Mobile app

Mobile application

A mobile application, also referred to as a mobile app or simply an app, is a software application designed to run on a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet computer. Mobile applications frequently serve to provide users with similar services to those accessed on PCs. Apps are generally small, individual software units with limited function. This use of software has been popularized by Apple Inc. and its App Store, which sells thousands of applications for the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch.

History

The first mobile apps were introduced by IBM in 2003 for the use in business productivity and information retrieval, including email, calendar, contacts, stock market and weather information. However, the public demand for apps caused rapid expansion into other areas such as mobile games, factory automation, GPS and location-based services, banking, order-tracking, and ticket purchases. This has led to a large number of apps being created for the Google Play and the Apple App Store.

Development

Mobile application development requires use of specialized integrated development environments. Mobile apps are first tested within the development environment using emulators and later subjected to field testing. Emulators provide an inexpensive way to test applications on mobile phones to which developers may not have physical access.

Types of apps

There are three main types of mobile apps: native apps, web apps, and hybrid apps. Each of these types has its own set of advantages and disadvantages.

See also

• Mobile app development
• Mobile app testing
• Mobile app distribution
• Mobile app monetization
• Mobile app store

References

Mobile app Resources
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