How Swift offers the best of features of other languages ?

Apple's latest Swift programming language derived most of its features from a broad sample of scripting & programming languages, due to which iOS & OS X developers are enjoying it. On an InfoWorld slideshow, Peter Wayner digs up 10 features which make Swift very good such as data structure declarations, tuples, signed & unsigned integers, as well as, closures. In addition, he explains the source & progress of the features in previous languages such as JavaScript, Haskell, C#, Python, & Java. Apple's latest programming language upgrades iOS development through creating excellent ideas created anywhere else. Swift could technically be "new," according to the Swift documentation, Swift is just like a bunch of top concepts used in different programming languages, brought introduced with a new name.

Dictionaries is from the JavaScript - JavaScript developers have long and used square brackets to take an integer like a typical array or take a string which therefore responds like hash table. At present Swift programmers could do the same. Apple names the hash tables as "Dictionaries" and provides a clean syntax in initializing them. Inferred data types are from the functional programming languages - In todays programming, nobody wants to spend keystrokes indicating data types for each variable. Nowadays various well compilers began inferring types through the data, that is generally simple enough in case a variable is initialized. It started with a few functional languages, such as ML, and appeared in Haskell, Scala, & Opa, among others. Due to Swift, iOS developers may now save some keystrokes. Data structure declarations is from C# and the Java - Java launched Generic types with Version 5 so that programmers can notify the compiler which of the data type would be moved to the HashMaps, Arrays, or to the Collections. The greater-than & less-than signs, aka angle brackets, mentioned exactly what types will pushed inside. Microsoft included those to C#. At present it will be Swift's move to allow programmers notify the compiler what to anticipate.

String templating is from Cold Fusion, JSP, & the others - Lot of programming tools provide methods to insert a variable's value to a template. Web tools like Cold Fusion & Java Server Pages have offered an easy option to mix data to HTML with templates. Swift features a sleek templating system with the escaped open parentheses, with the expression to evaluate, with a closed parentheses. 3 additional characters would be the smallest amount of keystrokes required to provide this function. Optional semicolons is from JavaScript and the Python - Some JavaScript & Python programmers in past couple of years, have discussed if semicolons are really optional. Is a semicolon essential or just a good form? Swift weighs in certainly into the discussion: Semicolons are actually optional at end of the lines. If you'd like to pack several expressions within the same line, you may need a semicolon, however in case you place them to individual lines, you don't have to wear out right pinkie tapping the semicolon key. Protocols (aka interfaces) is from the Java and the C# - While programmers make elaborate object-oriented class structures in the Java & C#, they usually start with an interface in the foundation. Interface is usually a basic class which defines structure for any of the functions which the classes need to provide as long as they like to fit the definition. Swift having the term "protocol" in sketching out the blueprint for the collection of classes.

Tuples is from Lisp & Python - Early languages such as Lisp believed that everything had been a list or perhaps a tuple, but more advanced languages such as Python provide explicit syntax for the matching within the N value delivered from the method using the N variables which will be bound to them. Swift pursue with this tradition. Automatic reference (akin to garbage collection) is from Java, C#, and (gasp) Objective-C - Previous reports suggested that the Swift had been sporting garbage collection, those of automatic routines which sweep by memory reclaiming bytes no more being used. Java & C# programmers enjoy garbage collection, at least until it leads to their machine towards freeze up for a moment. Swift having automatic reference counting, an identical solution that has been used often by Objective-C users. Signed and unsigned integers is from C# and Objective-C - Swift comes with signed & unsigned integers that are with 1, 2, 4, & 8 bytes exactly like Objective. Closures is from Lisp & Scheme via JavaScript - JavaScript programmers picked up closures from the languages such as Lisp & Scheme which completely developed the concept of Lambda functions. Swift at present presents closures and ability to pass on functions like first-class objects.You can get in touch with a iphone app development company who can help you develop apps that are stable, scalable and secure.

