Whether your app needs C++ for performance or JavaScript for flexibility, your choice of programming language can impact speed and complexity.
You’ll also want to look at no-code platforms like Adalo to speed up your development without sacrificing quality.
Read on to learn:
- Factors to consider when planning to create an app
- 6 top app programming languages
- Why you should consider using no-code tools
- Common challenges and how to choose between no-code and coding
Let’s start with the first steps you should take when deciding whether to pursue mobile app programming.
App Programming: Factors to Consider
Before you develop your app, take a step back and consider a few of its attributes. These will play a major role in your decision to use a coding language or no-code. Consider the following before you start building:
Platform Compatibility
One of the first decisions depends on which platform you’re developing your app for iOS, Android, or cross-platform. All the platforms have a few differences that will impact your development process.
iOS App Native Development:
- iOS apps are commonly developed using Swift or Objective-C programming languages. Swift is preferred for new projects due to its modern syntax and safety features, but Objective-C remains important for legacy applications.
- You’ll need Apple's ecosystem tools like Xcode. Moreover, development on an Apple device is recommended, and cloud options like Amazon EC2 or MacStadium are also recommended.
Android App Native Development:
- It primarily uses Kotlin, which is favored for its reduced bugs and easy codebase, though Java is also supported.
- Development tools are available via Android Studio and are compatible with both Mac and Windows.
Cross-Platform Development:
- You can use frameworks like Flutter and React Native to create apps for both iOS and Android from a single codebase.
- While cross-platform tools are effective, native development is often preferred for optimized performance on each platform.
App Type
Are you looking to create a booking, game, travel, or unique app that has yet to be built? These apps have distinct characteristics and are best developed using specific programming languages.
For instance, games require robust graphic capabilities, so developers choose a programming language, such as C# or C++, that accommodates crystal-clear graphics.
On the other hand, social media apps must store enormous tracts of data, so developers usually use Python or JavaScript because these languages have extensive ecosystems and libraries to support these data-rich features.
Performance Requirements
Your app’s performance depends on the amount of data it will handle, the tasks it will execute, and its real-time processing, which is also a critical factor in choosing the right mobile programming language.
Complex apps, like games and live financial software, require thousands of calculations every second and are best developed using languages like C# and C++. These languages are known for their speed and efficient processing.
If you’re creating a booking or e-commerce app where you don’t need responses every millisecond, languages like Python or JavaScript are prime candidates. These “simpler” languages also offer faster development times.
Development Speed
Your development deadline, or how soon you need your app to be finished, will determine which programming language you use.
For those who have quite a bit of time to develop a complex app, a more involved language like C# or C++ might do. But, if you’re working under a tight deadline, you’ll need an easy-to-work-with language like Python or JavaScript.
No-code platforms like Adalo are efficient options for quickly developing your app without needing to write code. These platforms leverage a drag-and-drop interface similar to a photo editor like Paint.
Instead of typing in line after line of code, you’ll drag pre-made components and your pictures over to a building canvas and customize every part so you can release an app that looks, feels, and performs as if it were made using code.
Community Support and Libraries
Leveraging a robust library of premade code, help documents, customizable frameworks, and active user forums will make your building experience much more enjoyable.
Check out resources like the Python community, JavaScript Weekly, and GitHub, all vibrant ecosystems. You’ll find tutorials, premade lines of code, info, and the ability to connect with other users to get all your app questions answered.
6 Popular App Programming Languages in 2024
This list isn’t exhaustive — many folks can use several other programming languages to create their apps. But, as we mentioned, these are the most popular coding languages for app development at the time of writing.
1. Swift
Overview
Apple created Swift to build apps for iOS, Mac, Apple TV, and Apple Watch. It provides developers with more freedom while being easy to use.
Key Features
- Swift was designed to build robust apps with functionalities that prevent bugs and glitches.
- It works well alongside Objective-C code within Apple’s ecosystems, and you can integrate Swift into your existing projects without completely and painstakingly rewriting your codebase.
- Swift's concise yet expressive syntax makes writing code faster. Plus, it’s easier to read and more maintainable. It is also open source, with a large community of developers contributing to its ongoing development.
Use Cases
Swift is the preferred coding language for developing iOS apps. While it’s suitable for creating complex animations, its simplicity makes it an excellent language for educational purposes, like teaching people how to build apps.
2. Kotlin
Overview
Developed by JetBrains and officially supported by Google for Android development, Kotlin is the preferred language for developing apps for the Android ecosystem.
Key Features
- Kotlin is interoperable with Java, allowing the use of Java frameworks and tools within Kotlin projects. You can also migrate your Java applications to Kotlin or use Kotlin in existing Java projects.
- Featuring a concise syntax, Kotlin makes programs easier to write, read, and maintain. You’ll also have access to features such as extension functions, data classes, and smart casts to boost your app’s functionality.
