How do I get an app built?

[oilslick]

I've been mulling over an idea for an app for a while. Searching both app stores hasn't come up with anything similar to my idea, and I think it could be useful to a lot of people.

The problem is, I know nothing about app development I've written a functional spec for it, but now I'm a little bit stuck.

I'm aware of many sites such as rent-a-coder etc. where I could get it developed, but I'm concerned about someone nicking my idea. I realise it's easily copied once it's been published, but I'd like a little time where it's the only one in the app store so I can market it.

Has anyone done this before who could offer any advice?

[toohuge]

There is an interesting observation I read about in the management of app startups etc. and that is... A lot of app inventors are very worried about their brilliant idea being stolen, however in reality, those same inventors etc. will struggle hugely for exposure once the app is finally built. The observation goes on to say, that of the apps that have been stolen, few succeed as the vision is missing from the original project.

Anyway....

The answer is it depends really. If you are reasonably computer literate, there are frameworks out there that will allow you to build and deploy an app on either/both the major stores for a monthly fee, it's not too pricey, but is functionality and size limited. Another option is to find a friendly developer who will work with you to try and build a prototype, however there's no guarantees that it'll work nor is there a guarantee the developer won't steal or attempt to steal your idea.

Just for context, I am a CS student on a placement year, but my placement fell out of bed due to covid. Therefore, I decided to take an app idea I have had for a while and apply what I have learnt from previous app projects and see if this has legs.

Feel free to PM me if you have any questions etc.

[alorotom]

Can you not patent the model and approach?

Or hire someone under a solid NDA with massive penalty clauses?

[The_Jackal]

Also try and find out if anyone else thinks it is of any use.
There may be a reason this app doesnt exist.

[mikef]

There seem to be a fair number of contract software developers out of work in the UK, maybe find someone who would work with you on a profit share basis? You bring the commercials and the funding, they bring the tech skills

Having said that, the last time someone on here shared their great app idea with me, It was totally non-viable, at least without an army of lawyers

[cobra kid]

Hope (or not) that it's based around the tracking and tracing of different types of virus.

[buggalugs]

Developers wouldn't be developers for very long if they all went around stealing the projects they're meant to be working on. Not saying it never happens but still. They'll probably think youd idea is as rubbish as they thought the last umpteen apps they worked on were too