Approaches to adopt to design a successful mobile app
In essence, web application architecture is responsible for ensuring smooth communication and interaction between databases, servers, and applications in a certain system.
As you may know, the operation of web applications is impossible in the absence of any of the two basic components: client side (frontend) and server side (backend). The former is essentially the code visible to app users, whereas the latter is the code running on a server and used for communicating with hardware.
If you require more information about mobile app development or want a more professional outlook, you will find this source particularly helpful. And right now let’s take a look at the most common approaches to implementing a server side.
#1 Monolithic architecture
If you require an app that could rely on a single code base, the monolithic architecture may be a viable option for you. Such applications involve three different layers that ensure the communication and proper operation of all app components. The first layer is called a presentation tier. Judging by its name, you can infer that it’s responsible for everything connected with implementing the design of the user interface. The second component called a logic tier is responsible for streamlining the events and ensuring the sequence of logical operations, which allow users to interact with an app. Finally, the data tier handles all the user data. Web developers tend to recommend monolith for small products and services. But it would be a risky choice for highly scalable platforms.
#2 Microservices
The next approach is microservices. As their name suggests, each microservice is assigned a certain task, which it is expected to perform properly not to disrupt the operation of all services.
The main advantages of microservices approaches are isolation (services can be developed independently), scalability (a new service can be added at any stage of development), and flexibility (you can quickly change the structure or tech stack). The development process is also simplified. There are also some downsides to this approach you should consider. Microservices require changes in the organization and communication. Developers need to figure out additional algorithms to enhance mobile app security. Otherwise, sensitive data can end up leaking.
#3 Serverless architecture
The next approach is serverless architecture, which uses servers to run a web application. However, they are not hosted by a company. Teams deploy an app on virtual servers provided by vendors like Amazon, Google, or Microsoft. The main advantages of serverless architecture is that you don’t need to care about the server, so businesses only have to pay for used server space. And finally, you get tech support.
Key Principles of Architecture Development
Now let’s review the key principles of architecture development.
To maximize your chances of developing a successful app, you should opt for the architecture that can best cater to your specific needs and goals.
You would be well advised to refrain from sophisticated and expensive solutions, unless there is a strong need for it. If there is a way to get by with a minimalistic architecture, do so. Select the simplest option available to reduce development costs and time expenses. Going for a lightweight solution is also a wise decision.
To future-proof your app and reduce the probability of occurrence of various issues, make sure your architecture is capable of detecting and fixing bugs on its own. Finally, try to automate as many processes as possible and pay attention to your data storytelling.
And now it’s about time you checked the strategies that can be utilized for implementing the frontend side of web development.
#1 PWAs
The first option is progressive web apps, shortly known as PWAs. This is an approach to web app development, where a page is essentially a hybrid between a website and a native mobile app.
Advantages of PWS are also manifold. They are accessible in a browser. They are mobile, as all PWs are developed with a mobile-first approach. And finally, your PWA can be accessed offline, which allows improving user experience and boosting customer satisfaction levels.
There are some disadvantages, though. The first one is that PWAs have limited browser support, while the second considerable drawback is their limited use of APIs.
#2 SPAs
SPAs, short for single-page applications, refer to the app where all functionality takes place on a single page. SPAs dynamically rewrite page content in real time without changing the page itself.
The main advantage of single-page apps is their speed. They also boast high performance and flexible user experience.
The disadvantages include constantly reminding users of saved updates. In multi-page web apps, developers can write before uploading events to remind users of unsaved changes, whereas SPAs are ‘genetically’ deprived of this capability. Some automation testing algorithms have difficulty distinguishing between Ajax changes, which means more time and effort spent figuring out what tests to deploy.
Most developers find SPAs perfect for utilities and small services. GitHub, Twitter, Gmail, Google Maps, Google Drive are built using the SPA architecture.
#3 Multi-Page apps
The final approach on our list is multi-page apps (MPAs), which represent a traditional approach to web application development. Every action of a user is reported back to the server. It then triggers the re-upload of the page.
Advantages of MPAs are their rich functionality, SEO optimization, and easy analytics, since they can be easily tracked by most analytical tools.
Among the main disadvantages are more complex backend development, lower performance speed, and complicated debugging.
MPAs’ strong suit is delivering a lot of content. eBay and Magento are successful examples of multi-page apps.
And that’s it. You can choose the best solution to design your own app.
