Development Digital Insights

Firstly, an interesting fact: there are almost 700 programming languages, but we bet that most developers know and use nearly 15% of the list.

Different programming languages are suited for various projects (mobile and web applications, game development, distributed systems, etc.). Also, it is important to identify the most appropriate language specifically for your project.

In this article, we will look at each of the most popular programming languages according to PYPL and TIOBE rankings in detail — helping beginning developers and entrepreneurs select the right language for starting their digital projects.

Programming Languages Ranking

We tried to find out the most popular programming languages in the year 2024, using official information from PYPL, TIOBE, and GitHub rankings.

• PYPL – The more a language tutorial is searched, the more popular the language is assumed to be. The raw data comes from Google Trends.
• TIOBE – The ratings are based on the number of skilled engineers worldwide, courses, and third-party vendors. Popular search engines are also used to calculate the ratings.
• GitHub – The ratings are created using a yearly review of programming languages’ popularity.

PYPL Ranking 2024

The PYPL (PopularitY of Programming Language) Index is created by analyzing how often language tutorials are searched on Google.

The more a language tutorial is searched, the more popular the language is assumed to be. The raw data comes from Google Trends.

The PYPL index can help you decide which language to study, or which one to use in a new software project.

According to PYPL, 5 most popular programming languages are:

The TIOBE Ranking 2024

The TIOBE (The Importance of Being Earnest) index is an indicator of the popularity of programming languages. The index is updated once a month. The ratings are based on the number of skilled engineers worldwide, courses, and third-party vendors. Popular search engines such as Google, Bing, Yahoo!, Wikipedia, Amazon, YouTube, and Baidu are used to calculate the ratings.

It is important to note that the TIOBE index is not about the best programming language or the language in which most lines of code have been written.

According to TIOBE, 5 most popular programming languages are:

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The GitHub Ranking 2024

GitHub is one of the biggest code repositories that boasts a massive developer community spanning across the globe. The repository is also growing at a blazing speed. Nearly 70% of global Fortune 50 companies have lately made contributions to GitHub’s open-source codes.

GitHub also shares a yearly review of programming languages’ popularity. Here are the dynamics of changing the popularity of different languages according to the latest GitHub report:

Top 5 Most Popular Programming Languages in 2024

Understanding programming is crucial for advancing technology across sectors like IT, data analytics, and engineering. As technology evolves, certain programming languages emerge as essential due to their functionality, ease of use, and adaptability.

So, which programming languages will continue to be in demand in 2024 and beyond? We turn to the PYPL index for insights, which ranks languages by learning interest. Here's a quick look at the top 5 according to PYPL, focusing on why they stand out.

1. Python

PYPL rating — 28.59%

• Pros. Python is regarded as the easiest programming language to learn, because of its simple syntax, a large library of standards and toolkits, and integration with other popular programming languages such as C and C++. It is a popular programming language, especially among startups, and therefore Python skills are in high demand.

• Cons. Python’s cons include slower speed than compiled languages, limited concurrency with the GIL, high memory use, and complex debugging due to dynamic typing. It’s also less suited for mobile, embedded, and real-time applications, where efficiency and low latency are critical.

• Common Use Cases. Python excels in AI, data science, and financial sectors, with frameworks like TensorFlow making it a top choice for machine learning. It's behind major platforms like Instagram and Pinterest and powers apps such as Dropbox and Spotify, showcasing its wide applicability from cutting-edge tech to core web services.

2. Java

PYPL rating — 15.79%

• Pros. Java is a classic choice of many backend developers throughout the world and the only official language for Android app development. Java is designed to be a loosely coupled programming language, meaning that an application written in Java can run on any platform that supports Java. As a result, Java is described as the “write once, run anywhere” programming language.

• Cons. Java's downsides include less efficiency in cloud versus server settings and slower performance compared to languages such as C++. It also uses more memory, which can be a drawback in limited-resource situations. Moreover, Java's detailed syntax can result in longer codes, potentially extending development timelines.

• Common Use Cases. Java is widely used for creating business and Android apps, and it supports major websites like LinkedIn, Amazon, and Twitter. It's also used in server applications, handling big data with Hadoop, and web development using JSP and servlets, highlighting its wide-ranging use in software projects

3. Javascript

PYPL rating — 8.7%

• Pros. JavaScript is essential in front-end development for building interactive websites. With Node.js, Javascript can be used to power server-side content, supporting game and communication applications app development in the browser. Javascript has a lot of frameworks that allow stress-free integration with third-party apps. 

• Cons. Internet browsers can disable JavaScript code from running, as JavaScript is used to code pop-up ads that in some cases can contain malicious content. Additionally, its dynamic typing system can complicate debugging and maintenance.

• Common Use Cases. JavaScript is used extensively in website and mobile application development. Node.js allows for the development of browser-based applications, which do not require users to download an application. Popular apps built with JavaScript frameworks include Slack, Netflix, GitHub, Facebook, Skype, Uber, LinkedIn, Tidal, and more.

4. C#

PYPL rating — 6.77%

• Pros. C#, developed by Microsoft, is widely used in developing Windows applications, web services, and mobile apps. C# is also known for its strong type system, making code more robust and error-free. Thanks to its object-oriented nature, it's highly preferred for enterprise-level applications. Regular updates from Microsoft ensure it remains relevant and efficient for modern software development.

• Cons. While C# is incredibly powerful for Windows platform development, it's less versatile for programming applications on other operating systems, although .NET Core has made significant strides in cross-platform development. Some critics argue that C# can be less efficient for certain types of low-level programming compared to languages like C or C++.

• Common Use Cases. C# is key for creating desktop, web (via ASP.NET), and mobile applications (using Xamarin), especially for Microsoft products. Popular apps like Visual Studio IDE, games such as "Pokémon Go" and "Monument Valley" developed with Unity, and parts of Microsoft Office showcase C#'s versatility in software development.

5. C\C++

PYPL rating — 6.76%

• Pros. As one of the first programming languages ever developed, C has served as the foundation for writing more modern languages such as Python, Ruby, and PHP. It is also an easy language to debug, test, and maintain. C++ is an extension of C that works well for programming the systems that run applications, as opposed to the applications themselves. C++ also works well for multi-device and multi-platform systems. Over time, programmers have written a large set of libraries and compilers for C++.

• Cons. C/C++ has complex syntax and many features that can make it complicated for new programmers. C++ also does not support run-time checking, which is a method of detecting errors or defects while the software is running. C is not suitable for more modern use cases, such as websites or mobile applications.

• Common Use Cases. C++ has many uses and is the language behind everything from computer games to mathematical simulations. C is often used to program hardware, such as embedded devices in automobiles and medical devices used in healthcare. C/C++ is a basic programming language used for creating most existing operating systems, web browsers, and basic Microsoft products.

How to Choose a Programming Language for a Project?

Choosing the right programming language depends on what you need to achieve with your project. Don't just go by how popular a language is. It's better to ask for advice from developers who have worked on similar projects. They can help you pick a language that fits your project's needs, including how it works, its safety, and how it can grow. 

Thinking about which language to use? Feel free to contact us today to make a smart choice for your project's future.

In today's world of IT technologies, cooperation with Ukrainian developers is becoming more and more relevant and promising. Ukraine is ranked as one of the world's top IT service providers and continues to hold that position.

Ukrainian IT market overview

Today, the Ukrainian IT market has positive growth dynamics, as Ukraine is a more favorable center of cooperation than other countries. Why is this so? It is due to our specialists' high level of education, scientific potential, the country's proximity to the European market, and favorable tax conditions. The close geographical location to Europe also ensures faster and more efficient communication between clients and developers. All this makes it possible to double Ukraine's export revenues in the next 4 years.

Currently, more than 200,000 Ukrainian developers work in the international market. That demonstrates the high level of qualification and professionalism of IT specialists who successfully work on projects of any scale and complexity.

In 2021-2022, the IT industry grew by 36%, from $5 billion to $6.8 billion in exports. Over the past three years, these figures have almost doubled, and the growth trend is quite stable. Despite the war and issues many IT companies face nowadays, the IT sector is still a driving force in the Ukrainian economy and continues to develop. 

The majority of IT companies today work remotely. But this does not prevent participants in the development process from creating digital products, being in touch with the client, and providing timely updates on the work done. During the full-scale invasion of the aggressor country, all Ukrainian companies have adapted to the new reality and are ready for force-majeure situations at any level. 

