App development is a must in today’s mobile innovative business environment. From social media to ecommerce, there are applications for nearly every use case. Many companies are relying on remote DevOps teams to fill the skills gap when it comes to app development and deployment. Which means you need to have your processes in order for a successful launch.
For instance, utilizing Docker container files and a Docker registry can streamline a number of application development and deployment processes for your remote DevOps team. Giving you more time to manage your business without worrying about managing your company’s DevOps.
This can equate to big time increases in efficiency, productivity, and profits. But how can you serve up simplified processes to get the results you want and need to stay competitive? Let’s take a closer look at the key app development tips for your remote DevOps team.
Utilize DevOps Tools Like Docker
Giving your remote DevOps team the tools to be efficient and more productive when it comes to app development is essential. Docker is one DevOps tool that can make this happen.
How? Docker makes it easier for developers and engineers to develop, deploy, run, and update applications via containers. The containers allow DevOps teams to package an app, including the app’s dependencies and libraries, for deployment in a single lean package.
This allows the app to run on any machine, regardless of settings. This eliminates the need for virtual machines and virtual operating systems. Thus increasing performance while decreasing application size.
Docker is also an open source DevOps tool, making it perfect for remote development teams.
Application Functionality And Performance Trumps Beauty
This is a major app development tip that many remote DevOps teams forget about. A sleek beautiful application is certainly great, but if the functionality and performance lacks, users will be sure to abandon the app, regardless of how pretty it is.
Can you have your app cake and eat it too? Absolutely. In some ways, this is where container images come into play again. However, focusing on performance and functionality first, and then tidying up the application after, may prove far more valuable.
Look to remind your remote developers and ops pros that functionality and performance wins over beauty. Let them focus on making the best product first, and leave the best looking product for later. This is when updates can serve purpose.
Ensure Top Notch App User Experience
This is critical for your app development team, especially if they are remote. Give them the autonomy to build out a powerful user experience, because they are the experts after all.
The application your remote DevOps team is building needs to be responsive, highly intuitive, provide an ease of use, as well as simplified navigation. Empower your DevOps team to think like users, and let them take the app for test spins during development.
And don’t forget about the offline user experience. Depending on what type of application your team is developing, an offline experience may serve up even more value to users. When there is no internet connection, or if the internet connection is lost, have offline functionality that doesn’t disrupt the overall user experience.
Testing Is Very Important To App Development Success
Another top app development tip is all about testing. First, your remote DevOps team should be testing the application with a large number of user skills. Having a variety of skill levels during testing can help your DevOps team tweak UI to ensure development success.
From the first time app user to expert app-smiths, test the application with users of different mobile device comfort, educational levels, backgrounds, and location. If the UI is good for all, the app will be sure to make waves after launch.
What about devices? Great question. Testing doesn’t end with UI. You also need to encourage your remote DevOps team to test the application across multiple devices. And not only iOS and Android devices either. Test on everything under the sun.
But be sure to test your app on devices that fit your target demographic. THis can be easily found using key analytics, you should have from your market research.
In Conclusion . . .
App development can be very profitable if done right. Especially if you’re utilizing the skills of remote DevOps teams to get the project done. Communication is the top rule of thumb when working with remote teams. But always be sure to give your team the tools and guidance they need to be successful. Have you used a remote app development team? Tell us your story.
