Want to learn how to make an app for iPhone, iPad, Android or desktop? These tutorials and articles will get you started.
This final grab-bag of links is all about articles with general advice on making apps, and those technologies that enable you to create once and deploy to multiple platforms.
01. How to name your app
Naming your app is not to be rushed
What’s in a name? Quite a lot as it turns out. What your app’s called isn’t only important from a search standpoint, but also in terms of recognition in stores and on a device. This Creative Bloq article outlines how to pick the right name – and the difference doing so can make.
02. Design a great app icon
The icon is your app's shop window
Getting your app’s icon right is of paramount importance. Icons are what grab people’s attention on stores, and what they prod on a device display. Michael Flarup’s Smashing Magazine how-to outlines best practice for icon creation. And if you need a little inspiration, check out Creative Bloq’s feature on the best iPhone app icons.
03. Understand the power of colour
Colour usage is key to usability, accessibility and branding
Given the penchant for relative minimalism in modern operating system interfaces, colour is vitally important. Nick Babich’s feature explores how to create an effective colour scheme through utilising colour theory and strong use of contrast. Need some apps to help? Check out Creative Bloq’s favourite free apps for picking a colour scheme.
04. Discover the best wireframing tools
Wireframing helps you turn your sketches into a workable app
You can’t – or at least really really shouldn’t – just delve into making an app without thinking things through. One of the more important components of planning an app is wireframing – stripping down your intended product to focus on functions and interactions. This Creative Bloq piece lists 20 tools to help you do so.
05. Build a game in Unity
You need to learn Unity if you want to build a game
How often have you fired up a great game and seen the Unity logo appear? This is for good reason – Unity is a powerful tool for cross-platform games development. At raywenderlich.com, there are explainers on the technology, along with how-tos that enable you to create your own Unity games.
06. Discover GameMaker
GameMaker is another great utility
GameMaker is another tool for creating games that can be exported to a range of platforms. The link above takes you through to a page housing videos that help you get to grips with the technology, creating an exciting arena shooter while doing so.
07. Build an app using NW.js
Learn how to create a web app with this article
Although we never quite hit the moment where web apps became ubiquitous, many apps do have a foundation of native web technology. In Julian Motz’s Sitepoint article, you’ll use the NW.js framework for creating a cross-platform desktop app.
08. Develop cloud apps using Xamarin
This is for advanced app-builders
Xamarin is another cross-platform framework, albeit aimed at mobile. Adrian Hall’s free and open-source book is intended for C#-savvy users who’ve already built with Xamarin, and want to take their efforts further by utilising cloud services. If you’re not there yet, the introduction links to resources for getting that foundation first.
