Open-Source and Collaborative Models - Agile development

Agile development is essentially collaborative, and for good reasons. To demonstrate the same, Apple’s open-source programming language, Swift overtook Objective-C in terms of usage and popularity on the TIOBE index in January 2016. Collaborative models of app development consistently result in applications becoming more effective and aesthetically appealing. DevOps, a mobile application development practice that blends functions performed by an organization’s development and operations teams, deserves a mention in this regard. It promotes better communication between different teams, establishes a cross-disciplinary community which includes developers, users, stakeholders, and business executives. App development is initiated by seeking input from technical and non-technical business leaders alike. This ensures that the app being developed serves the needs of customers and is aligned with the company’s commercial goals at the same time. Once completed, beta versions of the app are released, allowing users to create their opinions on it. Feedback is actively sought, and the app is modified accordingly. Consequently, the app is always morphing to remain relevant and continues to add tangible value to customers’ lives. By adhering to a collaborative model, apps are developed in a perpetually evolving, rapidly adaptable and highly resilient manner. Each app is built to address both customer-specific and business-centric demands. Besides, automating application testing and deployment reduces issues arising from human error and accelerates the entire process. In spirit with open-source practices, citizen development is gaining significant ground. DIY (Do It Yourself) tools such as IBM’s Mobile First and Microsoft PowerApps come with a fundamental WYSIWYG design, custom templates, drag-and-drop features and allow for automated development. These mobile app development platforms allow individuals with little technical training to develop apps. While low-code mobile app development is still in early stages, it is steadily gaining traction. Mobile app development platforms have to be designed in accordance with the principle of DevOps. The methodology they deploy must be able to create more effective apps within shorter durations.