Our company did not disrupt any project over the past year and delivered all developed products to each customer. Moreover, our practical work resulted in the support of foreign customers who want to cooperate only with Ukrainian companies on convenient terms.

Development tasks that Ukrainian developers solve

Ukrainian developers today are among the most in-demand in the world. Through continuous development and training, top-notch IT specialists contribute to developing international products and participate in their launch and maintenance. They successfully solve many development tasks and problems, including:

1. Complex technical projects

‍Ukrainian developers have high technical expertise and can implement projects of any complexity. They use the most advanced technologies and programming languages, such as Java, Python, Ruby, JavaScript, etc.

2. Mobile application development

A significant amount of experience is available among Ukrainian developers in developing mobile applications for iOS and Android platforms using React Native, Ionic, and other technologies. They know how to create intuitive, user-friendly interfaces that satisfy users' needs. They also specialize in developing cross-platform applications that run on multiple operating systems, which can significantly speed up the development process and reduce project costs. 

3. E-commerce platform development 

Ukrainian developers also have considerable experience in developing online stores and e-commerce platforms. They are familiar with major CMS systems such as Magento, Shopify, and WooCommerce.

4. Software development 

It is well known that Ukrainian developers create high-quality software. They know how to write code that will work quickly, efficiently, and reliably. They also have experience in various areas, such as web development, mobile development, artificial intelligence, and more. Ukrainian developers often use modern technologies and development methods such as Agile, Scrum, and DevOps to ensure high quality and fast development time.

5. Integration and maintenance

Besides developing new software, Ukrainian developers integrate it with existing systems and maintain them. They are ready to solve problems during the operation and ensure the smooth operation of the applications.

6. Cybersecurity

Ukrainian developers actively work in cybersecurity, providing reliable protection of information and data. They know how to protect applications from threats like hacker attacks, viruses, and other malware. And also use modern technologies and methods such as data protection, encryption, and authentication to keep software secure.

Advantages of cooperation with Ukrainian developers

Cooperation with Ukrainian developers today is one of the most advantageous options for companies looking for reliable and experienced IT specialists. Ukraine is one of the world's leaders in the IT services market, thanks to its talented and highly qualified developers capable of fulfilling tasks of any complexity.

• One of the main advantages of working with Ukrainian developers is the high quality of their work. Ukrainian developers have an extensive experience in various fields of IT. They follow the latest trends and use the most advanced technologies. Due to this, they can realize tasks of any complexity, including creating complex websites, mobile applications, software development, and much more.

• In addition, Ukrainian developers are known for their speed and efficiency. They strive to complete their projects on time without compromising the quality of their work. Ukrainian IT companies are also ready to provide flexible working conditions, including working in different time zones, which makes cooperation with them even more convenient and effective.

• One more advantage of cooperation with Ukrainian developers is their price competitiveness. Ukraine offers more favorable conditions for cooperation than other countries while maintaining a high quality of work and professionalism. That allows companies to save on costs without losing quality.

• ‍Flexible cooperation conditions are another advantage of Ukrainian developers. Many of them work remotely, which makes their services more flexible and accessible to clients from all over the world. That reduces the cost of organizing work with remote teams and the time required to find the right specialists. In addition, even remote communication with Ukrainian developers allows you to respond quickly to changes in the project and solve any problems that may arise. Also, communication with Ukrainian developers is in English, which facilitates interaction with customers from around the world.

Summary

Ukraine is one of Europe's largest exporters of IT services, with an excellent knowledge base, great motivation, and great opportunities. Despite the Russian invasion, Ukrainian IT companies continue to provide quality services, support the economy, and maintain a high rate of development and continuous growth.

Cooperation with the Ukrainian company is not only a guarantee of quality work but also support for Ukrainian businesses and Ukraine as a whole. Numerous IT companies survived difficult times and are gaining momentum in their activities due to the trust of international customers and the continuous work of the development team. 

If you regularly think about how to optimize your business operations by speeding them up, increasing their accuracy, reducing related expenses, and eliminating risks associated with the human factor, perhaps the introduction of artificial intelligence will be the best option. 

Specifically, according to the CompTIA IT Industry Outlook 2024 report, today, about 22% of companies are actively seeking to integrate AI into most of their technological solutions and processes, and 45% of companies are considering its implementation. If you are still in the second category, it's time to figure out which programming language will be able to form the basis of your new highly intelligent software tools.

What Is Artificial Intelligence (AI)?

The term "Artificial intelligence" describes software algorithms and systems that are aimed at solving problems typical to the human mind – such as learning, as well as pattern generation and recognition. Such algorithms are based on colossal amounts of disparate data collected from various sources. Thus, these algorithms form self-learning software solutions capable of analyzing this data and extracting valuable insights from it.

Programming Languages ​​Most Often Used for AI in 2024

It is worth noting that AI-powered solutions may not be based on any software language – this can be explained by the high resource consumption of the AI algorithms that form them, as well as the lack of high-level functions. At the same time, there are seven languages that are most often used in AI programming.

Python

This programming language appeared long before the popularization of AI development. However, thanks to its low entry threshold and extensive compatibility, its community quickly grew, and today, Python is considered one of the three most relevant languages worldwide.

As for the tools for artificial intelligence programming, there are a lot of Python-compatible frameworks, libraries, and APIs, aimed at simplifying and speeding up this process. Among them are TensorFlow, PyTorch, Keras, SciPy, NumPy, and many others. Using them, developers can create high-performance, reliable, and scalable solutions that can solve even the most complex research problems.

R

R, being a statistical programming language, is great for data analysis and visualization. Even though developing artificial intelligence and machine learning solutions is not the primary use case for R, it is still adept at handling very large numbers. So, where popular Python may fall short, particularly in Data Science and Data Analysis solutions, R may be a better alternative.

Additional benefits of this developer tool include support for functional programming, vector computing, and OOP, as well as a number of packages specifically created for AI and ML development (for example, gmodels, RODBC, and OneR).

Java

This portable and scalable programming language is actively used in the development of highly intelligent corporate applications, especially for mobile platforms. In addition to compatibility with popular tools for ML and AI programming, such as the Deep Java Library for deep learning, OpenNLP for natural language processing, and Neuroph for building neural networks, Java is easy to write and debug program code.

It is worth noting that this language is object-oriented and scalable. It also simplifies data visualization and supports Swing and SWT (Standard Widget Toolkit), which allow developers to create attractive and complex graphics and interfaces.

C++

C++ is considered an extremely powerful language for AI programming and can greatly benefit developers when creating games and embedded systems. Like Python, C++ is a mature language, which does not detract from its advantages, such as flexibility and high performance. C++ has several libraries for machine learning and neural networks that help complex algorithms run faster (including MapReduce, mlpack, and MongoDB). In general, many software engineers prefer this language for building projects that require high speed, as it interacts with training modules in a production environment.

Actually, that’s why this low-level language used for AI is primarily a tool for creating complex banking software, cloud systems, and intelligent speech recognition solutions.

JavaScript

JavaScript is a scripting language used to add interactivity to web pages. Even though it is not as popular as the AI programming languages ​​described above, it can be extremely helpful in implementing solutions for Data Science, one of the most promising areas for using JS.

In addition, JavaScript is the most popular programming language in the world, so you won’t have any problems finding the right AI development tools and frameworks that are compatible with it. The popularity of this coding language for AI can be explained by several factors: reliability, stability, abundance of high-level functions, libraries, and tools, as well as fairly low requirements for other technical skills of developers (it is likely that you will not have any difficulty finding dozens of AI tools that support JS, which will cover the whole scope of work related to your AI project) .

Scala

This machine learning language is concise and expressive, and is often used in big data solutions. Scala is a multi-paradigm language specifically designed to express common programming concepts in a simple, convenient, and type-safe manner.

Scala is commonly used in the development of machine learning algorithms and pattern detection in large data sets, and all this – thanks to the built-in Smile data processing library, extensive compatibility with AI frameworks and libraries (in particular, BigDL, Breeze, DeepLearning.scala, and so on), as well as its object-oriented and scalable nature.

Julia

Julia is the best programming language for AI powered scientific solutions and technical projects that require statistical data processing. This is a relatively new language with dynamic typing, parallel programming, and JIT compilation that has proven itself well due to its high speed (Julia-based projects are rarely inferior in performance to their C++-based counterparts), flexibility, and a mature ecosystem.

Many of the tools built into this language use polymorphic dispatch, which makes switching between them much faster than in other languages. It is also worth noting that Julia projects can be integrated with TensorFlow.jl, MLBase.jl, and MXNet.jl.

