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Where Marketers Build Apps

Best Mobile App Platform

The first question you may ask when starting to create an app is “What is the best mobile app platform?” This question is difficult to answer if you do not know your goals as a marketer and how you want your app to function. There are different types of app building software for different types of apps. The three main app types are the following; native apps, web apps, and Progressive Web Apps (PWAs). Here is a quick overview of the three types of apps.

  • Native Apps - Native apps are the standard when it comes to building apps, but the tide is starting to change rapidly. When native apps are built, they can only be used on the operating system they’re built for. A common list of native apps includes WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram.
  • Web Apps - A web app is viewed through a browser, such as Chrome or Firefox. It adjusts regarding whether it’s being viewed on a desktop platform or a mobile platform. Only a single web app needs to be managed and maintained. Meanwhile, a native app is an app that is produced for iOS, Android, or another operating system. It is separate from a web app and requires that multiple apps be maintained.
  • PWAs - A Progressive Web App is an app that utilizes web capabilities to create an outstanding web experience. These apps function just like normal apps, but they use websites for data storage and functionality, instead of the storage on your mobile device. (The best of both native and web apps.) That being said, compared with websites and native apps, PWAs are much more beneficial.

If you are still trying to figure out which type is best for you check out our mobile champion resource to view in depth how they differentiate between one another. This article will review some of the best app builders from 2018 and best app builder 2019 speaking to their strengths and weaknesses.

How to Create an App from Scratch

It can seem daunting to think about how to create an app from scratch, but it doesn’t have to be with no code app builders like Lumavate out there to help beginners and even experts! Below are three sections that should help you and your team find the best app development software for beginners - app development software for beginners, mobile app builder, and types of app builders.

App Development Software for Beginners

There are all sorts of app builders out there that can show you how to develop an app for beginners. Figuring out how to make an app for beginners can be made easier by using a no code platform just like the app builder Lumavate.

Mobile App Builder

Mobile app builder platforms make it extremely simple to design applications. Many of them don’t require the user needing any coding experience making it perfect for beginners! Platforms like Appie Pie and Ion are great examples of app making software that allow users to build apps quickly. But if you want a cost-effective and quality application maker when it comes to building apps, Lumavate can’t be beat! In fact, many people feel that Lumavate is the best app builder 2021 has to offer. From teaching users how to create a mobile app to providing an extensive library jam-packed full of amazing tools and app-building elements, building the apps of your dreams is easy with Lumavate! You can start building your app for free with Lumavate today!

Types of App Builders

There are three types of app builders you may come across as you are searching for the best mobile app development tools. You’ll see them range from open source, to low-code and there are even no-code platforms available now! Let’s dive into each type to better understand the pros and cons to each.

Open source development allows you to take advantage of code that already exists and modify it to your needs. So if you’re someone who knows enough code to be dangerous, you can take advantage of an open source WYSIWYG app builder to customize your app with open source software and get a feel of how your app will look like across any device or operating system. But this is not for those searching for how to create an app without coding. There are then low-code app building platforms.

Low code app development oftentimes brings together the speed and ease of use that no-code platforms are known for with the flexibility of bringing in your own code. Basically, it allows citizen developers to build apps with or without code. There are some free web app builders in all types of platforms but make sure you focus on the quality of the mobile app builder if you plan to use it for your organization. Lastly, there are no code app builders.

No code app builders can be known as some of the most user friendly and interactive app builders out there. The best way to describe a no-code app builder platform is that it doesn’t require ANY coding to actually build an app. This type can be the best mobile app development tool for any beginner wanting to build out an app or any experienced developer wanting to get a quality app built. Lumavate is known as one of the leading no code PWA app builders. Now let’s look at if you should even consider looking at a free mobile app builder.

Should I Use a Free Mobile App Builder?

