How to Create Custom Apps with Google App Maker

Google App Maker was a low-code development tool offered by Google that allowed users to create custom business applications without extensive programming knowledge. However, Google has announced the discontinuation of App Maker, with the service shutting down on January 19, 2021. This means that it is no longer possible to create new apps using Google App Maker.

Why Google stopped supporting App Maker

Low Usage: Google App Maker was not widely adopted and had relatively low usage compared to other Google services. It may not have gained enough traction or met the expectations for user adoption and engagement.

Focus on Other Development Tools: Google likely made the decision to reallocate resources and focus on other development tools and platforms within its ecosystem. Google provides various alternatives such as Google AppSheet, Firebase, and other services that cater to different development needs.

Evolving Development Landscape: The technology landscape is constantly evolving, and Google may have determined that the underlying technology used in App Maker was no longer the best fit for the rapidly changing development ecosystem. Discontinuing App Maker may have allowed Google to explore new technologies and approaches to application development.

Strategic Priorities: As with any company, Google has strategic priorities and may choose to prioritize certain products or services over others. The decision to stop supporting App Maker might have been part of a broader strategy to invest resources in other areas that align more closely with Google's long-term vision and goals.

It's important to note that Google has encouraged users of App Maker to find alternative solutions for their custom application needs. Google provides other platforms and tools like Google AppSheet, Firebase, and integration options with Google Workspace that offer no-code or low-code development capabilities.

If you were an App Maker user and still require a similar tool, exploring the alternative options mentioned earlier in this conversation could be a good starting point. These alternatives can provide similar functionality and support for building custom applications without code or with minimal coding knowledge.

While Google App Maker is no longer available, there are alternative platforms that you can consider for building custom apps.

Here are a few options:

1. Google AppSheet: Google AppSheet is a no-code development platform that enables users to create mobile and web applications using data from sources like Google Sheets, Excel, or databases. With a visual interface, users can define data models, workflows, and user interfaces without writing code. AppSheet provides a range of features such as data synchronization, offline access, and integration with various services.
2. Google Firebase: Firebase is a comprehensive development platform provided by Google. It offers a suite of tools and services for developing web and mobile applications. Firebase provides features like authentication, real-time database, cloud storage, hosting, and more. It supports both Android and iOS platforms and allows seamless integration with other Google services.
3. Power Apps: Power Apps is a low-code development platform offered by Microsoft. It enables users to create custom business applications with a visual interface and minimal coding. Power Apps supports data integration from various sources and offers features like drag-and-drop app building, pre-built templates, and integration with Microsoft services like SharePoint and Office 365.
4. Mendix: Mendix is a low-code development platform that allows users to create custom enterprise applications. It offers a visual development environment where users can design data models, workflows, and user interfaces using a drag-and-drop interface. Mendix also provides features like application lifecycle management, collaboration tools, and integration with external systems.
5. OutSystems: OutSystems is another popular low-code development platform that enables users to build custom applications quickly. It offers visual development tools, pre-built templates, and a range of features like data modeling, workflow automation, and integration capabilities. OutSystems allows users to create web and mobile apps and provides options for deploying applications to the cloud or on-premises environments.

When considering an alternative to Google App Maker, it's important to evaluate your specific requirements, such as the complexity of the application, the target platform, and integration capabilities. Each platform mentioned above has its own strengths and features, so it's advisable to explore their documentation, tutorials, and trial versions to understand which one aligns best with your needs.

In conclusion, while Google App Maker has been discontinued, there are alternative platforms available that offer similar low-code or no-code app development capabilities. Platforms like Google AppSheet, Firebase, Power Apps, Mendix, and OutSystems provide users with a range of features and options to create custom applications without extensive coding knowledge. It's recommended to explore these alternatives to determine which one suits your specific requirements and preferences.

Let's dive deeper into each of the alternative platforms for creating custom apps:

1. Google AppSheet: Google AppSheet is a no-code development platform that allows users to build mobile and web applications by leveraging data from various sources, such as Google Sheets, Excel spreadsheets, databases, and more. The platform offers a visual interface where users can define data models, workflows, and user interfaces without writing code.

