Building Software for the Real World

Most users don’t have access to high-end devices with blazing-fast internet. Developers must take into account real-world conditions and create software that works efficiently for a broad range of people. This means balancing mobile-first principles with the continued relevance of desktops, particularly in professional settings. Mobile-First, But Not Mobile-Only For billions of people, smartphones are the primary, if not the only, gateway to the internet. Designing with a mobile-first mindset ensures accessibility by prioritizing responsive design, touch interfaces, and optimized performance for slower networks. However, desktops and laptops are still critical, especially in workplaces where professionals rely on more powerful hardware for content creation, development, and data-heavy tasks. Technologies like WebAssembly (WASM) help bridge the gap, enabling powerful applications that can run seamlessly across different platforms. The Challenge of Connectivity Not everyone enjoys high-speed, stable internet access. Many people rely on 2G, 3G, or inconsistent 4G connections, where data costs can also be a limiting factor. To address this, developers should focus on reducing asset sizes, incorporating lazy loading, and enabling offline functionality where possible. Even in regions with strong infrastructure, software should be designed to perform efficiently without assuming unlimited bandwidth. Diverse Devices, Different Needs Not everyone owns the latest flagship smartphone or a top-tier laptop. The majority of people rely on mid-range or entry-level smartphones, which come with limitations in processing power, memory, and storage. Likewise, many desktop users still work on older machines with limited RAM, traditional hard drives, or outdated operating systems. Developers need to optimize their software accordingly—reducing unnecessary bloat, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of hardware, and keeping applications responsive regardless of device capabilities. The Web: A Universal Platform Unlike native mobile apps, which require downloads, approvals, and frequent updates, the web remains the most universally accessible platform. Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) provide a compelling alternative by combining the best of web and native applications, offering offline capabilities, push notifications, and seamless cross-device functionality. Technologies like WASM allow web applications to perform at near-native speeds, making them viable solutions for even complex, resource-heavy tasks. Developing software that meets real-world needs requires a balance of mobile-first design and desktop usability. By focusing on performance optimization, reducing unnecessary resource demands, and leveraging the power of web technologies, developers can create software that remains accessible, efficient, and user-friendly across a wide range of conditions. The goal isn’t just to build for the ideal scenario but to ensure technology works for everyone, no matter their device or location. Ben Santora - February 2025

Feb 22, 2025 - 14:30

Most users don’t have access to high-end devices with blazing-fast internet. Developers must take into account real-world conditions and create software that works efficiently for a broad range of people. This means balancing mobile-first principles with the continued relevance of desktops, particularly in professional settings.

Mobile-First, But Not Mobile-Only

For billions of people, smartphones are the primary, if not the only, gateway to the internet. Designing with a mobile-first mindset ensures accessibility by prioritizing responsive design, touch interfaces, and optimized performance for slower networks. However, desktops and laptops are still critical, especially in workplaces where professionals rely on more powerful hardware for content creation, development, and data-heavy tasks. Technologies like WebAssembly (WASM) help bridge the gap, enabling powerful applications that can run seamlessly across different platforms.

The Challenge of Connectivity

Not everyone enjoys high-speed, stable internet access. Many people rely on 2G, 3G, or inconsistent 4G connections, where data costs can also be a limiting factor. To address this, developers should focus on reducing asset sizes, incorporating lazy loading, and enabling offline functionality where possible. Even in regions with strong infrastructure, software should be designed to perform efficiently without assuming unlimited bandwidth.

Diverse Devices, Different Needs

Not everyone owns the latest flagship smartphone or a top-tier laptop. The majority of people rely on mid-range or entry-level smartphones, which come with limitations in processing power, memory, and storage. Likewise, many desktop users still work on older machines with limited RAM, traditional hard drives, or outdated operating systems. Developers need to optimize their software accordingly—reducing unnecessary bloat, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of hardware, and keeping applications responsive regardless of device capabilities.

The Web: A Universal Platform

Unlike native mobile apps, which require downloads, approvals, and frequent updates, the web remains the most universally accessible platform. Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) provide a compelling alternative by combining the best of web and native applications, offering offline capabilities, push notifications, and seamless cross-device functionality. Technologies like WASM allow web applications to perform at near-native speeds, making them viable solutions for even complex, resource-heavy tasks.

Developing software that meets real-world needs requires a balance of mobile-first design and desktop usability. By focusing on performance optimization, reducing unnecessary resource demands, and leveraging the power of web technologies, developers can create software that remains accessible, efficient, and user-friendly across a wide range of conditions. The goal isn’t just to build for the ideal scenario but to ensure technology works for everyone, no matter their device or location.

Ben Santora - February 2025