The app development ecosystem is growing at an accelerating pace. Today, it is one of the most prominent industries, with an average daily release of approximately 1,200+ apps on the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store.
Machine learning, Artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things are some of the major innovations incorporated in many apps today. Virtual assistants are another such advancement. Leading platforms like WhatsApp, Instagram, and TikTok apps are topping the list of popular apps with the highest number of downloads. Additionally, Netflix and Amazon Prime rule the entertainment apps segment, and Candy Crush rules the gaming apps segment.
Mobile applications have modified human life schematically. Exceptional UIs and quick navigation through the apps have become a trademark. The number of mobile phone users is expected to cross the 6.4 billion mark by the end of the year 2029. It will automatically bring an exponential increase in app downloads as well. In this context, it becomes more valuable to understand the best app development software solutions prevailing in the market along with the current and future app development trends.
This article includes a detailed review of a wide range of free and open-source app development software solutions to help you choose the best software for building your app.
What are the different types of apps and app development platforms?
The app world comprises a variety of apps. Let us check each of them in detail.
1. Native Apps: Native apps are dedicated to a specific mobile platform where particular technologies and programming languages are used. They can be classified into further three categories:
a. iOS apps work on Xcode and are based on Objective-C or Swift.
b. Android works on Android Studio and is based on Java and XML.
c. Windows Phone based on .NET, C#, HTML5, and CSS3 and work on Visual Studio.
2. Hybrid Apps: Hybrid apps combine elements of native and web applications. They are based mainly on today’s most promising technologies, such as Xamarin, Ionic, React Native, Angular Mobile, Sencha Touch, etc.
3. Web Apps: Web apps behave similarly to native apps and are client-server computer programs. They need a browser to run and are usually written in CSS, JavaScript, or HTML5. Webmail, online auctions, and online retail sales are some commonly known web applications.
Top Categories of Apps
As of 2023, Statista reports, Android users can choose between 2.43 million apps available in the Google Play Store, whereas iOS users can choose between nearly two million iOS apps in the Apple App Store. Have a look at the image below, which shows the top six app categories on the Google Play Store that are currently securing more than 5% of user engagement.
(Source: Statista)
App Development Software – To Create Free and Paid Apps
“There is always a great idea behind a great app.”
The app-building software industry is robust and varied. At present, it offers an influx of web and mobile app development software programs with a comfortable drag-and-drop facility, 1000+ design templates and style facility, and many other powerful features. It lets busy entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized business owners who are wearing multiple hats create responsive and custom-branded mobile apps at ease. Even startup businesses have started utilizing app-building solutions to remain more connected to their customers.
A recent study indicated that in the United States of America, e-commerce users are expected to reach 333.5 million by 2029. Due to easy and secure online shopping facilities, people are more inclined to shop online than to visit stores. Similarly, gaming, ordering food, and even booking tours have become quite simple and interesting through mobile applications.
Steps that go in Developing an App
The steps given below will help you go through the process of developing an app.
- Pick an app idea.
- Define the core functionalities that you want in the app, whether for real estate, hotels, or travel.
- Create a rough sketch of your app.
- Plan the UI flow.
- Design the database.
- Plant the front end with UX Wireframes.
- Design UI.
- Research for programming solutions.
- Build the app.
- Test and debug the app.
- App launch.
Free open-source mobile app builder platforms enable you to create apps easily, efficiently, and cost-effectively. They give you an immense opportunity to customize your app and add the desired features effortlessly.
You have to pay attention to this design-led-engineering process if you are new to the app-building arena;
- Deeply research your market.
- Define what your target audience and the elevator pitch are.
- Choose the type of app for your business: native, hybrid, or web app.
- Check your budget.
- Develop your marketing strategy and pre-launch buzz for the app.
- Plan for the app store optimization.
- Know about your resources.
- Ensure security measures.
