Ask HN: What is a ballpark timeframe for developing a mobile app?

#1

Post by tshubbard » Tue, Apr 05, 2011, 12:48 AM UTC

I'm talkin after design. Going from wireframe to functional mobile app. How long does it take to write the code?

Re: Ask HN: What is a ballpark timeframe for developing a mobile app?

#2

Post by Animus7 » Tue, Apr 05, 2011, 12:58 AM UTC

This depends greatly on what your app is doing, what your platform is, how many people you have, and so on.

Re: Ask HN: What is a ballpark timeframe for developing a mobile app?

#3

Post by tshubbard » Tue, Apr 05, 2011, 1:04 AM UTC

Animus7 wrote: post #2

This depends greatly on what your app is doing, what your platform is, how many people you have, and so on.

Let me reframe the question. How long would it take for one experienced developer to write the code for an app like Yelp. 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 1 year?

Re: Ask HN: What is a ballpark timeframe for developing a mobile app?

#4

Post by jacksond » Tue, Apr 05, 2011, 1:44 AM UTC

tshubbard wrote: post #3

Animus7 wrote: post #2

This depends greatly on what your app is doing, what your platform is, how many people you have, and so on.

Let me reframe the question. How long would it take for one experienced developer to write the code for an app like Yelp. 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 1 year?

I am assuming you are talking about Android/iOS Native Apps. From my experience, the development time for these 2 platforms are essentially the same, assuming the same level of developer for each platform.

The amount of time needed can vary a lot depending on amount of 'polish' required as well how thorough the design and specs are.

With all of that said, I would give an above average developer 2-3 months to develop something like the Yelp app. This is assuming the back-end and web services are ready and available.