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Increase Productivity for iPhone Application - a Developers Perspective

Despite the rapidly growing popularity of Android, a developer can still get higher returns by developing iPhone applications. But frequently changing choices of users have made it essential for the developers to explore innovative ways to deliver richer user experience. Many users, nowadays, prefer using apps that helps them in making more productive. So the developer must monitor the ongoing and upcoming trends in mobile development to make the iPhone app more productive. He also needs to consider a number of critical elements to increase productivity for the iPhone application.

5 Critical Elements that Make iPhone Apps More Productive

1) The Right Features and Functionality

A productive mobile application must meet the user’s specific needs. Often developers build mobile apps with additional features and functionality to impress users. You must understand the mobile app is not just the mobile version of a desktop browser based interface. So it is not essential to create the iPhone app with additional features that does not fit the mobile situation. Many users expect the app to deliver relevant, easy and quick information. As the application will not be used to detailing editing of the information, it must provide the right features and functionality.

2) Deliver the Value Quickly

Most mobile application users do not prefer consuming the information in lengthy sessions. They rather want to receive and access the information in smaller chunks at a time. So you can increase the productivity for the mobile application by delivering value quickly to users. Instead of controlling bounce rate, you should aim to enable bounce rate. As many reports have highlighted a productive iPhone app enables users to receive relevant information in leas then 20 seconds. You can always consider optimizing the app with basic social media principles to make them continuously pay partial attention.

3) Deliver Constant and Timely Communication

The popular iPhone apps always deliver information in context. The apps are designed with features to inform the users, instead of being driven by the. Nowadays, many people love to use the mobile apps that deliver information even when there is no internet connection. You can always enable the application to cache the user’s favorite or frequently accessed data. The feature will enable the app to deliver value even when the user is on the go or away from Wi-Fi. As each user wants the iPhone app to deliver continuous and quick bursts of relevant information, your app must productive enough to deliver brief, timely, and relevant communication.

4) Optimizing User Experience

You also need to concentrate on the look, feel and design of the iPhone app to increase its productivity. The execution will further help the app in delivering richer user experience. Often users fail to connect with the app, when they feel that the app is not executing. So it is also important to make the users feel that the application is functioning at the speed of their brains. You can always consider including animation to make the users feel that the iPhone application is executing at the speed of their brains.

5) Make the App Flawless

The productivity of an iPhone app can be further impacted by bugs, errors and flaws. So you must test the application thoroughly before uploading it to the App Store. It is also important to make and implement a comprehensive testing strategy to ensure that the app is running flawlessly. When the app runs without any interruption, the users will be impressed. The absence of the bugs or errors will further make the iPhone application more productive.

A developer can further make the iPhone app more productive by concentrating on the new features and enhanced capabilities of the most recent version of iOS. Apple updates iOS with new features to attract and impress the users. The users also love to use apps that allow them to take advantage of the innovative features of the mobile operating system. So the developer can always take advantage of these capabilities to make the iPhone application more productive. You can get in touch with a iPhone application development company who can help you develop apps that are stable, scalable and secure.

We provide iPhone development services. If you would like to hire iPhone developer for your mobile development needs, please contact us Mindfire Solutions. 

iOS vs Android. What Would Developer Prefer for a Career and Why?

Both Apple and Google frequently update their mobile operating systems to outperform each other. In 2013, Apple’s iOS 7 made a huge buzz among the users as well as mobile application developers. But Google’s Android strengthened its stronghold by capturing 81% of the global mobile operating system market share. At the same time, a slight decline was noted in the popularity and market share of IOS. Despite the growing popularity and huge global market share of Android, many mobile application developers still prefer iOS as a career. As iOS app developers make more money in comparison to Android app developers, the dominating market share of Google’s OS fail to attract new developers.

