Mobile apps definition: What are they?

Mobile apps, short for mobile applications, are software programs specifically designed to run on smartphones, tablets, and other portable devices. These applications serve a variety of purposes, ranging from entertainment and communication to productivity and navigation. They are typically downloaded from app stores like Google Play (for Android) or the Apple App Store (for iOS).

Mobile apps are developed using programming languages like Java, Swift, or Kotlin, depending on the platform. They can be categorized into three main types:

1. Native Apps: Built for a specific operating system, such as Android or iOS, offering high performance and optimized functionality.
2. Web Apps: Responsive websites that function like apps but run on a web browser.
3. Hybrid Apps: A mix of native and web apps, allowing cross-platform compatibility.

The growing reliance on mobile devices for daily activities has made mobile apps integral to modern life, supporting personal, professional, and recreational needs.