CHAPTER

7
Introduction to App Development
Learning Outcomes
The students will be able to:
describe the types of apps and their uses. download and install apps. design and develop an app.
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ONO
Hi, Hema! I am sharing the link of the crossword app I have created. Download it from the Play
Store and play.
MIT App Inventor.
Can you tell me how to create an app?
Which platform did you use for creating it?
Hari
Yes! It's very simple. Let us learn how to create one.
回可

Apps
An application is a software designed to do a specific job. The word 'app' is an abbreviation for
application. An app enables you to do something specific, like paint, draw, read maps, and barcodes,
take photographs, play games, watch and edit videos, and a lot of other activities, within the
technical limitations of your device.
An app works in pretty much the same way as the software does on a desktop or laptop. However,
because the computing power and memory of a smartphone are generally less than a standalone
computer, the capabilities of the app are limited than a similar software running on a PC. Most
desktops do not have touchscreen, while all mobile devices have it. This changes way the user
interacts with the device. Instead of a keyboard and mouse, the user taps on the display, which
works both as an input device as well as an output device.
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Apps are designed to work on different operating systems used by the various devices. An Android
app is developed to work on phones, tablets, or other gadgets that run on Android OS; whereas,
iPhone apps can be used on iPhones that use iOS. For better running of the apps, the internet
connection speed must be fast so that the app can be downloaded easily from the Google Play Store
on Android phone or through App Store on iOS.
>> Types of Apps
Apps can be broadly classified as Desktop apps, Web apps, and Mobile apps.
Desktop Apps
These apps can be used on a desktop or laptop. Generally, they do not need web access and run
independently on a computer. To run a desktop app, it must be first installed on the desktop or
laptop. The installed app is represented either by an icon on the computer screen or item on the Start
menu. Examples of desktop applications are Word Processors, Spreadsheet, Paint, and Notepad.
Web Apps
These apps require an internet connection. They are usually browser-based and stored on a remote
server. Users can access them like any other web page. Web applications require minimum device
memory as the application lies on the remote server. These applications can be utilised at whatever
point needed from any device through the internet. For example, Google Maps, Instant messenger,
etc.
Mobile Apps
These apps run on a smartphone or tablet. Mobile apps have responsive web designs to adapt to the
much smaller screen sizes and orientation of the mobile devices. These apps are usually small in
size as mobile devices have limited memory. Some mobile apps may come preloaded on cell phones
or tablets.
Keeping in view the device independence feature, software companies nowadays make diverse
versions of the applications to be used as Desktop apps, Web apps, or Mobile apps.
Look at the examples given below:
Software
Desktop App Photo Adobe Photoshop is a photo Editing editing software, which must be installed
on a desktop or laptop.
Web App
Pixlr also provides photo editing software as a web application available at: [Link]
Mobile App
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Pixlr is a free photo editing tool for desktop.
Canva is another web based photo editing application at: [Link] photo-editor/
networking.
Facebook Facebook Messenger has its Facebook is a popular web own desktop app, which can
application used for social be downloaded from Microsoft Store and Mac App Store. You can use it
on your computer to send messages and make video calls.
Office Suites
Games
Media Players
Maps
MS Office is a very good example of desktop-based Office applications. This includes Word
processing, Spreadsheet, Presentation, and other applications.
Games like Solitaire and Minesweeper are available on all Windows-based computers. Other games
can also be downloaded for use on desktops and laptops.
Media player apps enable the users to play music or videos on their computers. VLC Player and
Windows Media Player are some of the examples of the freely available Media Players.
Google Maps can be
downloaded on the desktop computer. However, this app will only function when the internet access
is available.
Microsoft 365 is a web-based version of Microsoft's Office suite. Google Docs is the part of G
Suite, which allow users to view and edit documents in real time through a web browser.
There are many Flash games available online that you can play for free or by paying a small fee.
Power Cricket Challenge, Online Snooker, and Fortnite are examples of web-based games.
Many sites offer their services and allow you to play music, videos, listen to the radio, and even
watch TV while online.
The browser based Google Maps can be accessed by typing [Link] in the address bar of
the browser.
Adobe Photoshop Express Mobile Pixlr are and
photo editing apps for mobile devices, which can be downloaded either from Google Play Store or
App Store.
Facebook is available as a separate app, which can be downloaded from Google Play Store and App
Store.
Microsoft Office Mobile
mobile app combines Word, Excel, and PowerPoint with exclusive features. This app is useful to get
documentation, spreadsheet, or presentation related work done on a mobile phone.
G Suite applications can also be used on a mobile phone.
Like web-based games, there are many games that are available on Play Store or App Store that you
can download and play for free or by paying a small fee.
VLC, Media Player, and MX Player are examples of apps that can be easily run on mobile phones
and downloaded from the Play Store or App Store.
The Google Maps app is available on the Google Play Store.
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>> Classification of Mobile Apps