Application Development Software Market
The Global Application Development Software Market touched the $252.97 billion milestone in 2023. More and more enterprises and developers are taking complete advantage of app development software solutions. These platforms provide a wide range of features, such as auto-scaling orchestrators, load balancers, In-Memory Data Grids (IMDGs), and automated deployment tools. This market is obvious to grow further, as the open source communities and vendors offer reliable, innovative, user-friendly and specialized platforms to support the modern as well as real-time application requirements.
What are the best app development software solutions?
Before you reach finding the best app development software programs ruling the industry, here are the types of tools you can benefit from;
- Cross-platform app development tools
- iOS app development tools
- App development frameworks
- Mobile analytics tools
- Advertising tools
- AR (Augmented Reality) tools
- AI (Artificial Intelligence) tools
- Mobile payment tools
- Push notification tools
- Game engines
How to pick an app development software Solution?
Every app development software program has its uniqueness. To understand it better and to pick the one that fits you, you need to do a bit of homework. Take tips from the following points;
- Application Privacy and Security: Not all business apps, but some specific applications need unique security and privacy options. If you find any compliance issues related to your business, discuss them with the representative of your potential app creator.
- Reseller Options: All apps involving DIY creation or third-party development options do not offer a reseller facility. So, your creation service should have a reseller option if you have chosen them for either designing a gaming app or a white-label app.
- Push Notifications: Push notifications keep you engaged with customers and notify them about your firm’s promotional and sales events and new products and services arriving in the market. The majority of app creation services allow for push notifications.
- Loyalty Programs or Customer Discounts: Many times, product-driven businesses offer customers new client discounts and loyalty programs. The majority of app creation services also integrate these programs into your app. Hence, it becomes easier to track customers' involvement in loyalty programs and more comfortable for customers to benefit from those programs.
- Instant Messaging Capabilities: Not all companies provide instant messaging capabilities to their customers. So, if it is a vital feature for your business, then try finding a company or developer that can offer you the option of instant messaging.
- Geo-targeting: If your business has multiple locations or customers across different regions, geo-targeting can become a valuable feature. It lets you communicate with your clients based on their site and tailor your message quickly to different segments.
- Social Media Integration: Most app creators can integrate your app with most social media platforms, such as Facebook and Instagram. This feature helps potential customers download your app and receive the required marketing material. It will also help your business connect with your followers and market your offerings.
- Third-Party App Integration: Many apps created for private business utility need further integration with proprietary apps and business-focused apps. Hence, if you are going to have an app for internal business requirements, make sure that it offers integration capability. Or else, it should let you connect with Google Maps or other Google services to your original app.
- Analytics and Reporting: Most app development software platforms offer analytics and reporting services. These reports will help you know about your customer base and reach them more effectively. If analytics is imperative for your business app, make sure about the type of reports included for the subscription fee taken.
- Admin Controls: Internal employee applications vitally need administrative controls. You should know the procedure for accessing admin controls and the facilities available. It is always ideal to choose permission-based access control.
- Customer Service: Before choosing app development software, you should understand the level of customer service offered by the provider. Some of the best companies offer 24/7 chat, email, and phone support services.
So, now you know how to pick the best app development software solution that meets your requirements.
However, if you are looking for free options, the table below lists some of the best free and open-source app development software solutions, helping you to make the right decision.
The Comparison Table of the best 7 free and open source App Development Software Solutions
You can check some of the best cross-platform, open source and free app development software programs given below.
1. Apache Cordova
Apache Cordova is a renowned mobile application development framework initially created by Nitobi. The framework is written in C#, C++, CSS, HTML, Java, JavaScript, and Objective-C and runs on Android, iOS, Windows 8.1, Phone 8.1 and 10, OS X, and Electron (software framework). The latest stable version, i.e., 12.0.0, was released on May 22, 2023. It is available in the English language and licensed as per Apache License 2.0. This platform is widely used by businesses for app development purposes owing to its cross-platform compatibility.
(Source: Apache Cordova)
Highlights:
- Apache Cordova facilitates creating mobile apps with HTML, CSS, and JS and targets multiple platforms with one code base.
- The software framework can be extended with native plug-ins so that developers can add more functionality to the app.