The Programming Languages That Are Not Recommended for AI

Along with the extensive list of languages for AI development, there are also those that are better used for solving other problems. These are usually niche and low-level languages, such as PHP and Ruby (scripting languages that do not have the needed flexibility and speed to simplify the development process), C (a low-level language that lacks almost all the functions needed in AI development), and Fortran (despite its use for mostly scientific purposes, it has poor functionality).

Ultimately, a seasoned software engineer will be able to cope with any AI development task using any language; another thing is that, given the expected scope of work, the languages that we described in the previous paragraph are much better suited for these tasks.

If you are looking for an experienced team that will launch the digital transformation of your business processes through custom-made AI and ML solutions, feel free to contact us.

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The mobile apps market is rapidly growing. According to Grand View Research, the global mobile app market was evaluated at approximately USD 253 billion in 2023 and is going to grow with a 14.3% CAGR by 2030. That’s why the need for qualified mobile development specialists is so relevant today. 

At the same time, one of the key features of a competent specialist is knowledge of the software development life cycle (SDLC) and which of the existing models is best to use in a specific project. The following article will overview the most popular SDLC models and explain where to apply them for the best results. 

What is the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC)?

The software development lifecycle is a methodology that guides the development team during the app creation process. Each of the development life cycle phases has its aims, timeframes, and challenges. Yet, a systemized approach toward software development ensures that the final product is of the highest quality. 

In comparison, there are other approaches to software development. For example, development teams can choose from the following options: 

• Application lifecycle management. It has a broader scope outside of the actual development process. It can include several SLDC development life cycle stages inside. 
• Software testing lifecycle. This method emphasizes debugging and elimination of possible errors in the product. 
• Product development lifecycle. This strategy includes market and product promotion after its development is complete. 

What Is the Purpose of the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC)?

The SDLC’s clear division into development cycle stages ensures that software is developed in a controlled environment. The systematic approach helps to avoid such challenges as: 

• Budget breaches.
• Project overruns and crunches 
• Failure to meet the requirements 
• Expired deadlines

Creative freedom is important during the software development process. Yet, the SDLC approach ensures that all the creativity and revolutionary solutions are channeled constructively. 

While following the life cycle of software development, each team member knows what task they should do and its deadline. 

What are the 7 Phases of SDLC? 

There are seven common SDLC phases: 

1. Requirements analysis 
2. Planning
3. Design 
4. Development
5. Testing
6. Deployment
7. Maintenance

Let’s consider them in more detail.

Requirements Analysis 

It is the initial stage at which the developer's team evaluates the required features for the app. It defines how long the app will be in development, the budget’s size, and the deadlines. 

This step answers such questions as: 

• What is the objective of the app? 
• Is it an upgrade or a brand-new software? 
• What are the expected results? 

Planning 

The project can be planned after its goals and desired results are established. Planning in SDLC defines the technological stack and project roles. The project roadmap is also developed during the planning phase of SDLC. 

Design 

The software blueprint is created during the design stage. Ideas turn into features, architecture, and UI/UX design. Designing also includes consideration of the software's platforms and security as a part of SDLC processes. 

Design can undergo several iterations before reaching its final look. During this phase, teams usually create a software prototype to see how all the features work together. This phase concludes with design document specification — a text description of the app’s functionality to share with stakeholders and within the team. 

Development 

Development is the long-lasting of the SDLC steps. During this stage, the team implements planned features and functionality into actual software. Tools for progress tracking and version control, such as Git, are common in the software development stage.

Testing 

Testing comes after the implementation phase in SDLC. It is a rigorous process during which all software elements are evaluated. Testing can include: 

• Performance testing
• Security testing
• Integration testing
• Alpha and beta testing, and so on 

The result of the testing and debugging software development cycle phases should be a product meets its specifications and is ready for the commercial environment. 

Deployment 

Usually, the apps undergo testing and development in a secluded, special environment. Deployment implies transferring the software to the commercial space. The deployment phase includes final testing of the working product and gathering feedback from a limited audience. 

The product is ready for full-fledged commercial use when the software development stages are over. 

Maintenance 

Maintenance is the final stage of the SDLC cycle. It includes software updates, security, and performance optimization. An upgrade or upscale of the software may be required in the future. In this case, the SDLC begins from the first stage, and the major update undergoes all the steps mentioned. 

Most Common SDLC Models 

The SDLC standards are common across the industry and development teams. However, there are different SDLC models. Each model serves its own purpose and offers a different order in which the different phases are performed.

SDLC Agile Model 

The Agile SDLC model is the hallmark of modern industry. This model implies dividing the bigger tasks into smaller chunks and working on their implementation. The Agile method emphasizes communication between cross-functional teams and stakeholders. 

Agile also implies frequent feedback gathering and analysis. Rigorous quality control is also an integral part of the Agile model. 

SDLC Big Bang Model

The Big Bang model is an almost informal approach to the SDLC cycle. It ignores any planning or assessment and jumps straight into the coding. Such an approach is more risky than others. However, the model works best if delivery time is critical. 

The Big Bang model can work for you if you wish to experiment or test waters in new markets. 

SDLC DevOps Model

DevOps is a combination of development (Dev) and operations (Ops) teams to streamline the delivery of software products. The combined practices require service providers of highly skilled specialists. The main DevOps principles are continuous integration and delivery at the enterprise software development level. These methods help automate the process and streamline management tasks. 

The DevOps model can strain the budget. However, the result is worth the cost. The DevOps SDLC cycle ensures that the product is in a deployable state and can be swiftly modified. 

SDLC Iterative Model

An Iterative model is another representative SDLC cycle. Unlike the Agile model, iterative SDLC does not require continuous customer involvement. Besides, the iterative model has a more defined structure. 

The Iterative model implies iterating the software and making changes between the cycles. Such an approach works well for expanded teams and allows the desired results to be achieved without failing deadlines or breaching the budget. 

SDLC Lean Model

The Lean model is one of the oldest SDLC cycles that has persisted until today. It aims to achieve maximum efficiency in resource management. Unlike Agile, it focuses on the highest possible quality instead of close and consistent communication with the client. 

It also takes a broader than Iterative model approach and improves the overall development process rather than the product itself. Lean is more philosophy than a precise model. As an SDLC model, Lean will ensure the quality of the product and client satisfaction before everything else. 

SDLC Spiral Model

The Spiral model is a combination of Iterative and Waterfall models (this one will be discussed below), taking the best features from both approaches. The model consists of spirals, and each spiral has the following steps: 

• Planning 
• Risk analysis 
• Development 
• Testing

Such an approach allows risk mitigation at the early stage of the project. While being time-consuming, the Spiral model can be a fail-proof net for your project. 

SDLC Waterfall Model

If you are looking for something straightforward and easy to manage – the Waterfall model is your choice. It takes the SDLC structure at face value and follows each step consecutively. The Waterfall model has its risks. It is rigid, and if changes or feedback appear in later stages, it will be hard to implement them. At the same time, the Waterfall model struggles with scalability. 

On the other hand, it can spare the headache of complex management and task delegation. 

Conclusion 

Software development is a complex process that requires structure and precision. The Software Development Lifecycle provides such a structure. In seven steps, a software development team can clearly see goals and meet the client’s requirements. 

Various SDLC models fit different needs and project scopes, and we know how to work with all of them. If you need specialists for custom software solutions, we are ready to answer your call and create a high-quality product. Contact us to discuss your project in detail.

In the design and operation of digital products, it is essential to detect errors and ensure that these products fully comply with specifications (both generally accepted and defined by their owners). For example, in the field of healthcare, using such solutions directly impacts the health and life of patients and the level of efficiency of medical services. So, let’s delve into this topic. 

Objective of Quality Assurance in Healthcare App Development

So, let’s find out why QA is important. In general, it is one of the integral parts of software development, especially in the medical field. After all, in the field of medical services, the fate of the patient's life and health is decided every day. Digital solution that looks and operates as intended (of course, thanks to the quality assurance benefits) provides the ability to prevent all potential errors as efficiently as possible and ensures that applications meet modern medical standards. 

