Hiring an app developer is a major decision for any business. The right developer can turn your idea into a successful product. The wrong one can lead to delays, budget overruns, and poor user experience.
That is why knowing the right questions to ask an app developer can help you make a confident hiring decision. These questions help you understand their experience, process, and ability to deliver long-term value.
Below are 15 important questions you should ask before choosing an app development partner.
Experience shows how well a developer understands real project challenges. Developers with several years of experience usually have stronger problem-solving skills and better planning abilities.
Ask how long they have been building apps and what type of projects they have worked on. This helps you understand whether they can handle your project complexity.
Not every app is built the same way. A developer who has worked on similar apps already understands industry requirements and common user expectations.
Ask them to explain how their previous work relates to your project. This can help you judge how quickly they can adapt to your business goals.
A portfolio is important, but live apps give stronger proof of capability. Reviewing real apps helps you evaluate design quality, performance, and usability.
You can also check app store ratings and user feedback to understand the quality of their work.
Some developers specialise in a single platform, while others work on cross-platform solutions. The right choice depends on your business goals and target audience.
Understanding platform expertise helps ensure your app performs well across devices and operating systems.
Technology affects performance, scalability, and maintenance costs. A professional developer should clearly explain why they choose specific tools or frameworks.
The goal is not to test technical knowledge but to understand whether their technology choices align with your project requirements.
A structured development process keeps projects organised and predictable. Ask how they plan projects, design apps, develop features, and test performance.
Developers who follow a clear process usually deliver projects more efficiently and with fewer unexpected problems.
Every app project needs proper planning. Developers should break projects into manageable phases and provide realistic timelines.
This helps you track progress and ensures that the project stays aligned with your business goals.
Changes are common during app development. Business ideas evolve, and new requirements appear. Ask how they manage additional feature requests and how those changes impact project timelines and cost. A structured change management process helps avoid confusion.
Communication is one of the biggest factors in project success. Developers should provide regular updates and share progress clearly. Understanding their communication approach helps ensure transparency throughout the project lifecycle.
Large development teams often involve designers, developers, testers, and project managers. Having one clear contact person helps simplify communication and decision-making. This also ensures faster responses and smoother collaboration.
Pricing models vary between developers. Some charge hourly, while others provide fixed project pricing or milestone-based pricing. Understanding the pricing structure helps you plan your budget and avoid unexpected expenses.
Many businesses assume certain services are included in the development cost when they are not. Ask whether design, testing, deployment, and post-launch support are included. Clear cost transparency helps prevent misunderstandings later.
Ownership is extremely important. You should always have full ownership of your app’s code, design, and data. Without clear ownership rights, switching developers or expanding your app later can become difficult.
Mobile apps often handle sensitive user information. Developers should follow strong security practices and comply with data protection regulations. Ask how they protect user data and how they respond to potential security risks.
App development does not end after launch. Apps require updates, bug fixes, and performance improvements. Developers who provide ongoing support help ensure your app continues to perform well and meet user expectations.
Hiring an app developer is not just about completing a project—it’s about finding a partner who understands your business and can help your app succeed.
A strong development partner will:
When you are ready to take the next step, partnering with a professional mobile app development team can make all the difference. At DevsTree Australia, we provide end-to-end mobile app development services, from planning and design to launch and post-launch support.
With over 12+ years of experience and 500+ successfully delivered projects globally, we focus on building mobile apps that align with business goals and user needs. You can explore our mobile app development services to see how we help businesses build reliable and scalable apps. If you have questions or would like to discuss your idea, feel free to get in touch with us.