Mobile apps can be further classified as Native Apps or Hybrid Apps.
Native Apps
Mobile apps are usually developed for a specific operating system and device. This is because each
device may have different specifications, like GPS, dual SIMS or cameras, memory, Bluetooth,
Wireless Fidelity (WiFi), or Near-Field Communication (NFC). Apps that are developed keeping the
device specifications in mind are known as Native Apps. Most Native Apps come pre-installed on
the new phone, and can also be downloaded from the Play Store or App Store and further installed
on the device. Some Native Apps can run on the device without the use of the internet, but others
may need the internet facility for full functionality. These apps have certain limitations. They are
designed for a particular platform and are expensive to develop and maintain.
Hybrid Apps
Hybrid Apps have the features of both Web Apps and Native Apps. These apps can be downloaded
from the Play Store or App Store and installed on the device. These apps require the device to be
connected with the internet. Hybrid apps can be stored partly on the local device and partly on the
remote server. Some hybrid apps can also be operated offline by using cached pages; however, they
have limited functionality offline.
For example, the most popular gaming app, Candy Crush, is a hybrid that can be played on a mobile
phone as well as on the web.
app
>> Uses of Common Apps
Apps have become so prevalent today that a suitable one can be found for almost any job. Whether
it is for learning, entertainment, social interactions, or even banking, and e-commerce, there is an
app for every purpose.
Educational Apps
With the rapid increase of mobile technology, learning with apps has become fun. There is a rapid
spread of education to the remotest corners of the world. Today, students in the far-flung villages
can easily access high quality educational resources.
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Let's Know More
Candy Crush
In this game, the players complete levels by swapping coloured pieces of candy on a game board.
Quick
Quiz
Differentiate between Native and Hybrid apps.
Know the Fact DigiLocker
It is a mobile app, which is supported by the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) under its
Digital India initiative. DigiLocker offers a Cloud account for each Aadhaar card holder to access
his/her authentic documents/certificates. It
also offers 1 GB of storage space for each user to access the scanned copies of their legacy
documents.
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There are apps for all levels of learning. Apps not only help you learn new concepts, but also show
you what is being taught in the classrooms. Students of all age groups can access a treasure chest of
information on any topic.
Educational apps are equally useful for both students and teachers. The teachers are able to
distribute study material quickly, conduct tests, and grade the students efficiently by using apps like
Google Classroom. Parents too make use of the educational apps to interact more closely with the
teachers and, thus, monitor the progress of their children. Keeping up with this trend, many online
study resources, like Khan Academy, Kips Interactive Books; as well as online study platforms, like
EdX and Coursera, are also available via apps.
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Social Networking
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Social media plays a significant role in communication. The social media apps. let you post images,
videos, and other updates to your profile, which can be shared with anyone. You can connect with
anyone across the globe easily via such apps.
Several types of social networking apps are available today. Let us discuss some of the most popular
ones.
With over 2 billion active users, WhatsApp is one of the most popular instant messaging app.
Although initially it started as a text messaging app, WhatsApp has rapidly grown and now offers
high quality voice as well as video calling. It has a simple interface and many useful features that
make it a very popular app.
Facebook
X (Twitter)
WhatsApp
Facebook, with nearly 2.7 billion active users, continues to lead the social networking sites. It
allows all the registered users to create their profile, post comments, exchange information, share
links, photographs, chat, play games, etc. While initially, it was PC based, Facebook is now
available as a pre-installed app on most of the mobile phones and tablets.
X, formerly known as Twitter, is a social networking app where people communicate in short
messages called tweets. Tweeting is sending short messages to anyone who follows you on X, with
the expectation that your messages are useful and interesting to someone in your audience.
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Messages sent with this app were initially restricted to 140 characters. However, with the advent of
smartphones, the users began to find this as an unnecessary hindrance, therefore, X has now
doubled this limit, i.e., users now get 280 characters per tweet.
Other Social Networking Apps
Instagram is another app that is used for social networking. This app specialises in sharing of
photographs by the users.
LinkedIn is a networking app that specialises in the sharing of business and professional
information.
Reddit is a social news aggregation app. Registered users can upload news, stories, or links, and
other users can rate these stories by voting them up or down. The stories with the most up-votes are
moved to the top of the category.
in
Linkedin
reddit
Reddit
Instagram
Entertainment Apps
many
If you have a smartphone, you can find a lot of entertainment apps on it. While of these apps are
free to use, some charge a fee for their premium services. If you wish to watch a movie, catch up on
your favourite TV serial, or watch some sports, you can install and use Disney+Hotstar.
9
Gaana App
DISNEY+ hotstar
Disney + Hotstar App
Are you a music lover? If yes, Gaana, Hungama Music, and several other apps bring your favourite
tunes right on your phones. Other apps are also available that allow a user to record and edit one's
own music.
Do you fancy watching the latest blockbuster at your favourite multiplex? The BookMyShow app
allows you to check timings, read reviews, and obtain tickets for plays, concerts, sports, and many
other events.
BookMyShow App
If you are a game lover, you can enjoy many gaming apps. These apps have a huge fan base from all
the age groups. There are various categories in these apps, like Sports, Strategy games, Action
games, Racing games, Fighting games, etc.
Banking and Finance Apps
Almost all the banks have their own apps today. These apps allow quick and easy access to most of
their services and products. One can check the balance in one's account, open Fixed Deposits (FDs),
pay utility bills, transfer money to another account, order a chequebook or Demand Draft, and many
other activities through these apps.
Anywhere Personal
HDFC Banking App SBI Banking App Banking Apps
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educational apps for 8th std

