What Should I Know About App Development Before I Dive In?

When it comes to app development, it’s kind of like saying 'web development' or 'carpentry'—there's a lot to unpack! First, whether you can build an app by yourself really depends on a few key factors: your time, your knowledge of the domain, and relevant programming skills. You need to know not only how to code but also what problem you’re trying to solve and who your users might be. If you want to sell, you’ll need feedback and bug reports from users, which can be time-consuming. Also, practical experience is huge! Try to work on a project similar to what you envision for yourself before going solo. Joining a junior dev position or contributing to open-source projects can provide invaluable experience. Get as much theory and practice as you can—it’ll pay off in the long run!

Absolutely! A single developer can create an app for both mobile and desktop. I’ve done it myself with several projects. There are numerous successful commercial apps out there made by individual developers. The hard part isn’t writing the code; it’s getting the app out there and selling it. Don't let the challenges deter you though—many indie developers succeed with persistence!

Building the app is just part of the journey! To sell it successfully, you'll need to develop a bunch of other skills like marketing, sales, and writing. Working for yourself and making it work financially is tough, which is why many devs end up at larger companies where they can focus on a smaller piece of a big project and get a steady paycheck. Remember, it's a continuous learning experience, even after landing a job!

Defining "app" can be tricky since it can mean anything from a simple utility on a phone to a full desktop suite. Yes, one person can sell a small app, even small games on platforms like Steam! But the bigger the app, the longer it typically takes to develop, and your earnings can diminish per hour. Think of it this way: if it takes you a day to make an app and you sell 10,000 copies, great! But if it takes a year for the same number of sales, you might feel less satisfied with your earnings.

Think of app development like construction. One person can definitely build a small application, but a larger project is like a skyscraper—unlikely for one person to tackle solo in a lifetime. So yes, you can absolutely develop a small app by yourself!