Regarding the importance of quality assurance in healthcare applications, the following points can be distinguished:

• Safety of patients: At the heart of QA in healthcare software development is patient safety. The timely testing of healthcare applications that could impact a patient's health is a critical aspect. This includes verifying medicine dosage, ensuring the accuracy of diagnostic algorithms, and the functionality of the patient monitoring system. Any malfunction, even for a brief period, can lead to serious errors, underscoring the importance of reliability assurance.
• Data privacy: The guarantee of absolute protection of patients' personal data from unauthorized access. Due to their specificity, medical applications regularly process a huge amount of information, so the introduction of modern encryption methods is critical.
• Compliance with regulatory requirements: A number of modern healthtech standards like HIPAA and GDPR are created for a reason. Therefore, absolutely all software should be developed to meet these requirements. Civilized countries actively implement official app development rules. If these laws are ignored, it is undoubtedly a direct path to legal accountability, with all the attendant consequences. The implementation of reliable digital solutions reduces the chances of getting a fine or a lawsuit until the loss of a license.
• Optimization of regular processes: The higher the efficiency of the application, the better the performance and accuracy of work within the medical professional team. In this way, medical staff can access the necessary information, thus minimizing the time spent on data processing. This guarantees both speed and high accuracy of decision-making regarding the further treatment of patients.

Risks Associated with Poor Software Quality in Healthcare

No one will argue that some medical institutions ignore the risks of using legacy software that doesn’t meet the modern healthtech regulations. However, this is a very serious and critical topic that can significantly impact patients' safety and lives and the effectiveness of daily processes.

Numerous errors, incorrect diagnoses, and, as a result, incorrectly prescribed treatment all directly threaten the patient's life and health. Also, do not exclude the occurrence of legal and reputational problems (fines or a prominent indicator of loss of confidence on the part of the public, both patients and employees of a particular medical institution). Unreliable digital solutions automatically complicates the interaction between employees. It leads to a decrease in the productivity of daily medical practice because it complicates the possibility of uninterrupted access to all necessary data and the exchange of information between departments and specialists.

Types of Testing in Healthcare Applications Development

There are different types of healthcare application testing, but the most common and popular among them are the following types:

• Performance testing: It includes analyzing the application's speed of action and navigation, taking into account different levels of load.‍
• Regression testing: It defines how much each of the module functions meets the requirements.‍
• Security testing: It implies checking the protection of each patient's data from illegal access by unauthorized users.‍
• Usability testing: This example of quality assurance in healthcare is designed to evaluate how user-friendly the application is, ensuring it is convenient for both healthcare industry employees and patients of all ages.

Healthcare app testing features are primarily critical, including the need for strict compliance with regulatory requirements and safety regulations.

The Future of Quality Assurance in Healthcare

Now, knowing the answer to the question: “What is quality assurance in healthcare?”, let’s talk about its future. Specifically, today, we can define three the most sustainable trends:

• Implementation of AI and ML-based solutions aimed at automating the testing process, independently identifying bugs, and preventing them in advance;
• Combination of DevOps and Agile, which ensures closer interaction between development and testing teams, ultimately reducing the number of bugs and speeding up their fixing;
• Using cloud-based testing platforms that provide scalability of QA healthcare scenarios without compromising the budget.

However, in the coming years we can expect something more revolutionary than the actualization of the above-mentioned directions since the healthtech sector is actively invested in by both governments and private institutions.

Conclusion

Now, you know the answer to the question: “What is quality assurance?” and can understand the role of QA in software testing – generally speaking, it is crucial regarding ensuring patient safety and the performance of the healthcare delivery process. Minimizing risks during the medical quality assurance process and creating reliable medical applications are possible only through the use of modern technologies and compliance with all official standards provided by a qualified service provider.

According to data from the Precedence Research resource, the worldwide SaaS market is estimated at USD 358.33 bln in 2024 and is expected to grow up to USD 1,251.35 bln by 2034 at a CAGR of 13.3%. Such demand is due to the ease of deployment of such solutions (instead of local installation, access to them is possible from any device with a purchased license where there is an Internet connection), as well as often extensive customization options. If you would like to launch your own SaaS solution, but are not yet sure about the final list of features, you should consider the SaaS MVP development option. 

What Is MVP in SaaS?

A minimum viable product (MVP) in the context of SaaS development is a version of a product where only the key functionality is implemented – that is, the one that determines the value of a specific SaaS solution for the end user. The goal of a SaaS MVP is to reduce development time by cutting down on secondary functionality, and to obtain user feedback to determine the course of implementation of a full-fledged SaaS version. 

SaaS MVP Development Benefits

What are the benefits of SaaS MVP development? Let’s find them out right now.

Ability to competently plan a budget and attract investments

Compared to implementing a full-fledged SaaS solution, MVP development is cheaper, since its task is to allow the target audience to test its key functionality in practice, without any excesses in the set of features and user experience (UX) design. This simplifies budget planning, too, as it does not require colossal expenses from the project owners from the very beginning. Also, thanks to this approach to development, its speed increases. Therefore, the working product can be presented to potential investors a few months from the start of work, and it will not just be a business plan in the form of a presentation, but a functioning software solution that can be applied to solve specific tasks. Usually, negotiations regarding further investment in such a project with this strong attribute (an MVP) are successful.

High productivity of the development team

Since an MVP has a limited number of features, your team will be freed from optimizing user interface. Therefore, work on the MVP will proceed faster. In addition, when developing such a software version, your team may gain valuable insights that were initially overlooked – they can also be implemented over time. Finally, when the solution’s functionality is limited, it is easier for developers to identify possible areas for improvement and, thus, address them in further development cycles associated with the launch of a full-fledged SaaS version.

Reduced time to market

An MVP approach allows you to release your solution first. Indeed, given the rapid development of the global SaaS market, this would be a wise move. A couple of months delay needed for implementing a full feature set could cost you the fact that your product's analog will appear and win the audience's favor first. At the same time, by launching your product as early as possible, you will also be able to start refining it earlier, too, ultimately receiving a SaaS platform with a lot of functions and advanced user experience after 9-12 months from the start of work on the project.

Common Challenges of Building a SaaS MVP

Along with all the benefits, it is also worth considering the possible challenges associated with SaaS MVP development.

Impossibility of applying the MVP concept to absolutely all products

It is worth starting with the fact that MVP development is not a universal approach, and not all products allow for feature prioritization. In particular, this applies to the ones in which all functions are interconnected, and it is not possible to single out the most priority ones among them.

Breaks in development cycles

It is important to understand that the release of the MVP in its first version is not always followed by the development of a full-fledged product. Sometimes, the team has to implement one or two more solutions with limited functionality before its participants come to a full understanding of the concept of the SaaS solution. Since the collected feedback may relate to non-overlapping functions of the product, the preferences and dissatisfaction of real users may not be fully covered in the full-fledged product.

The need to adopt new approaches to software development

Quite often, the development of MVP is accompanied by the introduction of radically new practices, such as Agile development and DevOps. In the long term, iterative development and other methods can increase the team's productivity by about a third, but the adoption and training can also take a lot of time for the team.

Possible issues with the program code stability 

Typically, MVP development of a cloud-based solution implies speeding up each development stage (in particular, the one related to testing the program code and its optimization). In this regard, it often happens that teams pay insufficient attention to the code stability, and the MVP solution itself becomes susceptible to hacker attacks. That is why, regardless of the chosen development approach and methodology, developers are still better off adhering to generally accepted standards for user data security and using proven authentication/authorization methods, reliable encryption protocols, access rights delimitation, etc.

Difficulty of scaling

Even though the MVP is initially hosted in the cloud, its computing power may not be enough if the product becomes really popular. In this regard, when choosing a cloud provider to ensure a scalable architecture, it makes sense to initially focus on options that allow automatic scaling as the workload on the software changes. Today, such type of service is provided by AWS, Microsoft Azure, and some other cloud vendors.

Problems with long-term budget planning

Lack of a clear understanding from the very beginning of what set of functions will be present in the final solution can provoke difficulties with budget planning, which, in turn, carries certain risks for investors. Therefore, it is important for you as a product owner to discuss with them all possible risks and prospects of your MVP launch strategy at the early stages of your interaction.

How to Build a SaaS MVP

So, how to build SaaS product – you may ask. Therefore, let’s consider the main steps you have to perform to develop an MVP. 

Defining the target audience

First, you will need to understand who the target audience of your SaaS solution is and what they expect to get from it. In fact, you will have to collect demographic and behavioral data about your product users to determine the most important functionality for the MVP and provide them with the most comfortable ways to interact with it.

Market research

To give your SaaS solution a unique selling proposition (i.e., to make it stand out from the competition in some way), you will need to conduct preliminary research that will determine both market trends in general and help identify the strengths and weaknesses of your competitors.