AppSheet provides a wide range of features, including data synchronization, offline access, and integration with popular services like Google Drive, Calendar, and Maps. It also supports integrations with external APIs and allows users to customize the app's appearance and behavior. The platform offers deployment options for both Android and iOS devices, making it easy to distribute the apps to end-users.

2. Google Firebase: Firebase is a comprehensive development platform that covers various aspects of app development, including backend infrastructure, analytics, authentication, and hosting. While it doesn't provide a visual interface like other no-code platforms, Firebase offers powerful tools and services that simplify app development and deployment.

With Firebase, developers can leverage features such as the Realtime Database, Cloud Firestore, and Cloud Storage for managing data storage and synchronization. Authentication and authorization services are also available, allowing users to implement secure user management. Additionally, Firebase offers cloud functions, machine learning tools, and hosting capabilities, making it a versatile platform for building robust apps.

3. Power Apps: Power Apps, provided by Microsoft, is a popular low-code development platform that empowers users to build custom business applications. It offers a visual interface with drag-and-drop components, allowing users to create responsive user interfaces and define business logic without extensive coding.

Power Apps integrates seamlessly with Microsoft services like SharePoint, Office 365, and Dynamics 365, making it ideal for organizations already using these tools. It supports data integration from various sources, including cloud-based and on-premises databases. Power Apps also provides a canvas app and model-driven app approach, offering flexibility based on the complexity of the application.

4. Mendix: Mendix is a low-code development platform designed for creating enterprise-grade applications. It offers a visual development environment where users can design data models, workflows, and user interfaces using a drag-and-drop interface. The platform emphasizes collaboration, allowing teams of developers, business analysts, and stakeholders to work together seamlessly.

Mendix provides a range of features like application lifecycle management, version control, and deployment automation. It supports integrations with external systems and offers options for building responsive web and mobile applications. Mendix also provides a marketplace with pre-built components and connectors to accelerate app development.

5. OutSystems:OutSystems is another popular low-code platform that enables users to build custom applications rapidly. It offers a visual development environment with drag-and-drop capabilities for creating user interfaces, business logic, and data models. The platform supports full-stack development, allowing developers to build web and mobile apps using a single codebase.

OutSystems emphasizes integration capabilities, offering connectors for integrating with various systems, including SAP, Salesforce, and Microsoft Dynamics. It also provides extensive built-in features for security, scalability, and performance optimization. OutSystems supports both cloud-based and on-premises deployments, giving users flexibility in choosing their hosting options.

When evaluating these alternatives, it's essential to consider factors such as the ease of use, available features, scalability, pricing models, and integration capabilities. Additionally, exploring the documentation, tutorials, and community support provided by each platform will help you understand the specific nuances and best practices for app development.

Remember that each platform has its own strengths and target audiences, so it's crucial to choose the one that aligns with your requirements and the complexity of your app project.

Native development

If you prefer an alternative approach to creating custom applications without relying on low-code or no-code platforms, you can opt for traditional software development methods. This involves writing code and leveraging programming languages and frameworks to build applications from scratch. While this approach requires more technical expertise, it offers greater flexibility and customization options. Here are some key points to consider:

1. Programming Languages and Frameworks:To build applications from scratch, you need to choose a programming language that suits your project requirements. Popular choices include JavaScript, Python, Java, C#, and Ruby, among others. Each language has its own syntax, features, and ecosystem of frameworks and libraries that can simplify and speed up the development process.

Frameworks like React, Angular, Django, Flask, Ruby on Rails, or Spring Boot provide a foundation for building web applications, while frameworks like Swift or Kotlin are commonly used for mobile app development. These frameworks offer pre-built components, libraries, and tools that streamline development tasks and handle common functionalities such as user interface rendering, data handling, and routing.

