Developer Interview: Pratik Kothari of Techark Solutions

WP Central

For this week'southward programmer interview we've had the pleasure of being joined by Pratik Kothari of Techark Solutions. The company has produced some high quality (and highly rated) Windows Telephone apps with Social Mints, Mood Swing and RedMinder to name simply a few.

Also as having Social Mints winning the Core77 Fast Track to the Mobile App International Blueprint Challenge and existence featured at Mobile World Congress by Microsoft, the developer has likewise been selected for the "Your App Here" campaign.

Head on past the interruption to read the full interview.

Tell united states about yourself and how y'all got into software development.

My passion has always been to solve intriguing problems in an efficient mode.

I have a Available's and a Master's degree in Reckoner Science and I have always loved to program. Moreover, I am busy running my own software evolution firm, Techark Solutions and work as Director of It for require, LLC. Both of these positions have luckily presented me with various opportunities to play with state-of-the-art technologies and have consistently motivated me to keep taking that next step.

Finally, I am sure a lot of developers would agree that there is simply something magical virtually cooking up an thought and so harnessing our skills to develop and bring that idea to fruition. At the end of the mean solar day, that is what matters to me.

What do you remember of Microsoft'due south platform (from a user perspective) and how practise yous compare it to competitors?

My answer will certainly be biased from a developer perspective. I take 12 singled-out apps in the windows marketplace and none of these apps are a port over from other platforms.

From a user perspective though, the platform is intriguing and very refreshing. I accept converted several of my friends to enjoy this dynamic, new experience. As my mean solar day job at reQuire, I had our entire sales squad switch to a Windows Telephone final twelvemonth and this phone has been a common winner later all these years of BlackBerry, Android and Windows Mobile 6.5 experiences.

Practically speaking, Windows Phone is exciting and powerful (not just for developers).

What'due south the number one feature you lot dearest the most in Mango, and what are you looking forrard to in Apollo?

Seriously speaking, there is a lot to dear and learn well-nigh Mango. I am amazed at the incredible effort that the entire Windows Phone team must have put in. Personally, I beloved the groundwork amanuensis and multi-tasking features. From a user'due south perspective, Bing Vision, Voice and Local Scout are incredible.

With Apollo, I am really looking forward to the friendship of Windows 8 and Windows Telephone and the function Windows Azure plays in this mix.

What path(s) led you to develop for Windows Phone?

When I learned about Windows Telephone in late 2022, I felt right at home due to my feel in diverse .Internet tools and technologies. I strongly believe that Microsoft'southward ecosystem will actually catapult this platform and that is exactly where I decided I needed to be. Also, joining early has offered several advantages. Several of my apps including Mood Swing, Dress Pal, Social Mints and ..honey, I got it accept been top selling apps and have earned great reviews with their unique designs.

What'due south your take on the Windows Phone development process, is it worthwhile?

The development process is really an enjoyable experience. While the evolution tools and SDK guidance is peak notch, the community support is fabulous. About important of all is the motivation provided by evangelists like Dani Diaz, Joe Healy, Andrew Duthie (to name a few) and several other folks in the marketing team (Kathy Romig, Mary Perisic) that are always ready to aid and encourage. Various campaigns similar the recent 30tolaunch provide the ultimate heave for a developer sitting on an thought.

How does the development procedure compare to other platforms?

We have developed few apps for iOS but none on Android however. In that location is a lot of guidance available for both platforms but Windows Telephone dev experience is a true joy. Sure steps like submitting an app in the market is a breeze.

Talk to us nigh the concept of the uniquely popular Mood Swing, how did yous come with this idea equally a Windows Phone app?

Mood Swing App

Mood Swing was the very first app I developed for the Windows Phone platform. During my wife's pregnancy, people would always ask u.s.a. virtually any mood swings and and then we came upwards with this thought that there should exist a fun way for people to track and share their emotions. Mood Swing was recently featured past LA Times for its unique design and therapy purposes.

All of your canonical apps are highly rated, with some taking five stars, can you walk us through your secrets of success?

All my apps are very applied and based out of necessities in one's daily life. The app graphics and layouts are very compelling and vibrant and help make the apps piece of cake and fun to utilize.

A good example is Social Mints (winner of Core77 FastTrack to the Mobile App contest) which provides a mesmerizing metro design experience to offer sentimental assay of social trends.

What's planned for the future of your already approved apps?

The feedback, ratings and recognition I accept received for my apps are very encouraging. As a developer, it makes my mean solar day to see a 5-star review getting posted for any of my apps and how people use or dear the features.

I have some cool things planned in the pipeline for Social Mints, Dress Pal and RedMinder. Stay Tuned!

Social Mints App

What other Windows Telephone projects are yous working on, any that aren't in the Marketplace?

With the success of my apps, I have been approached past several businesses to build their mobile apps. We are currently working on several client projects. I have some new ideas brewing equally well to build some absurd games.

What advice would you give to other aspiring developers from your feel?

Few pieces of advice, if yous are a passionate developer looking for an thought, merely look around you. Your next app may come out of a very modest demand that you discover. The pleasance in edifice that app is immense when y'all believe in it. Also, we are all extremely busy in doing various things in our lives merely y'all volition realize that you somehow find the time and energy, merely if you believe. Finally, there are folks out there (count me in) to help you then reach out and bring together the ride.

Thank yous for your time. Whatsoever closing words nigh WP7'southward future?

To Microsoft, there is a community of passionate developers (similar me) who believe strongly in this platform and have experienced the joy, offset hand. In fact, it is non almost the future of only the Windows Phone anymore…at that place is much more than to it at present.

In that location you have folks. Be sure to bank check out Techark Solutions' official website and Twitter account for updates.

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