Published May 27, 2024 ⦁ 17 min read

Top Free App Development Tools and Software for 2024

Greetings fellow developers,

Welcome to DevHunt - your new home for discovering the best developer tools and software available today. As experienced coders ourselves, we understand the constant need to stay on top of the latest and greatest development technologies. However, with new tools launching every day, it can be challenging to identify the most useful ones worth integrating into your workflow.

That's why we created DevHunt, a community-driven platform designed by developers for developers. Our mission is to provide you with a tailored resource to easily find and evaluate innovative developer tools and software.

Through DevHunt's unique open-source model, we aim to build an ecosystem that empowers devs to launch and promote their own creations. By requiring GitHub authentication, we ensure only genuine developers have influence over rankings - reducing the risk of fake accounts manipulating results.

Ready to help shape the future of developer tools discovery? Join our open-source initiative on GitHub today. Together, we can build the ultimate dev toolbox and make finding the next big thing as simple as a search on DevHunt.

Overview of Free App Development Tools and Software

Android Studio

Android Studio is the official integrated development environment (IDE) for Android app development. It provides tools and plugins to build apps for Android devices with the Kotlin or Java programming languages. Android Studio is free to download and use.

Xcode

Xcode is Apple’s integrated development environment (IDE) for macOS. It contains everything developers need to design, develop, and debug apps for iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS. Xcode provides an editor, debugger, simulator, and more. Registration with Apple is required to download Xcode for free.

Visual Studio

Visual Studio is Microsoft’s integrated development environment (IDE). The Community edition is free for students, open-source contributors, and small teams. It can be used to develop apps for Windows, Android, and iOS using languages like C#, C++, Python, and JavaScript. Visual Studio provides an editor, debugger, Git integration, and more.

PhoneGap

PhoneGap is an open source framework for building cross-platform mobile apps using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. It allows you to use web technologies to build native apps for mobile platforms like iOS and Android. Apps can access native device features through a JavaScript API. PhoneGap is free to use and the source code is available on GitHub.

React Native

React Native is an open-source framework created by Facebook for building native iOS and Android apps using React. It allows you to build mobile apps using only JavaScript and React. React Native uses the same design as React for web apps, so you can easily build a mobile app and web app with the same codebase. React Native is free to use and the source code is available on GitHub.

Flutter

Flutter is Google’s UI toolkit for building beautiful, natively compiled apps for mobile, web, and desktop from a single codebase. Flutter uses the Dart programming language and provides reactive views, stateful hot reload, and integrated tooling. Flutter is free, open source, and used by developers and organizations around the world.

Top 5 Free Mobile App Development Software

1. Apache Cordova

Apache Cordova is an open-source mobile development framework. It allows you to use standard web technologies - HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript - to build mobile apps for iOS, Android, and Windows. You can build apps with Cordova and deploy to app stores without any changes to your code.

2. React Native

React Native is an open-source framework created by Facebook. It allows you to build beautiful native apps using JavaScript and React. With React Native, you can create native iOS and Android apps by writing JavaScript components instead of Swift, Objective-C, Java or Kotlin. React Native uses the same design as React, letting you compose a rich mobile UI from small and isolated components.

3.Xamarin

Xamarin is a Microsoft-owned, open-source platform for building native iOS, Android, and Windows apps using .NET and C#. Xamarin allows you to share up to 95% of your code across platforms. With Xamarin, you can leverage your existing .NET code and skills to build native mobile apps. Xamarin provides full access to native APIs and integrates with Visual Studio.

4.Flutter

Flutter is Google's open-source framework for building beautiful, natively compiled mobile apps for iOS and Android from a single codebase. Flutter allows you to build highly customized apps that look and feel native on both platforms. Flutter provides reactive views without the need for a JavaScript bridge, and compiles directly to native code, providing performance on par with native apps.

