There are two types of mobile app development methods in existence. They are greenfield app development and brownfield software development. There are significant differences between these two app development methods.
Businesses decide which method to use for app development based on different criteria. This blog is about the differences in both these approaches to mobile app development. This information can help businesses make informed decisions about which app development method to use.
What is Greenfield Software Development?
Greenfield software development involves building software from scratch. You start with a blank canvas and add on the features you require for it, step by step. In greenfield app development, developers get to implement modern and innovative technology and scalable systems. Greenfield projects allow for developing custom solutions tailored to meet the specific requirements of the user.
The Advantages of a Greenfield Project
Creative Freedom and Innovation
Innovation and freedom to develop software are one of the primary advantages of greenfield app development. Developers need not be restricted due to outdated code, legacy systems, or integration issues. Greenfield app development leverages cutting-edge technology, advanced frameworks, and modern programming languages to deliver innovative and highly-functional mobile apps.
As per a report by Statista, the global mobile app market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.4% between 2021 and 2026. Innovation is an essential factor to consider when businesses want to stay ahead of the game.
Customized to requirements
In greenfield app development the app is tailored to meet the customer needs. There is no need to stick to a legacy system and its constraints. Compatibility issues also do not crop up with greenfield app development. Businesses can have apps that fit their exact requirements. It’s simply like a glove that fits your business model.
Scalability
Since greenfield app development involves developing from scratch, businesses can leave room for future expansion. The mobile app can easily grow as the business expands. As per a study by IBM, businesses that adopt scalable solutions early on may experience 2.5 times faster growth than those that don’t. This makes greenfield app development suitable for businesses with long-term goals.
The Disadvantages of Greenfield Software Development
With many advantages, greenfield development also comes with a few challenges.
Higher initial costs
Greenfield app development is a huge financial commitment for businesses of scale. You need to start everything from scratch. Greenfield projects go through all steps of app development, including design, infrastructure, and development time. The costs are more upfront of the project. Greenfield projects results are worthy, but businesses should be aware of the costs involved. They must be ready to financially commit to it.
Longer development times
Greenfield projects take a long time to complete. This is mainly because they start from scratch with no foundation like brownfield development. Businesses must start app development from ground level. They should also consider implementing every part to complete it.
This may be fine for some businesses. However, it may not be the ideal solution if a business is on a tight schedule and wants to get their app to the market soon.
Higher risk of project overruns
Planning could be a crucial deciding factor when it comes to opting for greenfield development. Since there is no framework, projects could easily overrun budget. They may also go beyond the scope and not produce results in the same way as expected at the start of the project.
Various challenges could also crop up during development and implementations. Project managers should take into consideration all of the factors when deciding to go with greenfield app development. They should do rigorous planning and take account of the risks involved in greenfield app development.
What is Brownfield Software Development?
Brownfield software development involves developing apps based on an existing system or codebase. It involves adding new features, improving the performance of a system, and upgrading outdated elements. It basically means extending an existing app rather than building one from scratch.
This app development method is named such due to the term used in urban planning. Brownfield projects in urban planning involve redeveloping land that was used for commercial or industrial purposes before.
The Advantages of Brownfield Software Development
Less costly
Brownfield software development requires less resources as opposed to greenfield development, which is developing from scratch. A study by McKinsey shows that businesses can save up to 35% of development costs when they opt for brownfield development. This helps businesses focus more on other features of the app like performance or user experience. This eliminates the high costs involved in building a completely new app from ground level.
Faster time to market
Brownfield projects don’t take a long time to complete as they are built on an existing system. Sometimes, they may only require slight modifications and additions to become a completely new app. Developers can build upon the existing architecture and only focus on specific upgrades. This makes it faster to release apps to the market. This is an advantage for businesses with fierce competition and want to release new updates or features quickly to the market.
Reduced risk
The existing system has already been tested and used before. So, there is lower risk of encountering any issues during the development process. Developers already know the system’s strengths and limitations. Knowledge of the system allows them to focus on the improvements rather than starting from scratch.
Disadvantages of Brownfield Software Development
Limited flexibility
Brownfield software development works on an existing system. This means developers have to work within the constraints of the existing system architecture. It may not support the latest technologies, limiting developers from improving the existing system. This will limit innovation and prevent the app from achieving its full potential.
Scalability challenges
Brownfield software development is often limited in scalability. Making significant architectural changes to accommodate future growth can be difficult and expensive. Businesses need to carefully assess whether the existing system can support their long-term goals.
Technical debt
Brownfield software development often involves dealing with legacy code. These software may not be well-documented. This may lead to technical debt, where even small changes could lead to long-term maintenance issues. According to a survey by Stripe, developers spend an average of 33% of their time dealing with technical debt. This can significantly impact a project’s cost and efficiency.
Comparison Overview of Greenfield Development vs. Brownfield Development
| Factor | Greenfield Development | Brownfield Development |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Higher initial costs | More cost-effective |
| Development Time | Longer timelines | Faster time to market |
| Flexibility | High flexibility | Limited flexibility |
| Innovation | High potential for innovation | Limited by existing systems |
| Risk | Higher risk due to unknowns | Lower risk with established systems |
| Scalability | Designed for scalability | Scalability may be limited |
Which is Better for You: A Greenfield Project or Brownfield Project?
Stages of Greenfield and Brownfield Projects
Planning and Requirements Gathering
Every greenfield project begins with detailed planning and gathering of business and user requirements. During this stage, the development team outlines the project’s goals, features, and technical requirements.
Architecture Design
In this stage, developers create the system architecture, choosing the best technologies and frameworks to support the project’s goals.
Development and Coding
The core of the project involves the actual coding of the app, where developers build features, functionalities, and user interfaces based on the defined system architecture.
Testing and Quality Assurance
Before the app is released, it undergoes rigorous testing to ensure that all features work as intended and meet user expectations.
Deployment and Maintenance
Once the app passes all testing, it’s deployed to the market. Ongoing maintenance and updates are critical to keeping the app functional and relevant.
Bring Your Vision to Life with Expert Help
Whether you’re opting for a brownfield or greenfield development approach, it’s essential to keep your organization’s top priorities in mind. Let Cenango’s experts help bring your vision to life with a custom-built solution that meets your unique needs. Get in touch with us today!
FAQs
Greenfield app development involves building a completely new app from scratch without any existing infrastructure or codebase. In contrast, brownfield development works with an existing system or app, making improvements, updates, or adding new features.
Brownfield development is generally faster because it builds on an existing foundation. Developers can focus on specific updates or enhancements rather than starting from the ground up, resulting in a quicker time to market. Greenfield projects, on the other hand, require more time due to the need for designing and developing everything from scratch.
Yes, greenfield development typically has higher initial costs because you are creating a new app from scratch. This includes architecture design, development, and infrastructure setup. Brownfield development is generally more cost-effective as it leverages existing systems, which can reduce the time and resources needed.
Greenfield development is better for innovation since developers are not constrained by existing systems or outdated code. This approach allows them to use modern technologies, frameworks, and innovative solutions to build a highly customized app. Brownfield development, while cost-effective, may have limitations in terms of flexibility and technological innovation due to the constraints of the existing system.
