Mobile Apps- Free Tools to Build Your Own Apps
December 26, 2013
Sarvesh Bagla
The global smartphone user count has surpassed 6.4 billion, underscoring the increasing significance of mobile app development. For developers, the opportunity to create and publish their own apps is readily available. However, engaging a mobile application developer or a company can be financially burdensome.
It is at this point where free software for developing mobile applications is really useful. With open-source mobile app development tools, you have the flexibility to create or customize apps according to your specific requirements and this free software is particularly beneficial for those who are new to the realm of app building. There are several tools available online that can help in mobile app development and make the process a lot less complicated than it seems.
Here’s a list of some:
- AppSheet: AppSheet is a no-code development platform that enables users to create mobile, tablet, and web applications using data sources such as Google Drive, Dropbox, and Office 365. The platform is accessible through self-service and corporate licensing models, providing governance, data analytics, and performance options for larger organizations. AppSheet Core is available as a paid add-on for all Google Workspace editions. It is trusted by a diverse range of users, from freelancers to major corporations like Pepsi and GE, for developing robust mobile apps. The data captured by the applications remains synchronized with Google Drive, while also supporting other data sources and SQL databases. (source)
- AppMakr: AppMakr is a free tool, which facilitates creating apps for the iPhone. This free tool has a browser-based platform and developing apps is quick and easy. It is possible to create a variety of approaches for the app and there is also the option of incorporating content and feeds from social networking sites. In addition to this, other features that it offers include push-notifications, location-aware Geo RSS, custom CSS and some JavaScript features.
- GENWI: GENWI, one of the most popular app publishing systems available, it helps to create apps that can be distributed both natively and via the web. One can create apps for both tablets as well as smartphones and the list includes all everything from the iPad, to the iPhone, Android and HTML 5 Apps. One of the best things about this platform is that it allows edits, as often as you want and also provides the functionality of including ads, coupons and in-app subscriptions.
- Knack: Knack although not completely free does offer a free trial. This tool described by the makers, as a way to build simple web apps is DIY and focuses on building apps that work with data. An interesting platform it easily allows for integrating features such as search, custom forms and data display into the application. This is especially useful for developing an app for an industry that uses a lot of spreadsheet and data based information.
- Conduit: Conduit, with a punch line that offers building of stunning app designs that are quick and easy to create without coding and with one click, Conduit couldn’t possible go wrong. The tools offers a number of custom based features that can be integrated into the application including social feed, events, ecommerce notifications and much more. A great tool for someone who is not very technical, they also submit the app to various app stores on your behalf.
Depending upon the kind of application that you want to develop, there are a number of tools that can be used. While some are free, those with advanced features do cost a bit. In saying so, if you are able to develop a successful app that becomes a hit, this initial investment will be of no consequence.
Additional Read: Learn What is App Search Optimization (ASO)
Have an idea? Develop a mobile app using one or more of the tools above and get one step closer to realizing your dream today!