5.Ionic

Ionic is an open-source framework for building mobile apps with web technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Ionic provides tools and services for developing hybrid mobile apps using Cordova and web technologies. Ionic Framework relies on Cordova to build actual native app binaries for iOS and Android. The Ionic toolchain includes emulators, debug tools, build integrations, and more - everything you need to build an app from start to finish.

Which is the best free app development software?

React Native

React Native is an open-source mobile app framework created by Facebook. It allows you to build Android and iOS apps using React, a popular web framework. React Native lets you reuse code across platforms, allowing you to ship apps faster. It has a large community of developers and extensive documentation to help you get started.

Flutter

Flutter is an open-source mobile SDK created by Google. It allows you to build beautiful native apps for iOS and Android from a single codebase. Flutter uses the Dart programming language, which was designed to be easy to learn and optimized for mobile apps. Flutter has great documentation and tutorials to help you learn. Many well-known apps have already been built with Flutter, like Reflectly, Hamilton, and Alibaba.

Xamarin

Xamarin is an open-source framework from Microsoft that allows you to build native Android, iOS, and Windows apps using .NET and C#. With Xamarin, you can reuse up to 95% of your code across platforms. Xamarin is used by many well-known companies, including Alaska Airlines, Coca-Cola, and Honeywell. The Xamarin framework has good documentation and many tutorials available to help you get started.

Apache Cordova

Apache Cordova, also known as PhoneGap, is an open-source framework for building cross-platform mobile apps using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Cordova apps run native code and have access to device capabilities through Cordova plugins. Many well-known companies use Cordova, including Intel, Microsoft, and Adobe. Cordova has been downloaded over 6 million times and has extensive documentation.

In summary, there are several high-quality, open-source options for developing mobile apps for free. React Native, Flutter, Xamarin, and Apache Cordova are all popular, well-supported frameworks with large communities behind them. Any of these would be an excellent choice for building your mobile app.

Low-Code and No-Code Platforms for App Development

Image from Quixy

As companies increasingly adopt digital technologies, the demand for enterprise application development has grown significantly. However, many organizations struggle with the time, cost, and complexity involved in custom software development. Low-code and no-code development platforms have emerged as viable solutions to this challenge.

Low-Code Platforms

Low-code platforms provide a visual development environment with drag and drop features to build applications. They require minimal hand-coding and allow developers with little technical expertise to create enterprise apps. Popular low-code options include OutSystems, Mendix, and Appian. These platforms are ideal for agile teams that want to build web and mobile apps faster at a lower cost.

No-Code Platforms

No-code platforms take a codeless approach, allowing non-technical users to develop software with little to no programming knowledge. They provide intuitive visual interfaces and pre-built components that can be assembled to create web and mobile apps without writing a single line of code. Prominent no-code tools include Bubble, Appy Pie, and Zapier. For business users and analysts, no-code platforms are an easy way to prototype and build simple internal apps.

Benefits of Low-Code and No-Code

Low-code and no-code platforms offer several advantages:

  • Increased speed and agility. Apps can be built up to 10 times faster than traditional development. This allows companies to quickly launch new digital solutions.

  • Reduced costs. Less dependence on technical resources lowers the cost to build and maintain enterprise software. Licensing fees for these platforms are also typically lower than custom development.

  • Improved productivity. Business units gain more autonomy to develop the apps they need. Analysts and non-technical staff can also contribute to app building, freeing up developers for more complex work.

  • Future scalability. Although low-code and no-code platforms are easy to get started with, they also provide mechanisms to add custom code for more advanced functionality as needed. This enables companies to scale their digital solutions over time.

In summary, low-code and no-code development platforms are enabling a new class of citizen developers to participate in creating business applications. With the right platform and strategy, companies can democratize app development and achieve a high level of digital maturity. These tools represent the future of rapid, scalable enterprise application development.

Is there a completely free app builder?

Yes, there are several free app development tools and software available to help you build mobile apps at no cost. These options are ideal for startups and developers on a budget looking to build and launch mobile apps without expensive licensing fees or subscriptions.

