What do you need to create an app?
Before you plunge into app development, it's important to have a clear plan and access to the right resources. Whether you have a fantastic idea or just want to experiment, it all starts with understanding what you need to get started.
Develop an app? Define your app idea
A good app always starts with a solid idea. Think carefully about what you want to achieve. Who is your target audience? What problem should the app solve, or what value should it add to users? Having a clear vision for your app makes it easier to make the right choices later in the process.
Ask yourself questions like:
- How will users experience the app?
- What makes your app different or better than existing alternatives?
This stage is not only about creativity, but also about thinking strategically.
Choose the right platform
Another important decision is which platform your app should be available on. iOS and Android are the most popular, but they require different approaches. You can choose to develop for one platform first, or go for both at once.
You should also consider whether you want to develop a native app (specific to one platform) or use a cross-platform solution that allows you to build one app that works across multiple platforms.
Native development provides high performance but requires more time and resources, while cross-platform tools like Flutter and React Native can be faster and more cost-effective. The choice depends on your budget, time frame and what features the app needs.
Basic tools and resources
To create an app, you need access to the right tools and programs. For iOS development, Xcode is the official tool, while Android development requires Android Studio. If you want an easier start, explore platforms like Flutter, which allow you to develop for both systems at the same time.
As a beginner, it is also important to invest time in learning. There is an ocean of resources, from free videos on YouTube to detailed online courses on platforms such as Udemy, Codecademy or FreeCodeCamp. These can help you with everything from learning the basics of programming to understanding how to publish your app.
Once you have a clear idea, chosen platform and access to the right tools, you have the foundations in place to start your app development journey. The rest is about taking small, concrete steps towards your goal.
Step-by-step guide to creating an app
Creating an app may seem like a complex task, but by dividing the process into concrete steps, it becomes far more manageable. Here is an overview of the most important steps you need to go through to go from idea to a finished app on the market.
1. Plan your app's features
Before you begin development, you need to have a clear understanding of what your app is going to do.
Start by creating a detailed list of the features the app should have. Is there an app for booking? A gaming app? Or maybe a fitness app? Describe the features as specifically as possible, from login and navigation to special features.
When the feature list is ready, create sketches or wireframes for the user interface. This helps you visualize how the app will look and function. No advanced design tools are required at this stage — a simple drawing on paper may suffice.
2. Create a prototype design
When the sketches are ready, it's time to create a digital prototype. Use tools like Figma or Adobe XD to design how the app will look on your screen. The prototype doesn't have to be perfect, but it should give a clear idea of how users will navigate and interact with the app.
Test the prototype on your target audience to gather feedback. This can help you spot weaknesses in the design before investing time in development. Remember that user experience is the key to success.
3. Learn the basics of programming
If you can't program already, now is the time to learn the basics. Which programming language you should focus on depends on the platform you are developing for:
- Swift for iOS.
- Kotlin or Java for Android.
- JavaScript for cross-platform development with tools like React Native.
If programming seems daunting, there are no-code platforms like Bubble or Adalo. These make it possible to build apps using drag-and-drop features without writing a single line of code.
4. Develop the app itself
When you're ready to build, you need to set up your development environment. For iOS, you can use Xcode, and for Android, Android Studio is suitable. If you are developing for multiple platforms, Flutter is an excellent tool.
Start with one feature at a time and test regularly as you develop. This ensures that any errors are detected early and makes it easier to keep track of the process.
5. Test and optimize the app
Testing is essential to make sure your app is working properly. There are different types of testing:
- Functional testing to check if the features work.
- User testing to evaluate the app's user experience.
- Performance testing to ensure the app works efficiently, even under high load.
Be prepared to detect and correct mistakes. This is a natural part of the process, and it makes your app more robust.
6. Publish your app
Once the app is finished, it's time to publish it. For iOS, upload the app to the App Store via App Store Connect, while for Android, use the Google Play Console.
Pay close attention to your app's metadata — title, description, and screenshots — to make it more visible to potential users. Also, make sure the app meets the requirements for authentication on both platforms.
Once the app is published, you can start collecting feedback and working on updates to improve it over time.
Tips for beginners creating their first app
Creating an app for the first time can be both exciting and challenging. To make the process easier and more educational, here are some important tips that you should keep in mind.
Start with simple projects
As a beginner, it's tempting to splurge on ambitious app ideas with advanced features, but it can quickly become overwhelming. Start with a simple project. For example, a calculator, a to-do list or a basic quiz app.
Such projects give you the opportunity to understand the basics of app development without getting stuck in complex challenges.
When you start small, you can also see results faster, providing motivation to keep going. These simple projects become the steps that take you on to bigger and more advanced ideas.
Be patient and learn from your mistakes
No developer makes the perfect app on the first try. Errors are a natural part of the process -- from small bugs to design problems. The main thing is to learn from them.
When something doesn't work, ask yourself why, and find solutions. Each challenge you solve builds your knowledge and makes you better equipped for future projects.
Also collect feedback from friends, family or potential users. This gives you insight into how the app is actually used, and what improvements can be made.
Remember that patience is key — development is about continuous learning.
Leverage your community and networks
You don't have to do everything alone. There is a huge community of developers who are ready to help, share experiences and answer questions. Explore forums like Stack Overflow or Reddit, where you can ask questions and find solutions to common problems.
Join local or online development communities. Many cities have meetup groups or events such as hackathons, where you can meet other developers, share ideas and learn new skills. Collaborating with others can give you new perspectives and speed up your learning curve.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to create an app as a beginner?
The time it takes to create an app varies depending on the complexity of the app and your experience. For a simple app, like a to-do list or a basic calculator, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months, especially if you spend time learning along the way. More complex apps with more features can require months, or even years, to develop.
Do I need to be able to code to create an app?
Not necessarily! While many choose to learn the basics of programming to create apps, there are several options for those who don't want to code. No-code platforms like Bubble, Adalo and Glide let you build apps using visual drag-and-drop tools. These are perfect solutions for beginners who want to get started quickly without learning programming.
How much does it cost to create an app?
The cost of creating an app varies depending on the tools you use and the complexity of the app. If you develop yourself and use free tools like Android Studio or Xcode, you get the opportunity to keep costs low. No-code platforms can have monthly subscriptions ranging from a few hundred dollars to several thousand, depending on the features you need.
Can I update my app after publication?
Yes, you can update the app at any time after publishing. Updates are a good way to improve the app, correct bugs, and add new features. When you upload a new version to the App Store or Google Play, your users will automatically receive the update.