If you’ve done a google search for free mobile app development software, then chances are that you saw a lot of free mobile app builder options out there. While it may sound intriguing to sign up for free app development software, you should be very cautious which app creator software free download you go with. That’s because even the best free app builder can lead to many developmental issues. This free software might be:

  • Limited on features
  • Limited on capabilities
  • Only free for a certain timeframe
  • Less secure

With all of these issues, it’s best to think twice when deciding between a free web app builder and spend a little money to sign up for the software you can trust. However, there are some well known app builders like Lumavate that support app development software for beginners free. Lumavate offers mobile app design software free for first time users to get a feel for the platform. You can then upgrade based on the needs your team or organization need. If you are looking for an alternative from an expensive native app that will not only cost a lot of money to build but also to maintain, Lumavat’s free no code app builder can help you!

Is PhoneGap A Quick App Builder?

It’s important when looking at different types of app builders to compare them to one another and go with the option that best fits your needs. Previously, we discussed the different types of app builders available including open source mobile app development software. PhoneGap, also known as Apache Cordova, is owned by Adobe Systems and is an open source mobile app builder. Phone Gap allows app developers to create apps using HTML, CSS, and Javascript. If you don’t like the idea of coding and want something that will bring your team a quality app but at a much faster speed than coding an app, make sure to look at no code app builders like Lumavate that are some of the best technology from mobile app development. Mobile app development doesn’t have to cost a ton of money, require an entire development team to build, or have to take months to get it up and running. Lumavate has helped countless clients build and push out apps in a matter of weeks to be used at enterprise level organizations.

Should I Look Into Zoho Creator?

Low code has also been on the rise but as we mentioned earlier still would involve some coding for customization. Zoho Creator is one of the low-code app platforms that can ‘get your app up and running in minutes’ but it’s important to note what you get from an app platform that builds your app in minutes. No customization. Probably not much security. And very limited options. If you are wondering just how to create an app and make money you will have to think of the quality of your app along with the ability to maintain the app at a low cost. This is why we would point you to a no-code platform and preferably a PWA. No-code allows you to use a drag and drop interface that can create an app without any code! And the PWA part allows your app to work across any operating system thus decreasing the amount of maintenance a normal native app would be to a very small amount!

How to Create an App for iPhone

It can be difficult when native apps make you choose between building an iOS app or an Android app or better yet have to pay for both to be developed!  It doesn’t have to be that way though. You may be asking yourself how to create an app for iPhone that works across both devices. Progressive Web Apps are your answer! They have been created to bring the best of both native and web apps together. Lumavate has helped enterprise level organizations, small to medium sized organizations, and even non-profits and single solopreneurs the ability to build an app of quality that is cheaper than the native route and can be built in a matter of weeks if not days!

However, if you are set on needing to have a native app that just sits in the app store, there are also app builders out there that can help create native apps specific to an operating system such as Mobile Roadie. Mobile Roadie apk is a custom app development service. Mobile Roadie pricing can get pretty pricey depending on what it is you need to build. You can find Mobile Roadie reviews on TechRadar and other websites to know if it’s a first for your native app journey. Although, I highly recommend looking at Lumavate’s no code PWA platform before you make the jump into Mobile Roadie sign up and Mobile Roadie tutorials!

How to Create an App for Android

Now you might be wondering, okay I don’t want an app from iPhone I need one for Android. Wondering how to create an app for Android doesn’t have to be difficult. If you google android app development software, I’m sure you will find an endless amount of free app builders for android or native app builders for android but what about an app that can be built and used across any operating system? Building apps for a specific operating system is far gone thanks to the best app builders 2020 can provide with no code progressive web app builders like Lumavate. Maintaining native apps can be expensive and time consuming. Progressive Web Apps will not only save you money but also time and get your app out and into the market faster. If you need to get an idea out in the market before your competitor, check out Lumavate to get your idea implemented in days or weeks!

See Lumavate in Action

Meet with one of our experts to see how easy it is to centralize your product data, manage digital assets, and create digital product experiences. Trust us…you’re going to be wowed.