New to App Development: Start Here

No Code AI
1

Beginner’s Guide to App Development Workflow

Hey y’all, I wanted to create a guide based on my knowledge as a Software Engineer for how to create an application. It was made with the assistance of AI, but I’ve reviewed it and fully stand behind the content. At the bottom, I’ll attach the prompt I used. If anyone has any addendums, feel free to list them (and make sure to @ me) and I’ll try to check periodically and edit anything in here that makes sense.

Even as a no-code developer, you’ll probably want to have a full understanding of the workflow behind building an app. Many in this industry have roughly settled on this workflow for app development so that we can keep everything organized and have the most efficient start to finish high quality application - even without directly coding, this level of organization will help you create the best app you can as quickly as possible. Without further ado, here’s the guideline:

Table of Contents

  1. Define the Big Picture
  2. Create a General Feature List
  3. Design the UI/UX
  4. Refine Features into Tasks
  5. Develop Each Phase
  6. Test Your MVP
  7. Launch Your App
  8. Iterate Based on Feedback
  9. Additional Resources

1. Define the Big Picture

Objective:

Understand the core problem your app aims to solve.

Steps:

  • Identify the Problem: What issue or need does your app address?
  • Define Your Audience: Who will use your app? Consider demographics, preferences, and behaviors.
  • Set Goals: What do you want to achieve with your app? (e.g., improve productivity, entertain users, provide a service)
  • Research Competitors: Are there existing solutions? What can you do better or differently?

Example:

If you want to create a fitness app, the core problem might be helping users maintain a consistent workout routine.

2. Create a General Feature List

Objective:

Outline the functionalities your app will offer.

Key Questions to Consider:

  1. User Management:

    • Do you need user accounts?
    • Will users have profiles?
    • How will user data be secured?

  2. Authentication:

    • What methods of authentication will you use? (e.g., email/password, social logins)
    • Will you implement multi-factor authentication?

  3. User Capacity:

    • How many users do you expect initially and in the future?
    • How will your app scale to accommodate more users?

  4. Data Storage:

    • Where will your data be stored? (e.g., cloud services, local databases)
    • What type of data will you collect and store?

  5. Tech Stack:

    • Which programming languages and frameworks will you use?
    • Will your app be native, hybrid, or web-based?

  6. Third-Party Libraries and APIs:

    • How many third-party services will you integrate?
    • Are you comfortable managing updates and potential dependencies?

  7. Core Features:

    • What are the essential functionalities your app must have?
    • What additional features would enhance user experience?

  8. Design Considerations:

    • What platforms will your app support? (e.g., iOS, Android, Web)
    • What are the accessibility requirements?

  9. Monetization:

    • Will your app be free, freemium, or paid?
    • Will you include in-app purchases or ads?

  10. Performance and Security:

    • What performance benchmarks do you aim for?
    • How will you ensure data privacy and security?

Tips:

  • Be Flexible: Your feature list should evolve as you progress through development.
  • Prioritize: Identify which features are essential for the MVP (Minimum Viable Product) and which can be added later.

3. Design the UI/UX

Objective:

Create a user-friendly and visually appealing interface.

Steps:

  1. Choose a Design Tool:

  2. Create Wireframes:

    • Sketch the basic layout of each screen.
    • Focus on functionality and user flow.

  3. Design High-Fidelity Mockups:

    • Add colors, typography, and images.
    • Ensure consistency across all screens.

  4. Prototype:

    • Create interactive prototypes to simulate user interactions.
    • Test the flow and gather initial feedback.

  5. User Testing:

    • Share designs with potential users for feedback.
    • Iterate based on their suggestions.

Resources:

4. Refine Features into Tasks

Objective:

Break down your feature list into manageable tasks and phases. With each task, implement and set up continuous testing for the implementation so you don’t break the newly added feature(s).

Steps:

  1. List All Features:

    • Write down every feature identified in the general feature list.

  2. Break Down Features:

    • Divide each feature into smaller, actionable tasks.
    • Example: For user authentication:
      • Set up user database
      • Implement registration form
      • Integrate login functionality

  3. Organize Tasks into Phases:

    • Phase 1: Core functionalities (e.g., user authentication, basic features)
    • Phase 2: Additional features and enhancements
    • Phase 3: Testing and optimization
    • Phase 4: Deployment and launch

  4. Set Milestones:

    • Define clear goals for each phase.
    • Establish deadlines to keep the project on track.

  5. Prioritize Tasks:

    • Focus on high-impact tasks first.
    • Use methods like the MoSCoW (Must have, Should have, Could have, Won’t have) prioritization.

Example:

Feature: User Authentication

  • Task 1: Research authentication methods
  • Task 2: Choose an authentication library
  • Task 3: Implement registration
  • Task 4: Implement login
  • Task 5: Test authentication flows

5. Develop Each Phase

Objective:

Execute the tasks defined in each phase systematically.

Steps:

  1. Set Up Development Environment:

    • Install necessary software and tools.
    • Configure version control (e.g., Git).

  2. Implement Features:

    • Follow best coding practices.
    • Write clean, maintainable code.

