People often get confused while choosing an app development approach after coming up with an online business idea. This confusion is understandable, considering that every app type has its own specifications, advantages, and disadvantages. Mobile app development company needs to go for the right approach for mobile application development. Typically, you have to choose from Native, Hybrid, and Cross-platform app. Finding out which app development connects audience members with brands faster requires proper research and an apt app strategy.
It is crucial to select the right harvesting ground to achieve success. Therefore, it is obvious that choosing the right platform for mobile app development is paramount, and your business model entirely determines it.
Despite this, many businesses make a mistake by choosing the wrong mobile app development type for their business model. Sometimes, it might happen even when you are conscious of the business demands and nature. Opting the wrong development approach may lead to unproductive software product development and loss of investment. In the following paragraphs, you can learn about Native, Hybrid, and Cross-platform apps in detail.
Native Vs. Hybrid Vs. Cross-platform
Native App Development
Native apps are created exclusively for one platform using a language native to the operating system. So, for instance, Java or Kotlin can be used to develop a Native App for the Android platform, while Objective-C or Swift can be used to develop a Native App for iOS.
Native App Development Process
The native app leverages the device and the operating system’s features to the fullest. In addition, mobile apps allow direct access to hardware such as GPS, Cameras, microphones, and many more, enabling direct connections with the device. Therefore, they offer better user experiences and high performance.
Taking a product native is a dream for many, but not everyone can afford it. Developing and maintaining a separate app for each platform is necessary to run the native app on multiple platforms. Developing a Native app for multiple platforms can be prohibitively expensive for many businesspeople.
Do You Need to Develop a Native App?
For a Native app to be developed, you should prepare for the development team and costs to increase by twofold and the delivery time. However, you can choose a Native app if you are not rushing to market your business app and have no budget constraints.
Apps developed natively are an excellent investment. Not only are they more secure, but they are also faster and easier to use. Therefore, you should opt to build a native app if your business looks forward to serving the audience very well.
Tools Used in Native Mobile App Development:
For iOS Apps: Code, AppCode, and Atom
For Android Apps: Android Studio, Android IDE, and Intellij IDEA
Hybrid App Development
A hybrid solution combines native and web technologies. The code is embedded into native apps using plugins such as Apache Cordova or Ionic’s Capacitor. Developers can access native features of these platforms using plugins.
Hybrid App Development Process
Apps that run on hybrid platforms can be downloaded just like native apps. A hybrid app runs within a native app and has its own embedded browser using the WebKit platform. On Android, we use WebView, and on iOS, we use WKWebView that displays our hybrid app.
In comparison with native apps, hybrid app development is time-saving and cost-effective. In addition, a single code can be used across multiple platforms. This results in applications that experience and perform similar to native apps. For example, a good UX and navigation pattern may seem easy from a visual perspective but challenging.
Do You Need to Develop a Hybrid App?
A hybrid app development approach can be an ideal solution for a startup business just starting. Its high development speed and low cost are the ideal choices. However, when performance and UX are not high priorities, it would be better to develop a hybrid app than a native app.
Tools used for Hybrid Development
Ionic, Apache Cordova, Visual Studio
Cross-Platform App Development
There is a common misconception that hybrid and cross-platform are the same thing. Nevertheless, the only similarity between the two types of apps is “code shareability.” Cross-platform app development also allows developers to write code once and reuse it for different platforms. By writing a single code base and using it across multiple platforms, cross-platform apps are also more cost-effective for developers.
Cross-platform App Development Process
It is the best solution for low-cost custom apps that are secure, stable, and easy to manage. In addition, you can use cross-platform app development frameworks to create an experience that has the feel and look of a native app.
As far as performance is concerned, it depends on your framework to develop your cross-platform app. The UX is close to native, they are easy to implement, and the development is cost-effective. Although this approach is better than Hybrid, Native remains the best.
Do You Need to Develop a Cross-platform App?
When audiences need to be targeted on different platforms simultaneously, cross-platform development can save you. In addition, cross-platform is the ideal approach for companies with limited budgets but need an app that performs well.
Cross-platform development enables you to achieve a native experience at a low cost without building the long Native app development process.
Tools Used in Cross-platform Development
Flutter, React Native, Xamarin
The Bottom Line
After reading and understanding each of these platforms, you must have grasped an idea of how each of them can benefit your app development process. Then, make sure you choose the right mobile app development company for your business app development process.
Author’s Bio
Fazal Hussain is a digital marketing manager at Appverticals. He has six years of experience in the field of digital marketing. He has worked in almost all genres of digital marketing, be it SEO, PPC, content marketing, email marketing, or social media marketing. In addition, he hangs out with friends, feeds animals, or learns something new in his leisure time.
Website: https://www.appverticals.com
