What are the most interesting challenges faced while developing an android application?

Android platform, the biggest Operating System platform running on the maximum number of devices, has been ruling the market for years now. It is used by almost all industries to provide their services. No matter how many devices it is running on, still Android doesn’t fit all and is not like a piece of cake. While developing Android applications, many challenges are raised, which makes the Android App Development game much more interesting.

Android as an Open Source:

Google keeps the operating system open-source and offers liberty to customize its features. Besides the open sources, there are many challenges faced by the app developers.

List of major challenges faced by developers during Android app development.

• Fragmentation

Software Fragmentation - Android has almost 17 versions like Cupcake, Donut, Orio, etc. to date. All the features and technology used in the multiple versions are completely different. And due to the availability of multiple versions in the market, not everyone uses the same versions. Developers have to design such an application that can be used in all types of Android versions. Giving the same UX for different versions is quite challenging.

Device Fragmentation - The availability of vast android devices is another issue. Google gives full liberty to developers to customize the Operating system based on their requirements. Various hardware features like display, keyboard formats, resolution, storage, buttons, system authentication, etc. Creating the same app with the same features for multiple devices is no joke. Only app developers know how to overcome this challenge and bring out the best app on the table.

Testing Fragmentation - All the devices have different testing environments and testers need to follow several strategies every time during testing. There are numerous testing tools available in the market for testing, and the design affects the whole testing strategy.

• User Interface

Android has certain rules to design User Interfaces. The availability of customization makes users think, Standard UI or Custom UI? However, the Standard UI is limited, and can't fulfill all the requirements of the developers. Customization of the UI is much better as it gives options with certain guidelines.

• Programming Language

JAVA and KOTLIN are the two programming languages used for app development. Both languages have their pros and cons. A developer must know all his requirements before choosing any particular language.

JAVA – One of the easiest languages to develop an android application, but demands huge amounts of codes and storage. It assists the developers to build the app quickly and blend with both native and cross-platform apps. It can be used by developers in the library.

KOTLIN – A developer should learn this complex coding as it is short and has fewer code lines. Java libraries can be used in Kotlin. This language is quite complicated, but by using this apps can be designed and built faster with almost no errors.

• API Integration

APIs are there to make Android app development an easy process. All the functions of an application can’t be built from scratch. API’s are available to meet the business goals like authentication and maps. Integration of third-party apps or building separate APIs is one of the ways to provide a personalized experience. Many times, the device features are incompatible with APIs, then the developers face issues and they need to design new API or change features. It is one of the biggest challenges while developing an app.

• Security Issues

The worldwide market availability makes Android security vulnerable and can be targeted easily. That’s why Google releases security patches frequently to lower the security risks. Changes in the hardware manufacturers lead to numerous security issues. Google doesn’t mention such issues in its security updates, which lead developers to combine robust security features and use the advanced encryption system to protect the user data.

However, security issues are one of the biggest challenges faced by developers. It is not easy to overcome security issues and keep user details confidential.

• App Visibility

There are almost 3.5 million Android Applications available on Google Play Store and these applications are available as free downloads. Hence, all the developers need to make their applications unique and stand out from the crowd to attract potential users. By using a robust app store optimization strategy, a developer can easily boost its app visibility.

By choosing a suitable app name, creating a unique icon, using the right keywords, and using high-quality graphics will increase visibility. Due to the high competition in the market, developers promote their apps aggressively.

• Copyright issues

Unlike Apple, Google doesn’t focus on quality checking when any developer uploads a new app on Play Store. These poor policy rules make it easier for any random developer to upload the apps frequently. There are numerous apps available on Google Store which mimic the original idea and concepts. Sometimes it affects the original idea and other times developers have to deal with the copied features.

Many Android App developers are challenged by the Play Store due to patent and copyright issues. All the developers have to be very cautious while designing such apps.

CONCLUSION

Developing an Android app is not as easy as cooking Maggie. One has to keep multiple conditions and limitations in mind while building an application. Professionals like RG Infotech can build an effective Android Application that is suitable for all types of devices and android versions. Make sure you are hiring the best Android app development services to provide you with an efficient Android application within the rules and regulations of the Play Store.