May Movies & Play Mosic

Extranarks - The Leaming App

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Figure 7.1: Play Store Icon

Moneycontrol

E-commerce
Buying or selling of goods or services using electronic means is known as e-commerce. The
rapid increase in the use of mobile technology and the desire of people to get things done quickly
has prompted e-commerce companies to opt for mobile apps to supplement their business.
This segment has become so important that some e-commerce companies have started giving
preference to app-based solutions and are discontinuing their e-commerce websites. Some of
the most popular e-commerce apps that provide facility to shop online are Flipkart, Amazon,
Snapdeal, Shopclues, etc.

>> Downloading and Installing an App

The following steps will help you download and install an app on your mobile phone or tablet:
Tap on the Play Store
on the screen of your device.
In the Search bar, type the
name of the app that you wish
to download. If you do not
know the specific name, type
a general description of the job
that the app does. For example,
'educational apps'.
It will display a relevant list of apps. Now, select the most suitable one by tapping on the
name of the app.
Additional information about this app will be displayed, for instance, whether any fee needs
to be paid. Check out the reviews and comments of the previous users. If it meets your
requirements, tap the INSTALL button to install the app on your device.
The app will request you for permission to access specific information from your phone. Confirm

With the Indian Government encouraging the use of cashless transactions, digital wallet apps,
like Paytm, Pockets from ICICI bank, Yono from SBI, and many more similar apps allow the
users to make quick and easy monetary transactions.

Moneycontrol
For the latest information on the Global and Indian stock markets, Moneycontrol
app proves to be beneficial. It covers the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), National
Stock Exchange (NSE) and also mutual funds, commodity, and currency markets.
Using their Portfolio tracker, one can keep in touch with the swings of the market
and take appropriate and timely decisions.

