What You Need to Know Before Building a Mobile App

1) Introduction

Mobile applications are no longer tools used only by large enterprises or technology companies. Today, startups, small businesses, corporate organizations, and individual entrepreneurs all consider building mobile apps as part of their digital strategy. However, many projects fail not because of poor execution, but because critical decisions were overlooked before development began.

This is where what you need to know before building a mobile app becomes essential.

The idea of “let’s build an app” often sounds simple. But once the process starts, unexpected challenges emerge: unclear requirements, underestimated budgets, extended timelines, technical limitations, and ongoing maintenance costs.

In this article, we focus on the most important questions and decisions that must be addressed before writing the first line of code.

You will learn:

• Whether you actually need a mobile app
• Which type of mobile app best fits your goals
• Key technical and strategic considerations
• Common mistakes and how to avoid them
• Best practices based on Ondokuzon Yazılım’s real-world experience

2) Core Concepts (Beginner-Friendly Section)

Before diving into development, understanding the fundamentals is critical. What you need to know before building a mobile app starts with grasping these core concepts.

Types of Mobile Applications

Not all mobile apps are built the same way. There are three primary categories:

Native Applications

• Swift for iOS
• Kotlin for Android
• Highest performance
• Separate development per platform

Cross-Platform Applications

• React Native, Flutter
• Single codebase for iOS and Android
• Faster development
• Cost-efficient for most business cases

Web-Based Apps / PWA

• Run in browsers
• Lower cost
• Limited access to device features

Choosing the right type is one of the most important decisions before building a mobile app.

MVP (Minimum Viable Product)

An MVP is the smallest version of your app that delivers real value.

A common misconception:

• “MVP means an incomplete product.”

The reality:

• MVP is a learning tool.
• Its purpose is to validate assumptions, not to impress with features.

Frontend, Backend, and APIs

A mobile app is not just what users see on their phones.

• Frontend: User interface and interactions
• Backend: Business logic, data, user management
• API: Communication layer between frontend and backend

Understanding this separation helps you evaluate timelines, costs, and proposals accurately.

App Store and Google Play Processes

Building the app is only part of the journey. Publishing involves:

• Store guidelines
• Review processes
• Approval timelines
• Update requirements

Especially on iOS, these steps must be included in your planning.

3) Technical Depth (Pro Section)

Many challenges in mobile projects stem from technical decisions made too early—or too late. What you need to know before building a mobile app includes understanding these technical layers.

Architecture Decisions

A solid architecture should be:

• Simple
• Modular
• Scalable over time

Overengineering early often leads to higher costs and slower iteration.

Native vs. Cross-Platform

This question arises in almost every project.

For most business-focused apps, cross-platform solutions offer the best balance.

Code Quality and Sustainability

Poor code quality results in:

• Slower feature development
• Increased bug frequency
• Higher long-term costs

Best practices include:

• Component-based architecture
• Single responsibility principle
• Shared state management

Common Technical Mistakes

Before building a mobile app, avoid these common pitfalls:

• Premature optimization
• Complex microservices for MVPs
• Skipping performance testing
• Ignoring logging and error tracking

Ondokuzon’s Practical Approach

At Ondokuzon Yazılım, mobile projects follow these principles:

• Business goals first, technology second
• Lean MVPs with clear validation goals
• Architecture designed for evolution
• Long-term maintainability planned from day one

4) Step-by-Step Preparation Guide

This section turns what you need to know before building a mobile app into actionable steps.

Step 1: Validate the Need for a Mobile App

Not every idea requires a mobile app. Sometimes:

• A responsive website
• A progressive web app
• An existing platform integration

is the better solution.

Step 2: Define Your Target Users

Ask:

• Which devices do they use?
• How frequently will they use the app?
• Do they need push notifications?

Step 3: Write a Clear Scope Document

A good scope document:

• Lists features
• Defines priorities
• Prevents misunderstandings

Step 4: Define the MVP Clearly

Your MVP should identify:

• Must-have features
• Nice-to-have features
• Out-of-scope items

Step 5: Choose the Right Development Partner

One of the most critical decisions before building a mobile app.

Questions to ask:

• Have you built similar apps before?
• Who owns the source code?
• How is maintenance handled?

Common Problems and Solutions

5) Performance, Security, and Optimization

These areas are often postponed—but they should not be ignored.

Performance

• Fast startup times
• Smooth animations
• Efficient memory usage

Security

• Secure authentication (JWT, OAuth)
• Data encryption
• Authorization controls
• Privacy compliance

Optimization and 2025 Standards

• Offline support
• Caching strategies
• Core Web Vitals mindset
• API response optimization

6) Technologies Used (Ondokuzon Perspective)

Technology selection depends on project goals.

React Native

• Single codebase
• Faster development
• Lower maintenance cost

Laravel / Node.js

• Robust backend solutions
• API-first architecture

Firebase

• Push notifications
• Real-time data
• Rapid MVP development

Unity (When Applicable)

• Games and gamified experiences

7) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long does it take to build a mobile app?
Typically 6–12 weeks for an MVP.

Should I start with iOS or Android?
It depends on your audience and strategy.

Is cross-platform always better?
Not always, but often sufficient for business apps.

Does development end after launch?
No. Maintenance and improvement are ongoing.

Is push notification necessary?
Only if frequent engagement is expected.

Who owns the source code?
This should be explicitly stated in the contract.

Are security tests required?
Yes, especially when handling user data.

8) Conclusion

What you need to know before building a mobile app goes far beyond technical execution. The success of a mobile project is determined by the quality of decisions made before development begins.

Teams that prepare properly:

• Spend less
• Move faster
• Build more sustainable products

Every mobile app project has unique needs. Choosing the right technology and strategy is critical. At Ondokuzon, we guide clients from idea validation to launch and beyond—ensuring mobile apps are built with clarity, purpose, and long-term value.