Android App Development: Pros and Cons
It’s difficult to imagine a person without an iPhone. These devices are now an integral aspect of modern-day life. Every day, smart devices assist us to solve business problems on a global scale and also communicate with our loved ones and scheduling trips for the weekend as well as track workouts, and so on.
The quarantine was what caused the need for gadgets to increase significantly. Consider how many fields and fields (from education to health care) are online today. We are all studying to resolve our problems via the internet, using handy apps. Companies and individuals must choose from iOS and Android app development. The most important issue here is that it’s difficult to know how effective the option is and if the app that is developed for a specific platform, is able to meet your requirements.
In this article, we’ll discuss Android app development as well as its operating system and the devices based on it that is being launched across the globe. Let’s discuss the benefits of Android apps, as well as the possible drawbacks and how they can be promising for businesses.
What is Android App Development?
We are all familiar with Android as a thriving open-source smartphone operating system. The process of development appears to be simple and has a large global user base.
Android-based applications are used to meet personal and business goals due to the fact that Android applications meet the needs of customers and boost the value of the business.
Android is responsible for around 80% of the market share of the entire mobile OS. It continues to expand the geography and demographics that its customers reside. In 2019, the total number of users on Android phones was 2.5 billion globally.
What are the root causes?
It’s like the time without smartphones was only several years old. It was in the 2000s, or 2006 to be exact. This was the period when Windows, Blackberry, and Symbian were making pocket PCs. They were not attractive and not very user-friendly.
The smartphones of the time were primarily focused on productivity. Usability was not thought of in any way. The hardware and software companies were thinking of ways to make more space for such small devices.
We’ve all heard about email, browsers, Microsoft Word, Twitter, and a host of other helpful tools and features. However, the performance was slow and unsteady manner. People were still sitting at their large-sized PCs to complete tasks that took more than 5 minutes.
Since the initial Android came into the market of mobiles touchscreens were unique and yet to be explored. These devices came with GPS as well as web-page zooming Google integration as well as many additional features that were quite impressive. The developers of the latest device set out to develop and provide innovative services that could allow users to connect to the internet. This was the beginning of the latest generation of smart mobiles.
What Are the Pros of Android Development?
Android is constantly compared to Apple and this is their fate from which they cannot escape. Let’s examine the most fundamental aspects of Android development and determine what areas Android surpasses iOS.
1. Hardware’s independence
Android development runs on Java. This makes it cross-platform. Android tools for development like Android Studio, Fabric, Eclipse, and many others are available or downloaded to Windows, macOS, and Linux. To build an iOS application, you’ll require a Mac or an emulator.
2. Plain app acceptance process
Google and Apple are different in their approach to quality assurance. You may have noticed the fact that Apple App Store is very selective when it comes to its apps that are published It evaluates apps more rigorously (that means that the app approval process is tedious and time-consuming). The review process in Google is favorable to almost all. Google allows for new and innovative content and lets you release some kind of MVP or an initial version of the app to get feedback quicker.
3. Learning Resources
Google offers developers its own Android development training program for both novice and experienced techies. The well-structured material is supported by animated graphics, animations interactivity, exercises, and videos that explain the concepts. There are three tracks in the course: Android fundamentals, Kotlin boot camp, and native applications using Flutter.
Android developers could also be eligible for the official Google Developers Certificate.
4. Java and Kotlin
The two officially recognized programming languages for Android are very well-known.
Java is an object-oriented cross-platform programming language widely used across the world. It is available everywhere: desktops and web devices can be made possible by Java. Java lets you easily find experienced Android developers in the market.
Another popular technology is Kotlin app development. This innovative coding method is based on Java and incorporates every detail and clarity from Java which makes the process of writing apps more efficient and enjoyable.
5. Flutter
The free Software Development Kit allows Android developers to create native apps with a single codebase. Google proposes its own approach to the write-once-run-anywhere programming style.
There is some intriguing Flutter features Flutter which make Android development more efficient and seamless. For example, a built-in Material Design library. It takes away the requirement for writing UI software if you just need to achieve the standard Google style and feel.
Flutter integrates with Android Studio and IntelliJ. It also allows you to utilize your already existing Java code, which means that native apps are easily transferred to the Flutter environment.
6. Instant Apps
In 2017 Google launched Instant Apps – native applications that are available for download without having to download directly via Google Play.
They are accessible, fast, and fun apps that give users access to the basic functionality of the service in full or offer users a sneak preview of the paid application.
Instant Apps improve engagement and are activated via a hyperlink. They are free for users and offer them an additional way to connect. The development process is simple. Simply write a normal application and then add a few settings to alter the user experience while publishing.
7. More than a means to create a mobile application
Google has two headsets available – the basic Cardboard and the more expensive Daydream. It is possible to develop applications for these devices by using the identical Android Studio and Android SDK.
Android development doesn’t end at the end of the tunnel, allowing users to utilize the same tools to develop applications for various products. The ecosystem comprises:
- Android TV
- Android Things
- Wear OS
- Android Auto
- Chrome OS devices
What Are the Cons of Android Development?
Android development comes with some obvious disadvantages too. Let’s take a look at them.
1. Android users are known for their habits with regard to spending
It’s no secret that people who use Apple devices are more likely to spend money on their apps than Android users. This isn’t just about the app downloads as well as in-app purchases.
There are a variety of reasons for this, such as the following:
A variety of Google Play apps have alternatives to free or paid programs. So, users can access additional free apps that look like paid ones.
Issues with demographics. Android is very popular in low-income countries, while Apple users are usually situated within North America, North Europe, and Australia.
A lot of Android applications are plagued with bugs due to a large number of active devices as well as users on previous operating systems that are available. Thus, Android developers need to spend more time testing.
2. Security
While Google regularly releases security patches malware and hacks are targeted at millions of Android users almost every day.
Many users do not have the practice of regularly updating their smartphones frequently. This means that app developers frequently have to manage the information of the users. They implement sophisticated encryption and have additional security functions.
3. OS adoption
The variety of operating systems available is extensive. One of the issues is related to the customization of apps. The majority of Android devices run using operating systems released from 2014 to 2016 (Lollipop, Marshmallow, and Nougat).
Another issue is caused by the original equipment manufacturers who create the skins themselves. Therefore, devices running the identical Android version appear different.
4. Device fragmentation
Mobile makers remain manageable to the sheer number of devices they offer. Each device comes with its own screen size and sensor performance, as well as a graphics driver.
There are two ways to address the issue of fragmentation in devices that owners of products can apply limiting the number of gadgets and platforms to a manageable limit or reducing the quality of the app.
5. Copyright issues
As we’ve already mentioned, Google takes less time reviewing and approving apps for Google Play. This means you’ll be able to launch your MVP far more quickly (compared to the App Store). But, it’s not just about benefits.
Google doesn’t conduct patent or copyright checks. This means that you can publish programs that contain information or features that have been used in other products. Furthermore, Google Play can release an application that can replicate your own unique solutions.
Conclusion
Compared with iOS, Android app development is more complex. But, Android apps and devices continue to grow and rule the world.
Modern Android solutions offer gradual implementation as well as a variety of markets and the ability to modify rules for the approval of products. They can provide SEO benefits that are real. Fulfill all Pros you need to find The Best Android app development company.
Android application development is anticipated to increase in the near future. There will be problems too however, you’ll be able to figure out ways to avoid or reduce their impact. Hope this article provided you with the most important details regarding the pros and cons of Android development.