  3. Regular Testing:

    • Conduct unit tests for individual components.
    • Perform integration tests to ensure components work together.

  4. Documentation:

    • Keep track of code changes.
    • Document functionalities and APIs.

  5. Iterate:

    • Continuously refine features based on testing and feedback.
    • Address any issues or bugs promptly.

Tips:

  • Stay Organized: Use project management tools like Trello, Asana, or Jira to track progress.
  • Collaborate: If working with a team, maintain clear communication channels.

6. Test Your MVP

Objective:

Validate your app’s functionality and usability with real users.

Steps:

  1. Define Testing Criteria:

    • Identify what aspects to test (e.g., usability, functionality, performance).

  2. Select Testers:

    • Choose a small group of target users.
    • Ensure diversity to gather varied feedback.

  3. Conduct Testing Sessions:

    • Observe how users interact with the app.
    • Encourage testers to provide honest feedback.

  4. Identify Bugs and Issues:

    • Document any technical glitches or usability problems.
    • Prioritize issues based on severity.

  5. Iterate and Improve:

    • Fix identified bugs.
    • Enhance features based on feedback.

Resources:

7. Launch Your App

Objective:

Release your app to the public.

Steps:

  1. Prepare for Launch:

    • Ensure all features are functioning correctly.
    • Finalize app store listings (if applicable).

  2. Choose Distribution Channels:

  3. Create a Marketing Plan:

    • Utilize social media, blogs, and press releases.
    • Engage with potential users through forums and communities.

  4. Monitor Performance:

    • Use analytics tools to track user engagement and app performance.
    • Keep an eye on server uptime and responsiveness.

  5. Gather Initial Feedback:

    • Encourage users to leave reviews and ratings.
    • Respond to feedback promptly.

Resources:

8. Iterate Based on Feedback

Objective:

Continuously improve your app to meet user needs and stay competitive.

Steps:

  1. Collect User Feedback:

    • Use surveys, feedback forms, and direct communication.
    • Monitor reviews and ratings.

  2. Analyze Data:

    • Identify common issues and feature requests.
    • Use analytics to understand user behavior.

  3. Plan Updates:

    • Prioritize improvements based on impact and feasibility.
    • Schedule regular updates to keep the app fresh.

  4. Implement Changes:

    • Develop and test new features or enhancements.
    • Fix any emerging bugs promptly.

  5. Communicate with Users:

    • Inform users about updates and new features.
    • Show appreciation for their feedback and support.

Tips:

  • Stay Agile: Be prepared to pivot or adjust your app based on user needs.
  • Maintain Quality: Ensure that updates do not compromise the app’s stability or performance.

9. Additional Resources

Learning Platforms:

Design Tools:

Development Tools:

Project Management:

Testing Tools:

Congratulations! You’ve now got a foundational understanding of the app development workflow. Remember, app development is an iterative process—stay curious, keep learning, and don’t be afraid to seek help from the vibrant developer community.

Happy coding!

P.S. here’s that prompt I promised at the beginning, with the output from GPT o-1 mini:

I want you to help me create a how to guide for the basic workflow of app development in a markdown file. Assume my audience is someone completely new to app development and the workflow is as follows:
First, determine the big picture of the app (what’s your core problem you’re trying to solve).
Second, create a general feature list. Do you need users? Authentication? How many users will I have? Where should the data be stored? What should my tech stack be? How many third party libraries do I want to rely on and have to update? These questions (and similar ones, generate a full list please) should have a rough but malleable answer here.
Third, create a UI/UX design. Use Figma or a similar design tool to help you stay focused.
Fourth, refine the general features list into tasks. Divide those tasks into phases for some way to benchmark the project.
Fifth, fulfill each phase.
Sixth, now that you have an MVP, test the app with a small group of people to see if the app has any bugs or issues that need to be worked out before a full release.
Seventh, launch the app.
Eighth, use user feedback to continually improve and update your app.

12 Likes
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Fantastic, thank you for sharing @navyseal4000!

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@navyseal4000 Thank you so much for such an amazing post! All of this is so exciting to me and I’m learning so much, so quickly, thanks to helpful people like you and @ColeMedin I’ve been in various sales, people management and customer success roles for most of my career so far. However, after learning about all the AI / LLM, etc. type programs that are exploding everywhere over the last 6 months or so, it’s definitely sparked a huge interest in me and I’m currently exploring the best way for me to shift my career path into this space as quickly as possible.

I love passing along some of the small things I’ve already learned to others so that they can also see just how huge and helpful all of this can be applied to their personal or business lives. The opportunities are seemingly endless - thanks again to everyone being so supportive and sharing so much quality info!

Have an excellent day!

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@bobdavis84 It might be useful for you to look at sharing something similar for customer fulfillment and sale of new projects. Food for thought :slight_smile:

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You did such a great job with this. May I use it in other social spaces?

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This is fantastic!

I’m getting lost with all “new tools” flooding the space recently, and was looking for a good starting point to try and build something more than just a to-do list/snake/minesweeper. :upside_down_face:

Thanks you very much @navyseal4000 :pray:t2:

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