Comparing iOS and Android from the Career Prospective of a Developer

Option to Make More Money

According to Forbes.com, “The most recent data from IDC shows that for Q3 of 2013 Android made up 81 percent of devices shipped. You read that right—four out of every five smartphones shipped in Q3 were built on Android. Meanwhile, Apple’s iOS scraped by with a sad and distant second place figure of only 12.9 percent.” But the report further adds, “The reality is that Apple is quite comfortable with the market share data, because the profit numbers are all Apple. Data from Canaccord Genuity shows that during that same period—Q3 of 2013—Apple made more money than all of its competitors combined, taking in 56 percent of the profit in the mobile device market.” The data clearly indicates how the mobile application developers can earn more by building apps for Apple’s OS.

Percentage of Paid Apps

Each developer wants to get higher returns by building paid apps. In comparison to Google Play Store, Apple App Store includes a much higher percentage of paid apps. Only 57% of the Android apps are paid, whereas the remaining 43% are free. On the other hand, only 25% of the iOS apps are free, whereas remaining 75% are paid. So the developers can create paid apps by targeting iOS to get higher ROI.

Revenue from Mobile Search Ads

In addition to selling their mobile apps, developers also make money through mobile search ads. However, they must serve the mobile ads by targeting the right platform to earn more revenue. According to recent reports, IOS users access the internet more frequently than Android users. The iOS share of web traffic is 62% against 38% web traffic share of Android. Many reports have also highlighted how mobile ads on IOS have more than 200% conversion rate in comparison to search ads on Android. Thus, iOS, at present, can fetch higher mobile ad revenue to mobile app developers.

Number of Apps Sold and Launched

Many mobile app developers still want their apps to be downloaded by a higher number of users. So they prefer building apps by targeting a mobile platform with higher app downloads. In comparison to iOS devices, more Android devices are sold every year. But the numbers of iOS apps available for download exceeds the number of Android apps. But Google Play Store beats Apple App Store by 10% in terms of app downloads. Thus, the developers can target Android to make the app popular within a short span of time.

Development Job Trends

The growing popularity of mobile apps encourages many professionals to acquire the knowledge and skills required to build mobile applications. However, the beginners need to learn specific programming knowledge and SDK to create apps for a particular platform. The professionals planning to pursue careers in mobile application development must check the job trends for iOS and Android. According to a recent survey conducted among companies from top 10 countries highlighted that the IOS app developers are in much more demand than the Android developers. More than 60% of the companies, at present, are looking for skilled and experienced iOS application developers.

However, the market shares and popularity of both iOS and Android will be impacted by the launch of new mobile platforms. Many developers will love to build apps for the emerging mobile operating systems to make more money while avoiding competition. However, in the shorter run developers will prefer iOS app development as a lucrative career option. You can get in touch with a custom iphone app development company who can help you develop apps which are stable, scalable and secure.

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How to Create an iPhone or iPad Apps and Games Succeed in App Store!

The phenomenal success of Apple mobile devices like iPhone and iPad encourages many enterprises to invest in mobile application development. But many reports have highlighted how the Apple App Store has become cumbersomely large with over 300,000 apps. Further, with more than 1,000 apps reaching the App Store every week, the place has also become organized. So it has become essential for each enterprise to explore innovative ways to succeed its iPhone or iPad application at the App Store. There are also a number of points that each organizer must consider while making strategy to develop and promote an iOS application.

Simple Ways to Make Your iPhone or iPad Application Succeed in App Store

Constantly Optimize Quality and Performance

The most effective way to make your iOS application successful is to improve its functionality and performance on a consistent basis. As the customer has options to choose from a variety of similar apps, he can easily smell the rat. Along with making your mobile application distinct, unique and interactive, you need to explore new ways to deliver rich user experience. It is also good idea to include some simple features in the app to gather feedback and suggestion of users. You can even ask them what will make the users like and recommend your iOS application.

