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.