Say yes if you too are the one who has Paytm on his mobile phone for the payment option, Netflix for relaxation, Skype for connecting people online, and many more… But have you ever thought about how all these apps are designed to provide such user interfacing? This issue is solved in mobile app architecture. I was wondering how the process of architecting mobile applications is done. This blog is to shed some light on- what Mobile App Architecture is and how one can select the right architecture. So, buckle up your seatbelts and ride with us:
What is Mobile App Architecture?
For a structure to be sound, it needs a brilliant design and a strong base, a mobile application needs a good architecture for its proper functioning. Mobile app architecture can be defined as the blueprint of the mobile application. Indeed, it is a framework of your mobile application that holds the overall structure of an application. It is a discipline that aims at arranging various elements of a system as well as the determination of how these elements would communicate with each other. The architecture of mobile applications influences several aspects of the app like the performance, scalability, and maintainability of the app. It is the foundation that guarantees that the application works properly, offers a satisfactory usage experience to the users, and can easily be modified.
Key Components of Mobile App Architecture
To better understand what the main step is, it is necessary to know about its components. It helps you to choose the right architecture for your app. Let’s look at the key components of mobile application architecture:
- Client-Side (Front-End): This is the section of the app that is observable by and possibly used by the users of the app. It includes an interaction layer which is the user interface and the interaction people get during usage which is the user experience. Client-side of the UI is involved with displaying information to the users and accepting and processing users’ inputs.
- Server-Side (Back-End): This is considered the core process for data processing. The server side encompasses the databases together with the server logic and APIs which are the interfaces that handle the transfer of data between the client side and the server side.
- Database: All the application requires data to be saved in a database to make it easy to access. This may include the user’s persona, messages, and any information that may be useful in the running of the application.
- API (Application Programming Interface): APIs enable one software component to send information to another while allowing them to interact. They are necessary for adding external services and communication between the client and the server in terms of data exchange.
- Cloud Services: Cloud services are the last one that is convenient and widely used. Most of the available modern applications rely on cloud services for data storage and computation. This can be used appropriately in scaling up the app and handling of large data stocks.
Types of Mobile Application Architectures:
Selecting the appropriate architecture for mobile applications is important to the success of the application. Here are some popular types of mobile application architectures, each offering unique benefits:
1. Native Architecture:
As for the Native mobile application development, it is the development of an application designed and developed for either the iOS or Android platform making use of the native code used for the platform. For iOS, this entails using Swift or Objective-C while for Android this entails using Java or Kotlin.
Benefits:
- Performance: It is mostly due to the native apps that are known for their good performance and good interaction with UI.
- Access to Platform-Specific Features: Native apps have the flexibility of functioning with specific features of the devices such as camera, GPS, and sensors.
- Enhanced User Experience: Native apps are thus characterized by a good user interface, which aligns with platform guidelines.
2. Cross-Platform Architecture:
Cross-platform architecture technically means the ability of a code to be developed for different platforms from a central platform. Some of the commonly used frameworks are React Native, Flutter, and Xamarin.
Benefits:
- Code Reusability: iOS or Android can be created once and similar code can be used for development in other platforms.
- Faster Time to Market: Having one codebase shortens the time required for development as opposed to having and using two.
3. Hybrid Architecture:
The usage of the term hybrid implies the implementation of best features from both native and web applications. These are app designs that are developed using web technologies such as HTML, CSS, AND JavaScript and then enclosed in a native shell.
Benefits:
- Cost-Efficiency: Hybrid apps are easier to develop and are therefore less expensive than native apps especially due to the single code base.
- Simplified Updates: Website design and layouts can be altered in the coding part; thus, updating the website becomes easier.
4. Progressive Web Apps (PWAs)
Progressive Web Apps are web applications that offer the look and feel or experience of a native application. They operate on a web browser although they can be downloaded and featured as an application on a home screen.
Benefits:
- No Installation Required: Compared to traditional apps, PWAs can be launched in users’ web browsers, which allows for avoiding app store usage.
- Cross-Platform Compatibility: PWAs indeed can be used on any device with a contemporary browser; this increases reach and use cases.
How to Choose the Right Mobile App Architecture:
However, with so many choices, it’s not easy to figure out the right one. There are major aspects in choosing the proper architecture of an application. Here’s a guide to help you make an informed decision:
1. Understand Your Target Audience
Determine which platforms your target audience primarily uses. However, if your users are predominantly iOS, then perhaps a native iOS app is what you should go for. So, for a broad audience on both iOS and Android, a cross or a hybrid design might be more fitting.
2. Evaluate Your Budget and Timeline
It is also noteworthy that the choice of architecture is often influenced by your budget and timeline. Native apps can be more resource-intensive because the developers have to write the code for iOS and Android separately. Cross-platform and hybrid development can cut the cost and the time of development compared to others making them a good option for many projects.
3. Assess App Complexity
Consider the complexity of your app’s functionality. For apps with advanced features or complex requirements, native architecture can provide the performance and flexibility needed. Simpler applications might get advantages from cross-platform or hybrid constructions.
4. Plan for Future Updates and Maintenance
Consider how often it will be necessary to change the application and perform various operations with it. Here, cross and hybrid platforms and architecture can be seen as beneficial since the updates can be done in a single code. To recap, native apps could turn out to be more challenging to manage across several platforms.
5. Consider Device Feature Access
In cases where your app is going to rely on specialized device functionality, native architecture is again a good option. Other types of architectures can also use these features but it may take a bit more effort or come through plugins if the architectures are cross- or hybrid-platform.
Collaborate with a Mobile Application Development Company
Choosing the right architecture is just one part of the mobile app development process. Partnering with a reputable mobile application development company like us, DMA Netherlands can significantly enhance your project’s success. Here’s how we can add value:
- Expert Guidance: We provide expert advice on the best architecture for your specific needs.
- Technical Expertise: We have the skills and experience required to implement the chosen architecture effectively.
- Project Management: We manage the development process, ensuring that the project stays on track and within budget.
- Quality Assurance: We ensure the app performs well and is free of bugs through rigorous testing.
Conclusion
A mobile application should be designed, developed, and assembled correctly; thus, it is important to comprehend the architecture. This is because after going through native architecture, cross-platform architecture, hybrid architecture, as well as progressive web apps’ architecture, you settle on the most suitable one for your project. Therefore, it is evident that the decision of mobile application development architecture is an important decision towards the success of the app.
If you are looking for a company for Mobile App Development, you are at the right place. We, DMA Netherlands, are the name you can trust. Time to connect with our team of experts to enquire more!
FAQs
What is Mobile App Architecture?
Mobile app architecture can be defined as the general layout of a mobile application along with the manner in which its components interconnect. It covers the layout of both assets on the client’s side and the server side of the application, its responsiveness, scalability and maintainability.
What are the 3 layers in mobile app architecture?
Mobile app architecture typically consists of three layers:
- Presentation Layer: Is responsible for handling user interface and receiving or initiated from the user actions.
- Business Logic Layer: Executes application logic, processes input from users and data, and gets processed.
- Data Layer: Works with stored data and controls its input and output operations, interaction with external systems, such as APIs or databases.
How to design an app architecture?
Designing an app architecture involves defining a clear structure with distinct layers: Presentation for user interfaces, Business Logic for core functionality, and Data for storage and retrieval. Ensure modularity for scalability, use design patterns for consistency, and prioritize security. Balance performance and maintainability to create a robust, user-friendly application.
How can I get in touch with DMA Netherlands?
If you want to know more about mobile app development services offered by us and/or want to consult with our experts on your project, please get in touch with us. Let me know if you require any additional information or if you need help with something else.