The 10 best app development tools to get started

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Mobile application developers have a large arsenal of tools at their disposal. Whether you start with the native or cross-platform path, there is a lot to master. With so many choices, it’s hard to understand which tools are essential and ideal for beginners. Here’s a breakdown of the best development systems for Android and iOS in 2022.

1. Xcode

This is the native Integrated Development Environment (IDE) created by Apple. It is used for apps that run on both iOS and Mac. This graphical interface includes everything you need to code in Swift, which is Apple’s programming language. IOS app development needs to move from concept to code to customers. You can download it for free from the Mac App Store.

Another crucial piece, The Interface Builder, is a design canvas that allows you to quickly prototype a complete user interface without coding. After connecting the interface to the source in the editor, you can have the buttons, sliders and windows to create a working user interface for Mac or iOS. On OSX 10.9+ and Xcode 5+, you can also add the Alcatraz package manager for installing additional plugins.

2. Android SDK

This is the starting point for any aspiring Android expert. The official SDK includes the full set of essential libraries required for building applications. It also contains additional debugging and compilation tools, and more.

For example, you’ll find Android Debug Bridge, which works from the command line. It is used to monitor devices (physical or virtual) while running applications. Jetpack Compose is a time-saving tool for creating interfaces. The installation package also includes the Android Studio environment (learn more below).

Although direct interaction with the SDK is not necessary, you should still download it from Google and have it on your PC. Make a note of the directory, as other tools will need to reference it.

3. Android Studio

This is the IDE (“Integrated Development Environment”). It is a crucial program for Android developers of all skill levels, as they type their code into it to be packaged as an APK file to install on other devices. However, it is not particularly suitable for beginners if you want to use Java or Kotlin languages. Creating 3D games is also relatively complex. The studio download file includes the native SDK, image files, emulator, and more.

4. Mockingbird

This online wired app for iOS development is used for the initial phase of the process. It allows you to create a sketch to turn visual ideas into a digital file. You can add multiple pages, change font size, color, alignment, and share your work with others.

Mockingbird was built on three fundamental principles: simple installation, fast and robust coding, and simple but expressive DSL. It allows you to avoid handwriting marks and creating clean, readable tests.

5. Different game engines

The Unity game engine, which is also an alternate IDE, supports cross-platform development. It is also the first choice of professionals on the Google Play Store. It makes it easy to create 2D and 3D games, as well as non-gaming applications.

Another game engine called Unreal is great for 3D games. It is also very popular with professionals, but beginners can find it complex. Two other alternative environments are GameMaker: Studio and GameSalad. The latter is more of an educational tool.

6. Xamarin + Visual Studio

The Xamarin framework works in combination with Microsoft’s Visual Studio. On the one hand, it attracts coders who prefer C # to Java. On the other hand, it’s also a popular tool for cross-platform development, so you can build apps that run on both iOS and Android. Even the Windows operating system is supported.

In terms of functionality, Xamarin is very similar to Android Studio. It allows you to create authentically native applications. However, it is less convenient to use as the Java libraries, and updates are slightly delayed.

7. B4X

The BASIC programming language is very user-friendly for beginners, which is why it is a great choice for developers with little experience. If you’ve never worked with Java or Kotlin before, or want to get your idea off the ground quickly, try the B4X suite for cross-platform applications. The tool is also open source, so you can get it for free.

8. Application generators

These tools allow you to create applications without coding. You can create interfaces and add native functionality, often for multiple platforms. However, they only offer basic functions. BuildFire, AppYourself, AppInstitute, and Mobile Roadie are all suitable for novice developers.

9. GitHub

This online tool allows developers to share projects with their teams and monitor multiple versions, called “forks”. It works as a hosting service for Git repositories. GitHub is convenient to use for backups, collaboration, finding code samples, and easy-to-follow tutorials.

As a beginner, you will only be able to download sample projects, which can be reverse engineered. When you start working as a team, this development tool will become indispensable, unless your business prefers Mercurial.

10. Stack overflow

Finally, explore this question-and-answer service for professional programmers. You can ask its members any question regarding any language, framework or platform. The mission of the community behind Stack Overflow is to create a convenient database of detailed answers to every programming question.

To send a request, you must create an account, enter it in the corresponding field and click on the “Ask a question” button. Do your research first, as you may find that your question has already been answered. Searching the available answers is easy with tag-based filtering.

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