AppYourself

AppYourself is an easy-to-use mobile app builder that lets you create native Android and iOS apps for free. You can build apps for your business, blog, or organization using their simple drag-and-drop interface and pre-built features like push notifications, image galleries, and location maps. Once completed, AppYourself will compile your app and make it available in the Google Play and App Store at no extra charge.

Appy Pie

Another fully free app maker, Appy Pie allows you to develop iPhone and Android apps with zero coding experience required. Simply choose from their wide selection of app templates and customise every aspect of your app's design using their intuitive editor. Appy Pie offers features like live chat, e-commerce, appointment scheduling, and more. They will also publish your app to the app stores and handle any required updates on your behalf.

Bizness Apps

Bizness Apps provides a free DIY mobile app builder for small businesses. Using their platform, you can design a custom iPhone or Android app to help promote your business and engage with customers. Features include appointment scheduling, blog integration, push notifications, and loyalty programs. Bizness Apps will compile your app and publish it to the Google Play and App Store, allowing you to make updates anytime at no cost.

In summary, AppYourself, Appy Pie, and Bizness Apps are all free, powerful app development tools allowing you to build and deploy mobile apps without coding skills or expensive fees. These tools provide simple yet robust features ideal for small businesses, bloggers, organizations, and startups looking to establish a mobile presence on a budget. By leveraging one of these free software options, you can build and launch your own mobile app for free.

Useful Utilities for App Developers

Image from Linkedin

Developing Efficient Code

To build high-performance mobile apps, it’s important to write clean and optimized code. Useful tools for improving code efficiency include:

Static Analyzers: Static analyzers scan your code for potential issues before runtime. Popular options like Lint, SonarLint, and Code Climate can help detect problems ranging from security risks to style violations.

Profilers: Profilers measure your app’s performance characteristics to identify bottlenecks. Android Studio and Xcode both offer built-in profilers, while third-party tools like Uber’s Monkey and the React Native Debugger can provide deeper insights.

Optimization Libraries: Libraries such as Guava (for Java) and Boost (for C++) offer methods for improving performance, including caching, string utilities, and concurrency tools.

Using these utilities will ensure your apps run as smoothly and securely as possible. Developers should run static analyzers and profilers regularly throughout the development process to catch issues early.

Emulators and Simulators

Emulators and simulators allow you to test your apps on virtual devices. Especially useful for:

  • Previewing your app on different screen sizes and Android/iOS versions. •Testing location-based features without leaving your desk. •Simulating hardware interactions like tilting and swiping.

Both Android Studio and Xcode provide emulators for their respective platforms. Third-party options such as Genymotion and Appetize.io offer expanded device support and features. These tools are invaluable for providing the best user experience on a range of devices.

Version Control

Version control systems track changes made to your code over time, allowing you to revert to previous versions if needed. Popular options for developers include:

  • Git - An open-source version control system used by most developers. Integrated into tools like GitHub, Bitbucket, and GitLab.

  • Subversion - A centralized version control system some enterprises still use.

  • Azure DevOps - Microsoft’s version control option, integrated into their Azure cloud platform.

Using version control is a must for any serious app project. It enables developers to collaborate efficiently and avoid losing work in the event of errors. Overall, taking advantage of the many utilities available can streamline your development process and build higher quality mobile apps.

What software is used to create an app?

To develop mobile apps, you'll need integrated development environment (IDE) software and a software development kit (SDK). The IDE helps you write, edit, compile, and debug code. The SDK provides the tools and libraries to build your app.

Xcode (for iOS apps)

Xcode is Apple's IDE for developing iOS and macOS apps. It includes everything you need to design, develop, and debug an app. Xcode uses the iOS SDK, which provides the frameworks and tools to build apps for iPhone and iPad. Xcode is only available on Mac computers.

Android Studio (for Android apps)

Android Studio is the official IDE for building Android apps, based on IntelliJ IDEA. It includes an Android SDK with all the tools and libraries needed to build Android apps. Android Studio works on Windows, Mac, and Linux computers.

