Building apps and applications (particularly mobile apps) is something that anyone with a bit of technical knowledge can get into, unlike those more complex areas of software development and web development. Of course, having a background in programming and coding will be more than beneficial, but for easy ways to start to build applications there are quite a few tools out there to make the process both simple and rewarding. Naturally, these apps builders do require some financial investment but there are more cost effective tools to build applications that can provide a great starting ground for those new to apps development. There are also plenty of tools that can help more experienced developers get their apps to the standard they need to be at, but lets start by taking a look at those simple, platform-specific apps builders:

Apples iOS This system is one of the most popular ways to build applications that are specific to the iOS platform (which will result in apps that are compatible with the majority of Apples devices). As with everything Apple the design of the app building programme is functional, usable and attractive to use. You will need to invest in around 99USD for it though, but that is generally considered to be good value for money given the sheer amount of tools, tests, guides and tips that you will find in the iOS Developer Centre.

Android Apps for Android devices need to be built using Java, so if you are heading down this path you will need to have a basic understanding of this programming language. Unlike its rival, Androids software development kit is free to download and it contains source code, developer tools, testing tools and technical articles to get you started with developing apps. If you want to distribute your apps in Googles Play store (what was previously the Android marketplace) you will need to pay out an initial 25 USD developer registration fee in order to do so.

Windows Like all Windows products, its development platform for apps and applications may not be the worlds most popular but it is easy to use and straightforward. With the Windows Phone development programme budding developers can gain access to valuable marketing information about distributing apps as well as guidelines for getting apps approved by Microsoft.

BlackBerry Apps arent specifically created for the BlackBerry platform anymore, like the Windows platform, but it does provide easy ways to develop a range of mobile websites and apps via themes and widgets. If you are looking to distribute apps on BlackBerrys App World, though, you will need to pay a fee for every 10 apps that are submitted.

Now lets take a look at the more extensive builders and development tools, which given their substantial prices are only really suitable for those developers who know what they are doing!

PhoneGap - An app builder that leverages JavaScript so that developers can create apps in both CSS3 and HTML5 both of which are standard to the vast majority of mobile devices. Provided prior experience with these development languages is substantial, developers can use PhoneGap to bypass the complexities that would normally be associated with trying to launch apps for cross-platforms and multiple devices. Its currently free to use in its Beta form, however yearly support plans will start at just short of 250 USD.

EachScape This builder provides a drag and drop environment for app developers whereby they can select components to integrate content and develop multiple apps for use with Android, iOS and HTML5. Because of its building block approach, presently unique to the builder, developers can select extensive functions and incorporations for their apps (which as then build in Objective C or Java, minting native capabilities). EachScape is more costly than most builders since it requires individual licensing. Prices start at 2,500 USD per month and given that cost it is typically only financially viable for serious developers.