Enhance Your App’s Visibility

Each enterprise must make and implement a comprehensive promotional strategy to maximize the app’s visibility. In addition to the name, icon and features of the application, users also consider its description, screenshots, reviews and ratings. At the same time, the application must be optimized to reach relevant users when they are searching the App Store, or initiating a web search using online search engines. However, it is also important to make the users know about the mobile application from external sources like app review websites and popular blogs.

App Store Optimization

Often users search the App Store to gather information about apps belonging to a particular category. So your mobile application must be optimized for the Apple App Store to appear on such search results pages. The recently updated App Store search engine has further made it easier for customers to search for application without entering the exact search keywords. Along with identifying the variation in language, you can also consider using specialized App Store optimization tools like Appcodes and Searchman. The App store optimization also needs to be an integral part of your overall promotional strategy.

Consider First Impression on Users

Often users download apps based on their snap decisions. Many customers even do not read the features and functionality of the application in detail before clicking on the download button. So first impression created by your mobile application will have a huge impact on its popularity. Along with designing an innovative and eye catching icon, you also have to seduce visitors through impressive screenshots and video. At the same time, the name of the app must include the most relevant keywords to clearly depict its nature, usage and functionality.

Use Innovative Mobile Advertisement Techniques

Despite being effective in delivering the richest user experience, each mobile application needs to be marketed to get more downloads. In comparison to conventional mobile application marketing methods, the latest mobile advertisement techniques are more effective. In addition to promoting the application by targeting the most relevant users, the advertisement mode also enables you to pick from a wide range of networks and acquisition methods. However, you may have to incur some additional expenses to make your app succeed in the App Store by using these networks. It is also a good idea to hire an expert mobile advertising agency to make and implement a strategy that will make your iOS app popular within a shorter span of time.

Many reports have also highlighted the growing number of dead mobile applications inside the App Store. So each organization must update the application regularly to ensure that it is being used by users on a regular basis. Further, an organization must use mobile app analytic tools and services to constantly monitor user behavior and experience. You can hire mobile app programmers who have solid development experience who can help you build iPhone apps within allocated budgets and time schedules.

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4 Great Rules For iPhone Games And Mobile App Development

As smartphones, tablets and other mobile devices are becoming widespread in the market, mobile apps are also gaining immense popularity. The conventional mobile devices have now made way for smarter phones which are more like small personal computers that can store a number of games along with other apps, which are used by consumers on a regular basis. When it comes to games or mobile apps, there are a number of development platforms, one of the commonest being the iPhone platform.

Currently a plethora of iPhone gaming apps are being developed. A lot of things go into the development process, including research, design, innovation as well as creativity. Given this, when you are building a mobile app, it should be given the maximum scope to succeed in the competitive market. The following 4 rules may be considered for creating games or mobile apps.

• Short levels in the games: While developing the gaming app, it is crucial to ask yourself one question- When do people usually tend to play the games? Well, most of the users go for some short rounds of mobile gaming when they are waiting for a bus, stuck in a queue or enjoying some short moments of relaxation amidst a busy schedule. Considering this, if the game has very long levels that take quite some amount of time to get completed, then your user will lose interest in that particular game. Short levels in fact give the players the choice to play for a few minutes, and then again starting off from where they left last, all the way retaining the points that they have scored. Games with short levels also happen to be very addictive and players tend to play the same again and again.
  
  
• Add some depth to your creation: Simplicity is indeed great, but it should not come at the cost of amusement. If the game is very simple and it is very easy to move from one level to another, users will get bored with the same and will stop playing it very soon. The most popular games are the ones which challenge the players to learn new skills and then master them. The Angry Birds game is a great example of this as it slowly introduces the new birds as the game proceeds. In this way the interest of the player remains and therefore the game does not become boring. It is advisable to go for those gaming apps which invite the reader to take decisions for moving ahead.
  