Identifying core functionality

Now, you have everything ready to determine the functionality that is the highest priority for your SaaS solution. Usually, this is the functionality that allows you to solve one or two key tasks assigned to your product (that is, without it, it will lose its value for the end user).

Choosing a business model

At this stage, you need to come up with ways to monetize your product. Note that in the context of SaaS, this is most often the purchase of either a license for a certain period of use or access to advanced functionality.

Building a roadmap

Now, you can create a step-by-step plan for implementing your solution, from MVP to launching and supporting a full-fledged SaaS product. Note that this is necessary not only for presenting the prospects of your project to investors and stakeholders, but also for the technical team to make them understand in which direction to move.

Creating an MVP

At this stage, your technical team can begin to build MVP, i.e., implement its user interface, server requests, database requests, alpha testing, etc.

Deploying an MVP and collecting user feedback

Once your team is confident that the MVP meets the previously defined specifications and everything works as intended, you can deploy it to the production environment and begin beta testing – that is, testing it on real users to gather feedback on possible improvements. After that, you will have to prioritize the aspects highlighted by users and plan to implement them in subsequent development cycles.

How to Accelerate SaaS MVP Development

Finally, let’s consider a number of best practices that will help you speed up the SaaS MVP development process:

• Use Backend as a Service (BaaS) and low-code solutions to reduce the amount of work for your backend and frontend specialists, respectively;
• Choose a time-tested technology stack that all members of your development team are familiar with;
• Delegate individual tasks within your project or the entire project to an outsourcing service provider to eliminate the need to urgently search for talent with the necessary skills;
• Establish processes for collecting feedback from users from the very beginning of work on your project.

SaaS MVP Development with Darly Solutions

Would you like to build an MVP as a Service solution and are looking for a seasoned team of developers who will bring your business idea to life? In this case, feel free to contact us. MVP as a Service is one of the key areas of our activity, which you can see for yourself by requesting our portfolio. You can also entrust us with individual tasks within your project, such as QA testing or, for example, UI/UX design. Whatever the list of our services you choose, rest assured that you will be satisfied with the results of our cooperation!

If you have a great idea, and it involves creating something innovative, aiming at solving standard problems using unconventional methods and tools, it’s probably worth bringing it to life gradually. This way, you will move from priority features to secondary ones, relying on real users’ opinions – both positive and negative ones. Actually, here, we described the essence of the MVP development process. Below, we will explain its definition and check its benefits and specifics of implementation. 

Understanding MVP in Software Development

If you are going to build an MVP, you should first understand exactly what it is.

In a nutshell, a minimum viable product (MVP) is a product that has basic functionality to satisfy some needs of the target audience. Its main goal is to attract first users, determine their impression of interacting with it, and think through a further strategy for its development.

Key advantages of an MVP approach

When you decide to build MVP, you get the following benefits:

• Ability to confirm or refute hypotheses about the product
• Attracting investors through accelerated confirmation of the idea’s viability
• Help in analyzing the target audience
• Reduction of financial risks
• Development costs reduction thanks to proper prioritization of the product’s features
• Faster engagement of the target audience, long before the launch of a finalized product version
• Early bug fixing
• Reduced time to market

Thus, by resorting to MVP building, you can start to earn faster. At the same time, the development of a minimum marketable product is especially relevant for startups as it allows you to find out the real needs and pain points of your target audience in practice.

Developing Your MVP: Focus on Core Functionality

Now, let's find out what the MVP process looks like.

Identify your target audience

No matter how universal your solution is, its audience still has something in common, be it goals, pain points, demographics, or something else. Therefore, before you hone your product concept, you will have to define who it will be intended for – that is, conduct user research. To do this, you need to draw up a detailed portrait of the client – gender, age, place of work, hobbies, income level, desires, needs, problems, etc.

Come up with core functionalities

Surely, you have already seen a picture on the Internet that reflects the essence of MVP – a skateboard gradually turning into a car. Formally, this means that you need to understand which functions will be fundamental, that is, without which no user will be able to implement the task assigned to your product. These will be your MVP requirements. Then, as you receive reviews from real users, you can add features of less priority that make your solution more usable than the previous version.

Prioritize correctly

Before you start to develop MVP, think about which stages of your project are the most resource-intensive – they will need to be implemented first. As resources become available, you can assign lower-priority tasks to individual members of your team. Actually, this prioritization will determine your product roadmap. Thanks to this approach, you will eliminate downtime in your work processes and will be able to bring the MVP software launch date closer.

Define tools and resources

Finally, you should determine what tools you will use in development and what resources will be needed for this. We are talking about programming languages, wireframing and software development tools, platforms for project management, business messengers, etc.

Iterating Based on User Feedback

Any MVP strategy consists of iterations – that is, constant repetition of the development cycle based on user feedback received after testing its previous version. Let's look at the nuances of implementing these iterations.

Data collection methods

Depending on the resources available, you can collect data from real users by applying different methods. This could be live interviews, questionnaires, A/B product testing, supervised and unsupervised testing, and so on.

Feedback analysis and prioritization

Once the data has been collected, you will need to identify which reviews should be processed first and which ones can be postponed. In fact, everything is simple: the highest priority belongs to those that indicate that the user cannot perform the target action in your solution at all. Second in priority are reviews related to the complexity of the functionality – that is, those in which users claim that they did not immediately figure out what to click, or that they had to spend too much time to perform a simple operation. Everything else that does not affect the accessibility and simplicity of functionality can be optimized later, in subsequent updates.

The importance of iteration

Since building MVP for startups involves creating a primitive version of a full-scale solution, most likely, you will have to deal with a lot of negative feedback. Some will not like the typography, some will find the navigation inconvenient, and some will not even understand what actions need to be performed to achieve the goal. This is okay. At the same time, those who leave you reviews now are likely to use your solution after its optimization, too – therefore, in order not to lose their loyalty, you should constantly improve it. This will show your audience that you appreciate their opinion and that they also contribute to your project.

Launching Your MVP: Getting It Out There

Each iteration that brings your MVP closer to its finalized version must fulfill a specific business task – this could be confirming or refuting hypotheses, testing functionality, attracting users, choosing the best version from several proposed ones, identifying competitive advantage, etc.

This means that with each new iteration, you may have to take different approaches to each stage of the development cycle, from MVP planning, as well as choosing development tools and startup methodology, to testing and determining methods for collecting user feedback. Ultimately, this flexibility will open up further development prospects for your minimum viable prototype and reduce the risks of its possible failure.

Conclusion

Generally speaking, the benefits of creating an MVP from a business point of view cannot be overestimated. This approach helps reduce the risks of failure, attract investors, ensure a more moderate expenditure of the project budget, evaluate its competitiveness, and much more. In addition, it allows you to quickly enter the market because instead of the time-consuming development, you can spend less time creating its primitive version and, thus, more quickly test its viability and prospects in practice.

If you are just considering the possibility of implementing your business idea in MVP format, feel free to contact us. We will take on all stages of its implementation, from concept approval to usability testing and launch, and will repeat iterations until it transforms into a full-fledged product.

With more than 2.7 billion smartphone users across the world in 2020, it’s no surprise that the mobile app industry is expended with no signs of stopping. Nowadays, smartphones have become a useful and convenient instrument that offers multiple benefits such as communication through emails and social networking, web surfing, entertainment, GPS and various other productivity apps.

In fact, studies show that the average American checks their phone every 12 minutes. 10% of people check their phones every four minutes.

We use our phones every day at work, at home, on the street, in bed, while we are eating, in our cars. You might be reading this article from a mobile device right now.

What are people doing on their phones? Well, 90% of mobile time is spent on apps.

According to these facts, many companies considering mobile apps are facing a common challenge — which app development approach to choose? Should we build a native, mobile web, or hybrid app? More importantly, which is the most appropriate app type for you and your business?

Let’s find out what are native, mobile web, and hybrid apps, analyze the differences between them, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of each. After reading, you will be able to understand which approach will be the right one for your business idea.

Web Apps

A web app is a software program that uses web technologies like HTML5, CSS, JavaScript. It exists entirely within browsers such as Safari and Chrome and is essentially a mobile website. It is therefore not possible to download them from an app store.

Also, the web app is not connected with the device’s operating system and does not use its storage. Unlike an iOS or Android app, there is no software development kit (SDK) for a developer to work with. There are templates and frameworks for developing web apps like Angular, React, and Vue.js that you can use to get a quick start.

