Creating Your First IoT App: A Step-by-Step Guide

Internet of Things that is essentially a careful combination of hybrid technologies, that may or may not work algorithmically. Here are basics about creating IoT Apps: 

We are engrossed with varied choices, and bits of details that seem important and at times overwhelming. Internet of things is a networked MESH of intricate, delicately woven technologies that carry some information. Their purpose is to carry a streak of data from one part of the world to another.  While it might not be that easy and straightforward as it sounds, IoT creation and sustenance might be trickier.  

What is IoT? 

It is when small and big devices can be connected with each other and operated via mobile phone with internet access. Often voice commands can be used in downloading the app, registering the user, and signing in.  

1. As a simple example: You bought a new automatic washing machine. You installed the washing machine app into your phone. You plugged in the machine and powered it on. You loaded it with water, clothes and washing powder. If you have to leave for work now. You can operate every operation like checking water level, changing the washing mode, or switching it on/off. 

1. Yet another example of Alexa can be considered where you buy an Echo Dot or Google Mini Home from Amazon.  You install the app, get yourself registered, train the AI device upon your voice, and can operate it with your mobile phone from another room, or while you are in the kitchen.  

1. Similarly vacuum cleaners, air conditioners, lights, fans, door locks can be operated without the need to pull yourself up from the couch. Does this mean that technology brings a threat to your health? Not necessarily if you are watchful and mindful. Use it to ease your burden - like in case someone rings the doorbell, and you are not dressed up to open the door immediately, access the door lock app from your mobile phone and instruct it to open the door. Rest, you can always (1) change the settings, (2) assign parental control, and (3) change passwords for your children’s security and in case of emergency.    

How does IoT work? 

Besides internet, sensors, connectors, actuators, and control centers, are basic building blocks of Internet of Things (IoT). Sensors take in physical input like sound, light, touch, etc., process it into meaningful data and an electrical impulse. On the other hand, actuators are the mirror image of sensors. They take electrical input (from motors, hydraulics, pneumonic) to provide mechanical output.  

But the complexity of IoT devices widely varies and cannot be comprehended into just 3-4 words. Sensors have to collect the data. Sort and organize it and then work according to the instructions.   

This data is further sent to cloud storage servers for efficient management. Various communication protocols enable IoT devices to be connected to the cloud. Every such protocol ((1) Wi-Fi, (2) HTTPS, (3) Bluetooth, (4) Zigbee, and (5) RFID) has its specific trade-off. 

Once this is done, the data is processed and sent to the user, via notifications from dedicated apps, emails or text messages.  Any further action is either automated or needs user’s input.  

Examples of IoT Devices 

IoT business ideas that are prevalent and increasingly becoming popular:    

• A fridge - a door lock - a washing machine - a dishwasher - lights - fans = connected with Wi-Fi. 

• Also temperature control, humidifier, geyser can all be controlled by a smartphone.  

• Fitness bands track all activities - walk, run, sleep, play, weight gain/lost, heart rate, and generate reports - on daily, weekly and monthly basis.  

• Car sensors detect problems with car and alert the users before any mishap.  

• Earphones connected to your phone via internet or Bluetooth are also examples of connected IoT devices.  
  

How to create an IoT app?  

1. Idea Generation and Planning:  This phase should include the objective of the IoT app, what software and hardware is required to create the app;  

1. Selecting a Platform or Operating System: Next phase should include selecting that platform, project requirements, and budget and scalability requirements of the IoT app.  

For example: (1) Arduino, (2) Raspberry Pi, or (3) cloud platforms like - AWS IoT, - Google Cloud IoT, - Microsoft Azure IoT. 

1. Choosing a user Interface: The third step is to define the user interface and backend functionality by making use of programming languages like (1) Python, (2) JavaScript, and (3) C/C++ depending upon the platform of your choice.  

1. Define backend technologies: Once UI is all set, align a backend infrastructure to handle (1) device communication, (2) data storage, and (3) processing. Develop APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) to facilitate communication between your IoT devices and the app. An IoT app development company then implement security measures to protect data transmission and storage. 

1. Integrate sensors and actuators: Integrate sensors and IoT devices to establish communication protocols such as MQTT or HTTP for enabling data exchange between devices and the app backend. 

1. Tools and Algorithms: Implement data analytics by utilizing tools and algorithms for (1) data processing, (2) visualization, and (3) predictive analysis to extract valuable information that can drive informed decision-making. Implement the communication protocols for connecting app with IoT devices like (1) MQTT, (2) CoAP, or (3) HTTP.  

1. App testing: Thoroughly test your IoT app to identify and fix any bugs or issues by conducting functional and non-functional testing to ensure (1) reliability, (2) security, and (3) performance. Gather feedback from alpha/beta testing and user acceptance testing to iterate and improve the app based on their input. 

1. IoT App deployment: Once testing is complete, (1) deploy your IoT app to the intended environment, (2) monitor its performance and security post-deployment, and (3) provide regular updates and maintenance to ensure optimal functionality and (4user satisfaction. 

1. Manage IoT devices: Set up a system to manage the data collected by your IoT devices - (1) databases, (2) data lakes, (3) cloud storage solutions. 

1. Implement security measures: (1) encryption, (2) authorization, (3) authentication, and (4) secure communication protocols.  

An IoT app built by considering all these steps can effectively connect and interact with IoT devices to fulfill specific objectives and provide value to users.  

Technology Stack to Create IoT Apps 

While IoT networks can be categorized into four main types: (LAN/PAN, Mesh Protocols, and LPWAN), their classification is based on (1) network coverage, (2) available bandwidth. All IoT networks operate wirelessly.  

Ideally a technology stack for IoT app development requires (1) Device hardware, (2) Device software, (3) Communications, (4) Cloud platform, (5) Cloud applications.  

• Communication and Software: It requires sensors to process data, and actuators to communicate with the sensors.  

• Device Platform: Arduino 

• Cloud Platform: (1) AWS, (2) Amazon Web Services (AWS) IoT Platform, (3) Microsoft Azure IoT, (4) Google IoT, (5) IBM Watson IoT, (6) Cisco IoT Cloud Connect, (7) ThingsBoard Open-Source IoT Platform, (8) Oracle IoT Intelligent Applications, (9) emnify, (10) EMQX, (11) Thingworx 8 IoT Platform, (12) Salesforce IoT Cloud, (13) Kaa IoT Platform, (14) SAP Cloud Platform for the Internet of Things, Cisco Jasper Control Center, Xively, Carriots 

• Cloud applications: (1) Amazon Web Services (AWS) IoT Platform, (2)Microsoft Azure IoT, (3) Google IoT, (4) IBM Watson IoT, (5) Cisco IoT Cloud Connect, (6) ThingsBoard Open-Source IoT Platform, (7) Oracle IoT Intelligent Applications, (8) BLE, (9) Bluetooth 
  

Conclusive 

This blog was a brief summary that helped in understanding the intricacies of building your own IoT app. Learn to navigate through the (1) technology stack, (2) integrate sensors, and (3) ensure security for a seamless user experience. We agree that the actual IoT app creating process and simultaneously IoT app development cost might differ from this simpler version, this will give you a green signal to get started.