How to develop a Cloud based app: Benefits, steps and tips
Since the post-pandemic era, we have officially been in the digital world, where we humans use technology for almost every daily task. Today, if we check our phones, we get applications for almost every task, from ride-booking to grocery shopping, and we get a separate application. Cloud applications have become popular nowadays, and there might be chances that you’re using one of these cloud-based applications.
However, today, we’ll not discuss what cloud-based apps are because if you’re here, you probably already know them. In this write-up, we’ll teach you how you can develop a cloud app for your business or start-up, along with its benefits. So, let’s first give you an overview of Cloud-based development.
What is cloud application development?
Cloud application development is a term that refers to building an application that will fully operate in the Cloud. Hence, the operating device will not require any space to install it or many other things.
Please don’t get upset; let me give you an overview of Cloud, which is the main thing here. So basically, Cloud is made of servers that can be accessed over the internet, and cloud software will run on these servers to provide the output.
Cloud gives developers and businesses a lot of benefits as Cloud-based apps can be accessed from any device without any application or software installation; all they need is an internet connection and a web browser. Cloud-based apps also enable businesses to tackle almost every user who uses the internet, no matter what operating system or device they use.
Pros of Cloud Application Development
There are several other benefits of Cloud-based application development; let’s outline some of the most notable Cloud-based benefits.
- Scalability: When compared with traditional software, cloud software offers more features and limitless customization options. For example, if we install traditional software to any particular device or operating system, the features, functions, and services will be limited. Here, users only need a web browser and internet connection to access Cloud-based applications from any device and operating system.
- Easy to maintain and update: Cloud apps are easy to maintain as there will be no downtime. Also, from a client perspective, you’ll not be liable to update or maintain the application as the cloud provider will take care of all these things. Hence, you can be worry-free, and your application will always stay secure and updated.
- Cost Effective: Last but not least, the benefit of cloud apps is that they are cost-effective compared to traditional software. If you’re an organization that uses cloud apps to boost productivity and enhance the work process, then cloud apps will be a blessing for you. We all know traditional software needs to be updated manually, and there can be chances where some of your staff may not install the most updated version, but with the Cloud, there will be no such risk as the app will get updated for everyone without affecting productivity.
By using or developing cloud applications, organizations can eliminate a lot of extra expenses and enhance their productivity. Now, let’s move to the process of developing a cloud-based system for your users or organization operations.
Step-by-Step Guide to Develop a Cloud App Designing Your Application
- Define Your Objectives: The first step you need to take is to identify the primary purpose of your app and determine what problem your app will solve and what value it will provide to users. Also, understand who will use your app and what features and functionalities they require.
- Create User Stories and Wireframes: The next step will be creating wireframes and user stories for your application. Start with writing detailed descriptions of how users will interact with your app. After the design, a visual representation of your app’s layout, including the placement of elements and navigation flow.
- Choose the Technology Stack: Choosing the right technology stack for your cloud-based app is a must to get the best experience and performance. Choose technologies that best fit your app’s requirements and your team’s expertise. When choosing the technology stack for your Cloud based app, ensure that your chosen technologies can handle growth and integrate well with your cloud provider.
- Architect the Application: The next step is to plan the structure of your app, including frontend, backend, and database components. When developing a cloud-based app, make sure you implement modern architectural styles to enhance scalability, maintainability, and resilience.
Establishing Your Cloud Infrastructure
- Choose a Cloud Provider: Choosing the right cloud provider is a must when developing Cloud-based apps. There are several cloud providers in the market, such as AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud. Compare the services, pricing, and support offered by different cloud providers to select the best for your app.
- Set Up Your Cloud Environment: Set up servers, storage, databases, and other necessary resources. Establish virtual private clouds (VPCs), subnets, and load balancers to manage traffic and ensure security.
- Security and Compliance: Security should be every business’s first priority. Implement the best security patches and technologies in your cloud-based app to protect your app and data from unauthorized access and breaches.
Application Development
- Develop the Frontend: The front end is the user end of your application, and making it user-friendly is a must to ensure your application’s success. Make sure you don’t make the screen cluttered with unnecessary features and options, and the user side stays neat and clean.
- Develop the Backend: The backend is known as the backbone of any application; basically, it is the coding and styling of an application. Hire developers who will write code to handle data processing, workflows, and interactions with external services. Also, for a seamless performance, develop APIs to enable communication between the front end and backend.
- Database Management: The next step will be database management. Effective Database management is a must for any cloud-based app, so choose a database that suits your app’s data requirements, whether relational, NoSQL, or in-memory.
Testing Your Application
- Test Individual Components: Ensure each part of your app functions correctly in isolation. Use testing frameworks and tools to automate and streamline unit testing.
- Conduct Integration Testing: Check that different parts of your app work together correctly and every function is working properly. Use integration tests to find bugs in your cloud app and resolve them.
- Perform User Acceptance Testing (UAT): Users are the best way to gather feedback to improve your application. Launch the beta version of your cloud-based app and make necessary improvements before final deployment.
Deploy Your Cloud App
Prepare for Deployment: Before deploying your cloud-based app in the market, verify that your app is stable, secure, and ready for live use. Once you are satisfied with all your Cloud-based apps, deploy your app to the chosen cloud provider, ensuring all services are correctly configured.
Now, before you start the cloud app development, there are a few tips that you can follow to get the best outcome.
Tips to Develop a Cloud App
- Focus on User Experience: First thing first, the user experience will decide the success of your Cloud-based app, so it’s none other than your responsibility to make your application user-oriented. Don’t put unnecessary features and options; keep your app’s user interface user-oriented.
- Plan for Scalability: There is no doubt that you want to see your application growing and gaining more and more users. During the development process, design your app and infrastructure to handle growth and increased demand.
- Prioritize Security: Privacy and security are the two foremost things for any application. Ensure your application is laced with the latest security frameworks and technologies. Implement strong security measures to protect user data and maintain trust.
- Automate Processes: Cloud app development is a bit hectic task, but with the use of the right automation tools, you can significantly enhance the development process. Today, there are several tools that can be used to automate many tasks.
- Stay Updated with Cloud Trends: Today, technology is growing at a fast speed, and you should keep your cloud-based app updated with the latest trends and frameworks to provide an enhanced experience to users.
Conclusion
Cloud-based apps are in trend nowadays due to their flexibility and several cloud-based benefits. In this write-up, we’ve provided a detailed overview of how to develop a Cloud-based app, what it is, and a few tips to get the best results. Here at Ftechiz, we have a team of cloud developers laced with the latest technology and years of experience in building cloud-based apps. You can hire cloud developers from us or get a consultant and a free quotation for your application.
