A Complete Guide: Mobile App Development vs Software Development

There’s confusion lurking around in the industry about the difference between mobile apps and software development. Software is generally used on computers and laptops for a wide range of purposes. Some computer software comes pre-installed when you buy a new system, while others can be installed at a later stage. However, app development is for mobile devices powered by iOS and Android operating systems.

In this article, we will talk about the difference between mobile application development and software development. The purpose is to help you understand the thin-line difference between them and help you decide which type of solution is required.

What is Mobile App Development?

Mobile applications development involves writing the code for applications for small and wireless computing devices. These devices or mobile applications have become an integral part of an individual’s life. Mobile applications run on different operating systems, including iOS, Android, and Windows. Developers creating applications for these platforms must write code specific to the operating system with platform-specific technologies.

A top mobile app development company has built a process to develop the application from scratch. They work in different domains and verticals, allowing end users to complete different types of functions and transactions. Mobile applications help individuals complete day-to-day functions to complete financial transactions under tight security.

Examples of popular applications include Facebook, Twitter, Spotify, Instagram, Whatsapp, and many more. For a mobile application, developers work on the frontend, backend, and design. Different types of professionals take on these roles, including front-end developers, back-end developers, designers, quality assurance professionals, and business analysts, among others.

For building mobile applications, developers and designers work with different technologies. These include HTML, PHP, Python, React Native, Laravel, MySQL RESTApi, Flutter, Xamarin, etc.

What is Software Development?

Software development is about building products and solutions that involve the same steps required to build an app. However, the software operates on different platforms than mobile applications. Generally, the software is built to run on Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, and Ubuntu operating systems.

The purpose of building software can be manifold. Some software are used for playing music and videos, while others are used to edit photos, write, analyze data, play games, etc. Just as a mobile application can be built for a wide range of purposes, the software can also take many forms.

In essence, the software is a set of instructions that help execute various sets of functions on hardware devices. Popular software that we use almost every day includes Microsoft Word, Browsers, Skype, Photoshop, Adobe Reader, etc. To build software, software engineers are hired by a software development company. These engineers have expertise in ideating and developing the software, along with ensuring their upkeep.

As we are transitioning into an advanced world, the lines between an application and software are tuning down. Today, software we can access on a computer can also be accessed on a mobile. For instance, Skype is available to use on a computer and can also be used on a mobile.

Similarly, a mobile application like Whatsapp has also been built as software to run on a computer. As a result, we are getting access to both software and an application. However, the team of experts working on these two types of development systems is different.

Understanding the Difference Between Mobile App and Software Development

Mobile app vs. software development is easy to understand when you know about the difference between a mobile application and software. So, let’s begin with knowing the importance of a mobile application and software by way of understanding their significance.

Importance of Mobile Application

• Accessibility

  A mobile application has extended accessibility. This means that a mobile app can be accessed from different types of platforms. Almost every smart mobile has the ability to allow people to download and access mobile applications. As a result, businesses can leverage this opportunity to build the application and promote their brand.

  Moreover, due to the wide expanse of mobile applications and how popular they have become, businesses can create dedicated apps to get in front of their customers. They can use this platform to build organic traffic and create a loyal customer base.

  Mostly, mobile applications are built to solve a problem of the end-user. So, their development system and approach is also motivated by solving problems. Ultimately, a mobile application is an essential component to communicate with customers.

• Better Brand Loyalty

  With a mobile application, businesses can get closer to their customers than ever before. With the ability to communicate with their customers everyday, brands can build a consistent communication system. Mobile applications allow businesses to cross territorial boundaries and reach out to customers easily.

  With the help of consistent communication and interaction, mobile applications make it easier for a brand to maintain relationships with its customers. Even when a person has not become a paying customer, yet they have downloaded the applications, businesses can use this opportunity to turn them into loyal customers.

Importance of Software Development

• Helps Improve Sales and Service

  Having an online platform is essential for businesses and brands. The software can allow a business to reach out to its customers and make them aware. Eventually, their presence on the web and within operating systems can help improve sales and services.

• Address Specific Customers

  At a time when the majority of the global population uses a mobile phone, the software allows businesses to address specific customer needs. Since software will run on a computer or laptop, brands can use this digital solution to help their customers complete dedicated functions and transactions.

  For instance, MS Word software can only be used to write words; MS Powerpoint is used to make presentations, etc. There are software allowing users to play games and convert old VCR videos into digital format.

So, software and mobile application has a different set of benefits that businesses can leverage to achieve their objectives.

Mobile App vs Software Development | How do They Differ?

To understand the difference between mobile app and software development, let’s divide the discussion further for better analysis.

So, Which Should I Choose, Mobile Application or Software?

The choice between software and mobile application depends on your requirements, target audience requirements, and purpose. To put it simply, you need to look at who will be using the application and how.

A mobile application is required when you want to address your customers in general or give them a platform to interact with your brand. However, the software is built and provided to the customers for a specific purpose. They make the tasks easier to execute and implement.

Conclusion

A mobile application and software are digital solutions allowing users to complete a wide range of functions. Both the types of digital solutions have distinct advantages. They allow businesses and brands to address their customer’s pain points and provide them with the required functions to complete the transactions. It can be sending money, communicating with someone, listening to a song, watching videos, playing games, etc. all these purposes can be completed with an application or software. Your choice between the two will depend on the intended functions and requirements.