Apps New App Idea - From Theory to App

[InOneEar]

Let me start by stating I am not a developer nor do I have any desire to be a developer. However, I have an idea for an app but I do not know what to do to see my idea to fruition.

From those who have developed and (published) apps:

- what are the best steps to go from theory to an actual published app?
- what specific types of people should I bring on the project? (developer, programmer, marketer, lawyer, etc.)
- what is the approximate time frame and momentary costs associated with developing an app?
- what are some of the pitfalls of developing an app?
- should I apply for an utility patent? If so, at what stage of the process should I do so?


Any and all information will be appreciated.

 

[Rukbat]

- what are the best steps to go from theory to an actual published app?

Learn computer programming. Learn Java. Learn the Android environment. Write the app (in English). Code the app into Java.

- what specific types of people should I bring on the project? (developer, programmer, marketer, lawyer, etc.)

Yourself. If all you have is an idea, and you want other people to do the work for you (and you don't have tons of cash), it's not going to happen. Any programmer worth his salt remembers the dot bomb crash, and isn't going to work for future profits. For everyone who made money doing that, 500 people lived with their parents so they could eat.

- what is the approximate time frame and momentary costs associated with developing an app?

Depending on the app, anywhere from a couple of days to months.

- what are some of the pitfalls of developing an app?

That depends on whether it's shareware (people download it and never pay for it) or paywware (not that many people will pay for it unless they need what the app does, and no free or cheaper app can do it).

- should I apply for an utility patent?

You can't patent an idea. Software is copyrighted due to the fact that you published it. You don't have to do anything - the act of publishing (which can mean putting a link to your Dropbox site for downloading) establishes copyright.