks
How to Choose the Best Software to Create Apps that Fits Your Goal
App builders often have certain characteristics in common. However, depending on the platform you choose, they also offer unique functionality and features.
Therefore, you must be able to identify the platform that best suits your area of action, objectives and level of experience. Here are some things to keep in mind to make the best choice:
1. Consider the software framework: If you want to see certain core features in your app, identify which of the open source app builders can help you get these features or frameworks.
2. Support and maintenance are essential: When you know you'll have support when defects arise, you won't worry.
3. Look for testimonials from other developers: What are other developers saying? Did you have a wonderful experience using the platform? Was it as easy as the open source app company said? What problems did they experience? You can find answers to these questions in the forums or in app reviews.
4. Can you integrate third parties?: This feature must be considered. Sometimes the app builder alone may not be enough to create an app that suits your needs. This is the essence of third party software: increasing the functionalities of your app builder.
5. Consider business integration: It's best to choose an open source app builder once you've seen the big picture. Will it align with your business goals? Will it integrate your other business options?
6. Security and privacy: Take time to read the terms and conditions. Does the open source app builder work with a compliance standard or security certificate? Have you been involved in privacy violation scandals? What is your authentication and authorization process?
7. Focus on your audience: Demographic factors such as age, interest, education, etc., are determining factors in the selection process. The geography you are targeting should also be taken into account. Since you want the public to be able to use the application you develop, you must choose what suits them.
8. Calculate the return on investment: Most of the platforms offer premium features at certain costs. You must calculate the cost and choose the app builder that will give you the best return on investment in the long run.
You can create an app without coding knowledge. However, if you are still a bit skeptical and not sure that you can create an app yourself, you can consult an app development agency to do it for you.