My app is ready, now what? Understand the lifecycle of an application

You had a project to run, you went through several meetings, several issues related to visualization, functionality, features were decided, and it was time for testing. After testing it several times, adjusting the user experience criteria and the bugs that emerged during the process, now it's just a matter of publishing your app on the best selling platforms your customer uses.

After all these steps are ready, you finally think - Now, work done, I can rest! On the one hand this phrase may be true, but on the other it misleads you a little. But why? Just as Android, IOS, Windows or any other operating software inside a hardware undergoes constant updates this also happens with mobile applications.

How does the process of building an app work?

Think of your application as if it were a building, first all the infrastructure where apartments, stairs, elevators and everything else that a building has will be built. This first part of the construction of the building you don't see but it is essential for the success of the project , in an application it is known as the backend.

The backend and its fundamental role in the project

The backend defines the type of database that will be used, the communication protocols with the frontend, data handling and the fundamental structure for building the app. This design step if not thought out carefully can directly affect the lifetime of your application . Issues such as compatibility with distribution platforms, storage and performance are some points raised at the beginning of the project and which are directly related to the construction of the backend.

The frontend and project view

After having assembled the skeleton of the building, now the first walls, division of halls, apartments and stairs are being built. To compare this stage of the process with an app, we would put this step as the front end of app development. It is at this stage where we can already visually perceive the evolution of the project , even though everything is still static, the support to implement the software's functionalities is already being built.

Functionality and user interaction

With all the floors built in our work, all that's left is to run cables, install lighting, elevators, intercoms and everything else that the user can interact with. At this point, the app's buttons, dialog boxes, service purchase options, animations according to the choices of the person who will use the app are implemented. And so we go to the end of the project, which is ready to be delivered so that customers can take advantage of everything that was built during this process.

Maintenance of software and applications

Now think that this building will not provide maintenance, cleaning, security and risk monitoring. Over time, users who frequent this place will start looking for new options that are better and more attractive than this one, and during this period the structure of the building will become so obsolete that it will not even be offered in the market for new users. With the departure of regulars from this place and the drop in the entrance of new ones, this building will lose its market value and all the investment invested in it will, in a way, be lost. You've just tracked the lifecycle of a maintenance-free application.

Why keep my software up to date?
 

The maintainability of apps is as important as their construction, it is from this that we guarantee the effectiveness of your application's performance in the market. As mentioned at the beginning of this post, the operating systems for which your software was designed and implemented undergo several changes over time. These changes are not always excessive and can be constantly implemented by these systems until your application is no longer compatible with that particular environment, which is why updates are so important.

When done periodically, they reduce operating costs and bring greater security in the use of data that already exist in your app, so it is possible to make small changes to the software that will keep it attractive for the user and compatible with the devices of your customers.

Is it worth updating my app?

To clarify the cost-benefit ratio of application maintenance, think that instead of having to tear down the entire building and build it again to meet the new market standards, you will be implementing these changes over time, without that users have to leave the building and remain there, generating profit for the company. The interaction flow does not need to be interrupted and a close relationship with your customer is maintained, not presenting enough time for him to look for another environment to attend.

See the main factors to watch out for when maintaining applications

After realizing the importance of keeping your app up to date and present in the market, the question may arise: how do I provide maintenance for my app? Some points are very relevant and they are the main ones that I present here:

Adaptation to the hosting platforms where your software will be provided. It is always very important to be aware of the rules of use, security update and compatibility of services on the platform you have chosen to promote your application. So we don't run the risk of your software becoming obsolete and not being provided to users of the latest versions of these platforms.

Allocation on a structured server in the Cloud . The choice and maintenance of allocation plans for your services will directly influence the user experience while using the application. Congested and slow services are the result of poor distribution of your project.

Database Cleaning and Storage . Over time, the number of users of a service provided tends to increase with the establishment of the brand. As a result, the volume of data collected is increasing and the lack of organization of this data prevents its better use and can often be lost in the project. Keeping track of the database structure is essential to organizing this information neatly.

Update of APIs implemented in the project . APIs are great facilitators in communication between the different systems and services that your software will use. They are constantly being updated and new APIs that are more modern and perform better are always emerging.

Last but not least, we must always be aware of customer feedback and user experience issues. Paying attention to how your customer is using your mobile app and how they feel during that experience can be the crucial factor that will keep them active within that platform.

Who can build an app that is ready to receive updates?

Do you have doubts about a few words in this post and want to understand more about creating and maintaining apps? Know that we can help you! We at FWC Tecnologia have a complete team of professionals willing to answer our customers' doubts and execute the most challenging projects in the market, always taking quality in each of our deliveries.

Get in touch with one of our employees to gain access to the complete portfolio of projects we've already executed and finally create your own mobile app . Here, in addition to delivering the project to you, we are at your disposal to provide maintenance and support for your app after publishing it on app distribution platforms.