Grade 8 - ICT
Ch 9 – App Development
APP:
An application (app) is software designed to perform specific tasks for users.
Apps can run on:
Smartphones
Tablets
Computers
Web browsers
Types of Apps
1. Mobile Apps
Installed on smartphones and tablets.
Examples: WhatsApp, Instagram, Google Maps.
2. Web Apps
Accessed through a web browser.
No installation required.
Examples: Gmail, Google Docs.
3. Desktop Apps
Installed on computers.
Examples: MS Word, Paint.
Mobile Apps Classification
1. Native Apps
Developed for a specific operating system or device.
Designed according to device specifications.
Some can work without the Internet.
Usually provide better performance.
2. Hybrid Apps
Combination of Web Apps and Native Apps.
Downloaded from app stores.
Usually require an Internet connection.
Can work offline with limited features using cached pages.
Example: Candy Crush.
Uses of Apps
Apps are used for many purposes:
� Educational Apps
Help students learn and practice skills.
� Social Networking Apps
Connect people and allow communication.
� Entertainment Apps
Games, music, movies, and videos.
� Banking and Finance Apps
Manage money and perform banking tasks.
� E-Commerce Apps
Buy and sell products online.
Real-Life Examples of Apps
Category Examples
Educational Google Classroom, Duolingo
Social Networking WhatsApp, Instagram
Entertainment YouTube, Spotify
Banking Mobile Banking Apps
E-Commerce Amazon, Flipkart
Stages of App Development
1. Planning
Identify the problem.
Define the target users.
Gather requirements.
2. Design
Create layouts and screens.
Plan navigation between screens.
Design user-friendly interfaces.
3. Development (Coding)
Write instructions for the app.
Add features and functions.
4. Testing
Check for errors (bugs).
Ensure the app works correctly.
5. Deployment
Release the app to users.
6. Maintenance
Fix bugs.
Update features.
Improve performance.
User Interface (UI)
The part of the app users see and interact with.
Should be:
o Attractive
o Simple
o Easy to navigate
o Consistent
Common UI Elements
Buttons
Labels
Text boxes
Images
Menus
Check boxes
Icons
User Experience (UX)
How users feel while using the app.
Good UX means:
o Easy to use
o Fast response
o Clear instructions
o Few errors
App Development Tools
MIT App Inventor
Block-based programming environment.
Easy for beginners.
Used to create Android apps.
Features
Drag-and-drop interface.
Visual programming blocks.
Real-time testing on devices.
Blocks Programming
Uses graphical blocks instead of typing code.
Blocks fit together like puzzle pieces.
Reduces coding errors.
Advantages
Easy to learn.
Faster development.
Suitable for beginners.
Data Storage in Apps
Apps may store data using:
TinyDB (local storage)
Databases
Cloud storage
Purpose:
Save user information.
Store settings and app data.
Testing an App
Testing ensures the app works correctly.
Types of Testing
Functional testing
User testing
Error testing
Benefits
Removes bugs.
Improves reliability.
Enhances user satisfaction.
App Security
Protect user data.
Use passwords and authentication.
Prevent unauthorized access.
Keep software updated.