Mobile App Development: Tips to Avoid My Mistakes

Mar 8, 2025

After three years as a React Native app developer, primarily on my friend's project, Quiz4math, and a year and a half developing an internal app for a Greek delivery service, I've recently returned to a digital agency. Here, I've taken on my first solo app project in a small, web-focused environment. This meant more than just coding; I was responsible for everything from client communication and estimations to deadlines, distribution, analytics, and tackling unique design and user experience challenges.

Despite my experience, I made some significant mistakes along the way. I'm sharing them here, hoping you can learn from my missteps and avoid repeating them in your own projects.

Mistake #1: Underestimating the Complexity of Mobile Release Workflows

In web development, pushing changes to production is often a breeze. Merge, deploy, and boom—your users see the updates instantly. Mobile development, however, is a whole different beast. I quickly learned that my web-centric workflow was woefully inadequate for handling app releases.

Instead of a simple deploy button, I faced a complex dance of builds, approvals, and staged rollouts. I neglected to establish a robust release workflow from the start. This meant manual builds, haphazard testing, and stressful, last-minute releases.

Here's what I learned:

• Automation is Key: Implement automated builds for both Android and iOS as soon as you merge a pull request. This saves time and reduces the risk of human error.
• Staged Rollouts are Your Friend: Don't unleash a new version on all users at once. Start with a small percentage (e.g., 1%) and gradually increase it (5%, 10%, 25%, 50%, 75%, 100%) as you monitor analytics and user feedback.
• Establish Clear Testing Environments: Create dedicated test environments for clients to review and approve builds before they go live. This ensures everyone is on the same page.
• Analytics are Your Compass: Monitor analytics closely after each release to identify any issues or unexpected behavior. This allows you to react quickly and minimize the impact on users.

By failing to prioritize a smooth, automated workflow, I created unnecessary stress and put the app's stability at risk.

P.S. If you're working with React Native Expo, your release workflow will likely be streamlined by Expo's built-in tools. However, for those using bare React Native, like myself, understanding and implementing robust automation with tools like GitHub Actions is essential.

Mistake #2: Ignoring the Realities of Mobile Connectivity and Versioning

In the familiar world of web development, we often take two things for granted: users always have the latest version, and they're always online. Mobile development demands a different mindset. I learned the hard way that neglecting these realities can lead to a frustrating user experience.

Versioning and Compatibility:

Anticipate Outdated App Versions: Consider what happens when a user hasn't updated your app in months. To address this, I implemented a version check on app launch. My app calls an API to determine the minimum supported version. If a user's version falls below this threshold, they're prompted to update from the app store.

API Versioning: Collaborate closely with your backend team (or, if you're handling the API, plan carefully). Design your APIs with versioning in mind. What happens when a user with an older app version calls a newer API endpoint? Implement robust error handling and backward compatibility to prevent crashes and data inconsistencies.

Offline and Intermittent Connectivity:

Design for Offline Scenarios: Users won't always have a stable internet connection. Think about how your app will function in offline or low-connectivity environments. For example, consider users in subway stations where connectivity is spotty.

Graceful Handling of Network Changes: Test how your app behaves when the internet connection drops or fluctuates during navigation. Implement mechanisms to handle network errors gracefully, such as displaying informative messages or caching data for offline access.

User Experience in Variable Connectivity: Remember that network speeds vary. Optimize your app to handle slow connections and minimize data usage. Consider implementing loading indicators and prioritizing essential data transfer.

Plan ahead and design for resilience.

Mistake #3: Mismanaging Client Expectations and Communication

One of the biggest hurdles I faced was accurately estimating release timelines and managing client expectations. Clear and consistent communication is paramount in mobile development, and I learned several valuable lessons along the way:

Underestimating QA Time: I consistently underestimated the time required for thorough quality assurance. Remember, you're dealing with two platforms (iOS and Android), each with its own nuances and potential issues. Factor in ample time for comprehensive testing to ensure a bulletproof release.

Clarifying Release Percentages: When providing release timelines, be crystal clear about the rollout percentage. Saying "it will be live on Monday" can be misleading if you're referring to a 1% rollout. Clients often expect 100% availability by that date. Explicitly state the percentage and the phased rollout plan.

Addressing Potential App Store Rejections: Communicate the possibility of app store rejections, especially during the initial release. This can add unexpected delays. Manage expectations by informing clients that the first release might take longer due to potential review issues.

Proactive Information Gathering: Before starting the app development, create a comprehensive form to gather all necessary information for app store publishing. This includes app descriptions, keywords, screenshots, and developer account details. This avoids last minute scrambling for information.

Release Confirmation and Reminders: Before initiating a release, send a detailed summary to the client outlining the completed tasks (x, y, z) and confirming readiness. Ask if there are any final additions or changes. This is especially important for lengthy release cycles, as it helps catch any overlooked details or typos.

By improving my communication and proactively addressing potential issues, I was able to build stronger client relationships and ensure smoother releases. Don't let miscommunication derail your app development process.

Tip #1: Prioritize Problem-Solving Over Pure Coding

Remember, as a mobile developer, you're not just a code writer; you're a problem solver. Your clients come to you with business challenges, and your role is to translate those challenges into effective technical solutions. This means actively listening to their needs, understanding their goals, and proposing the most efficient and cost-effective ways to achieve them.

Don't be afraid to suggest alternative approaches, even if they deviate from the client's initial ideas. Building trust is paramount. If you can identify a cheaper or more performant solution, present it clearly and confidently. Your client's primary focus should be on their core business, not on the intricacies of mobile app development. That's your expertise. By prioritizing problem-solving and offering strategic guidance, you'll become a trusted advisor, not just a code executor

Tip #2: Cultivate a "Playground" Side Project

To stay ahead of the curve and minimize risks on client projects, I strongly recommend maintaining a personal side project. This serves as your "playground" for testing new libraries, experimenting with cutting-edge features, and exploring the latest updates. Before implementing new technologies in client apps, test them thoroughly in your side project. This allows you to identify potential issues and refine your approach without jeopardizing client timelines or stability. Use your side project to delve into new libraries and features, deepening your understanding and enhancing your skills. By staying up-to-date with the latest advancements, you can proactively suggest innovative solutions to your clients. Share your findings and demonstrate how new technologies can address their challenges or improve their apps. Additionally, a side project is a great way to showcase your skills to potential clients or to your current client. This "playground" approach not only enhances your technical expertise but also positions you as a forward-thinking developer who can provide valuable insights and solutions to your clients.

Conclusion

Navigating the world of mobile app development presents unique challenges, especially when transitioning from a web-centric mindset. I hope sharing these lessons from my own experiences will help you avoid similar pitfalls and build robust, user-friendly applications.

I'm eager to hear your thoughts and experiences. Do you have any similar stories or additional tips to share? Feel free to leave a comment below or reach out via email using the contact button in the banner. Let's learn and grow together!