The Difficult and Complex Beauty of Code

I have said this before, and I will say it again. If you really want to be a successful app builder you need to learn code. Common misconceptions non-programmers have about code are that it is all zeros and ones and that it is too difficult to ever be conquered by the average person. To clear up the first one, I will explain that while the programming language machines understand is only zeros and ones, most code is not written using zeros and ones. There are several programming languages (Java, C++, etc.) that programmers use. Theses languages are then converted into machine language by specific software. I use C++ Language when writing programs. It is one of the oldest languages, but it's simple and powerful. C++ is more basic than languages like Java, so it may be easier to use Java to make apps. Be sure to do your own research before you decide to focus on one language. But since C++ is a basic code that other programming languages are built off I figured it would be beneficial to understand C++ before learning more complex languages. The software I use to program is excellent. It's is Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 Express. It helps you find mistakes in the code, builds the programs whenever you need, and it's free!
Code is beautiful, in that what you write is what you get. However, the difficulty arises in that humans make mistakes. An error in a piece of code could be as simple as leaving out one semicolon in the entire program or having a colon instead of a semicolon. These errors are often minute and difficult to find. That is why it is very important to take your time while writing programs and check over everything carefully. The Microsoft software I use highlights recently edited code and puts red squiggly lines under things that the software already knows will create an error in your program. This is a HUGE time saver! However, some errors still occur and can be difficult to locate. Personally, I find errors easily using the Microsoft software, but some programmers I have talked to suggest printing out the code and scanning it by hand if it is a particularly long string. For aspiring app builders, programming classes and books are easy to find. There are plenty of online classes that you can take or you can go to a community college. The basics of programming doesn't need to be learned in a high class institute. I took an online course and found it better than most classes I have taken in a classroom. Take a class where there is a teacher to call/email with questions. With the start of a basic programming class, you will be closer to understanding the beauty of code.

Research Available Apps

Part of the app development process involves researching current apps on the market. Look into both successful and unpopular apps. Think about what makes an app successful. Look at the color schemes games like Angry Birds or Fruit Slice use. While I recommend you do your own research as well, here is what I have found:
Ads:
1. No ads if you are already charging for the app.
2. If the app is free costumers will accept some ads at the bottom of the screen.
3. If you have ads on your app make them small, NO FULL PAGE ADS. Users usually hate those and uninstall apps because of them. However, if you need a full page ad have it run right before the app begins to reduce frustration.
Colors:
1. No clashing colors.
2. Colors should follow a scheme. Blues and greens, pinks and reds, etc.
3. Colors should not be too dark or obnoxiously bright. Backgrounds can be dark, but there should be some lighter colors on the screen.
Marketing:
1. Make app be free initially to gain a reputation, then start charging for later downloads.
2. Make two versions of your app. A lesser one as the free version and a highly improved one for a fee. Users will initially download the free version and if they like it will pay to have the better version. Some people may only download the free version, but they are usually the type that doesn't pay for apps. (Remember you can still make money off the free app by having ads)
3. In some cases the sales of an app may actually increase with the cost of the app. Test what people are willing pay for your app.
4. Check to see of there is already an app like the one you are creating. The first app of a kinda is usually the one to corner the market. If there is already an app like the one you are developing, read the comments. Find out the issues with the app and make yours better.
5. Fix errors QUICKLY! Users don't like long load times, frozen screens, inconsistent apps, error messages, force close notices, etc. If you get reports of errors fix them fast before too many people comment that the app is defective. People will uninstall your app if they get annoyed with it. However, if you can fix problems fast, people will be more satisfied. Satisfied costumers leads to better reviews, more recommendations, and ultimately more downloads. The opposite will happen if errors go unfixed.
6. Update your app as often as possible. If you have ever downloaded a popular app you have probably noticed that the producer updates the app every so often. Now too many updates can get annoying, but if there are no updates users will get bored of your app fast. A routine flow of new features will keep people interested.