- Apr
- 16
Mobile App Development Approaches
Who hasn’t heard of web applications? Well, that’s really not enough in a time where nearly everyone depends on their cell phones for everything.
Be it calendar, reminders or even news, information A-Z is available right at your fingertips through the usage of mobile phones. These applications that are used on mobile phones are nothing but examples of ‘Mobile Apps.’
Mobile apps could definitely be the simplest, but they can also be a little more detailed – it all varies on the client and the developer who will be providing him with the solution. A major part of successful mobile apps is the user interactivity – it needs to be top notch.
A Mobile Application Development Platform (MADP) is one that typically supports the current and even future projects of an app development company.
Mobile apps are developed using two major frameworks:
1. Native Apps
Summing up the pros and cons for native apps below:
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Higher ranking, thanks to end-user rating based on good user interface | Expensive as it needs expert developers and higher commission to the relevant app store |
| Works well even for complex apps, always portrays higher performance | High maintenance cost of native apps built to perform on more than one platform |
| Platform-specific tools available and hence more options | Time consuming. Development must meet all specifications of the platform |
| User security and safety, thanks to testing by the app store before release | Support is not great as there are various versions for a given native app |
| Low latency level, meaning better performance | A good marketing strategy is a must |
Examples: iOS, Android, Windows
2. Cross-Platform Apps
Summing up the pros and cons for cross-platform apps below:
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Less expensive as development is common for all targeted platforms | Harder to build complex solutions – different interfaces based on different platforms |
| Lower development time required to create as a single code is used on multiple platforms | Some platform-specific features may require native coding |
| Easy updates as they can reflect in all platforms at the same time | Platform integration is not flawless, leading to delay in performance |
| Boasts of a wider user database, meaning that time & cost of marketing will reduce | These apps might not take full advantage of device features on every single platform |
| Convenient for the end-user, thanks to consistency on multiple platforms | Limited scope for visual and graphic representation in the app |
Examples: Ionic, Xamarin, Apache Cordova
As mentioned above, both native and hybrid apps have their own advantages and disadvantages. It would be feasible to sort out your business requirements and choose a framework accordingly.
For assistance on iOS, Android or Windows app development, talk to us.