A Complete Guide on Mobile App Architecture for Startups

Business sectors across the board have adopted mobile apps as an industry standard. As a result, most businesses are coming up with mobile apps to improve customer service and engage more with them. Companies rely on several mobile app architectures to create applications for their startups that exceed users’ expectations. Finding the right application architecture may feel overwhelming and confusing to you as a startup owner.

So in this article, let’s talk about the specifications for mobile app architectural patterns, as well as the crucial factors that the product owner has to take into account while directing the creation of the Android and iOS app architecture.

What is Mobile App Architecture?

A collection of approaches and structures is used to create a fully functional smartphone app.

Even though they can be modified and personalized to the company’s needs, the architecture cannot be changed. Depending on the needs and functionality of the app, particular architectural components have been selected.

The Layers of Mobile App Architecture

Since the multi-layer technique separates the app’s operation levels, it is frequently employed in creating mobile apps. Developers may swiftly resolve complex problems without modifying the entire program by developing and executing every element individually.

Although the architecture of the mobile apps might have more levels, it typically has three.

What are all these three layers? Let’s explore.

Presentation Layer

The Presentation layer addresses the programming relating to UI and UX. So, understanding your intended audience is crucial for creating an excellent presentation layer.

The layer presents the visual element of your application. You may select fonts, styles, and color schemes at the presentation layer step and also assess how easy the application’s navigation is.

The Business Layer

Workflow and many other elements are included in the business layer. Most domain activities and actions are connected to the code at this layer. Usually, data analysis, error handling, and logging are done. To reduce the difficulty of the Business layer, these activities must always be separated into various categories.

The Data Layer

The final layer, known as the data layer, considers facts about several elements. The service agents’ availability of information is part of the data layer. Additionally, it contains access elements and tools for data.

Mobile App Architecture for Android and iOS

A typical mobile app architectural diagram can be used to create apps for these two platforms, but several vital distinctions exist between Android and iOS development.

Given that a collection of suggested architectural guidelines with a central objective on the display layer are provided to a programmer, iOS tends to be a much more complicated OS for app development.

Conversely, to create effective and high-quality apps, reputable App developers have published guidelines that follow the smartphone app architecture. Developers must consider the guidelines for developing Android apps described in the guide. Additionally, Android enables a highly customizable application configuration that is designed for the majority of current tablets and mobile phones by using fragments.

Top Architectural Design Patterns: MVVM, MVP, and MVC

Model-View-Controller (MVC), Model-View-Presenter (MVP), and Model-View-View Model are three of the most prominent architectural patterns available (MVVM).

These are frequently used to make complicated code more understandable. The models simplify UI programming and boost an app’s flexibility, adaptability, and testability.

To grasp the distinctions between each model, let’s examine each one thoroughly.

1. Model-View-Controller (MVC)

Since MVC is easier to modify and simplifies the implementation of modifications to the program, it is frequently utilized when creating small apps. Three parts make up MVC: Model, View, and Controller. “Model” controls an app’s status and maintains data modifications and alterations under business logic control.

By displaying information to the audience and controlling user engagement, “View” maintains UI components.

The ” controller ” handles requests as a middleman between the view and the model. This design pattern provides the model with many perspectives and speeds up the process.

2. Model View Presenter (MVP)

Since “presenter” is used in place of “controller” in the MVC model, MVP is a variation of that design. Given lower rendering frame restrictions, this pattern performs with good dependability in terms of effectiveness.

This covers the application’s business logic and information handling, much like in MVC, but the view is independent of the reason that was used to construct it. Modifying and changing the perspective is the broadcaster’s primary responsibility. The presenter analyzes user input received through the view, processes the information, and then returns the processed data to the idea. Code reuse is made possible by MVP, which makes troubleshooting simpler.

3. Model-View-View Model (MVVM)

MVVM, which is comparable to MVC, was created to more explicitly separate User interface development. In this, the “model” manages the raw data, while the “view” shows the information after processing. The View-Model component reveals procedures and directives that support keeping the view in a specific condition and maintaining the model. This is more compatible than others because of data binding.

The key benefits of MVVM include simpler debugging and management since the different types of code are segregated, making it easier for developers to make improvements quickly.

Factors to Consider While Creating the Architecture of Mobile Apps

There are many stages, components, user experiences, features, and other factors to consider while creating a mobile app architecture. Here are insights on some of the most vital elements in creating an app architecture.

1. Assessment of the Gadget

The most crucial step in creating an application’s architecture is identifying and evaluating the gadget. The key objective is to determine which unique hardware and software specifications the application will support. So, programmers must keep track of the items while developing a mobile app’s architecture:

• Display size
• Features of the CPU
• Memory
• Resolution
• Storage capacity
• Functions
• Requirements

The main goal is to determine the devices’ hardware or software’s special requirements that the app will support.

2. The Connectivity’s Determination

The worst-case situations for internet access must be considered when designing the app architecture.

The application could occasionally experience issues with internet access or even go offline. Therefore, it is necessary to construct the information processing, caching, and state management by these demands.

3. Use of the Proper User Interface

Keeping UI and UX under control is essential since these are two of the most critical components of the application’s appearance. You must take into account the application’s layout while building architecture. Be sure that the structure you’re incorporating into the app will give users a clutter-free, aesthetically pleasing, and interactive experience.

Additionally, addressing this element in the application’s architecture might prevent failures.

4. Navigation Process

This component should be included in the design stage of the architecture for the program. Additionally, you can choose to comprehend your customers and their needs. Knowing your target market can help you decide which navigation, as mentioned above, elements the app needs:

• Controller model
• Scroll to see
• Stacking navigation bar
• Single view
• Navigation based on searches
• Tabbed interface

Netsmartz’s Tips on Choosing the Best Mobile App Architecture for Startups

Choosing application architecture cannot be universal because there are various mobile app kinds based on their intended use. In addition, the selection procedure heavily depends on the budget allocation for mobile apps. This is why we have listed the top mobile app architectural options based on the many forms of app development.

Customized mobile app development

The application architecture used in producing customized mobile apps is affordable and may reach a wider audience. The software is available for iOs and Android devices, as well as for targeted groups. It would also be economical since you only have to spend for the demographic that they wanted to target.

Native application

Native apps should be your choice if you don’t have any financial restrictions. Both for Android & iOs, independent applications may be developed. Overall efficiency and functionality of native apps are better, and they also improve the user experience.

Cross-platform application

A cross-platform app would be a good option if you want to grow your customer base but have limited funds. Programmers merely need to write a single line of code here, which you can use elsewhere. Even if it’s affordable, you may have to sacrifice the application’s performance.

To Sum Up

The quality and reliability of your application, and its profitability, depend on a solid architecture. A well-constructed architecture speeds up and simplifies the process while saving substantial resources, labor, and time.

With the necessary knowledge for your application, it might be easier to make the correct choice. This is where Netsmartz comes in; our seasoned dev team with expertise working on both Android and iOS can assist you in developing an efficient, dependable architecture for your dream startup mobile application. Learn more about our offerings, and get in touch to schedule a free consultation.