Do you want to create an IoT app? Great idea. The Internet of Things (IoT) is confidently changing the way we live and work. IoT is the network of physical devices, vehicles, home appliances, and other real-life objects that are embedded with sensors, software, and connectivity that allows them to connect and exchange data.
IoT technology is in cars, toasters, traffic lights, manufacturing equipment, televisions, and other important devices we use every day. IoT application development is the process behind the technology, and you’ll need to know more about IoT if you want to get into the field (you might also be interested in the Topflight Apps article linked above).
What are IoT applications?
IoT applications are software applications that are built to interact with IoT devices. These applications enable users to control and monitor IoT devices, collect and analyze data, and automate tasks. These apps are used in healthcare, transportation, agriculture, and manufacturing, to name a few. If you create an application for the Internet of Things, you’ll probably focus on a specific industry or use case.
What are the programming languages needed to create an IoT app?
To develop IoT applications, developers use a wide range of programming languages, depending on the specific use case and the type of device being used. Some of the most widespread programming languages used for IoT application development include:
- C/C++: C and C++ are low-level programming languages that are used to develop embedded systems and real-time applications. These languages are ideal for IoT applications that require high performance and low power consumption.
- Java: Java is a widely used programming language that is used to develop IoT applications that run on a server or a gateway device. Java is known for its platform independence and its ability to manage large amounts of data.
- Python: Python is a famous programming language that is used for IoT applications that require data analysis and machine learning. Python is known for its simplicity and its ability to work with a wide range of libraries and frameworks.
- JavaScript: JavaScript is a widely used programming language that is used to develop IoT applications that run on the web or on mobile devices. JavaScript is known for its flexibility and its ability to work with a wide range of web-based technologies.
- Swift/Objective-C: Swift and Objective-C are programming languages used for developing iOS applications. These languages are ideal for IoT applications that need to run on iPhones or iPads.
What architecture is necessary to create apps for IoT?
IoT applications typically require a specific architecture that includes several layers of components. These layers can include:
- Device layer: This layer includes the IoT devices themselves, as well as the sensors and actuators that are used to collect data and control the devices.
- Communication layer: This layer includes the communication protocols and technologies that are used to connect the devices to the network and to each other.
- Cloud layer: This layer includes the cloud infrastructure that is used to store and process the data collected by the devices.
- Application layer: This layer includes the software applications that are used to analyze the data and provide insights to the end-users.
To give one example, in a smart home application, the device layer might include sensors and smart appliances, the communication layer might use Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, the cloud layer might use a cloud service like AWS or Azure, and the application layer might include a mobile app or a web interface. The developers that create IoT applications need a variety of skills and knowledge to be successful.
The Tech Stack
The tech stack for IoT consists of both hardware and software. On the hardware side, developers need to be able to select and configure the appropriate devices for their application, as well as write software that runs on the devices, e.g., cameras.
They also need intermediary devices that connect IoT devices to the internet or other networks, known as IoT gateways. IoT applications generate large volumes of data, which needs to be stored and processed. You will need an appropriate data storage solution for your application, such as a relational database or a NoSQL database.
Next, data visualization tools are used to present the data collected from IoT devices in a meaningful way. Developers need to be able to select the appropriate data visualization tool for their application, as well as configure and customize it to meet their specific requirements.
The building is just one part of the process. Your developers will also need tools to test their applications, including integrated development environments (IDEs), software development kits (SDKs), and emulators.
Finally, APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) are required to bring all the different software components together.
What experience should developers have in IoT application development?
Developers who are interested in IoT application development should have experience in a variety of areas, including embedded systems and low-level programming languages like C and C++, as well as the specific challenges of developing for devices with limited memory and processing power.
Because of the nature of IoT, developers should be familiar with networking technologies, including communication protocols like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and ZigBee, as well as the challenges of building reliable, secure, and scalable networks. They will also need to be familiar with cloud infrastructure, including cloud storage, cloud processing, and cloud analytics, in order to integrate IoT devices with cloud services like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud Platform.
They should be able to build applications that can collect and analyze significant amounts of data from IoT devices and must be familiar with the security challenges of IoT applications, including protecting data privacy, ensuring data integrity, and securing networks and devices from hacking and cyber-attacks.
Conclusion
IoT application development is a rapidly growing field with huge potential for innovation and disruption. If you want to create an IoT app, you’ll need a team of highly skilled developers and a robust tech stack consisting of hardware and software components. However, if you persevere, you can build an app that can make a real difference in your customers’ lives (and make a healthy profit).
