Mobile App Backend Development: A Detailed Guideline
According to Statista, the number of mobile users worldwide is projected to reach 7.49 billion. This mobile era has brought huge diversity in mobile app development. And, just as a car is useless without fuel, an app will have limited functionality and user experience without a functional backend. In this article, BHSoft will provide you with detailed guidelines about mobile app backend development. Take a look!
What is a backend for mobile apps?
If a mobile app is the body, the backend will be the brain.
The backend doesn't interact with users directly in an application. It adds critical functionality to the application, making it indispensable behind the scenes. Without a clean and proper backend, the app's frontend won’t work properly.
A mobile backend is responsible for:
- Data storage and management
- User authentication and authorization
- Push notifications
- Analytics and reporting
- Integration with third-party services
How does the mobile backend work?
The backend is a component of software that runs on a server. Backend development for mobile applications facilitates the application's main functionality. It includes servers, databases, middleware, and other components that can be accessed over the Internet via an application programming interface (API).
When you tap on the screen, the frontend sends a request to the backend. The backend uses an API to retrieve the information needed to perform a function and returns the final output to the frontend.
For example, it's Black Friday and your favorite item is on sale on Amazon. You click the "Buy now" button, which takes you to a checkout page where you can select your payment method. The frontend (Amazon app) requests a connection to the external payment gateway from its backend servers. As a result, you see a banking payment page asking for your payment credentials such as credit card information, address, CVV, etc. And it’s exactly how the mobile backend works.
What functions does the mobile backend provide?
There are 3 basic functions to utilize while creating mobile applications:
Software-as-a-Service (3rd party services)
Third-party mobile app backend or Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solutions are ready-made, plug-and-play solutions that suit your needs. Its backend solutions are ready to be used by frontend apps. You just need to plug in your frontend, subscribe to their plan, and release your app.
Mobile Backend-as-a-Service (MBaaS)
MBaaS is a more flexible option than SaaS. SaaS is ideal for simple applications, but it cannot handle complex backend requirements. MBaaS is a more powerful backend solution that enables you to use your pre-developed components in conjunction with a backend to provide all these features. Custom code functionalities outside the available libraries and capabilities are possible with MBaaS.
Custom mobile app backend solution
This is the most adaptable and potent option. Everything that SaaS or MBaaS cannot do can be done by a custom backend. However, as an exchange, it necessitates the hiring of a dedicated backend programmer or a team. And, of course, the price is not low.
Which types of mobile apps require backend development?
Not every mobile app requires backend development. The term "backend" refers to apps that must deal with user data. If your app doesn’t need to store user data, such as a camera app, note app, calculator app, etc., you do not need to build it.
Another simple way to determine whether your app requires a backend is to examine its internet connection. As you may know, the backend is the software that the frontend application connects to via the internet. Therefore, if your mobile app requires internet access, it might require a backend solution.
Top backend development tool for mobile app
Here are the most popular technologies for mobile app backend development in 2023:
Node.js
The most popular backend framework for mobile app development is
Ruby on Rails (RoR)
RoR is ideal for small and medium-sized projects. It handles projects with longer support cycles and frequent logic changes with ease. Furthermore, RoR software can reach more users for less money. As a result, this is one of the most popular technologies among worldwide startups when it comes to releasing products with early market entry strategies.
Python
Python is used for both large and medium-sized mobile applications. It has a clean structure, is easy to understand, and produces high-quality results quickly. As a result, it is extremely beneficial for the developer when developing the backend for a mobile app.
PHP
For medium-sized mobile applications, PHP is a solid option. PHP is a script-based language, so an event-driven design is necessary. As a result, real-time applications are rarely written in PHP. Despite this, PHP remains a favorite among developers due to its ease of use and robust community support.
ASP.NET
ASP.NET is a strong option for backend mobile app development. It is an open-source web framework that executes the core web applications and supports modular. It also has a strong focus on community.
Benefits of mobile app backend development
Backend development for mobile apps has numerous advantages. Here are the major ones:
- Rapid development speed
- Low-cost
- Concentrate on core business
- Greater output in less time
- A broader range of app features
- Cloud infrastructure outsourcing
- Ongoing integration and delivery
- Efficiency and security
Wrap up
To summarize, backend development is critical to the success of your mobile app. Your mobile app will have a significant advantage in the market if it has a strong backend.
BHSoft has assisted numerous clients in developing a solid backend for their mobile applications. Our experts will help you choose the best backend app solution for your next mobile app development project.
For example, BHSoft worked with an Australian client to develop an end-to-end Digital Food Safety & Ops Execution Platform. It is compatible with both web and mobile devices and has a strong backend architecture. The backend handles many functionalities, including authorization, checklist date creation, updates to IoT support for sensors, etc.
This brings the guide to a close. I hope you find it useful. For any queries, please feel free to contact BHSoft . Our team of experts with years of experience has provided top-tier backend solutions for clients all over the world, including the most difficult markets such as Europe, the USA, and Japan. As a leading mobile app development company in Vietnam, we will walk you through the entire process and assist you in meeting your business objectives.
