Factors to Consider while Choosing the Tech Stack for a Mobile App
The world of mobile applications is vast and still expanding. Developing an app is a mountainous task and making an idea a reality is no simple task. In spite of the idea being great, there have been instances where the app has backfired because of the poor choice of the technology stack. A failed app can go to the extent of having a great negative impact on the firm and the brand itself. The functional requirements of a mobile app are fulfilled by tech stack and it also makes it maintainable and scalable. They help businesses tone down the cost, focus more on revenue generation and plan for the future without reworking on the present.
There are four components that contribute to a technology stack.
- Front-end development
- Back-end development
- Development platform
- Non-functional requirements
While there are several platforms to discuss the technical aspects, we are here to present the other factors one should have in mind before choosing a tech stack. It is these factors that play a role in serving your business needs beyond investment and finances. Trusting an IT source alone will not suffice. Hence, we present a list of non-functional factors to be considered for choosing the right tech stack for mobile app development.
1. Nature of the project
The complexity of a project, the requirements and the level of achievement expected at the end of it is one of the basic factors to be considered while choosing a tech stack. For instance, if the app revolves around customization and complex steps to reach every customer and platform-specific UI implementation, the best bet would be a native app with Swift or Kotlin as the language used. Each project carries its own requirement and this is in fact, the first step to be considered before deciding on the tech stack.
2. Time to market
The amount of time the business has in hand before it reaches the market plays a vital role in determining the tech stack. In a competitive market, launching a product at the right time gives a head start and also keeps it on par or ahead of the competitors. If the time to market is less, it would be ideal to choose a language or framework that has several ready-made solutions like social media integration, authentication, etc. This means lesser time on the development of common and basic features and quicker processes.
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3. Content Delivery Network (CDN)
Mobile app development is not reserved for local consumers. The expansion of business across the globe is one of the primitive aims of a mobile app. Local servers take a longer time to support international requests. CDN helps in utilizing frequently used resources or static resources as Content Distribution nodes closer to the users’ locations, which enables quicker reach international users. A slight delay in loading could result in losing a customer.
4. Security
Cybersecurity has been a matter of concern everywhere. Sectors like banks, payment applications, etc. use PIN and password systems to counter this. Though this is not a permanent or a long-term solution for apps, cybersecurity is a major villain waiting to be defeated on the internet. It is important that the data of customers are safe and secure. Any small distortion could lead to massive distrust among customers and the business could snowball down the hill.
5. Skill-set of the team
In a race against time, introducing a tech stack that the team is not acquainted with is going to consume more time and effort for the development team. If there is a choice between two closely-related or similar stacks, it is better to consider the team’s comfort before zeroing in on the stack to be used. This familiarity provides the team with confidence from the beginning. Ultimately, it is the team dealing with the entire technology and not the management or the people on top.
While other factors like availability on multiple platforms, compatibility with existing technologies, the parent company of the technology, etc., also play a role in the choice of the tech stack, the above-mentioned are the foremost factors that should be considered without fail. An all-encompassing app for a customer is a result of what happens from the moment an idea is validated and proceeded with. The need and vision of the project decide the path it takes and choosing the right tech stack is the decider on how successfully and the pace at which the goal is achieved. An informed choice will help the project and the business reach new heights within the determined time and budget. Know how we achieved this at rootquotient on for all our projects