Use Cases
While Kotlin is the go-to language for Android development, you can also use Kotlin for server-side app development. This means you can use Kotlin to create backend apps for optimal data retrieval, logic, and more.
3. Java
Overview
Developed by Sun Microsystems in the mid-1990s and now maintained by Oracle, Java is one of the most versatile and widely used programming languages, with an exceptionally vast ecosystem.
Key Features
- While it’s designed to be beginner-friendly, Java is powerful enough to handle complex development projects — corporations and independent developers use Java to build their applications.
- Java provides an extensive and rich set of APIs. They are used for applications such as networking, I/O operations, data structure creation, and graphical user interface development.
Use Cases
Java is a solid language for creating a variety of apps. You can build applications for Android, web apps, large-scale enterprise applications, and more.
4. JavaScript
Overview
JavaScript is a core technology of the Internet, enabling interactive web pages and being the essential structure of web applications.
Key Features
- JavaScript code runs on your browser, letting you interface with web pages without reloading the page.
- One of the more flexible coding languages, JavaScript, is used alongside HTML and CSS to create dynamic and interactive web applications.
Use Cases
While it’s in JavaScript’s DNA to develop websites and web apps, you can use the React Native Framework to create native mobile apps for both the iOS (Apple) and Android (Google) platforms.
5. C#
Overview
Developed by Microsoft, C# (pronounced "C Sharp") is a critical tool for developers making apps for the Microsoft ecosystem as well as those for the web.
Key Features
- C# is statically typed, which helps prevent errors before software gets into production. This feature helps ensure you catch bugs during the development stage, which can improve your app’s quality.
- Part of the “.NET” framework, C# provides an extensive library where you can find lines of code for programming tasks, file reading and writing, graphic rendering, and much more.
Use Cases
Although C# was initially intended to create Microsoft apps, it can also be used to build web apps at scale, including those for enterprise needs. Plus, plugging into a tool like Xamarin allows mobile app development for both the Apple and Google platforms.
6. Python
Overview
First released in 1991, Python emphasizes simplicity and readability and supports multiple programming projects, making it incredibly flexible and applicable to many projects.
Key Features
- As an open-source software, Python is continuously updated by a large community of developers who improve and evolve it to meet current and future needs. You can rest assured that Python won’t be relegated to obscurity.
- Python is one of the most intuitive and readable coding languages, mirroring the English language. This means that Python is widely considered a beginner-friendly language due to its readable syntax and extensive community support.
Use Cases
When used with frameworks like Django and Flask, Python works as a robust web app development language. However, you can also use Python for data analysis and visualization, as well as artificial intelligence and machine learning development.
App Programming Language Alternatives: No-Code Tools
Using a programming language for app development gives you lots of freedom to create nearly any app you want. However, learning a programming language takes considerable time and effort, as well as an ability to overcome frustration.
If you want to hire an agency or freelancer to build your app using a programming language, be prepared to pay up: Agency and freelancer costs can total in the $10,000s, depending on the size of your app.
But there’s another way to create your very own app, from your very own computer, all on your own, and without using code: By using a no-code app builder.
What Is No-Code?
No-code is a technology that lets anyone who can create a social media account build an app. Instead of writing line after line of code, you’ll leverage a drag-and-drop interface to make your app piece by piece.
Most no-code platforms let you choose a template to start building your app. Templates come preloaded with screens (your app’s pages) and elements like buttons, forms, lists, and other pictures. In most cases, you’ll be able to transform a common template into a unique app.
Adalo: A Leading No-Code App Builder
The market is flooded with no-code app builders, making choosing one difficult. Luckily, you found our article, so you won’t have to fumble through app-builder after app-builder. Instead, start building your app with Adalo.
Adalo is known for balancing ease of use with powerful customization options. It’s easy enough to learn intuitively right out of the box — it functions much like PowerPoint.
However, Adalo packs a mean punch in terms of power, allowing you to customize nearly every bit of your app to your tastes, preferences, and brand.
First, browse Adalo’s vast template library and pick the one for your app. It will come loaded with all the screens you need and cool features like a calendar, scheduling forms, payment integration with Stripe, and much more.
You can also find other plugins from Adalo’s Component Marketplace, such as a maps function, messenger, and other tools. Adalo is integrated with 1,000s of third-party tools like Zapier, QuickBooks, Airtable, and more, allowing you to transfer data from your third-party accounts to your Adalo app.
When you finish building, you can publish the same version of your app to the web, the Apple App Store, and Google Play Store. This way, you’ll have the opportunity to get your app in front of billions of eyes.
Sign up for Adalo’s free version, which you can publish on the web and see for yourself.
Use Cases for Adalo and Other No-Code Tools
You’ll be able to create nearly any type of app you can imagine with a no-code tool. App builders like Adalo are ideal for entrepreneurs, freelancers, and small and medium businesses who need to create an app for their operations.
