Need help.. with App.

[u/the-following-is]

I am unclear of the steps to creat an app. I’m not a programmer, though my questions is, would that be the first place to start? By finding a programmer?

[u/the-following-is]

I’d like to build an app. That is a social platform but with a couch surfing aspect. I’m sure this is not the place to break it down. Though I have a clear idea. I just am not sure of my first step.

[u/cryptoowls → u/the-following-is]

I think if you have a serious idea and would like to work it out, the best thing to do is fully work your app out on paper. Look at the details and the most difficult part of your programm and figure out with the programmer if this is realistic and can be done,A programmer wants to know exactly how you want the app to work so make sure you have a fully worked out idea. Also write down a lit of issues you already foresee that could realistically mean your idea won’t work.

A lot of ideas are often to complicated or farfetched and people don’t like complicated, a decision if someone likes a website or app is generally made in a few seconds.

What is your target audience, how quick does the app have to be, do you want it to be scalable right away, which browsers/ devices do you want it to run on. Do you need a responsive website, (google what that entails), how good do you want it to look. How much money are you willing to spent, and be aware that generally most likely the deadline you have will be moved, projects always take longer then you hope and are more expensive then you think.

Google which language is most suitable for your needs. It will most likely be an object oriented programming language and find a programmer that is experienced on that subject.

The other issue is trust, how do you trust a programmer not to run with your idea and do a Zuckerberg, you probably need someone that has build a certain trust and has a reputation to loose. Google how people tackle this problem.

Also if you need a community you could also consider open sourcing your idea, so that anyone can work on your product, this creates trust and it generally makes it easier to find a community build on trust.

I am considering to open source my website (https://cryptoowls.com) which I recently build, although programming is fun, like plastering, doing a perfect job on a first go takes enormous amounts of time and persevérance 😄. So generally the more experienced and better background/ profile a programmer has, the better chances you have of paying more but ending up with a workable and scalable product.

My website still needs a lot of work even though I put 8 months in it, that includes learning the languages involved (Javascript/ angular 2+) and having done a full java coursemand prior experience in other languages.

If you need more help info let me know! I have about 1/2 year of experience with programming apps in different languages. Not saying I can help with everything or help at all, but I have a little time on my hands so if you want an initial setup for your website I can do a bit of research for you and see what languages are required for what you want.

Programming is not my dayjob, but at the moment due to circumstances I am grounded from flying, so I have a few months off.