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why I hate building mobile apps (solo dev vlog)

by Your Average Tech Bro

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📚 Main Topics

  • Introduction to the Monty app
  • Discovery of a critical bug
  • Challenges of mobile app development
  • Debugging process and lessons learned
  • Importance of code review, especially when using AI tools

✨ Key Takeaways

  1. App OverviewMonty is an AI meeting recording tool that allows users to record, transcribe, and summarize meetings. A key feature is the ability to record while the app is in the background or the phone is turned off.

  2. Bug DiscoveryA significant bug was discovered where the recording would fail if the app was swiped away or the phone screen was turned off. This bug had been present since late November and was only identified in January.

  3. Mobile App ChallengesFixing client-side bugs in mobile apps is challenging due to the need for app store approvals from Apple and Google, which can delay the deployment of fixes. Unlike web applications, where changes can be pushed instantly, mobile apps require users to update to the latest version.

  4. Debugging ProcessThe developer traced the issue back through commit history and identified that the necessary code for background recording had been removed in a previous commit.

  5. AI Code Tools CautionThe bug was partly attributed to over-reliance on AI code editors and language models (LLMs) without thorough code review. This experience served as a reminder of the importance of vigilance when using AI tools in coding.

  6. Successful FixAfter debugging, the developer was able to restore the background recording functionality. A new version of the app was submitted for review, with expectations for approval within 24 to 36 hours.

🧠 Lessons Learned

  • Always conduct thorough code reviews, especially when using AI-generated code.
  • Understand the implications of client-side bugs in mobile applications and the associated deployment challenges.
  • Maintain a robust commit history to facilitate easier debugging and tracking of changes.
  • Utilize feature flags to manage app features without needing immediate app store approvals, allowing for more agile development.

This experience highlights the complexities of mobile app development and the critical importance of careful coding practices, particularly when integrating AI tools.

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