Android apps development: A few things to remember

Market for mobile apps is growing on an exponential scale worldwide. Especially, Android apps have a bigger market than its competitors. Therefore, it is not surprising that Android apps development has gained a lot of momentum in the recent years. Nonetheless, there are a number of things you should consider before submitting an app to Google Play or any other Android store.

  

Have you registered as an Android developer?

This is a mandatory step and you can't distribute your app(s) if you are not a registered Android developer.

Test your app with care

A buggy app, no matter how well you promote it, will never have too many active users. So better test the app thoroughly using an Android device. Avoid using emulators because they can give you incorrect results leading to wrong assumptions from your end. Check for Android market licensing, so that no one can rob you of your intellectual property.

Do you have an app icon

App icon is an integral part of your branding process. If users don't recognize your app by the icon, chances are that they might forget about the brand sooner or later if similar Android apps turn up in the market. For the same reasons, you should try coming up with a unique name for your app, so that it doesn't get lost in the market.

Have you removed the back up files?

Make sure that you get rid of back up files, log files or any other irrelevant data prior to app submission in the Android market. Also, remember that it is important to turn off the debug feature. Next, you need to have a version number for your app. Whenever you update your app and upload it to Android stores, the version number should be updated. Thus, users will know that the app is regularly updated and they are using the latest version.

Post-compilation process, your app would need a digital signature. You can sign the app with your key. Any errors in this step will result in serious problems.

Additionally, you might need to register for a permanent Maps API key in case you are using Google Maps.

Considerations before development phase

Before you start developing your app, ask yourself a few questions:

• If you create an app just for the sake of creating it, it's going to help nobody. Your app should have a clear purpose and there should be an existing demand for such an app in the market. Consider doing a thorough research/market survey before starting the development process. In other words, apps should ideally be designed to solve a pain. Otherwise, chances are that the app will fail to have an impression on the users and even if some Android users download it, they would not use it.
  
• Will people be willing to pay for using the app? Ideally, a mobile app should be initially free and could be made a paid app depending on user response. Alternatively, the app can be advertisement supported.

While Android apps development can be a rewarding career and offers lots of opportunities, some important things should be kept in mind before submitting your app to the Android market place. Read on to know a few of them.

Though the Android platform offers lots of opportunities for developers, some important considerations are required. You should remember the above tips before going ahead.