Ever wonder how people make those cool applications on Facebook? Ever had a great idea, but figured it would be too hard or you weren't skilled enough. Or are you a developer who is desperately trying to find a good tutorial, or guide on how to go about coding/making your app, but you just can't find any help? Well you have come to the right place!
^Popular Application, Mafia Wars^Why Make an App?
There are many reasons for someone to make a social application. Those who wish to practice their web development skills, while showing your product, and getting feed back from millions of people around the world. For all its greats and flaws, the Facebook website has become an incredible mass market.
How do I get Started?
First things first, you need to know how. For an in-depth guide, click the Getting Started link on the right. Now your probably wondering what kind of knowledge you need to even get started making a Facebook app. Most people will think that you need expert web design skills to make a cool app. All you really need is working knowledge of HTML, knowledge of a scripting language (I suggest PHP, as it is relatively straight forward and easy to learn), and a lot of patience!
Remember, you don't need to be an expert to make an awesome app! Some of the best apps on Facebook are very simple in concept.
Ok... So what should my App do?
Finding a topic for your application can sometimes be the hardest part. With so many applications in circulation today on Facebook, it gets difficult to make an App your interested in, that hasn't been done before. Here are some tips on how to choose what your app should do:
- Think about something you are interested in. Passionate about. People can't be expected to be interested in your application if your not even interested in it.
- Think about your subject matter, and search some similar applications. Try to see what people have done with that topic, and what they haven't done. Try to make your app be relevant, yet take a different approach than the other apps
- Make sure that you don't unintentionally offend certain groups of people with your app (unless thats your intention of course).
- Make it simple. I can't over stress this. So many App developers fail because they overthink their idea. It might be great, but if users can't figure out what your App does, than they will leave, and no one will enjoy it.