  
• Generate interest through the content: You must give users the scope for getting value for money because that is what almost all people want. It is advisable to give the players some additional advantages, something like special ways to unlock and move on to the next level or greater chances of success if they play more levels. It is a fact that players feel more enthusiastic when they can unlock a particular level depending upon their achievements or the points they have gathered. Hence, the more creative you get with your content, the more addictive your gaming app becomes for your target market.
  
  
• Go social with your app: Social media is greatly popular nowadays and nobody can deny this fact. If you opt for the addition of brag features within your iPhone game, it does become more interesting and attention drawing. For instance, there are games which let you know the scores of your friends across social media platforms and it's really great to keep track of those scores as you surpass your friends. The basic goal of going social is to draw in some of the popularity of social media to give your gaming app that competitive edge.

Mobile gaming is very popular nowadays, and if iPhone game developers can create games that keep the player hooked, the games become top favorites. Following the crucial rules can indeed help developers come up with addictive gaming apps. You can hire developers from top iPhone app development companies in India who can help you build iPhone apps within allocated budgets and time schedules.

We provide iPhone app development services. If you would like to discuss with an expert iPhone app developer from our team, please get in touch with us at Mindfire Solutions.

Best Practices for Mobile App Development on iPhone

iPhone app development

Despite the growing popularity of Android mobile operating system, no one can deny the huge popularity of iPhone apps. The combination of innovative features and stylish interface make the iOS apps popular among users across the world. But the huge popularity of iPhone apps often makes it a daunting challenge for the developers to build new applications. As an experienced iPhone app developer, you may find the process both rewarding and fun. However, the new developers have to look for the perfect starting point for the application development project. Regardless of your experience, you can still consider best practices for mobile app development on iPhone to build a powerful interface within a limited timeframe.

Best Practices for Mobile App Development on iPhone

Involve Users in the Planning Phase: Each developer need to make a roadmap to develop the iPhone app on schedule. But most programmers forget to include users in the planning and testing phase of the project. You can always optimize the application idea by getting it evaluated by certain users in the initial planning phase. Also, you can allow the users to try the app, and observe the problems faced by them. You can always avail the assistance of your friends to check the impact of the mobile application on end users.

Allow Adequate Time to Test the App: With companies launching apps at frequent intervals, the mobile application development has become competitive. So, clients often require developers to build the application a time sensitive deadline. As the app will be approved by the Apple app store about two weeks after your submission, you must prepare a schedule to test and market the app properly. During the initial planning phase, you must decide the timeline for testing and marketing the app before it is approved by Apple.

Make a Content Strategy: The mobile apps are similar to websites. As no website can be hosted without content, the mobile applications cannot be designed without deciding the content and context. You will need content as early as possible to develop the app in a quick and hassle-free way. When you are planning the app, it is a good idea to decide the content. If you are using the services of a professional content writer, he must be instructed to develop content according to the initial plan. However, he may also be required to change the content slightly once the app development process is over.

Consider Designing Heterogeneous Applications: Once you develop an iPhone app, it needs to be updated regularly to support interface updates and provide fresh content. The heterogeneous apps make it easier for you to update the app by avoiding the app store approval process. As the app consists of a native base that is executed by referencing to HTML5 content located externally, you can replace the existing content at your own pace and convenience. Along with availing the advantages provided by HTML5, the heterogeneous application further allows you to execute the native code without requiring internet connectivity.

Take Advantage of the Device Components: Similar to other smartphones, iPhone also comes with a set of innovative features and tools. Some of the device components like microphone, high resolution camera and GPS are used by all users. So you can consider using these device components to optimize the performance of your mobile app. Further, these components will help you in improving the user experience without writing longer lines of code. However, you must choose the components according to the nature and requirement of the app maintain its speed.

Use the Latest Security Features: Along with gathering several types of information and data, users also carry out financial transactions using their iPhones. So there are chances that you app will require users to submit several types of sensitive information. As the sensitive financial and contact details of a user can be used to carry out identity thefts and financial frauds, you must use the latest security techniques. Along with availing the security features of the smartphone, you can also consider using the advanced encryption techniques to gain the trust of end users.