2. Integrated Development Environments (IDEs):An Integrated Development Environment is a software application that provides a comprehensive set of tools for writing, debugging, and testing code. IDEs like Visual Studio Code, PyCharm, Eclipse, IntelliJ IDEA, or Xcode offer features such as code autocompletion, debugging support, version control integration, and project management tools. These tools enhance productivity and help developers write clean and efficient code.
3. Design and User Interface (UI):When building applications from scratch, you'll need to pay attention to the design and user interface aspects. Tools like Sketch, Adobe XD, or Figma can be used for designing and prototyping user interfaces. Additionally, front-end frameworks like Bootstrap, Material-UI, or Tailwind CSS provide pre-designed components and styling options that can speed up UI development.
4. Database and Data Storage:Depending on your application's needs, you'll have to consider data storage options. Relational databases like MySQL, PostgreSQL, or Microsoft SQL Server are commonly used for structured data, while NoSQL databases like MongoDB or Firebase Firestore are suitable for unstructured or rapidly changing data. Additionally, cloud-based services like Amazon Web Services (AWS) or Google Cloud Platform (GCP) offer managed database services that simplify data storage and scaling.
5. Version Control and Collaboration:Using version control systems like Git and platforms like GitHub or GitLab is crucial for managing code changes, tracking revisions, and collaborating with team members. These tools allow multiple developers to work on the same codebase simultaneously, merge changes, and roll back to previous versions if needed.
6. Deployment and Hosting:Once your application is ready, you'll need to deploy it to a server or a cloud platform. Cloud providers like AWS, GCP, or Microsoft Azure offer hosting services and infrastructure options to deploy and scale applications. Alternatively, you can host the application on your own servers or utilize platform-as-a-service (PaaS) providers like Heroku or Netlify.

While this approach to application development requires more coding knowledge and development skills, it offers complete control over the application's functionality, design, and performance. It's essential to have a proficient development team or acquire the necessary skills yourself to ensure efficient and reliable development.

In conclusion, if you prefer a more hands-on approach to application development, choosing traditional software development methods involving programming languages, frameworks, and tools is a viable alternative to low-code or no-code platforms. This approach offers greater customization, flexibility, and control over the application's functionality, but it requires technical expertise and a deeper understanding of software development principles.

Mobile app builder No code

Mobile app builders that operate on a no-code or low-code philosophy provide a simplified and user-friendly approach to creating mobile applications without requiring extensive programming knowledge. These platforms offer intuitive interfaces, pre-built components, and drag-and-drop functionality, enabling users to build custom mobile apps quickly and easily. Here are some popular no-code mobile app builders:

1. Moxly: Adalo is a no-code platform specifically designed for building mobile applications. It offers a visual interface where users can design app screens, define data structures, and configure actions and logic using a drag-and-drop approach. Adalo supports integrations with external APIs and provides features like user authentication, push notifications, and database connectivity.
2. Bubble: Bubble is a powerful no-code platform that allows users to build web and mobile applications visually. With Bubble, you can create dynamic and interactive mobile apps using drag-and-drop elements and workflows. It provides a wide range of features such as database management, user management, API integrations, and responsive design.
3. Appgyver: Appgyver's Composer is a no-code platform that lets you build mobile apps for iOS and Android. It offers a visual development environment where users can define the app's data structure, design the user interface, and configure app logic. Appgyver supports integrations with various APIs and provides features like offline data storage, user management, and app previewing.
4. Thunkable: Thunkable is a popular no-code platform for building mobile apps on iOS and Android. It offers a drag-and-drop interface with a wide range of pre-built components and blocks for creating app functionality. Thunkable supports integrations with third-party services, provides data storage options, and allows for real-time app testing.
5. Glide: Glide is a no-code platform that specializes in building mobile apps from Google Sheets. It allows users to convert Google Sheets into mobile apps with ease. Glide provides customization options for app design, supports features like user authentication, and enables data syncing with Google Sheets.
6. AppInstitute: AppInstitute offers a no-code platform for creating mobile apps for iOS and Android. It provides pre-built templates and drag-and-drop functionality for designing app screens and defining app behavior. AppInstitute supports features like push notifications, loyalty programs, appointment scheduling, and more.

These no-code mobile app builders offer varying features, pricing plans, and customization options. When choosing a platform, consider factors such as the complexity of your app, required features, integration capabilities, scalability, and pricing. It's advisable to explore their documentation, tutorials, and trial versions to determine which platform aligns best with your specific needs and requirements.

No-code mobile app builders provide an accessible and efficient way for individuals and businesses to create mobile applications without extensive coding expertise. They offer a streamlined development process, enabling users to focus on the app's functionality and user experience while minimizing the time and effort required for traditional software development.