Today we ask the question:
What is a mobile app?

That's easy to answer, right?

Yes and no.

For a seemingly simple question, there is a lot to consider here.

What exactly is a mobile app? Is it a website? It is a web app? Is it software? Does it reside on my device - or on a server? What about native? Did someone say hybrid?

Yes, the digital landscape is littered with jargon. Jargon is barrier to effective communication.

Let's try to simplify.

Today, we hope to help out here: 'What is a Mobile App?'

But first a quote from Thomas Aquinas:
"The things that we love tell us what we are."

Thomas Aquinas was an Italian catholic priest and scholar. He lived from 1225 AD to 1274 AD.

His quote is a brilliant one - and gets to relationship between ourselves and our things.

What's in a thing?

Our 'things' are those material possessions we value most highly. What we desire, what we attain, what we keep, what we love - those things that we hold most dear - betray our deepest self and truest being: both to us and those we share our lives with.

A preference for 'minimalism' is on the rise. Many people today want less things, less clutter, less material.

While this may be true - almost everyone has a mobile phone. This is one material thing - no one wants to live without. Everyone - from older children to older citizens and everyone in between. We love our mobiles. Even minimalists love their apps.

What does that say about us?
At the core, mobile technology keeps us connected.

As people - we need other people.

And that's a good 'thing'.

Now - back to our key question:
What is a mobile app?

OK.

Firstly, the term 'mobile app' is short for mobile application.

Here, application refers to a software system - a set of tools.

A 'mobile app' is a software system, designed for use on smartphones and tablets.

It is a standalone application, built specifically for mobile devices.

This is in contrast to applications developed for desktop computers (such as Microsoft Office or Mac OS) - or web applications that run in browser.

OK. But what about native apps?

What is a native app?

Whoo. Hang on there!
Is a native app the same thing as a mobile app?

Yes it is - but - a native app is a specific type of mobile app.

You have Android. You have iOS. There is the Window's phone and Blackberry too.

Each of these have there own, unique operating system.

Each system is different.

Native apps have to be individually built to work on each operating systems.

A native app - works natively.

So - if you have a great mobile app idea - and you want to take advantage of the android marketplace - you have to develop a native android app.

If you want to connect with iPhone specific audiences - you have to develop a native iOS app.

Each platform is unique, Each app requires a separate set of code, built from the ground up, line by line.

Native apps are accessed via the app marketplaces - that's Google Play and the Apple App Store - and downloaded to reside on the mobile device itself.

Native apps are great for working offline too.

Ok. What about web apps?

Is a 'web app' the same thing as a 'mobile app'?

While web app may look and feel like a native app - it is not a native app.

• It is not downloaded onto your device.

• It is not coded separately for Android and iOS.

• It is not available via the app marketplace.

A web app is a website.

It's a website optimised for use via mobile devices.

Web apps run inside web browsers and are usually built with Javascript, CSS3 and HTML5.

Of course, you need the internet to use your web app - no offline access here.

A web app is not custom coded for each device - it's a one size fits all.

That means significant savings on development costs and project timelines. You can get your product to market faster as a web app.

Before launching into native development, ask your developer if your app idea would work as a web app.

While some apps definitely need to be developed natively, it is worth exploring this option.

Some popular web apps are LinkedIn and Dropbox.

Next Question: Is A Web App The Same As A Website?

No.

Here's the difference.

A simple business website consists of pages - a set of pages that you access via a web browser such as Safari.

This website is static.
You click, you read.
The information here is not interactive.

But with 'web apps' - you get to engage and get interactive.In fact, user engagement is a key feature of web applications. Facebook is a great example here. Dynamic engagement delivers value and encourages active participation.

Websites are typically built use CSS, HTML and Javascript. Web Apps use these too - but in addition utilise programmes languages such as PHP, Ruby, Python, Django, and CakePHP for framework and database management.

What About Hybrid Apps?

A 'hybrid' is a mix.
A 'hybrid app' takes advantage of both native and web based technologies.

It tries to bring together the best of both worlds - providing the enhanced user performance that native apps deliver - while offering cost and time savings that the web apps are well known for.

Will your app idea work as a 'hybrid app'. Maybe - this has to be assessed in line with your vision, as well as your goals, budget and marketing objectives.

Ask your app developer if a hybrid app is right for you.

So - from mobile apps, to native apps to web apps and even hybrid apps - we have aimed to provide a simple introduction to shed some light on 'What is a mobile app?"

Let's finish with Thomas Aquinas:
"The things that we love tell us what we are."

People love technology. People love their mobiles.

But above all - people love to connect meaningfully with other people.

Consider how you can help people better connect with each other - to deliver a successful app that people really love.

Good luck with your next app development project!