Understanding these best practices not only helps you during app development process, but also helps you in evaluating top app development companies.

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iPhone App Development Trends In 2013 and the Future

In comparison to desktop and laptop computers, many people nowadays use their mobile devices to access the web. A constant increase is also noted in the number of users downloading mobile apps according to their lifestyles and specific needs. The rapidly growing importance of mobile technologies and mobile apps has made it essential for app developers to stay tuned to the current and upcoming trends in mobile app development.

According to statistics posted on the TechnologyBusiness, “Mobile industry has developed over 300,000 applications over the past 3 years and approximately 10.9 million downloads have been made. Considering that the demand to download apps is expected to intensify around 2013, it comes with no surprise at all that the web development industry is focusing on designing and developing creative iPhone Applications.” Despite their impressive looks, sleek design and innovative features, the iPhone apps are facing tough competition from Android and Windows mobile applications.

As the popularity of applications depends directly on the popularity of the mobile operating systems, the apps must be effective in availing the advantages of extended and fresh features offered by the latest version of mobile platform. So the iPhone app development will be directly impacted by the way Apple updates the iOS in 2013. However, the applications also need to be developed by keeping in mind the current and latest trends in mobile app development.

Some of the Latest iPhone App Development Trends in 2013

Apps to Make Online Payments

Along with gathering information on a variety of products and services, many users also make online payments using their smartphones. The growing demand for mobile payment apps has encouraged many financial institutions to launch beta version of such applications. Many web stores also allow users to complete a transaction using their mobile device. But each user is required to submit sensitive financial information about his credit cards, PayPal account and bank accounts. So the mobile payment apps must be designed with advanced encryption technologies to keep the sensitive user data secure and inaccessible.

Growing Demand for Enterprise Apps

In comparison to business applications, the social networking and gaming apps are more popular among iPhone users. But a sharp growth is noted recently in the demand for business applications. The enterprise apps have further made it easier for all types of business to share information and complete multiple tasks in a fast and hassle-free way. The growing popularity of business application will not have any negative impact on the popularity of gaming and social networking apps. But the increasing demand will encourage more businesses to develop apps to make it easier for users to share content and carry out business transactions on the go.

Location-Based Apps

The social networks have changed the way people used to communicate with each other. Along with staying connected with their loved ones in a virtual environment, many people also use social networking platforms to exchange information and content. But many reports have highlighted that an increasing number of users are, nowadays, opting for location-based content. Many businesses have already enabled social media location monitoring tools to target the most relevant customers by evaluating their behavior. As Apple has designed iPhone with GPS support, many businesses will avail the advantage to market their products and services. The location-based applications will further help businesses in earning revenue by running advertisements.

Apps to Facilitate Content Sharing

Similar to social networking applications, the iPhone apps launched by content websites are also used widely by modern consumers. But the content sharing apps launched by different companies often fail to complex features and functionalities of original content sites. Many people even consider the iPhone apps to be a scaled down version of the full content site. So, developers will work on optimizing the mobile apps for content websites to help users in stay tuned to their favorite news channels and content websites. Similarly, many news channels, newspapers, blogs, and other popular content websites will also launch iPhone apps to attract more users.

Fully Functional Mobile Interfaces

The iPhone apps have made it easier for users to access their favorite documents on the go. Many apps allow users to read the word documents, spreadsheets and presentations. But most apps do not allow users to change the files due to security issues. But the enhanced mobile app security will encourage many developers to launch fully functional mobile interfaces. Along with accessing the files, the users will now have options to boost their effectiveness by incorporating relevant changes. The enhanced security will further make it easier for web stores and other business to carry out business transactions at their own pace and convenience.

iPhone app development trends will also be impacted by the extended and innovative features provided by the updated version of iOS. At the same time, the developers have to track the frequent changes in the lifestyles and choices of modern users to build applications that will go viral.

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