Figure 7.2: Searching for

an App

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your consent, and the app will be downloaded and installed on your phone. The app is now ready to
use.
>> Developing Your Own App
Looking at the different apps available at Play Store is an amazing experience. It may give you the
impression that it is very difficult to make your own app, but it is not so. There are several sites that
allow you to make your own app in a very short span of time.
Let us use the MIT App Inventor to develop an app. It is an open-source web application originally
provided by Google and now maintained by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). It is
an easy and innovative platform to introduce programming and app creation to beginners.
To develop an app using app inventor, follow these steps:

▸ Open a browser, and type the following URL in the address bar: [Link] Click
on the Create Apps! button in the top-left
corner.
Sign in with your Google account.
After successfully signing in, accept the Terms of Service policy.
The welcome screen appears. Click on Continue. You will get a new window, giving you options to
go through the tutorials, or start a new project.
Create new App Inventor project
Project name
КІР
Cancel
OK
Figure 7.4: Starting a Project
Starting a Project
Welcome to MIT App alexa
Skills Inventor
Create your e Ales Ss on MIT Apo mode
Figure 7.3: Welcome Screen
You can choose the Start a Blank Project option in the previous window or click on the Start new
project button under the Projects drop down menu to start a new project.
Assign a new name in the Project name field and click on OK.
Designing an App
When
you start a project, you get the Designer window, by default. The Designer window is used to design
an interface of an application. Notice, the Designer button at the top-right corner appears dull green.
This indicates that the window is active.
The Designer window has four panes:
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Let's Know More
flipkart
Flipkart is a popular e-commerce company headquartered in Bengaluru. It was started in 2007 by
Sachin Bansal and Binny Bansal, There are over 100 million registered users of Flipkart in India.
Palette: This pane contains the components necessary for a graphical user interface design. It
contains options such as User Interface, Layout, Media, Drawing and Animation, and so on.
Viewer: This pane displays the appearance of the application.
Components: This pane lists the components placed on the app screen. It shows a hierarchical view
of the components.
Properties: This pane shows various properties of the selected component. These properties are used
to change the settings of the selected component.
KOPS
Let's Know More BHIM
Bharat Interface for Money
(BHIM) is an android application that enables fast, secure, and reliable cashless payments through
your mobile phone. The app is directly linked to the user's bank account.
Quick Quiz
Name any two
entertainment apps.
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Figure 7.5: Designer Window
Let us design an interface for Bouncing a Ball. For this, you need a ball and a canvas.
Click on the Drawing and Animation tab in the left pane and drag and drop the Canvas on Screen1.
Set Canvas Height and Width properties as: Fill parent in the Properties pane.
Now, select Ball from the same pane, and drag and drop it on the centre of the Canvas. Set some of
the properties of the ball, for example, set PaintColor: Orange, Speed: 7, and Radius: 30.
Click on the Media tab and drag and drop the TextToSpeech control on Screen1. The TextToSpeech
control reads the given text aloud. It is an invisible component and cannot be seen on the screen like
the
ball.
Coding an App
Coding in MIT App Inventor is very similar to Scratch. To code your components, click on the
Blocks button located on the top-right corner. You will switch into the coding window. Here, you
can add your code.
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For example, to change the background colour of your canvas, and hear the given text ("Bouncing
Ball") on initialisation of Screen1, add the following blocks:
Click on Screen1 in the left pane and add the Initialize event by dragging it on the Viewer area. The
code inside this block will be executed when you start your app.
Now, click on TextToSpeech1 control in the left pane and add the Speak message block. add a Text
string This reads the given message. To add a message, click on Text in the Built-in category and
block. Add the text "Bouncing Ball" in the string.
Now, click on Canvas1 in the left pane, and select the set BackgroundColor to block to change the
background colour. To set a colour, click on Colors and add a colour block.
Blocks
Built-in
Control
Logic
Math
Text
Lists
Dictionaries
Colors
Variables
Procedures
e
Screen1
eCanvas1
Boll TextToSpeechT
Viewer
when Screen1 Initialize
do call TextToSpeech1⚫ Speak

set Canvas1
message Bouncing Ball BackgroundColor to
Figure 7.6: Adding the Code
Now, to bounce the ball, click on Ball1 in left pane and add the following blocks:
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Blocks
Viewer
Built-in
Control
when Screen1 Initialize
Logic
Math
do call TextToSpeech1 Speak
set Canvas1
message Bouncing Ball BackgroundColor⚫ to

