React Native, Flutter, or PWA: what's the difference for my project?
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Three techs for three different uses.
**React Native** (my default): one JavaScript/TypeScript codebase for iOS + Android, full access to native phone features (camera, GPS, push notifications, biometrics). Ideal for 80% of SMB projects. 40-60% cheaper than pure native development.
**Flutter** (Google, Dart language): better performance for custom UI with heavy animations, but further from the web ecosystem. I point you to a Flutter specialist if your need justifies that stack.
**PWA** (Progressive Web App): your website installable on the phone home screen. No app store, limited iOS push notifications (Apple still blocks most). Good for an ultra-fast MVP or an app used only occasionally.
My rule: we pick the tech after the diagnosis, not before.
How long does it take to deliver a mobile app?
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Between 4 weeks (simple MVP) and 16 weeks (complex app with custom backend).
**MVP 3-5 screens, 1 business function, no custom backend**: 4-6 weeks.
**Working app 8-12 screens, auth + Firebase backend + push notifications**: 8-12 weeks.
**Complex multi-role app, third-party integrations, store submission**: 12-20 weeks.
Every 2-week sprint, you get a testable version on your phone via TestFlight (iOS) or Play Console internal (Android). No waiting until the end to see what's being built.
Should I publish on the App Store, Play Store, or both?
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Both in most cases, unless a specific need.
App Store (iOS): smaller audience (28% of French smartphone market), but users with higher average basket. Apple submission = 3-7 days review with strict rules.
Play Store (Android): 71% market share in France, faster Google submission (often 24-48h). Less friction on editorial rules.
Exception: internal ops app deployed only on Apple or only on Google, without going through public stores (distribution via MDM or TestFlight / Play Console internal). Possible and sometimes faster.
How do I keep control after delivery?
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The source code is yours, on your GitHub, with full documentation.
What you get at handover:
- GitHub repo with admin access
- Technical documentation (architecture, stack, dependencies, build commands)
- Apple + Google developer accounts (in your name, not mine)
- Basic update manual (changing text, color, adding a simple screen)
- 3-month follow-up included for critical bugs and first adjustments
If you want to manage maintenance in-house after 3 months: your dev can take over. If you want me to continue: monthly maintenance plan quoted separately (store updates, fixes, small improvements).
Do I need a dedicated backend for a mobile app?
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Depends what the app does. Three typical cases.
**No backend needed**: app consuming only public data (third-party APIs, static content). Rare in practice.
**Firebase (Google) is enough**: needs authentication, real-time database, push notifications, file storage. Covers 70% of SMB projects. Saves 4-8 weeks of backend dev.
**Custom backend needed**: complex business logic, multiple integrations, full data control (strict GDPR, regulated sectors). We go Next.js API routes or a dedicated Node server, hosted on Vercel or a European VPS.
The choice happens after the diagnosis, not before.
Do you work remote or on-site?
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Both depending on the project, with a remote preference for the build phase.
**Diagnosis and field observation**: on-site is ideal for internal ops apps (drivers, technicians). I spend 1-2 days on-site to see the real flow, talk to users, understand physical constraints (gloves, sun, cracked screen, dead battery). This step doesn't happen on video.
**Design + build phase**: 100% remote. 2-week sprints with video demo at the end of each sprint. You test the app between sprints on your phone.
**Launch + training**: on-site if needed (group user training). Otherwise, video training + PDF manual.
Travel possible: Paris, Île-de-France, Lyon, Bordeaux for France · Kinshasa and Francophone Africa per mission.