5 questions to ask an app developer before you commit

You have a great idea for an app and you are looking for a development partner to build it. But how do you pick the right one? Not all developers are the same, and the wrong choice can cost you dearly, in time, money and frustration.

The truth is that many projects run aground because the right questions were not asked at the start of the collaboration. To avoid unpleasant surprises, here are five essential questions to ask an app developer before you start working together.

1. "Which technologies do you use, and why?"

Not every technology suits every app. Are you going for a native app, a web app or a hybrid solution? And what does that mean for performance, cost and maintenance?

A good developer can explain which technology best fits your needs and why, without drowning you in technical jargon. They will explain, for example, that a native app is more expensive to build but performs better, while a hybrid app is quicker to build but requires compromises on user experience.

Red flag: watch out for vague answers, or suppliers who only push one technology. That can mean they are following their own preference rather than what is best for your project.

2. "How do you make sure my app is scalable?"

Of course you want your app to grow: more users, more functionality, maybe even internationally. But is the technical foundation ready for that?

Ask how the developer handles scalability. Can they set up the infrastructure so that your app grows smoothly along with your success? An experienced developer looks beyond the first version and builds a foundation you can keep building on in the future.

A concrete question could be: "What happens if my app suddenly gets 10,000 new users? How is the architecture prepared for that?" The answers reveal a lot about their expertise and their view of the future.

3. "What does the development process look like, and how do you keep me informed?"

Good communication is crucial. You do not want to be handed an app after three months that bears no relation to your expectations.

So ask what the development process looks like. Do they work in sprints? How often do you get updates? Can you give feedback along the way? A transparent, iterative approach such as Agile keeps you in control of the project and prevents nasty surprises.

The best developers make you part of the process. They invite you to sprint reviews, share prototypes early on and make sure you always know where your project stands.

4. "What happens after go-live?"

Launching an app is only the start of the journey, not the finish. What happens after that?

Ask how the developer handles maintenance, updates and support. How are bugs fixed? What if you want to add new functionality? How much does maintenance cost per month? A reliable development partner looks ahead with you to the long term and offers clear options for further development and support.

Do not forget to ask about their update policy either. Operating systems change regularly, and your app has to keep up to stay relevant. How does the developer guarantee that your app keeps working on new iOS and Android versions?

5. "Can you show me examples of comparable projects?"

Previous projects say a lot about a developer. Ask for case studies, references or examples of apps they have built. Look not only at attractive designs, but also at usability, performance and how well the app fits its audience.

Better still: ask for the contact details of previous clients and ask them about their experience. Reliable developers are proud of their work and will happily put you in touch with satisfied clients.

Ask specific questions about the challenges they ran into and how they solved them. That gives you insight into their problem-solving ability and their flexibility.

Bonus question: "How do you handle security and privacy?"

At a time when data security and privacy matter more and more, it is essential to know how your development partner deals with them. Ask about their approach to security, compliance with laws and regulations (such as GDPR) and how they protect sensitive user data.

A good developer has security built into their development process and can explain which measures they take to protect your app and your user data.

Are you ready to look for a development partner?

By asking these five questions you get a much better picture of an app developer's way of working and reliability. Choose a partner that is not only technically strong, but that also thinks strategically alongside you. That way you avoid the pitfalls and set your app on the right track from day one.

A real partner takes you through the process, has a view on your business model and makes sure your app is not only technically sound, but also matches what your audience needs.

Want to talk through your app idea, or curious about how we work? On this page you can read what a project at JAM-IT looks like. Want to know more? Feel free to get in touch!