Mobile App Development Vs Software Development 7 Key Differences

Mobile App Development V/S
Software Development: 7 Key
Differences
The term software development is a blanket of the entire software industry. The software
industry covers a wide range of various development systems that are built for various
end-users.
Mobile app development and software development are two terms, you might be familiar
with. But, do you know what exactly they are and how are both different from each
other?
You might have come across such questions before and find it difficult to answer them.
Being a leading software development company, we can find you the right answer to
this.
It may take a little longer to reach the answer as we want you to know everything about
mobile app development and software development from its basics. Make sure you read
each of this blog!

Introduction to Mobile App
Development and Software
Development
Mobile app development and software development may sound similar to us, as they
both are the software after all. But there is a thin line differentiating them that makes
them different for several reasons.
Let’s understand the meaning and fundamentals of both.
What is Mobile App Development?
As the name suggests, mobile app development is done for mobile users. The mobile
app development process aims to develop software that can run on mobile and tablet
devices for the Android and iOS operating systems.
The process of mobile app development will consist of lots of creativity, technical skills,
and problem-solving. Google Play and Apple’s App Library are two major app stores
used by the users.
Mobile app development is more rooted in traditional software development. The first
version of mobile app development was created by Steve Jobs in 1983, it has grown a lot
till now with the latest technological approaches.
What is Software Development?
Software development is a computer program-building process, crafted by software
developers. During the software development process, developers incorporate their
technical skills using computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis.
Software development is a writing series of interrelated programming codes to function
with the developed software. To write these codes, developers use various computer
programming languages.
Key Features
At some point, mobile app development and software development serve the same, but
not in all. The key features of mobile app development and software development will
define their behavior, performance, and usability.
Let’s widen your perspective on mobile app development and software development.

Key Features of Mobile App Development
All these key features are important to enhance the user experience with an app and
build a successful mobile app
User-Centric
Mobile apps should be developed with the user in mind. This makes the app easy to use,
navigate, and understand for the users. With the user-centric approach, the app should
also be designed to be visually appealing and engaging.
Developed for Android and iOS Android and iOS are the two most popular operating
systems for mobile apps. The mobile app should be developed for both operating
systems to reach a wide audience.

Offline Functionality
There is a possibility to have users who may need to operate the app even without the
internet connection. To accommodate these users, it is important to implement offline
functionality in mobile app development.
Social Media Integration
Social media is a popular way for people to stay connected. Mobile apps need to allow
users to integrate their social media accounts to make them more engaging and helpful.
Gather and Implement Feedback
It is important to gather feedback from users and implement it in the app. This feature
will help to improve the app and make it more user-friendly.
Application Security
Mobile apps should be developed with security to protect user data. This means the app
should have strong security measures in place, such as encryption and authentication.
Customer Support Services
It is important to provide customer support for mobile apps. This means that users
should be able to easily contact customer service if they have any questions or problems.
UX Planning
UX planning is the process of designing a user experience that is both effective and
enjoyable. When planning the UX of your mobile app, it is important to consider the
needs of your target users and the goals of your app.
Key Features of Software Development

Below mentioned key features of software development are important for delivering
high-quality software. Requirements Gatherings and Analysis This involves
understanding the needs of the users and stakeholders and documenting them clearly
and concisely. This information is used to inform the design and development of the
software.
Design
This involves developing a plan for how the software will be implemented. This includes
defining the software architecture, user interface, and database schema.
Deployment
This involves making the software available to users. This may involve installing the
software on their computers or devices or making it available as a cloud-based service.
Quality Assurance
This involves testing the software to ensure that it meets the requirements and is free of
defects. Quality assurance involves various tests such as unit testing, integration testing,
system testing, and user acceptance testing.
Configuration Management
This involves tracking and managing changes to the software. This includes keeping
track of different versions of the software and managing the deployment of changes to
the production environment.
Excellent Value
The software should provide value to the users and stakeholders. Software should be
developed in a way to meet their needs and solve problems. The software should also be
cost-effective to develop and maintain.
Creativity
Software development is a creative process. Developers need to think outside the box
and come up with new and innovative solutions to problems.
Lifecycle
The process of mobile app development and software development is both complex and
time-consuming yet asks for creativity. With technologies developing every day,
developers are expected to step forward in the development processes and bring new
solutions each day.

Here is how the development process for mobile apps and software is being performed!
Mobile App Development Lifecycle
Planning & Research
The first phase of mobile app development is when the foundation for an app is built.
Whatever will be laid down in this step will become the core of the app. The developers
will carry out the brainstorming and researching for what they need to implement in the
app, who their target audience will be, and what will be the purpose of the app.
Assessment of Technical Feasibility
Only visual analysis is not enough, developers need to confirm that the backend system
will fully support the functionality of the app. Examining the technical feasibility of the
idea of the app is important. Moreover, developers need to determine the suitable
platform for the app.
Wireframe and Prototype
Coming to this phase of the mobile app development process, the developers will have a
clear idea of how the app will look like and which features they want to integrate into it.
For a clear picture of navigation, developers will sketch out the application, technically
known as wireframing, and then will build a working prototype to have clear clarity on
connections.
Designing the Application
Being done with the prototype, developers are now ready to begin with the design and
layout of the app. The UI/UX designing phase is determined by the developers in this
step. Developers are required to maintain the balance between the content and user
interface.
Developing the Mobile app
This is the step where the actual development process is done, including the number of
steps such as setting up storage solutions, databases, APIs, and servers for the backend
of the app. The mobile app development process also involves defining the features of
the app and the selection of the backend system.
Testing the Mobile App
Now, developers finally have the complete concept of the app with exciting graphics and
properly placed content. Developers now can test the mobile app if there are any bugs

