How long does it take to create an application from scratch?

Did you know that there are about 12,700 startups in Brazil? The figure was released by the Brazilian Association of Startups (Abstartups) in 2020. So, the probability that this number has already grown is quite high. And to stand out in such a competitive market, many entrepreneurs bet on the creation of an application.

Don’t you understand the relationship? We’ll explain it to you!

We live in an increasingly connected world. Studies show that more than half of Brazilians own a smartphone. This means that having an online presence is not an option, but a must for every business.

But startups are known precisely for their innovation and technology. For this reason, they have a mission that goes beyond: it is not enough to be inserted into this universe, one must know how to make the most of it. More than that: many of them need an application to offer their services and guarantee their space in the market.

So how to kick-start this task? How do I create an application from scratch? What are the main steps? How long does this job take? That’s what we’ll find out!

The main steps in developing an application

We can separate the activity of creating an application into two major stages: the conceptual and the technical.

First, you need to work on the design of your app. What goal do you intend to achieve with it? And the target audience? On what platform do you want to make it available? And, of course: what resources will it offer?

Being able to have these answers well defined and clarified is important to move on to the next phase: the technical one. From that point on, we will involve the code experts. This work is divided into four stages:

• Planning & Design

Do you know all the elements that you have addressed through the questions above? They will be refined through technical planning. In this phase, the professionals will analyze all the information to create the project scope.

Here the prototype of your application is also developed. At this point, the design comes into play. The user experience (also known by the acronym UX) takes on great importance: all development has the user as the protagonist and the design is focused on solving his or her wants, pains, and needs.

So your application will be functional, pleasing to the eye, and, of course, intuitive: this makes it easy to navigate, which guarantees satisfaction for those who access it.

• Development

With the prototype defined and approved, we move on to the development phase. This is the most technical moment of the project, but also the most exciting: it is from this moment on that your application will get off the paper and come to life!

However, because it is a very complex phase, it is also one of the most time-consuming. Therefore, it is important to be patient and make sure that the previous step has been completed successfully. After all, redoes lead to extra costs and longer waiting times.

• Testing

Once the previous two steps have been completed and approved, it is time to perform the tests. This is a very important phase since it is from here that it is possible to make improvements and verify people’s level of satisfaction with the application.

During the development of the application, unit, and integration tests have already been performed, but it is important to check and fix bugs that may have gone unnoticed. This way you can guarantee a successful launch, which is our next step!

• Launching

Once the testing phase is over, it’s time to bring your application to market! This is done by publishing the service on proprietary platforms, such as the Apple Store and Google Play.

This step may seem easy and practical enough, but stores like the ones above have strict evaluation criteria. That is why it is so important to count on an experienced innovation lab, so you can be sure that all the steps have been carried out according to the platforms’ requirements, which avoids unforeseen events and delays in the project’s completion.

Even so, keep in mind that it may take a while for the process to be completed.

And how long will that take?

Now that you know all the steps involved in creating an application, you are probably wondering how long it all takes, right? And the answer is, it depends.

The complexity and objectives of the project are factors that strongly influence this question. A simpler application can be released in 2 to 4 months, while a more complete one can take up to a year. It all depends on what you intend to do.

Also, you need to keep in mind that after the release, the application will still need updates, patches, and support. It is a long-term project, which becomes more assertive with the help of a strong partner capable of carrying out all these steps successfully.

What about the costs?

First of all, you need to know that this kind of work is usually covered by a bank of hours. An app can take from 200 to 1,000 hours to complete. In other words, the value can vary a lot.

The best thing to do is to look for a reliable partner, who besides providing more concrete information, will help you throughout the process and ensure the success of your application. And if you are worried about the tight budget, know that it is normal: many startups go through the same difficulty.

The important thing at this point is to know how to prioritize your needs. In a free infographic, we show how your startup can reach its full potential through Information Technology. Be sure to check it out!