Cross-platform tools

Some tools allow you to build apps for both iOS and Android. These include:

  • React Native: Uses React to build native mobile apps. Code is shared between iOS and Android.

  • Flutter: Google's UI toolkit for building beautiful, natively compiled apps for mobile, web, and desktop from a single codebase.

  • Xamarin: Microsoft's platform for building iOS and Android apps with .NET and C#.

Other resources

You'll also want to use resources like:

  • Git for version control

  • A code editor like Visual Studio Code

  • UI design tools like Figma or Adobe XD

  • Cloud services to host your app like AWS or Azure

In summary, to build a mobile app you'll need an IDE like Xcode or Android Studio, an SDK to access native device capabilities, and additional resources to help design, develop, and deploy your app. The specific tools you choose will depend on whether you're building an iOS, Android, or cross-platform app. With the wealth of resources now available, building a mobile app as an indie developer or startup is more accessible than ever.

Tips for Choosing the Right Free Tools

When evaluating free app development software and tools, consider these recommendations:

Focus on your target platforms. The tools and languages you choose depend on the platforms you want to build for, whether Android, iOS, web or multi-platform. Familiarize yourself with the requirements of each to determine the best fit.

Assess the learning curve. Some tools have a steeper learning curve than others. Think about your current skills and how much time you have to pick up new technologies. For beginners, look for intuitive tools with simple interfaces and lots of documentation or tutorials.

Consider long term costs. While the tools themselves are free, some may require paid add-ons or subscriptions to access certain features. Make sure you understand any potential long term costs before investing time in learning a new tool.

Check reviews and ratings. Search for reviews of any tools you're interested in to determine pros, cons and experiences from real users. Look at ratings on sites like Capterra or G2 to compare options.

Evaluate community support. For open source tools, a strong, active community is important. Look for options with a lot of community support, documentation and resources to help you learn and troubleshoot.

Think about capabilities and features. Consider what functionality you need, e.g. a visual designer, native build options, database integrations or push notifications. Choose a tool with the capabilities to build the kind of app you have in mind.

Consider your options for building native apps. Some tools only output web apps, while others let you build truly native iOS and Android apps. If building native apps is a priority, ensure the tool provides that capability.

Stay up to date with new options. New free and open source tools are emerging all the time. Check sites like Postmark, DevHunt or Opensource to stay on top of options that could be a good fit for your next project.

In summary, evaluating free app development tools thoroughly will help ensure you choose an option well-suited to your needs and skills. Do your research, read reviews from other developers and think about the kind of apps you want to build to find the best free tools for you.

How to Get Started With Free App Development

To build an app without incurring high costs, you have several options for free or open-source tools. As a startup or solo developer, utilizing free resources can help launch your mobile app idea without the budget or investment of paid alternatives.

First, you'll need to choose a framework that allows you to develop apps in your preferred programming language, such as Java, C#, or HTML5. Popular free frameworks include Apache Cordova, React Native, and Flutter. These tools allow you to use web technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to build native mobile apps.

Second, you'll require an integrated development environment (IDE) to write, compile, and debug your code. Free IDE options include Visual Studio Code, Android Studio, Xcode (for iOS only), and IntelliJ IDEA Community Edition. These IDEs offer code completion, syntax highlighting, and Git integration to help boost your productivity.

Third, to design the user interface of your app, explore free wireframing and prototyping tools such as Figma, Adobe XD, or Sketch. These make it simple to create and iterate on UI mockups before coding the designs. Some also allow you to preview interactive prototypes on real mobile devices.

Lastly, you'll need a way to compile your code into a native app and distribute it. For Android, use Android Studio's built-in functionality to generate APK files. For iOS, enroll in the Apple Developer Program (free membership option available) to access Xcode and publish to the App Store. React Native also allows you to generate standalone APKs and IPAs from JavaScript code.

