A complex architecture of web applications, connectors, and, most crucially, people supports the CrossLife iOS and Android app. We’ve built a precisely calibrated software ecosystem that enables the application to provide users with a full range of functionality as well as our customers and us with every chance to develop new features and maintain the system continuously.
The client’s requirement to develop a social network and WOD (Workout Of The Day) generator for crossfitters catalyzed the project. Several basic drawings and plans were sent to us. The earliest steps involved:
- Identifying the project’s needs.
- Investigating the market, gauging the level of competition in this area.
- Developing the first wireframes.
- Beginning to consider the user experience.
- Putting together a suggested strategy for our customers.
The project’s components are as follows:
- Web API
- Web Admin Dashboard
- Native iOS
- Android applications
- Presentation websites.
Project Management for Apps
Agile methodology, ongoing reporting, ongoing client involvement, and client feedback
Many tools, including those with the following features, are available to help you maintain track of the project both during development and after launch.
- Monitoring of features and bugs during development;
- Support and intermediary builds accessible to testers and customers;
- To enable faster recovery and intervention, tracking API and server versions;
- Monitoring user behavior and device logs, program versioning, and code tracking.
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Each feature is examined in order to create applications that are reliable and durable. Issue analysis involves:
- Verify the atomicity of the feature and, if necessary, split it down into smaller parts;
- Examine how the other features are affected by the necessary design adjustments;
- Explore how the presently installed features affect it;
- Assign a schedule with accounting for the time needed for development and current functionality;
- Check for platform-specific requirements (iOS, Android, Web) and limit flow variations;
- Check the terms and conditions on Apple, Google Play, Facebook, and Youtube;
- Confirm costs and offer restrictions
Designing an App
The design team gave shape to various ideas thanks to Adobe CC. A clear design is necessary to produce stable and unitary applications.
Both the client and the design team contributed to the UI and UX of the application. It is crucial to research current applications, user trends, and native functionality while keeping the client’s preferences in mind. Many meetings, mockups, and prototypes were needed for this.
The design offers a reliable overview of the application even when it is not final. Marvel provided excellent assistance in outlining significant application flows.
The entire process of design involves:
- Defining the idea behind the app;
- Carrying out user research (including developing user personas and user journey maps, etc.);
- Creating wireframes, prototypes, etc.
- Establishing style manuals.
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Application Development for iOS
We prefer to build in Swift and use the XCode IDE for native iOS applications. Being a fledgling language, there were many difficulties and benefits.
The development team worked closely with the client, providing frequent builds and status reports. Redmine was essential in monitoring the development of the application. The entire development team was informed of any details that impacted the UI and UX.
Handling graphs is an excellent example because various Pods allow customization but have restrictions. A clear cost-efficiency was provided while considering the possibility of creating a completely customized view. The client has the last say on the case.
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Application Development for Android
The Android Studio IDE and Android Java are used for Android applications.
The development of the back-end, or business logic, was kept distinct from creating the graphical user interface using the Model-View-ViewModel (MVVM) software architecture. As a result, the data displayed in the UI is updated appropriately and always maintains sync with the data on the back end.
The Reactive Programming paradigm was implemented through the ReactiveX framework for secure error handling and straightforward, short writing. The developer can also alter UI events and API answers. For detailed information, check out a complete full stack developer course, designed thoroughly in partnership with IBM.
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Development of Web Dashboards
Managing the application content is necessary for an application to make a lasting impact; Apple Rules also enforce this. The application must shield users from objectionable content without allowing users to restrict one another. Other methods may allow the client to access the information immediately, but they may take a lot of technical expertise and time.
The dashboard is a crucial mediator since it is rigid and logical.
For instance, if someone gained access to AuroraDB, they could change certain non-critical data. As users are considered content owners, this might cause significant issues for both the application and the users since linked data may get corrupted.
The dashboard offers minimal editing options and admin view privileges:
See users and activate accounts; manage content reports; reject invalid reports; and allow material to enter the program again if users aren’t receiving emails. View user content.
We chose nodeJS during development and used WebStorm. This, together with the integration of outside parties using npm, enables rapid and reliable development. Although adding additional packages limits customization options, the dashboard’s primary focus is functionality, so this presents no problems.
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Development of API
The backbone of the entire system is the web API, which gives all other systems and applications secure access to the online database. Applications are not permitted to access data directly for security reasons; instead, the API server processes and makes available the necessary content. As the API’s goal is to be undetectable, any additional latency must be kept to a minimum.
Applications are connected by the API regardless of platform or use. They allow users to view either public or private content while maintaining personal privacy.
The host will:
- Verify user authorization; deliver pertinent information depending on user preferences;
- Verify the validity of the uploaded data;
- Firebase is crucial in this regard, serving as a means for the API to communicate with the devices and alert users via mobile apps;
- To make sure it is backward compatible;
- Send users notifications via email or other media.
Delivering and Releasing
Each milestone in the project’s development led to the creation of a new version of the application, which was meant for client testing and evaluation. We fully utilized TestFlight to supply iOS versions of mobile applications, while Android builds were provided as apks.
Due to the use of separate servers for development, staging, and production, test versions had no impact on the final result. Separation ensures isolated environments that eliminate all chances of data tampering while increasing costs during development.
Hope this guide was helpful for your career. You can check out the IBM full stack web developer course, if you want to learn everything from the ground up.