So, here are some pros of web application

• Developing a web app can be simple and quick. So, web apps are a cost-effective way to put your product in the hands of a lot of users.
• Web apps can be built for all platforms as long as they can run in an appropriate web browser.
• The user doesn’t have to manage updates manually. The newest version always loads when a user opens a web app.

And some cons:

• Searching for an app might be difficult because the user doesn’t find it in any app store.
• A browser is required to run a web app. It means that users have to take more steps to use a web app, whether that’s searching for the page or typing in a URL.
• Web apps can be slower and lack a lot of benefits. They only work online and they don’t have access to as many phone features like push notifications, contacts, etc.

However, as browsers and web apps become more advanced, PWAs (progressive web apps) offer a wider functionality like:

• Sending push messages
• Using some touch screen elements
• Using some of the device’s hardware

So, If your startup is on a budget and doesn’t require complex functionalities or access to operating system features, then building a web app can be the most suitable solution.

Native Apps

A native app is a software application that is built for specific platforms and is written in languages that the platform accepts. For example, Swift and Objective-C for native iOS apps, Java or Kotlin for native Android apps and C# for the most part for Windows Phone apps. Native apps are also built using the specific Integrated Development Environment (IDE) for the selected operating systems.

Advantages of the native application:

• Native apps offer the fastest, most reliable and most responsive experience to users.
• Good integration with the hardware of the device (e.g. camera, GPS, phone, touch screen)
• It comes with the push notification functionality.
• Great design and user experience possibilities. For example, the implementation of sophisticated UI/UX design and animation.
• These apps can be downloaded from app stores and installed on mobile devices, where they can be placed as a designated icon on the home screen.
• Native apps are also more suitable for working offline.

Disadvantages:

• Need more than one codebase. iOS apps will not run on Android and the opposite, so you will have to work with different codebases for every platform you choose to build in.
• Native apps are usually more expensive in developing, especially for companies that need apps on multiple OS platforms. For both platforms, it will require two separate developers or teams.
• A lot of time is spent on development. Also, it takes time to update the app for different platforms.
• Require constant updates to keep with the current OS versions.
• Expensive to keep your native app updated
• Both Apple App Store and Google Play get a 30% commission from every in-app payment.

To sum up, a bigger budget is required if you want to build your app for multiple platforms (i.e. iPhones and Android) and to keep your native app updated. Native apps are not the best option for simple applications.

By offering a great user experience, better performance and accessibility, native apps are able to offer users a more personalized product.

Hybrid apps

Hybrid apps combine the power of native and web apps to reap the benefits of both. Actually they are made, so they look and feel like native applications, but like web apps, are built with JavaScript, HTML, and CSS. Also, there is a shell that is downloadable and loads the code using a WebView.

Advantages of the hybrid apps:

• Hybrid apps don’t need a web browser like web apps.
• With a hybrid app, you only have one codebase to manage. So, instead of building two apps like with native apps, you’re building one app, and it works on both platforms.
• Hybrid app developers are often less expensive than native application developers. You will probably require half the number of developers two native apps would have required. Or, with the same number of developers, a hybrid app could be published in half the time.
• Hybrid is a great option for developers that create visually intense applications, for instance, games
• Hybrid apps let you retain the same ability to access device features as with native apps.
• Easy to work with, maintain and upgrade
• Because of their native infrastructure, hybrid apps can work offline.
• Hybrid apps are easier to scale to another platform. Once you’ve built for one platform, you can launch on another, like Windows Mobile.

The downside:

• Getting your hybrid app to run appropriately on each platform generally takes substantial work. Sometimes, the total cost might become comparable to that of fully native apps. It all depends on how close you want to get to the “native user experience” or how simple your app is.
• Hybrid apps can be slower than native apps.
• Need to customize to a large number of exciting browsers
• Inability to implement complex features (e.g. in-app analytics, charts, diagrams)
• These hybrid systems make bug fixing more difficult.
• Hybrid apps load in a WebView, so performance can be worse than native applications.

Say you have an idea for an app, and you don’t know if people will like it or not. If you understand that a web app doesn’t really allow you to test this app, the simple version of the hybrid app will be a good solution for you.

You give to people to download and use the app on their device, although you are short on resources. Usually, a startup project is decided to create a hybrid app that in the startup world, this is called an MVP, or minimum viable product.

Conclusion

There are many different directions in which you can take your app, all of which have their pros and cons. The choice between web, native, and hybrid development is dependent on a number of factors, including business needs, app requirements, developer skill, budget and timelines. What’s important is to spend enough time thinking and analyzing before you start building because the apps are expensive enough. So, you may only have one go at getting it right. Find out the information as much as you can about the different kinds of apps and the development stages.

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Single-page applications (SPAs) have earned a strong position in demand long ago. Such apps have one page where most information remains unchanged, and only its parts are updated when a user interacts with them. 

Maybe, you don’t know precisely what they are. However, you probably use them daily. Most social media, Gmail, and other programs are single-page apps. They are quickly adopted thanks to their fast load times and user-friendliness. 

As for React, it is quite a favored instrument for SPA web development. Programmers can build SPA’s components with React to ensure their scalability, reuse them with few configurations, and refresh them instantly without manually reloading a page. Besides, React solutions are optimized for SEO while delivering high flexibility thanks to the Virtual DOM. 

What Are React Single Page Applications (SPAs)? 

SPAs consist of one HTML page. To access it, you make a one-time connection and then – load and modify data without refreshing an entire page. Only the blocks engaged in the interaction process are updated while other page elements remain unaffected.

A clear illustration of a one-page application is Google Docs. While reading a text, you scroll through sheets, but the top row with the menu and the left panel with captions stay put. Whatever changes you make, certain things stay untouched.

React is very common for SPAs because of its convenience — it speeds up the programming process significantly. Also, note that it is not a framework, it’s a library. The main thing in it is the components as they represent particular items on a page. Each one of them contains the entire set of data and methods needed for work.

React allows you to save the state of the elements. This makes them isolated and self-contained. This feature, in turn, provides developers with the ability to reuse the elements as needed. Specifically, the same element can be applied to another page or parts of the website as many times as you want. This way, a developer doesn't need to re-write a significant part of the code. Therefore, the absence of complex dependencies between elements simplifies troubleshooting.

Pros of React SPAs

Why do giant companies like Meta choose React SPAs? It becomes clear after looking at its main advantages: 

• Versatility. SPAs can be used from any device that has access to the Internet. 
• Accessibility. There are no problems with сompatibility, as well as memory limitations, capacity, or installation time.
• Enhanced usability. These apps are straightforward and enjoyable to operate.
• Better responsiveness. It can be ensured thanks to the high speed of data load.
• Ability to process large volumes of data. The device's memory does not limit the processing power of an app and the volumes of data it operates.
• Code reuse. React allows developers to reuse parts of code as often as needed in the same app. 

Let's look closely at the main merits of React SPA development. 

Enhanced User Experience (UX)

The primary advantage of a single web page application is immediate data update, resulting in a smooth sensation from using and improved responsiveness. Since SPA doesn't have to implement full-page reloads during use, the contents of a page refresh very quickly. The program only needs to connect to the server at the start, and then simply loads the necessary segments as a visitor needs them. In a single-page app, everything works quickly after the first load and doesn’t keep users waiting. 

Improved Developer Efficiency

Programmers who use React receive a lot of tools that simplify the assembling of the single-page application architecture. Moreover, React allows reusing code in software architecture to speed up the work. For instance, if you decide later to evolve a one-page app into a full-featured multi-page application, you’ll be able to reuse about 30% of the code instead of writing everything from scratch. Plus, it will help your startup save time and reduce costs.

Rich Interactivity

React is a freely accessible framework library that has a JSX (JavaScript XML) compiler with a focus on the users’ comfort as it provides prompt rendering. Thus, by utilizing React, you can create a UI-centric product which is common to SPAs that should have fluid interfaces, rapidly responding to the actions of users.

Cons of React SPAs

Surely, React SPA development has its drawbacks. Otherwise, every app would be written using this framework. 

The most important cons of these apps are:

• Lack of SEO optimization. The whole point is in the structure of such applications, which consist of just one page.
• Longer initial loading time. Since all user-side data of the application must be loaded during initialization, this can cause unpleasant delays for users.
• The client-side routing challenges. React may not be the best choice for creating applications with complex business logic and data routing.

So, let’s check each of them in more detail.