Text
Lists
when Ball1 Flung
Dictionaries
xy speed
Colors
Variables
Procedures
eScreen!
e canvast
when Ball1 EdgeReached edge
do
set Ball1 set Ball1
heading xvel yvel Speed get speed to Heading to get heading
Ball
do
call Ball1
Bounce
edge get edge
TextToSpeech1
Any component
Figure 7.7: Adding the Code for Bouncing the Ball
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Running the App

When the design and code of your app is final, you need to test the app. You can set up live testing
while you build apps using any of the following options:
With an Android device and WiFi Connection
With a Chromebook
Using the Emulator
With an Android device and USB Cable
Note
To add the get speed block, click on get option in the Built-in category and select the speed option
from the drop down list. In the same way, add the get heading and get edge blocks by clicking on
the corresponding parameters.
Testing the App using an Emulator
Let us learn how to test an app using the Emulator.
To download the emulator, type the following URL in the address bar:
[Link]
Click on Download the installer link. You will get the setup file. After downloading the file, install
the application in your computer system.
Once the installation is complete, click on Connect > Emulator.
Connecting..
Starting the Android Emulator Please wait: This might take a minute or two. Cancel
4
Figure 7.8: Establishing a Connection
App Inventor will start connecting to the Emulator and you will get a virtual mobile screen on your
computer. The companion app will start to test your app.
When Screen1 is initialised, you will hear the audio of "Bouncing Ball", the colour of the canvas
becomes sky blue, and the ball bounces.
Viewer
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Any
wher Screent
tal TextToSpeech1 Speak
Balling
message bouncing ball BackgroundColor to
teading to get theading
when (Bat Edgefleached
cal Bali Bounce
edge
Figure 7.9: Testing the App
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Now you know ...

4.

Hints

[Link]

1.

2.

RECAP

The software designed to do a specific job is known as an application.

Apps are broadly classified into three categories: desktop apps, web apps, and mobile apps.

Coding in MIT App Inventor is very similar to Scratch.

... app.

Mobile apps are usually developed for a specific operating system and device
Hybrid apps combine the features of web apps and native apps.
Buying or selling of goods or services using electronic means is known as e-commerce.

3 Social Networking

A. Fill in the blanks.

1.

Developer

combine features of both Web apps and Native apps.

2. The abbreviation of the word 'application' is

C. Select the correct option.

3. The Facebook app is an example of a

Hybrid Apps

is a social news aggregation app.

app.

apps do not need web access and run independently on a computer.

5. You can pay utility bills using a

7 App

B. State True or False.

1. Google Maps is an e-commerce website.
2. Desktop apps do not need web access and run independently on a computer.
3. Hungama music app brings your favourite tunes right to your device.

Banking

c. Hotstar

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c. Facebook

b. Reddit

b. Netflix

is an app that lets you build your own apps.

3 MIT App Inventor

4. Mobile apps are usually smaller in size as mobile devices have limited memory.
5. Usually, native apps come pre-installed on the new phone.

3.
a. LinkedIn
is one of the most popular instant messaging apps.
4. Disney+Hotstar is an
a. Educational
b. Candy Crush
app.
b. Entertainment
c. WhatsApp
c. Social Networking
5. Buying or selling goods or services using electronic means is known as
a. Money Control
D. Competency-based question.
b. Finance
c. e-commerce
Sneha and her parents are planning to go for a movie. She wants to book the tickets online. Which
app can she use to do the same?
E. Answer the following questions.
1. How can you broadly categorise apps? Explain any one category of apps.
2. State the use of web apps.
3. What is the difference between hybrid apps and native apps?
4. Distinguish between a desktop app a
and mobile app.
5. Give two examples each of entertainment and banking apps.
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