If you’re building an app for your business, or developing for a client, you need some technical help via development tools to ensure efficiency, collaboration, and updates are met and maintained.
And app development is no easy task, whether desktop or mobile. But in today’s digital age, with over 96 percent of Americans owning smartphones, having an app is pretty much required at this point.
“A growing share of Americans now use smartphones as their primary means of online access at home,” Pew Research Center explained. “Today roughly one-in-five American adults are “smartphone-only” internet users – meaning they own a smartphone, but do not have traditional home broadband service.”
To help app developers and business owners ease the process of building an app, we compiled a list of DevOps tools to consider for your upcoming app project. Let’s dive in!
1. JQuery Mobile
Most app developers are familiar with or heard of JQuery Mobile. It’s quite possibly the most seasoned of all app DevOps tools around, mainly because of its functionality. It can be used by app developers like a multi-tool of functions and features to make development easier.
Most of the mobile components of JQuery Mobile are CSS and HTML. However, it does present issues when it comes to native functions and advanced UI. The main attraction for developers is that they can write the app once and run it anywhere. Not a bad DevOps tool to have handy.
2. Docker
When it comes to deployment of applications, Docker can be very useful. It’s a container tool that makes distributed development and automation streamlined in the app development space. You can use Docker to isolate apps into separate containers, creating a more secure and portable ecosystem, thus eliminating virtual machines.
And dependencies are eliminated as well. The dependencies in an application container is sent solo, giving you more run options with a seamless development experience. You can also use Docker with Bamboo and Jenkins, other automation DevOps tools.
3. BuildFire.js
BuildFire.js is great for building out custom functionality. You can pretty much have limitless customization without needing anything except JavaScript. This makes this top app developer tool one of the best for implementing frameworks.
It’s utilized with the BuildFire platform, serving up time-sensitive shortcuts for developers, allowing you to grab nearly 50 open source plugins for customization needs.
4. Framework 7
If you’re developing an application for iOS, Framework 7 could be a very helpful DevOps tool. There is also Android support, but this is mainly for iOS app developers that want a sleek, tightened up application. Many of the best looking iOS apps, like Kidoverse, OnePile, Link, and more used Framework 7.
Using this developer tool is even easier if you have a pretty good understanding of HTML, CSS, or JavaScript. With features like 1:1 page animation, XHR caching, and Material Design UI, Framework 7 delivers a lot of benefits for any DevOps team.
5. Ionic
Ionic can give your app development team a competitive edge when building your next app. Its cross-platform hybrid delivery is all about providing progressive web apps to end users. Ionic lets you run your app across a multitude of operating systems with ease of use, as well as AngularJS integration for more advanced app builds.
There’s a big library available with Ionic with HTML, CSS, and JS CSS mobile optimization. You can also utilize the command-line interface features they provide in the Ionic developer tool for live reload, emulators, logging, and the list goes on.
6. Mobile Angular UI
Ready for some HTML5 app development? Mobile Angular UI is a great tool for app developers to use when building HTML5 mobile apps via Bootstrap and AngularJS. It’s similar to JQuery Mobile, but with its own unique features in some respects.
Mobile Angular UI features include absolute positioned top and bottom navigation, bounceless navigation bar scroll, overlays, switches, sidebars, and responsive transitions between desktop and mobile.
What DevOps Tools Are You Using?
There is certainly no shortage of DevOps tools available. The question is, which developer tools are right for my business and developer teams. The above tools are only a small range, but they are among the most valuable to employ for your current and future application builds.
Others app development tools to look into are Xamarin, Mag+, Unity, Cordova, and Sencha Touch. However, be sure to do your due diligence before paying for any tool, and get your team’s input. What development tools have you used to build great apps? We want to hear from you.