- The command-line interface allows users to create new projects, build them on different platforms, and run them on different devices or within emulators.
- A set of Cordova core components creates the app's base, allowing sufficient time to implement the development task.
- Support for offline scenarios
- Embed Cordova in native apps through webview.
- Merges function to customize each platform
- Inbuilt self-signed Certificates and encrypted storage
- Preexisting app development templates
2. Buildfire.js
Buildfire is a fully customizable, 100% free, simple, and intuitive app creator for Android, iOS, and progressive web apps. The software facilitates elegant drag-and-drop UI, and this platform currently supports more than 10,000 apps. This platform can be used to build a wide range of custom mobile applications for business workflows, employee communication, content creation, e-commerce, fitness, etc.
(Source: Buildfire)
Highlights:
- Buildfire is custom app development software for seasoned app makers as well as for beginners.
- It facilitates the BuildFire Lockdown feature for app security and compliance.
- The app restricts user access to selected content.
- BuildFire Connect feature provides robust experiences by integrating or extending any element in your app.
- The app can be combined with any third-party API’s or pre-built integrations.
- Interactive emulator to build apps in real-time
- Fully customizable UI
- Supports in-app purchase components
- Shopify integration
- Activity-based and Drip notifications
- Advanced analytics to track downloads, plugin usage, monitor CTR, etc.
3. Ionic Framework
Ionic is a complete open-source SDK for hybrid mobile app development. Its creators, Max Lynch, Ben Sperry, and Adam Bradley of Drifty Co, initially released it in 2013. The latest stable version of Ionic is 8.2.2, which was released on June 12, 2024. It is written in JavaScript and covered by the MIT license. It comes with robust app development components such as sliders, alerts, checkboxes, toggles, etc., for efficient cross-platform UI.
(Source: Ionic Framework)
Highlights:
- Ionic is an ‘npm’ module, and for installation, it requires Node.js.
- Ionic apps run with a mix of web and native code, and they provide full access to the native functionality with the app's UI.
- Ionic allows Cordova-based app building and deployment with a simplified ‘Ionic’ command line tool.
- The software includes interactive paradigms, typography, mobile components, and an extensible base theme.
- Enhanced editor tooling for better editing, development, and customization
- On-device hot refresh to quickly oversee changes
- Pre-built iOS and material design themes
- Supports native device plugins
4. Framework7
Framework7 is an astonishing HTML framework created by Vladimir Kharlampidi for building Android and iOS apps. It is a free and open-source framework for developing mobile, desktop, and web apps with a native look and feel. It works on HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, holds an MIT license, and its latest version, v8.3.3, was released on March 25, 2024. The platform also supports Vue.js, React, and Svelte components and offers stunning sets of UI elements.
(Source: Framework7)
Highlights:
- The software provides easy view management and navigation support facility.
- The built-in FastClick library helps in handling click delays for touch UIs.
- The software provides easy and familiar syntax for users who are familiar with JQuery to get started quickly.
- It facilitates a built-in layout grid system and customizable themes and color schemes.
- The flexible router helps in loading pages from templates and provides hardware accelerated CSS animations and transitions.
- Premium templates & plugins
- Back navigation
- Configure opened breakpoints
- New simplified grid layout and sizes
- Indispensable prototyping tool
5. NativeScript
NativeScript is one of the best open-source frameworks for developing native iOS apps and Android apps with JavaScript, Angular, Vue.js, and TypeScript. The software provides a complete suite of professional services. Architectural assistance, in-person training, troubleshooting, performance analysis and application design and development are its scope of work. Developers have also been actively using this development platform for AndroidTV development, Vision Pro app development, and watchOS development.
(Source: NativeScript)
Highlights:
- NativeScript platform is shipped with a rich set of cross-platform tools to build iOS and Android apps rapidly.
- NativeScript Theme Builder visually customizes the built-in themes.
- The software supports a robust CSS-based styling system.
- The software allows users to directly access all Native platform APIs from the code.
- The software uses native controls, and its applications are usable with screen reader technology.
