Field Notes From Cyfrania
Chronicles of software developers: sweet successes, bitter failures, and everyday routines shared to inspire, spark thoughts, offer hints, or just for a pleasant read.
Baking Dreams and App Nightmares, Perfecting the Mobile Bakery App
Alfred Pirelli, the mastermind behind Miami's flourishing Alcadan Mini Bakery chain, exudes the irresistible allure of warm, crusty loaves straight out of the oven. As I sat down with him, the aroma of brewing coffee enveloped us, adding an extra layer of delight to our conversation. In that moment, I could sense the satisfaction and quiet happiness derived from his craft, a fragrance that lingered in the air. Our discussion delved into the tale of how Alfred conquered the challenges of the past few years, unveiling the pivotal role played by a mobile app in this remarkable journey. What…
Workflow Optimization With Million-Dollar Effect Nobody Expected
It was my first major project in my career as a developer. Joining the team, I found a well-established real estate platform that had thrived for over a decade, with a massive user base and unrivaled dominance in a major US city. My primary assignment revolved around optimizing the premium listings placement workflow. The platform relied on Google Ads contextual advertising service for publishing premium listings. This required duplicating a significant number of listings in two separate databases - the platform itself and the Google Ads system. Moreover, since Google Ads incurs costs,…
App Development Cost or Dollars per Month
If someone asks "How much does it cost to build an app?", what answer do they expect? Probably the answer should be a number. If so, a number of what? Well, the cost is measured in dollars, right? While for a one-time purchase the cost is in dollars, building an app is not a one-time expense. In fact, building and maintaining the app is an ongoing process, so its cost is measured in dollars-per-month. It should come as no surprise for a business person, as the cost of running a business is a certain amount of expenses per month. And as long as the monthly…
Unveiling the Power of Intangible Assets in Business
This article unveils the captivating transition from tangible to intangible assets in the business world, using the story of Sweetwater Saloon as a compelling example. Additionally, it delves into the influence of intangible assets on consumers, business expansion, and service excellence. As I immersed myself in Alan Murray's interview with the CEO of Fortune Media, I couldn't help but be astounded by the striking transformation in the makeup of Fortune 500 companies and others alike. The tangible assets that once held an imposing 80% of their total value now stand at a mere 20%.…
How Are App Users Supposed to Tell What They Need?
The article discusses a client's request to make product images clickable in the shopping cart, revealing insights on user behavior. It emphasizes the value of user behavior tracking tools over traditional user reviews in understanding user needs and optimizing applications. One day, a client approached our team with an unusual inquiry regarding the e-commerce platform we had developed for them. **The client's marketing team made an interesting observation: many users were making futile attempts to click on the product images in their shopping cart, not realizing that the images were not…
Customer Reviews - the Crucial Pillar of Business Success
Using the example of a specific project, the article explains why it is so important to involve customers in the application development process. Imagine this: You're searching for a new restaurant to celebrate a special occasion. Your mind buzzes with questions. Will the food be exceptional? Will the service be impeccable? More often than not, in this quest for answers, customer reviews become our trusted companions in making our decisions. Considering this, I would like to rephrase the famous quote by Bill Gates - *"If your business has reviews with a ranking lower than 4 or has no…
Exploring the Clash of PPC and SEO Promotion
The article narrates a teenager's attempt at quick online earnings through PPC contextual advertising, resulting in financial setbacks. Then he shifts to SEO, recognizing its sustainable and cost-effective nature. As I stepped into my buddy's house, a thick cloud of tension filled the air, reminiscent of a high-stakes poker game. The moment my flustered friend, Matt, caught sight of me, he immediately busied himself with brewing tea. Meanwhile, his brooding teenage son appeared consumed by despair, silently conveying the message, "Dude, I've witnessed happier times." I felt sorry for…
Application for Tailors
This text has been created to show which benefits a favorite business can enjoy if it moves to the digital world. Very often, people can’t imagine how to automate business processes. They have a lot of new ideas but can’t implement them because the main business processes take all their time. In this text, we can see that a small consultation with a professional programmer can open new ways for free time and new business possibilities in web app development. A store bell rang. Mark raised his head from the cutting table, adjusted his glasses, and looked…
Reality Check on ChatGPT
In less than six months since its introduction, ChatGPT has garnered diverse opinions. The article presents a reality check, exploring ChatGPT's capabilities, discussing experiences, and examining potential concerns. It has been less than six months since the introduction of ChatGPT in November 2022, and during that time, many people, from pranksters to Nobel Prize winners, have shared their opinions about it. I've found many of these reviews to be captivating, but to me, some of them go too far with excessive exaltation. *Breakthrough into a fantastic future! - We all can die! - Why…
Two Real-Life Approaches in Building an App to Be Sold
The author discusses diverse business strategies in tech startups, presenting two cases - one emphasizing acquisition goals and succeeding, and another prioritizing user value, eventually evolving into a profitable venture. Here are my further observations on the diverse business strategies pursued by tech startup founders. I believe these strategies directly impact app development and the overall trajectory of the project. With over a decade of experience as a developer, I have come to the realization that application owners can pursue the most diverse objectives. In…