In summary, between versatile frameworks, fully-featured IDEs, intuitive design tools, and native app generators, you have everything needed to build and launch a mobile app for free. By leveraging these resources, you can focus on developing your app rather than budgeting for expensive software and services. Join the open-source community and together we can create more accessible tools for building innovative apps.

Is no-code the future?

The no-code movement has been gaining significant traction in recent years. No-code tools allow people to build software and applications without writing any code. They provide a visual interface to develop apps, websites and automate business processes.

With no-code tools, anyone can become a maker. They democratize software creation and allow people with no technical background to build things. This new generation of tools is enabling a wave of citizen developers - business users who create their own apps to solve problems.

However, no-code tools are not for every scenario. They work well for simple apps and workflows but lack the flexibility and customization of traditional code for more complex software. No-code is ideal for fast prototyping and creating MVPs but may not scale to enterprise-level systems.

While no-code tools will not replace traditional software engineering, they fill an important need. They allow organizations to quickly build and iterate on solutions. No-code tools have the potential to transform how companies operate and build software. They put the power of creation into the hands of business users, allowing them to solve their own problems without being bottlenecked by technical teams.

No-code is opening up technology creation to a whole new group of people. It is democratizing software development and enabling self-sufficiency and agility at a large scale. No-code platforms abstract away technical complexity and allow people to focus on the problem they're solving rather than the code behind it.

However, as with any technology movement, no-code brings challenges. There are concerns about "shadow IT" and governance as more apps are built outside of IT departments. It also remains to be seen how no-code tools will scale and integrate with existing enterprise infrastructure.

While the future is hard to predict, no-code tools are poised to transform how organizations build software. They have the potential to decentralize technology creation and enable a new wave of innovation. No-code is making it possible for anyone to become a maker. Although no-code will not replace professional software engineering, it is opening up technology to a whole new generation of citizen developers. No-code is here to stay and will likely shape the future of work in many organizations.

Dev Hunt – The best new Dev Tools every day

DevHunt is a community-driven launch platform created specifically for showcasing innovative developer tools. We aim to provide an accessible space where dev tool creators can gain visibility among their target audience.

Currently, platforms focused on new product launches often struggle to give adequate exposure to developer tools. Their broad scope that encompasses various types of products can pose challenges for gaining traction. DevHunt solves this issue by catering solely to developer tools. Our niche focus ensures we remain a useful resource for both developers building the tools and those seeking to implement them.

DevHunt implements a unique approach that utilizes GitHub pull requests and user authentication. To list a tool on our platform, submit a pull request. This transparent method fosters collaboration between contributors. We require users to log in with their GitHub accounts before interacting with the site. This deters fake account creation and gives more influence to reputable developers. We are also exploring ways to give additional weight to votes and comments from established GitHub users. These methods make it more difficult to game the system.

Joining our open-source project as a contributor or supporter provides multiple benefits. You can shape an inclusive launch platform tailored to developer tools and gain better exposure when releasing your own projects. Connecting with like-minded developers helps expand your professional network. Visit our GitHub repository to submit improvements or changes via pull request. Spreading the word about DevHunt to other developers helps build our community.

DevHunt aims to furnish a fair and transparent platform where developer tools can succeed. By working together, we can create an invaluable resource for developers around the world. We invite you to join us in this collaborative effort today!

Conclusion

You now have an overview of some of the best free app development tools and software available in 2024. With the rise in mobile usage and app downloads, having access to these budget-friendly resources allows you to build and deploy your vision without high costs.

Whether you want to rapidly prototype ideas or launch fully-featured apps, this selection provides beginner-friendly options like Appy Pie and GameSalad as well as more advanced solutions like React Native. Code-free drag and drop interfaces, open-source frameworks, cloud building, and more empower creators at any skill level.

Remember to match the features against your specific needs. With the right preparation and persistence, you can leverage these free tools to successfully ship your mobile apps in 2024 and beyond. The opportunities are expanding - it's time to start building.

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