SEO Challenges

Single-page applications are quite problematic to index because not much text can be recognized by search robots. At the same time, you can’t put all the keywords on one page because it will look weird and lead to spam problems. What's more, the page will have only one URL.

You can eliminate this issue by resorting to server-side rendering. It's a way to render a one-page application on the server side. The app is still one-paged, but the main work is done on the server. The application receives a finished page with the required SEO elements from the server immediately after its initialization. However, due to the complex introduction of this technique, the cost of SPA development might be higher.

Complexity for Large Applications

Managing complex states and data traffic can be a problem in large SPAs. That’s why using React SPAs relates mostly to projects with rather limited functionality. At the same time, if applied skillfully, this library can still be useful when creating large projects – evidence of this is the digital giants that actively use it in the development of their services and applications. 

Initial Load Time

With React’s ability to load all content during initialization, people can wait a lot when opening a SPA first (in comparison to other websites). However, after initial loading, all other data will be pulled up automatically, and there will be no issues with delays in provisioning page content. 

Code splitting solves the problem of slow app loading by reducing the volume of data sent on the first session. Rather than uploading the entire code at once, users do it only with the parts that they need right now. This, in turn, facilitates the coding procedure.

React SPAs vs Traditional Multi-Page Applications (MPAs)

These kinds of apps are paralleled and characterized as competitors. However, multi-page applications (MPAs) are unlikely to lose the race because each alternative works for certain products and commercial pursuits. 

Let's look at the core strengths of each application type:

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As you can see, each application type has its drawbacks and advantages. So, when choosing between them, come from the specifics and tasks of your company. 

What kind of companies should pay attention to one-page solutions?

• Products that run on a captivating platform with low data volumes. SPA is commonly applied to SaaS platforms, social media, and private communities. Some examples include Grammarly, Netflix, and Slack.
• Startups focused on usability. Single-page apps allow you to create an easy-to-use and intuitive interface that attracts the eye and encourages customers to explore the product. 
• Startups planning to go big. Later you can reuse some of the code of your single web page application. This helps reduce the time and expense involved in developing new, full-fledged digital solutions.
• Businesses for whom SEO is not a key metric. If your company doesn't require to be ranked high on Google from its first launch, to successfully implement your idea, SPA is right for you.
• Companies with their own APIs. You can build a one-page application based on a pre-built API.

Conclusion 

Today, we see that one-page applications gradually replace classic applications and begin to play an important role in the construction of large-scale web systems. Now, these apps are everywhere, and we use them every day without noticing it. Moreover, the big players in the app market already use SPAs.

What are the rewards of single-page applications? They are pretty speedy, don't keep visitors on hold, and generally improve their experience when dealing with the solution. in turn, overall consumer comfort has a direct impact on conversion rates and profits.

Still, SPAs are not ideal for all startups. But for those seeking a dynamic, high-speed, and lightweight digital solution, SPAs are an excellent choice.

According to Statista, in 2020, there were 6.9 billion mobile users. The number will increase to approximately 7.5 billion in 2025. Businessmen, students, housekeepers, gamers, readers, and sportsmen – everyone will need an app to satisfy their needs, and the demand for mobile app developers is high accordingly. 

Yet, not every app finds its faithful audience. Only the best and highest-quality applications win the competition. Such applications require proficient mobile app development specialists. So, which skills distinguish a professional mobile app developer from a novice in 2024? 

Stick to the article and learn what relevant skills you should look for in a full stack mobile app developer. 

Top Hard Skills for Mobile App Developers 

Hard app developer skills are the backbone of any mobile app development process. They define professional competence and allow developers to bring ideas into working digital solutions. 

The most common hard skills for a mobile app developer are: 

• Proficiency in programming languages for mobile app development (Java, C++, or Kotlin for Android, Swift or Objective-C for iOS, or JavaScript, Dart, or some other that is used for cross-platform development);
• Frontend development skills (SDKs and frameworks knowledge, understanding platform requirements, ensuring compatibility with different devices and OS versions, etc.);
• Backend development skills (database management, performance optimization, ensuring security measures, experience with backend frameworks, etc.);
• User interface (UI) design (including knowing the specifics of Google Material Design and iOS Human Interface Guidelines);
• Knowledge of RESTful APIs;
• Performance optimization and memory management skills;
• Experience in working with version control systems;
• Knowledge of app stores’ and other software development standards (like GDPR, HIPAA, etc.).

Top Soft Skills for Mobile App Developers 

Hard skills are an essential but not the only necessary part of a developer’s competence. Soft application developer skills also play a critical role in CVs as they refer to knowledge and proficiencies related to communication and analytics. Also, they help organize the working process, solve problems, and build communication. When two developers with the same background in hard skills compete with each other, the one with stronger soft skills wins.

Top soft skills for a modern mobile app developer include the following: 

• Problem-solving 
• Team collaboration
• Project management
• Communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Creativity in app design

Most Important Mobile Developer Skills in 2024

Trends constantly change, but the demand for high-quality mobile applications remains the same. This block will explore the critical mobile app developer skills you should look for in a mobile app developer. 

UI and UX Design

It's all about creating what users see on their screen and how they will interact with it. Usually, specialists follow generally accepted design rules (for example, Nielsen Norman's Heuristics), taking into account the requirements of the specific mobile platform for which development is being carried out. At the same time, native development tools provided by Android and iOS in particular, Jetpack Compose and SwiftUI significantly simplify this task, so experience working with them in the list of the most-wanted mobile developer skills will be highly preferable.

Frontend Development Skills 

If we are talking about native development, the modern software engineer must have good programming skills in Swift for iOS development and Kotlin for Android development. However, some projects may also require knowledge of Objective-C, C++, or Java (for example, those that were developed a long time ago and need support), JavaScript or Dart (for cross-platform projects), or some other languages. Accordingly, the developer must have the necessary experience in frameworks for front-end mobile development, such as React Native, Flutter, Xamarin, SwiftUI, XCode, Android Studio, Native Development Kit, etc.

Backend Development Skills

The visual part of an app ensures the user’s engagement and experience with the app. The backend component is where the magic happens. A proficient back-end developer should know how to implement desired logic and manage the app’s inner data efficiently. A list of programming languages expands to Java, C#, Ruby, and Python, which are some of the most popular for backend development. Besides, a good backend developer should know how to work with mobile databases via SQLite, PostgreSQL, or MongoDB. Backend development also includes knowledge of API integration, which streamlines data exchange between an app's frontend and backend components. 

User Security 

Data safety and user authentication deserve additional attention. Knowledge of safe coding principles and best practices (i.e., using data encryption protocols, following the OWASP standard, and so on) is a marker of a skilled mobile app developer. Mobile developers must also have skills in conducting static application security testing (SAST) and dynamic application security testing (DAST). 

Knowledge of Mobile Platform Guidelines 

Due to the influx of applications to app stores, moderation has become stricter. Knowledge of the marketplace’s guidelines increases the chances of an app’s success. Actually, that’s why the list of iOS developer skills should include the knowledge of Human Interface Guidelines. He or she also should be familiar with Material Design guidelines for Android development. Knowledge of the review process should also be part of the developer’s competence. 

Mobile App Developer Skills by Experience Level 

The job market of mobile developers is versatile and can offer different levels of qualification. That’s why, if you are looking for a mobile app developer, you should also take into account a potential developer's performance. 

Junior-Level Mobile Developers 

Junior mobile app programmers are prospective specialists with no more than 2 years of experience. At this level, a specialist should be familiar with: 

• UI/UX design principles 
• Programming languages for mobile app development 
• Mobile app development frameworks 
• Version control systems and databases

It is important to understand that hiring a junior does not mean that you will have to supervise the entire project to get a good result in the end. These specialists can easily be entrusted with simple tasks (which will save you from overpaying for specialists with higher qualifications), up to 50% scope of work. 

Middle-Level Developers 

These are specialists with 3-5 years of experience. A middle-level developer's main focus is learning how to scale an application and ensure its security and operational stability. The following mobile application developer skills needed to reach mid-level app development proficiency are essential:

• Specifics of integration with third-party services and APIs
• Cross-platform adaptation
• Knowledge of the best security practices
• Asynchronous and multithreading programming
• Knowledge of popular architectural patterns like MVVM, MVC, MVP, etc

Vital Skills for Senior-Level Developers 

Senior developers usually have 5+ years of experience and lead development teams. They take on the most challenging and responsible tasks within a project and know how to solve them in the simplest way. Also, they can be experts in certain technologies, like AI, IoT, augmented reality, etc. Actually, here's why the knowledge of blockchain in mobile apps can be required for them. 