or technical flaws to correct them right away. Developers can cross-check everything
with the app model and see if the requirements have been met successfully or not.
Deployment
When the testing is done and the technical flaws and bugs have been fixed, developers
can deploy the app on the server determine the security standards of the app with the
server, and ensure there is no data leakage.
App Launch
Suring each aspect of the app, the app is now ready to launch. The final stage of the
mobile app development process is app launch. Developers can launch the app in the
app store. The app can be registered in different app stores apart from the main two -
Google Play Store and App Library.
Post-launch Optimization
Even after launching the app, the process never ends. The app needs to be optimized
post-launch. The developers will need to update and upgrade the app at regular
intervals. Also, developers can add new features with every update to enhance the user
experience.
Software Development Lifecycle,
Requirement Analysis
Requirement analysis is the fundamental stage in the software development lifecycle.
Taking the inputs from customers, the sales department, market surveys, and domain
experts of the industry - is performed by the senior members of the development team.
They plan the basic project approach and study the different areas for product feasibility.
The outcome of requirement analysis helps to implement the solution in the project
successfully.
Defining the Requirements
Requirement analysis does not clearly define the requirements. In this stage, developers
will document the requirements and share them with customers or market analysts to
get them approved. A document called SRS(Software Requirement Specification) - is
used to get this process done.

Designing Architecture
SRS works as a reference for product architects to design the architecture for the
software to be developed. Usually, multiple design approaches are proposed for the
software architecture and are documented in DDS(Design Document Specification).
The stakeholders will review the designs and measure them with different parameters to
select the best approach for software development.
Development
The actual development of the software will start in this stage. The developers generate
the programming code as per the DDS. The process of code generation can be
accomplished without hassle, if the design is performed in a detailed and organized
manner.
To generate a code, various programming languages are taken to help in the process
while choosing the respective programming language most suitable for the software to
be developed.
Testing and Integration
This is a subset of all stages in the life cycle of software development. The testing is
usually involved in all the stages, however, this stage refers to testing the overall
software that is developed and reporting any defects in it to fix. This helps to reach the
quality standards defined for the software.
Deployment and Maintenance
If the tested software is ready to take out, then the deployment process can be carried
out to release the software.
The software deployment stage differs as per the business strategies, some might release
the software earlier in the limited segment, and then test it in the real business
environment, gather feedback, and then release it in the targeted market segment with
the suggested enhancements. Proper maintenance is done for the software, once
released.
Types
Types of Mobile App Development
There are main three categories for mobile app development based on the technology
and industry:

 Native Apps
 Web Apps
 Hybrid Apps
Mobile app development is one of the types of software development.
Types of Software Development
Software development covers a wide range with multiple categories falling under its
name. Each category has its different frameworks and programming languages.
 Software Engineering
 Mobile App Development
 Web Development
 Agile Software Development
 Cloud Computing
 DevOps
 Data Science
 Embedded Systems
Mobile App Development vs
Software Development
Now you know the fundamentals of mobile app development and software
development, somewhere they both are similar.
Pointing to the fact that mobile app development is one of the types of software
development, they both require some common skills such as programming, problem-
solving, numerical skills, and analytical skills.
However, they both differ in the following manners:
 Mobile app development mainly focuses on design, user experience, and user-
friendly interfaces.
 Software development is more focused on writing codes, quality, and complex user
interfaces.
Apart from those, they both have a different process, as guided above. There are a few
key differences that clearly define the two, drawing a silver-thin line between them.

7 Key Differences Between
Mobile App Development and
Software Development
Aim
Mobile app development aims to provide comfort and a user experience, while software
development is built to simply meet business objectives.
Usability
Mobile apps are customizable and easy to navigate. Software is easy to manage and can
be run on various hardware devices.
Programming Languages
Developers use the best app development languages to develop the app, including
Swift, Java, Objective C, Python, etc. Software developers use common programming
languages to build software.
End-users
In the context of mobile app development, it is developed for the end-users like
customers and company employees. The end users of software differ in the type of
software developed and its readiness to fulfill the requirements.
Interface
While developing a mobile app, developers use interfaces that are user-friendly and
intuitive for mobile devices. Software development includes creating more complex
interfaces for desktop applications.
Focus
Mobile app development mainly focuses on adding meaningful features to the app to
help users minimize their day-to-day work. The full-stack developers for software
development focus on writing clear and clean codes to ensure the standard quality of
software.

Process
The process of mobile app development involves strategy creation, consulting, UI/UX
designing, etc, whereas the software development lifecycle simply consists of planning,
specifying, designing, and developing.
Best in All!
The developers play a vital role in developing mobile apps and software. They need
strong technical skills to solve the problems at the moment. Polyxer Systems is the
leading software development company offering the best software solutions in every
niche. We provide a range of services including mobile app development and all other
software development services with our years of experience and expertise. Our quality,
transparency processes, and innovative methods make us the best in all!
Read More:-
 50 Software Development Stats: Market Trends and Insights for the Year 2024
 The Future of Software: Exploring AI, Machine Learning, and Beyond
 How to Decide Technology Stack for Your Next Software Development Project?

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