Custom Web Development: More Than Just Code

There is nothing more frustrating for a business than trying to complete a job while working with outdated programs and applications; applications that leave them hanging or just don’t have the capabilities they need to take their business to the next level.

Off-the-shelf applications and template websites may not meet their requirements precisely. Custom software could help them gain a competitive edge, and so they opt for custom web development.

Why Custom Web Development?

Custom web development is all about the needs of a business client. Their goals and objectives are an imperative part of the puzzle when formulating a web development project.

They need a custom web application built when they want something unique and built specifically according to their requirements. It would then have the required capabilities and competencies, such as functionality, scalability, and security.

But what goes into developing a bespoke web application or website? It’s more than just code (comprehensive guide).

Web Application Development Considerations

A custom web application that is designed according to specifications will have its own cost based on the amount of research, design, and development that would go into building the application. Clients would need to have enough of a budget set aside to cover these costs.

If they do not have the time to wait for an app to be built, or if they have a tight deadline to meet, you may want to consider a template application instead. A custom app may take some time to develop, especially because it is being built from scratch.

Businesses need to find the right expert for their project. They need a developer that is reputable and knowledgeable about the type of application they need to build.

The Stages of Web Development

• Understanding your requirements
  The developer will need to dig deep to understand what the web application needs to accomplish and what type of audience or user it needs to address. They will also take time to understand the client’s short-term, long-term, and intermediate goals. They should also address any current pain points so that the new web application runs smoothly, giving the client exactly what they need.

• Planning
  The planning stage is one of the most important steps in any type of web development. It sets the groundwork for everything else. The key features of the application are plotted and planned at this time. The developer takes their core understandings and converts the information into wireframes and diagrams to plot the layout and features that will be incorporated into the web application.
  The planning stage may be the most important stage of all because a properly planned application is easier to build. If the outcomes are already determined, then the pathway to get there is easily mapped.

• UX and UI Designing
  The web developer needs to ensure that the user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) are considered at this point too. Not only must the application be user-friendly, but it must be aesthetically pleasing as well.

• Accessibility
  Web applications need to be universally usable by any user, including those with varying levels of ability. It needs to be accessible and easy to use. From voice prompts to screen readers, the design and development need to accommodate everyone who could use the app.
  This goes hand-in-hand with design because consideration needs to be given to colors and complementary colors, keyboard navigation, and usability on a variety of devices, such as mobile phones, tablets, and desktops.

• Design
  The next part of the process is design. The developer and designer would collaborate to produce a result that incorporates all the required points.
  The designer works on creating an attractive layout and product that also portrays the brand’s corporate identity (CI). Images should be in line with the brand’s look and feel, and the typography should be in line with the CI and be readable on a screen.
  Matching the right colors and fonts is just one aspect of design. Getting the right layout is another. The layout needs to work for the application and be easy enough for users to navigate.
  The design also needs to work on various devices, which have varying screen sizes and operating systems.

• Development
  At this point, the web application can go into development. This is the part where coding comes into play. The websites and web applications are built using web programming and markup languages. The coding now needs to link the design and accessibility features and make everything function.

• Testing
  A custom web application needs to function correctly. It should work smoothly, be secure, fast, and efficient. This is where testing and tweaking happen. Applications are tested across various devices, platforms, and operating systems to ensure that the design is responsive.

• Roll-out and Maintenance
  If all goes well, then the application should be ready for rollout. Once it has gone live, another battery of testing should take place to ensure there are no live hiccups. From this point, you should have someone doing regular app maintenance, testing, and updates for any application add-ons.

Final Thoughts

It is time for many businesses to bring their business applications out of the dark ages and regain a competitive edge. An effective full-stack web application developer is client-focused and builds custom applications that are tailored to their client’s business and their specific needs.