Building mobile apps as side projects for fun, learning, and profit

Stuart, co-founder and co-CEO of Appbot, underscores the value of side projects, particularly in the realm of mobile app development, as a means of professional growth and potential financial gain. By leveraging accessible tools and the broad reach of smartphones, Stuart successfully developed apps like WordBoard Keyboard and 7 Minute Workout, which demonstrated varying degrees of success in downloads and monetization. He advocates for mobile apps as ideal side projects due to their low-maintenance nature and the infrastructure support provided by app stores, which simplify distribution and monetization. Stuart highlights the importance of strategic planning and iteration, suggesting that side projects can significantly enhance one's skills and contribute to professional development without the pressure of immediate financial dependency. Through his experiences, he illustrates how side projects can blend innovation with practicality, offering both personal satisfaction and tangible rewards.