Here are just some of the apps you can create with Adalo:
- An ordering app for your restaurant or cafe
- A booking app for your salon or barbershop
- A fitness app for your gym or personal training services
- A social media app for a meditation group
- A CRM app for your business
- A dashboard app to visualize marketing campaigns or sales revenue
- …and many more
Choosing Between a No-Code App Builder or Programming Language
Ultimately, deciding between leveraging a traditional programming language or using a no-code app builder hinges on several factors. To help you decide between using a no-code platform or programming language, consider the following points:
- Your project’s scope: Start outlining your app’s functionalities, user interface requirements, and the needed integrations. It’s a good idea to start wireframing and drawing up your app’s blueprints with a free tool offered by Figma.
Once you have your wireframes and an outline of your needed functionalities, you’ll have a better idea about whether to use code or no-code. Programming will probably serve you best if you need extensive customizations and high-performance demands, such as those required by games or enterprise apps at scale.
However, if you’re looking for a simple internal app for your small business, like one for CRM, project management, booking, ordering, and more, no-code is your huckleberry.
- Expertise levels: Does anyone on your team have extensive coding experience? Traditional programming requires a deep understanding of coding and software architecture, so folks with coding experience could be a boon to your app development.
On the other hand, teams without programmers might be best served by using no-code platforms, as platforms like Adalo provide a user-friendly, low-learning curve app-building experience.
- Your budget, in both dollars and time: Nothing in the world is free, and that adage really applies to programming. While in-house app development using coding will only cost you a salary, you’ll need to devote significant labor hours to complete the deed.
If you must recruit the services of an app development agency or freelancer, be prepared to pay through the nose. Agency costs start at around $5,000- $6,000 for a simple app and $10,000s for a more complex one.
Agency-hired app development can last several months, depending on communication, app complexity, and other unforeseen issues.
In contrast, no-code platforms like Adalo offer dramatically lower costs, as Adalo’s cheapest plan starts at $36/month (billed annually). You’ll work at your own pace with a no-code platform, giving you more control over your timeline.
Common Challenges in App Development
These are a few of the common challenges folks encounter with a programming language:
- Learning curve: Learning a new programming language can be time-consuming, especially for beginners or those unfamiliar with specific mobile app development languages required for different platforms, like Swift for iOS or Kotlin for Android. Online resources like Udemy, Coursera, and Codecademy offer structured courses to help overcome this challenge.
- Debugging and testing: Debugging is an inevitable part of development, involving identifying and fixing errors in the code. Automated testing tools, such as XCTest for iOS or Espresso for Android, can streamline this process but still require a significant time investment.
- Platform-specific limitations: Developing for multiple platforms (iOS, Android, web) often requires adapting the app for different requirements and standards. Cross-platform frameworks like React Native or Flutter can help, but native development may be necessary for apps requiring platform-specific functionalities.
- No-code limitations: While no-code platforms like Adalo simplify and speed up app development, they have limitations in customization and performance. Advanced functionalities, such as custom APIs or specialized security features, often require traditional programming.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Start Programming an App?
First, jot down your app idea and brainstorm its functionalities. Then, draw up a blueprint using a simple and free wireframing tool. Determine whether or not you’ll need to develop your app using a programming language or no-code.
We recommend you start building your app using Adalo, which has a generous free version that allows for web app publishing. Doing this will help you develop an app without knowing any programming or coding.
Is Coding an App Easy?
Even if you have been working with several coding languages for years and have developed many apps, coding an app can be tedious. Each app type, no matter how simple, involves its own set of unique challenges.
What Is the Best Programming Language for App Development?
The answer to this question ultimately depends on which platform you wish to release your app on. If you’re going for iOS, Swift is the language of choice, and Kotlin is for Android. Web apps can be developed with JavaScript, C#, Java, and C++.
How Do I Choose Between a No-Code Platform and Traditional Programming?
If you don’t know a coding language, we recommend using a no-code platform like Adalo. However, if you need to tie in some advanced features, you’ll want to learn a coding language or vet app development agencies.
The answer to this question for folks who already know a coding language depends on how much time they want to dedicate to developing their app. They could create an app more quickly using a no-code platform.
How Long Does It Take to Learn an App Programming Language?
Learning a programming language takes about 4 to 6 months of consistent study. Keep in mind that you’ll still encounter issues when you start coding your app.
Are No-Code Tools Suitable for Enterprise-Level Applications?
Yes, there are several no-code tools that large organizations can leverage for enterprise applications. Tools like Adalo, Bubble, Betty Blocks, and NoLoco have specific enterprise levels that feature functionalities unique to big organizations.
Next Steps
Now that you know which app programming languages are the most optimal for specific applications, you can start looking into using them and then determine whether or not you want to take the time to learn.
If you decide to learn a programming language, create a detailed schedule and stick to it.
We also recommend you start conceptualizing your app with Adalo. Its free version is easy enough to use right after signing up. When you work with Adalo, you can breathe life into almost any app idea.
