Everything You Need to Know About Mobile App Development Architecture
The architecture behind a mobile application is the very foundation of its functionality. Famous applications like Instagram, TikTok, Spotify, and Uber all have revolutionary architecture behind them. This architecture is so high grade that it becomes the very standard for future applications. Just take Uber for example which has spawned over a dozen similar applications all working on the same architecture.
Therefore, app development in its core is about the fines of architecture design and development. Leaving behind even a single flaw in architecture can hurt the life expectancy of the application. In some cases, a flaw in architectural design can end up terminating the application from stores.
So, here’s a brief explanation of why Mobile Architecture is used?
Mobile Architecture
Mobile architecture is a set of patterns that are used to develop the functionality of an application. In order to decide these sets of patterns the developers, vendors, and clients are involved. The clients communicate his requirements to the developers who then formulate a plan. This plan is where developers decide upon the architecture of the application in reference to its goals and vendors.
Architecture for a mobile app can be divided into three main components/layers.
1 Presentation
The presentation layer covers all the visual aspects of the application. This includes its fonts, colors, and themes along with the User Interface. This is the stage where the developers decide how the application will appear to the users. This is also the most important stage as this is the stage that will set the application apart. Application with a good presentation is likely to gain more attention from just a first-look basis. This will help you increase its prominence within the market.
2 Business Layer
The reason behind developing an app is profit and hence the business side of the application is the second focus. This step is where the developers work on the business side of the app and incorporation of how the workflow will take place. The client is often the deciding factor in making the business layers and this stage is flexible. Sometimes the clients can even make a suggestion before or after the stage is complete. So, there is always a need for more alterations in the business layer.
3 Data Layer
Data utilities, access, and services are in work in this layer of architecture, as handling the data is important. Data transaction is a common word we hear in order to describe app functionality. Hence this layer is among the division of mobile app architecture, as it is the most important in terms of app functionality.
What to Consider Before Attempting Mobile App Architecture Development
After discussing the layers of architecture let us see the things we need to consider while developing an architecture. These requirements will help you decide which things are better for you to follow through.
Determining the Device
Due to the difference in their core functionality, the developers need to decide which platform they will utilize. Android and iOS both have their fair advantage plus disadvantages and most of the time clients have a clear picture of what to use. But some time is left on the shoulders of the developers to even decide the platform they wish to incorporate. Therefore, when deciding the platform, you need to take into consideration where the app will perform best.
Moreover, you need to take the average screen size, CPU, storage, and tools into consideration as well. Choosing the right platform for the app will do half of your work for you and then your journey can be smooth.
Bandwidth
Internet connectivity can be a huge game-changer depending upon various regions. As many developed countries have a reliable internet connection, while underdeveloped countries are still growing its capabilities. So, your application needs to take this connectivity into consideration and should be able to work in low internet situations. Many application works on a preload style architecture, which enables you to use their basic version with limited or no connectivity. With the 5G network close to release it is better to integrate the basic architecture with a little more data focus. But remember to include a low data variation for loading on limited connectivity.
Navigation
Navigation is a very important aspect of app architecture as it plays a vital role in user-experience. The application often goes through a series of updates in order to change the navigation abilities after feedback. But that can lead to bad first reviews, so your architecture should work on easy navigation beforehand. Easier navigation leads to better customer reviews and an increase in popularity.
The single view and side scroll are common navigation methods. Whereas gesture navigation is rapidly becoming popular.
User-Interface
The User Interface should always go through a seamless transition when taking the audience from one page to another. It should be plain simple and avoid using confusing symbols and phrasing. The UI must be prominent, and its placement should be at a convenient spot. The inability to provide a good UI can lead to the app falling from grace and all your hard work going to waste. That is why the beta test version often goes through massive interface enhancements. Moreover, even after the app is released, it has to go through a few patches and updates to fix a few UI issues.
To Conclude
Good architecture ensures the longevity of the application and attracts much-wanted attention. Presentation is essential to attract the audience towards your application. The business layer is essential to keep the client happy and the data layer is for the vendor. This falls upon the developers to make an architecture that creates a balance between each layer and performs according to expectations. The architecture is the framework that carries the application through time. Hence, it should be flexible to accommodate future updates and innovations. This is where an experienced developer is the most valuable as the architecture, they create can become a milestone for others to achieve.
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