How to choose the ideal mobile app architecture for your project?

Say yes if you are also the one who has Paytm on their mobile for payment option, Netflix for entertainment, Skype to connect people online and much more… But have you ever thought how all these apps are designed to provide such a user interface? This problem is solved in mobile app architecture. I was wondering how the process of designing mobile applications works. In this blog, we will show you what is mobile app architecture and how to choose the right one. Buckle up and ride with us:

What is mobile app architecture?

For a structure to be sound, it needs a brilliant design and a strong base, a mobile application needs a good architecture for its proper functioning. Mobile app architecture can be defined as the blueprint of the mobile application. It is indeed a framework of your mobile application that contains the overall structure of an application. It is a discipline that focuses on organizing different elements of a system and determining how these elements communicate with each other. Mobile application architecture affects different aspects of the app such as performance, scalability, and maintainability of the app. It is the foundation that ensures that the application performs well, provides a satisfying user experience to the users, and is easily adaptable.

Key components of mobile app architecture

To better understand what the most important step is, it is necessary to know the components. It will help you to choose the right architecture for your app. Let's take a look at the most important parts of mobile application architecture:

1. Client Side (Front-End): This is the part of the app that is visible to and potentially used by the users of the app. It includes an interaction layer which is the user interface and the interaction that people get while using it, which is the user experience. Client side UI is concerned with displaying information to the users and accepting and processing the input from the users.
2. Server side (back-end): This is considered the core process of data processing. The server side includes the databases along with the server logic and APIs, the interfaces that control the data transfer between the client and server side.
3. Database: All applications require data to be stored in a database for easy access. This can include the user persona, messages, and any information that may be useful in running the application.
4. API (Application Programming Interface): APIs allow one software component to send information to another while enabling interaction. They are necessary for adding external services and communication between the client and the server in terms of data exchange.
5. Cloud services: Cloud services are the latest to become useful and widely used. Most of the modern applications available rely on cloud services for data storage and computation. This can be used well in scaling the app and handling large data files.

Types of mobile application architectures:

Selecting the appropriate architecture for mobile applications is important to the success of the application. Here are some popular types of mobile application architectures, each offering unique benefits:

1. Native architecture:

Native mobile application development is the development of an application that is designed and developed for the iOS or Android platform, using the native code used for the platform. For iOS, this means using Swift or Objective-C, and for Android, this means using Java or Kotlin.

Benefits:

• Performance: This is mainly due to the native apps that are known for their good performance and good interaction with the UI.
• Access to platform-specific features: Native apps have the flexibility to work with specific features of the devices, such as camera, GPS, and sensors.
• Improved user experience: Native apps are therefore characterized by a good user interface, which is in line with the platform guidelines.

2. Cross-platform architecture:

Cross-platform architecture technically means the ability to develop code for different platforms from a central platform. Some commonly used frameworks are React Native, Flutter, and Xamarin.

Benefits:

• Reusable code: iOS or Android can be created once and similar code can be used for development on other platforms.
• Faster Time to Market: Having one codebase shortens the time required for development as opposed to having and using two.

3. Hybrid architecture:

The use of the term hybrid implies the implementation of the best features of both native and web applications. These are app designs that are developed using web technologies such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript and then wrapped in a native wrapper.

Benefits:

• Cost efficiency: Hybrid apps are easier to develop and therefore cheaper than native apps, mainly because of the single code base.
• Simplified Updates: Website design and layouts can be altered in the coding part; thus, updating the website becomes easier.

4. Progressive Web Apps (PWAs)

Progressive Web Apps are web applications that provide the look, feel, or experience of a native application. They run in a web browser, but can be downloaded and placed as an application on a home screen.

Benefits:

• No installation required: Compared to traditional apps, PWAs can be launched in users' web browsers, which can avoid the use of app stores.
• Cross-platform compatibility: PWAs can indeed be used on any device with a modern browser, which increases their reach and usability.

How to choose the right mobile app architecture:

However, with so many choices, it is not easy to choose the right one. There are important aspects to consider when choosing the right one architecture for an application. Here's a guide to help you make an informed decision:

1. Understand your target audience

Determine which platforms your target audience primarily uses. If your users are primarily iOS users, you may want to opt for a native iOS app. For a broad audience on both iOS and Android, a cross- or hybrid design may be more appropriate.

2. Evaluate your budget and timeline

It is also worth noting that the choice of architecture is often influenced by your budget and timeline. Native apps can require more resources because developers have to write code for iOS and Android separately. Cross-platform and hybrid development can reduce the cost and time of development compared to others, making them a good option for many projects.

3. Assessing app complexity

Consider the complexity of your app’s functionality. For apps with advanced features or complex requirements, a native architecture can provide the necessary performance and flexibility. Simpler applications can benefit from cross-platform or hybrid constructions.

4. Plan for future updates and maintenance

Consider how often you will need to change the application and perform different operations on it. This is where cross and hybrid platforms and architecture can be seen as beneficial, as the updates can be performed in one code. In short, native apps can be more challenging to manage across platforms.

5. Consider access to device properties

In cases where your app relies on specialized device functionality, native architecture is again a good option. Other architectures can use these features as well, but it may take a bit more effort or come via plugins if the architectures are cross- or hybrid platforms.

Collaborate with a mobile application development company

Choosing the right architecture is just one part of the mobile app development process. Working with a reputable mobile application development company like us, DMA Netherlands can significantly increase the success of your project. This is how we can add value:

1. Expert guidance: We provide expert advice on the best architecture for your specific needs.
2. Technical expertise: We have the skills and experience necessary to effectively implement the chosen architecture.
3. Project management: We manage the development process and ensure that the project stays on schedule and within budget.
4. Quality Guarantee: Through rigorous testing, we ensure that the app performs well and is bug-free.

Conclusion

A mobile application needs to be designed, developed and assembled properly; so it is important to understand its architecture. The reason for this is that after going through native architecture, cross-platform architecture, hybrid architecture and progressive web app architecture, you will choose the most suitable one for your project. So it is clear that choosing the architecture for mobile application development is an important decision for the success of the app.

If you are looking for a Mobile App Development company, you have come to the right place. We, DMA Nederland, are the name you can trust. Time to contact our team of experts to learn more!

FAQs

What is mobile app architecture?

Mobile app architecture can be defined as the overall layout of a mobile application and the way its components are connected to each other. It includes the layout of both client-side and server-side assets of the application, responsiveness, scalability, and maintainability.

What are the 3 layers in mobile app architecture?

Mobile app architecture usually consists of three layers:

1. Presentation layer: Is responsible for handling the user interface and receiving or initiating actions from the user.
2. Business Logic Layer: Executes application logic, processes user input and data, and is processed.
3. Data layer: Works with stored data and handles input and output operations, interacting with external systems such as APIs or databases.

How do you design an app architecture?

Designing an application architecture involves defining a clear structure with different layers: Presentation for user interfaces, Business Logic for core functionality, and Data for storage and retrieval. Ensure modularity for scalability, use design patterns for consistency, and prioritize security. Balance performance and maintainability to create a robust, user-friendly application.

How can I contact DMA Netherlands?

If you would like to learn more about our mobile app development services and/or discuss your project with our experts, please contact contact us up. Let me know if you need any additional information or if you need help with anything else.