What is a mobile application?

A mobile application or app is a computer program or software application designed to run on a mobile device such as a phone, tablet, or watch.

OR

A mobile app is a software application developed specifically for use on small, wireless computing devices, such as smart phones and tablets, rather than desktop or laptop computers.

Introductions:

Mobile application development is the process by which application software is developed for small low-power handheld devices such as personal digital assistants, enterprise digital assistants or mobile phones. These applications are either pre-installed on phones during manufacture, or downloaded by customers from various mobile software distribution platforms. Mobile software is developed by using different platforms and programming languages based on the target mobile device. There are many different hardware components found in mobile devices so their applications are developed using different software architectures. Most of the methodologies in use are based on the model-driven approach which has three different views of the application development process:

(1) the application itself and its structure,

(2) the business logic and

(3) the graphical user interface of the application.

Weapons of Mobile Development

• Hardware
• Computers
• Mobile Phones
• Framework
• Programming Language
• Integrated Development Environment
• Compiler
• Simulator
• Monitors

History of mobile applications:

• Mobile communication is so integrated into our lives that many people feel uncomfortable without a cell phone. Once upon a time; the most popular functions of phones were calling and sending texts.
• A smart phone is a multifunctional device that not only communicates, but helps to learn, earn, and have fun. This is made possible by the development of mobile applications.
• Mobile applications date back to the end of the twentieth century. Typically, they were small arcade games, ring tone editors, calculators, calendars, and so forth.
• The beginning of the new millennium saw a rapid market evolution of mobile content and applications.
• Operating systems for smart phones (Windows Mobile, Symbian, RIM, Android, Mac iOS), are open to the development of third-party software, unlike the conventional programming environment of standard cell phones.
• Manufacturers tried to make their products more attractive for customers by introducing more and more applications.
• But quality matters as well. Cell phone development needs to be easy and intuitive. Every company tries to facilitate the process of development so that users are able to customize their devices.
• Motivation: Juniper Research estimates in 2014 the direct and indirect revenues from sales of mobile applications will total 25 billion dollars.
• Mobile users demand more choice, more opportunities to customize their phones, and more functionality. Mobile operators want to provide value-added content to their subscribers in a manageable and lucrative way.
• Mobile developers want the freedom to develop the powerful mobile applications users demand without restrictions.
• Finally, handset manufacturers want a stable, secure, and affordable platform to power their devices.
• The Motorola DynaTAC 8000X was the first commercially available cell phone. First marketed in 1983, it was 13 x 1.75 x 3.5 inches in dimension, weighed about 2.5 pounds, and allowed you to talk for a little more than half an hour.
• It retailed for $3,995, plus hefty monthly service fees and per-minute charges. It made calls, and there was a simple contacts application included in the operating system.

History: the first apps:

• First-generation mobile phones were designed and developed by the handset manufacturers.
• Competition was fierce and trade secrets were closely guarded. They didn’t want to expose the secrets of their handsets, so they developed the phone software in-house.
• Developers that weren’t part of this inner circle had no opportunity to write applications for the phones.
• It was during this period the first “time-waster” games begin to appear.
• Nokia was famous for putting the 1970s video game Snake on some of its earliest phones. Other followed, adding games like Pong, Tetris, and Tic-Tac-Toe.
• These early phones changed the way people thought about communication. As mobile phone prices dropped, batteries improved, reception areas grew, and more and more people began carrying these handy devices.
• Soon mobile phones were more than just a novelty.
• Customers began pushing for more features and more games. But handset manufacturers didn’t have the motivation or the resources to build every application users wanted.
• They needed some way to provide a portal for entertainment and information services without allowing direct access to the handset
• What better way to provide these services than the Internet?

What is the Mobile Application Distribution Platform?

Smartphone apps are developed to run on smart gadgets such as tablets, iPods, Android phones, and other devices. The distribution platform for mobile applications is the channel from where the end-users search and download their desired apps for use.

The app distribution platforms enable the smart app owners to deploy and configure their applications for directly linking or reaching the targeted users. The platforms use common application designing scripts and languages, including HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, to easily deloy of mobile apps on different screens.

List of mobile app distribution platforms

Mobile app distribution platforms are online marketplaces or services where developers can publish and distribute their apps to users. These platforms make apps easily accessible, allow downloads, manage updates, and provide developers with revenue opportunities. Below are the major mobile app distribution platforms with explanations:

1. Google Play Store

• The Google Play Store is the official app distribution platform for Android devices.
• It allows users to download free and paid apps, games, books, and movies.
• Developers must register for a Google Play Developer Account (with a one-time fee) to publish apps.
• Features include in-app purchases, subscriptions, app ratings, reviews, and automatic updates.
• Security is managed through Google Play Protect, which scans apps for malware.

2. Apple App Store

• The Apple App Store is the official marketplace for iOS devices (iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch).
• Developers need an Apple Developer Program membership (annual fee) to distribute apps.
• All apps undergo a strict review process to ensure quality, performance, and security.
• Supports in-app purchases, subscriptions, and monetization options for developers.
• Known for high user trust and a large global customer base.

3. Amazon Appstore

• The Amazon Appstore is an alternative to the Google Play Store for Android devices.
• It is the default app store on Amazon Fire devices (Fire tablets, Fire TV, etc.).
• Offers a wide range of apps and games, with a focus on family-friendly and entertainment apps.
• Developers can publish apps through the Amazon Developer Console, with revenue-sharing opportunities.

4. Samsung Galaxy Store

• The Samsung Galaxy Store is designed specifically for Samsung devices.
• Offers apps, games, themes, and watch faces optimized for Galaxy smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches.
• Developers can target Samsung device users with custom features like S-Pen, foldable screens, and Galaxy Watch apps.
• Often used for exclusive Samsung apps and promotions.

5. Huawei AppGallery

• The Huawei AppGallery is Huawei’s official app distribution platform.
• It became popular after Huawei lost access to Google Play Services.
• Available globally on Huawei and Honor devices.
• Provides categories for apps, games, and local content, with strong security verification.
• Developers can integrate with Huawei Mobile Services (HMS) for analytics, ads, and push notifications.

6. Microsoft Store (for Mobile & Windows Apps)

• Although Windows Phone is discontinued, the Microsoft Store still distributes apps for Windows PCs, tablets, and Surface Duo.
• It supports UWP (Universal Windows Platform) apps, Android apps (on Windows 11 via Amazon Appstore), and some mobile productivity tools.
• Developers can monetize apps via subscriptions, in-app purchases, and ads.

Difference between Software and Application:

Application:
Application is package that performs a specific task for end users. It is a product or a program that is designed only for end users requirements. All the applications may be in category of software but vice-versa is not possible.

Software:
Software is a collection of programs that co-ordinates with the hardware to run the machine. It is set of instructions or data that operates the computer how to work. Software is opposite of the physical aspect, i.e., hardware and it is a complement to the hardware in computer.

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