Senior developers help the rest of the team with ongoing tasks and can take on some managerial duties. Therefore, the CV of a senior mobile app developer would benefit from the following soft skills:

• Leadership
• Interpersonal communication
• Teamwork
• Time management

Most Underrated Skills for Mobile App Developers 

Technical prowess is paramount for cross-platform app development. Still, certain skills are often overlooked when hiring a mobile development specialist. 

Critical Thinking 

Critical thinking is a cornerstone of every other mobile developer skill. It lies in the base of problem-solving, code optimization, and debugging. A critical approach is the ability to remain flexible and tackle challenges from unexpected angles. 

It is hard to measure critical thinking in hard numbers. Yet, even a junior developer with strong critical thinking and analytical skills can greatly benefit a team. 

Creativity 

Creativity is an elusive but vital skill for a mobile developer. Successful applications become popular not only because of flawless technical execution. They innovate and solve users’ needs like nothing else. From AI in mobile apps to IoT integration, there are numerous ways in which new technological advancements can be used in mobile app development. 

There are numerous tasks that mobile apps can solve and help people with their everyday lives. A mobile developer's ability to be creative, innovate, and find what can be optimized is valuable at any professional level. 

Learning and Adaptability 

Constant technological advancement requires professional developers to update their skills. They should familiarize themselves with new technologies. Even senior developers have to keep up with the market evolution. 

If a developer has an open mind and is ready to learn new methods and software, they will be a valuable asset to your project. 

Conclusion 

A professional mobile developer combines several important skills. He or she knows both the backend and frontend aspects of mobile app development. They also know the programming languages and tools to implement app ideas in the most cost- and time-efficient way. Most importantly, a mobile app developer keeps an open mind. They think creatively and approach problems from unusual angles. Darly Solutions is ready to assist with your project if you need such professionals. Contact our dedicated team to learn more details.

The healthcare industry is an area that strongly needs innovations at all times. Diseases constantly evolve, and the care methods should go one step ahead. Infrastructure in healthcare and streamlined communication are not the last points in fostering positive swifts in this industry. These two elements, in conjunction, create favorable conditions for bringing innovations or merely positive changes. The more automation and advancements are introduced, the more effort can be devoted to curing and preventing diseases. That is why the Medical Internet of Things is so emphasized nowadays. Its role is impossible to overestimate, indeed.

Essence and Aim of the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT)

IoMT stands for a tech advancement that envisages the mutual coordination of various elements inside the health system, such as medtools, apps, and other arrays that facilitate steady and ongoing data circulation. The pillar objective of the IoMT is to foster and ease the non-stop collection, handling, transmitting, and sharing of the medinfo among the interested subjects. Most typically the latter ones are state authorities, hospitals, and other members of the healthcare industry. 

Among the main deliverables that IoMT ensures are multiple options to track and manage the state of patients on a real-time basis. It also makes possible timely cure and disease prevention. Variable IoMT devices are already utilized for these purposes – health monitors, intelligent implants, remote diagnostic tools, and patient tracking systems, to mention a few.

How IoMT Works at a Glance

This tech approach is aimed at connecting multiple physical devices, including sensors and implants, through the Internet networks, most typically Wi-Fi. This endeavor is accomplished in order to grasp and transfer the most up-to-date info regarding the patient’s state. 

IoMT also makes it feasible to collect a large scope of data and ascertain the outcomes of treatment as well as the tendencies of disease evolution. At a glance, the said technology is about multiple devices, software, informational systems, algorithms, and storage facilities. All of these elements are related to each other instantaneously and deliver error-free info about the things that fall under the survey. 

Based on that info, medical personnel and other interested subjects highlight measures that have to be taken for the effectual care of the patients. IoMT is also in charge of elaborating on the list of actions that are needed to be accomplished to prevent similar cases from appearing in the future. Any information obtained during such an operation is extremely valuable and derives numerous benefits. 

Benefits of IoMT

This tech advancement is definitely under the stage of its next development and upgrade. Therefore, the number of benefits may be higher in the short-term perspective. As of now, it is proven that IoMT guarantees these positive swifts across the industry:

• Bolstered efficacy of performance within a healthcare institution – the work of the medical personnel becomes more effective and coherent enabling quick decision-making which is especially crucial in emergency cases. 
• Better and easier identification, including across multiple institutions – people don't need to input the same data many times. Once they have done that, it is transmitted through the internal channels of communication between the medinstitutions.
• Enhanced surveyance – IoMT software ensures timely and correct treatment as well as further post-medical support. The info is collected and processed steadily allowing the interested parties to make relevant conclusions regarding the efficacy of the chosen methods.
• Tackling diseases – collecting the info regarding the reasons why patients suffer from certain diseases enables scientists to elaborate on findings that are very precious for disease prevention. Most typically this is made by eliminating the conditions for such diseases to occur. 

IoMT issues and challenges

On balance, the adoption of the considered tech advancement is associated with specific threats and risks:

• Coherent interaction of various medsystems – frequently, such medsystems have multiple peculiarities of operation since different independent producers develop them. Making all the integrated systems not only joint but also coherent may be quite challenging sometimes.
• Effective information management – this covers clinical data monitoring, storage, and processing. The outputs have to be accurate, relevant, and up-to-date.
• Secure data handling – since the info processed is very sensitive in nature, it requires more advanced measures to be implemented. Fairly saying, this type of data is very nourishing for cybercriminals. Still, encryption and specialized IoMT security software can substantially decrease, even eliminate at all, the risk of data leaks. The goal of ensuring robust data protection is required not from the ethical perspective solely – this is also a compulsory rule among the norms applicable within the industry.
• Alignment with the regulatory standards – the applicable legal rules are quite strict, taking into account the essence of services. To this end, a failure to comply with such often leads to severe fines and other sanctions, up to the liquidation of a medical institution. In addition, the applicable regulatory framework is frequently updated, resulting in the need to take other measures allowing to remain compliant.

What Prospects Does the IoMT Have?

IoMT in healthcare definitely opens wider perspectives, among others, thanks to the following tech advancements:

• AI&ML implementation – these two elements are equally good at bolstering analytics and personal care approaches. This can be achieved through automation in decision-making. Most common cases will not require excessive time to ensure correct treatment – these technological advancements, like AI platform for clinical diagnostics, will handle them quickly, efficiently, and at lower costs.
• Bolstering the quality of wearables and implants – upgraded serviceability and preciseness will deliver more faultless data regarding the patient’s state, particularly one’s life parameters. The advancement will also enable quick and more productive feedback in response to possible changes, especially adverse ones.
• Automated internal arrangements – monitoring the inventory and machines plays a pivotal role in ensuring the straightforward operation of any medinstitution. The less time medical personnel devote to routine assignments, the more time caregivers have for their visitors. Even more, optimized internal flows reduce associated costs drastically as well. The quality of medservices is not sacrificed but boosted under such terms.
• Utilizing big data benefits – IoMT ensures the effective and timely handling of large volumes of medical information for multiple purposes: tendencies, patterns, typical treatment outcomes, opportunities for innovations, etc.
• Quality and upgraded involvement methods – future IoMT will facilitate far more effectual involvement of patients and their awareness of the medcare applied. Informing, consent giving, and providing the updates will be made automatically and faultlessly, preventing any unreasonable delays or discrepancies.
• Effectual dealing across the healthcare sector and the remainder of the sectors concerned – IoMT architecture opens another room for diverse independent service providers, financial institutions, and state authorities to interact and exchange data with each other swiftly and straightforwardly. As a consequence, the interested subjects can drastically bolster their performance and the speed of decision-making.

Conclusion

The Internet of Things medical application is a powerful tool on the way to ensuring top-rated services within the industry and effective disease prevention in the future. It already offers multiple benefits, such as on-time and effective performance, multifunctional diagnostics, disease treatment and prevention, cost-effective operation, and, finally, more accurate forecasts. This tech advancement will undoubtedly bring even more opportunities in the short term since it is evolving steadily. 

So, it was definitely a wise decision to incorporate such tech upgrades in a business yesterday. Now, they have already become compulsory things to have in possession. Our company is a reliable service provider experienced in custom medical software development. We will facilitate you to take the next step ahead by rendering top-notch services swiftly and at a reasonable cost. Enjoy the condensed expertise gained through the years.