- Easy to set and use
- Automated tooling to add and scale plugins
- Numerous layout containers and navigation components
- Wide range of preexisting templates
- Supports multithreading and code-sharing features
6. Flutter
As Google’s portable UI kit- Flutter software is used for developing native mobile, web, and desktop apps from a single codebase. It is a free and open-source mobile application development framework written in C, C++, Dart, and Skia Graphics Engine. It works on Windows, MacOS, and Linux and can be used to develop applications for Android, iOS, and Google Fuchsia platforms. The latest stable version is 3.22.0, which was released on May 13, 2024.
(Source: Flutter)
Highlights:
- Flutter software performance facilitates the fast development of native apps with fully customizable widgets.
- It promotes native end-user experiences with incredibly fast rendering expressive and flexible designs.
- The software system's widgets incorporate all critical platform differences, such as icons, scrolling, navigation, and fonts, to provide ideal native performance.
- Dart platform, Flutter engine, foundation library, and design-specific widgets are significant components of this software system
- Uses a single codebase to deploy apps on multiple devices
- Fully automated developer tooling and testing
- Seamless integration with Google Apps
- Deep linking to enhance user experience
- Predictive back gesture for Android
7. React Native
Created by Meta, React Native is an open-source, JavaScript-based mobile app framework for developing native apps for Android and iOS. Native components like Image, Text, and View greatly help developers reuse the UI component code and map directly to the platforms' native UI building blocks. The latest version of React Native is 0.74.1, which was released on May 3, 2024. Applications like Facebook, Skype, Shopify, Microsoft Teams, WordPress, etc., are based on the React Native framework.
(Source: React Native)
Highlights:
- Powerful tool for cross-platform app development
- Supports Yoga 3.0, Bridgeless by Default, and Batched on layout Updates architecture
- In-built Kotlin templates for Android app development
- Android 14 support
- Comes with a lot of Android and iOS classes, components, and APIs
- File-based routing to manage screens with minimal boilerplate
- 50+ modules for native application development
- Seamlessly works with Expo Go and expo-dev-client
- Scroll and list views to display long and short-form data
- Can integrate with third-party tools, extensions, and plugins
We have also included one popular category of Mobile application development platform - APPY PIE. It has been taken owing to its robust functionality and great features. Let us discuss this mobile application development software in detail:
Appy Pie
Appy Pie is an easy application for someone who wants to create a basic business app. This great resource helps you design your own application without the need to have programming skills. The makers have used the questionnaire method to understand your needs, and it features a lot of pre-built templates that allow customization. It has a cloud-hosted platform.
(Source: Appy Pie)
Features:
- All basic features to build the mobile application are available.
- AI-powered no-code business app builder.
- No technical expertise is required for building apps through Appy Pie.
- Users build customized apps by using Appy Pie's drag-and-drop feature.
- Photo Gallery integration from Pinterest, Flickr, Instagram
- Users can create Mobile Web/ HTML5 and Hybrid apps (iOS, Android, Windows, and Blackberry).
- GPS location tracking can be added.
- Integration with Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, & YouTube
- Takes less than 10 minutes to build an app for your business using the in-built templates
- Push Notifications
- Event Calendar feature
- Compatibility testing
- It can be integrated with Google Analytics for more real-time app statistics.
Alpha Anywhere, Jira, Meteor, Zoho Creator, VisionX, AppMachine, and MobiRoller are some other robust app development software programs available in the market.
If you are already using one of the software solutions listed above, you can freely share your reviews here.
Conclusion:
The impact of IoT, AI and ML and their broader reach has become the driving force behind the growth of mobile apps. Instead of downloading apps, the concept of Instant Apps, ready-to-use, composable applications, is emerging today as a revolutionary measure in the field of app development.
The low-code approach will be in immense prevalence in the coming era of mobile app creator software programs.
Due to the demand for quality apps consistently, almost all apps undergo constant revisions and optimization. App development is growing big, and so are the app development software solutions. So, go ahead and pick the one that suits your needs. If you wish to explore more, then have a look at our all-inclusive list of the best app development software solutions.
