Is DIY an option when it comes to creating apps?
Suppose you’ve just come up with a great app idea. You’ve done your research and you know there are no mobile apps like it on the Google Play Store or iOS App Store. You’re convinced it fills a big gap in the market. If you can only get the thing built, you’re sure it has the potential to gain traction quickly and become a favourite in app stores.
But there’s a problem. You have no budget to create apps or to buy expensive app building software. So you wonder: is it possible to build a successful app yourself?
Some assumptions about your situation
Let’s start by making some assumptions about you before you attempt to create an app yourself.
1. You don’t have programming experience
First, let’s suppose that you have no programming experience, at least none relevant to mobile app development.
2. You can’t afford to subscribe to DIY app builder platforms
Second, let’s assume that your lack of budget means you can’t afford the monthly subscription costs for a drag-and-drop style app maker, such as GoodBarber.com or Appery.io (approx. $40–$100 USD per month).
App builder platforms like these can be useful depending on your circumstances, but they don’t give you the same degree of customisability as coding your app yourself. And, of course, they’re not free.
3. You have easy access to a computer
Third, let’s assume that you have a computer that you can use to do the coding. This means a Mac if you’re creating an iOS app; and either a Mac or a PC if you’re creating an Android app.
So, can you create apps yourself?
The answer is yes, but—and it’s a big “but”—it’s going to take a while!
What does it take to create your own mobile app? You’re going to have to teach yourself the skills you’ll need to code apps, and that takes time. You’ll need to have patience and be willing to commit a sizable chunk of your time to teaching yourself the necessary skills. You can become a developer, but you’ll need to invest in yourself.
Reading is essential
If you’re ready to make that commitment and you’re determined to go ahead with it, my first piece of advice would be: get a textbook. In fact, get two textbooks! One of these will be for the programming language that you’ll be using, and the other will be for the platform that you’re coding for. Whether you’re thinking about coding Android apps or an iOS app, you’ll need to spend quite some time studying.
Learn different programming languages
Suppose you want to create an app that runs on Android. That means you’ll probably want to code in either the Java or Kotlin programming languages, as they’re the ones most commonly used for Android development. If so, then get yourself a beginner’s textbook for Java (or Kotlin) and another for Android programming. In my case, I started with “Java: Early Objects” by Tony Gaddis and then “The Big Nerd Ranch Guide to Android Programming” by Bill Phillips et al. Both come highly recommended.
These books will walk you through some simple example projects, which will give you that all-important toehold in the world of mobile app development. When you’ve worked your way through the sample projects, you’ll feel much more confident about starting your own mobile apps, knowing that you can apply the skills and techniques that you’ve learned along the way.
Free learning resources
In addition to your textbooks, there are plenty of free tools on the web that will provide further help. Start with the official guides at developer.android.com (for Android) and developer.apple.com (for iOS). You’ll also want to use the question-and-answer format provided by stackoverflow.com for advice, especially when you get stuck.
It’s not just about coding skills, either. Depending on your project, you’ll need to build good general knowledge of app analytics, e-commerce apps, what works well (and doesn’t) on a user interface, and the basics of good app design and testing, to name just a few things.
Teaching yourself iOS or Android mobile app development skills isn’t easy. The learning curve is steep. But you can do it if you have enough patience, natural ability, and determination. Good luck to you if that’s the option you choose! You’ll find it tremendously rewarding if you can pull it off.
Not sure if you can hire an app developer?
The development process may not be as expensive as you think. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at info@oxfordappdevelopment.com or use our contact form for a free quote. We’ll get back to you within 24 hours, and we’re always happy to chat!
