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Ask HN: In 2023, what’s the easiest way to build an (iOS, Android) app?

3 points by bakhlawa ↗ HN
I have a simple app idea in mind (2-3 screens, daily use app, simple storage, eventually in-app purchased for “extras”). Trouble is I haven’t coded formally in 15 years and attempted to learn objective C and Swift a few years back…but dealing with Xcode UI/design drove me mad.

What’s the recommended path to get up and running with app development in 2023? I have a self-imposed goal to launch the app in 3 months. All input welcome- recommended approach, online tutorials, support groups…? Thanks in advance!

8 comments

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DamonHD
Does it have to be native, ie can it be a web app at least to start with?
bakhlawa
Could be a web app, I see the use to be on a mobile device va desktop (think mindfulness/wellness app).

What is the current set of options to develop a web app (JavaScript, PHP, Python) that can be deployed as an iOS and Android app?

timclark
Try flutter - in my experience it is the shortest path from idea to working application.
bakhlawa
Very compelling and would be fun to learn something new. Need to research if the 3 month launch constraint can be accommodated or better to outsource. However the act of coding and learning again is very attractive. Thanks.
webdevver
you might want to investigate paying someone to do this for you. sites like fiverr might not have the best reputation, but im sure that there are legitimate software devs there who can crank out a straightforward app for a straightforward price.
bakhlawa
I did consider this but part of the appeal was learning a new skill…and proving to myself I could do it after 15 years! But outsourcing is an option.

What should I expect to spend and time to develop for a “straightforward” app? Any particular criteria to filter for if I was to go the outsource route?

loumf
If it's iOS only, learn Swift from Apple's Swift book and then look at SwiftUI for the UI of the app.

If you want it to be cross-platform, look at react-native. You program in JS, but it renders as native views.