Mobile App Development, as per definition, is a process of developing applications which go hand-in-hand with mobile devices.
This category of service sector is constantly emerging with new technologies for vast amount of people in need. One of the most hyped technologies in the market right now is the Blockchain Technology.
What is Blockchain?
Blockchain is a sequential list of blocks containing similar type of data connected to each other using cryptography methods. Simply put, Blockchain is the chain of blocks belonging to a particular data.
Each block contains a cryptographic hash of the predecessor block; thus, creating a chain.
Considering a student database, there will be many attributes like student’s transfer certificate, conduct certificate, marks memo, and other optional certificates(if any). Each block in the Blockchain stores a single file along with the cryptographic hash generated for the previous block and the time stamp of the block. Therefore, creating a single chain for a single student.
This technology was introduced to the market initially for fulfilling the purpose of providing security to cash-transactions as a part of cryptoprogramming. But as the time progressed, many mobile app developers are also showing interest to indulge Blockchain into Mobile App Development.
How is Blockchain used?
Blockchain Technology is a decentralized and public network with no option of modifying the data, thus making the data available to every user on the same network without involving any third party for various tasks.
Blockchain can be worked on, through various platforms. Few platforms are Ethereum, Hyperledger Fabric and Multichain etc. They are usually coded in high-level programming language called Solidity.
Once the data is stored in the Blockchain, unique hash IDs are generated for every block. This technology is immutable because there is a peculiar hash for every block and if the data is tampered, hash generated for the modified file will not match the original hash.
Blockchain in Mobile App Development
Even though, there had been a lot of articles and studies on the definitions and working of Blockchain before, many users still find it as an intimidating subject.
Blockchain was initially introduced by a person(or a group) going by the pseudonym “Satoshi Nakamoto” to eliminate the necessity of digital signatures on cash-transactions. Recently, it is also proven that Blockchain can be used to develop mobile applications as well.
But to create a mobile application based off a technology like Blockchain, one should thoroughly understand the concept. Since it is a vast subject, following steps just touch the skeleton of mobile app development using Blockchain.
Step 1) Understand the necessity of Blockchain in your app:
Even though it is possible, all mobile apps don’t necessarily need Blockchain for cryptography. Sometimes, a small cryptographic algorithm will be enough. Do not purposely use Blockchain in every security-based application because it will only increase the complexity of your app.
For example, let us consider Judicial System in any nation. There are many cases that are pending just because evidence has been either missing or tampered. That might increase a burden on the Judicial System, as new cases pile up regularly. In such situations, a mobile application containing Blockchain technology can be developed. It helps store all the evidences directly collected from the crime scene and the lawyers will be able to submit the evidences without the issue of tampering.
Similarly, such mobile applications can be developed for voting purposes, storing important hospital documents, protecting copyrights, transactions and storing student data etc.
Step 2) Understand the working of Blockchain:
Blockchain has various platforms including Ethereum, Hyperledger Fabric and high-level programming languages like Solidity. Select a perfect choice for your mobile applications from all these options.
Ethereum is a publicly distributed Blockchain network and focuses on running any programmed code of any decentralized application.
Hyperledger Fabric is hosted by the Linux Foundation as an open source blockchain platform. It is more advanced and is not related to bitcoin or cryptocurrency.
Multichain is also an open source blockchain platform but is mostly hosted on private networks within an organization.
Also, Solidity is the most preferable code for programming in Blockchain.
Step 3) Find a cost-efficient technology:
If you are thinking what does it mean by finding right technologies when the only new technology used is Blockchain, then you are in for a rollercoaster.
Let’s consider the same judicial problem again: tampering of evidences. Now, the number of evidences uploaded is very high, since the crime rate in this world is pretty good. At the very least, storing 1MB data in the Blockchain is really expensive. So how do we store such huge amount of data for lower costs?
This is where new technologies file in. Without increasing the complexity of the application, one can introduce a mediator technology like IPFS(Inter-Planetary File system) to store the data. IPFS generates a unique hash itself and that hash can be stored in the Blockchain. Thereby, decreasing the costs.
So, introducing right technologies for your mobile application is very important while dealing with Blockchain.
Step 4) Developing the application:
Developing a Blockchain based mobile application is similar to any other mobile application. But in your database’s stead, you have to use your blockchain as the storage unit. After planning and designing your app based on its requirements:
> Start with the UI: Like any other application, work on the user interface first. Add all the design elements you want your app to have.
> Design the architecture: Plan your architecture thoroughly: whether you want to have a cloud-based Blockchain, in-house Blockchain or the hybrid Blockchain.
> Test it further: After linking the User Interface to the Back-End, check whether the Blockchain is generating unique hashes for each upload.
Closure
In a nutshell, experts suggest there are high chances of Blockchain being introduced in Mobile Apps on a large scale, in near future. This holds a lot of credibility because there are no chances of involving a third party for affairs like transactions, since it is a decentralized system and has a single point of truth.
Nowadays, Mobile App Development services are collaborating with Blockchain based companies for more exposure in the aforementioned concept.
