Contact us anytime to know more — Kuldeep K., Founder & CEO CISIN
Cross-platform development offers several key benefits that save time and money, including using one codebase instead of developing native apps on each platform.
Development costs can be cut this way considerably, and maintenance expenses can become more straightforward. When selecting cross-platform developers, their expertise must align with project goals and requirements for optimal success.
Before selecting a cross-platform app development service, there are numerous factors you must take into account before choosing one.
These include supported platforms, customization features, and compatibility with libraries. We will also discuss cross-platform frameworks like React Native Flutter and Xamarin in depth and cost, community support, and scalability considerations so you have all of the information and insight required when choosing one for your mobile application development needs.
Cross Platform Vs. Native App Development
When creating apps, your three options are: (i) Web development is one way, storing remotely on the internet and running across any device as long as its web browser is open - computer, smartphone, or tablet alike can run it! However, to access such an application is still connected to the internet as you must visit its host website; therefore, it cannot be downloaded via an app store; this limitation drives many companies towards cross-platform or native development when developing their apps.
Native app development involves crafting your app specifically for one operating system. If your goal is to develop for Macs, Swift or Objective-C must be written.
iOS-based mobile devices should use Xcode when developing native iOS applications; for other platforms (including Android), different codes must be written separately for creating native Android applications.
Native app development works excellently if your app only runs on one type of device (like a mobile phone or computer) and operating systems, like Mac or Windows.
But for apps designed to work across various devices and operating systems simultaneously, cross-platform development offers more versatility - working across various platforms with one codebase instead of building it multiple times to meet different platforms' specifications is what sets cross-platform apart! Compared with native development, cross-platform apps only need to be created once by their creator to function across various platforms!
The Pros and Cons of Cross-Platform Application Development
It may appear that choosing between native and cross-platform apps is an easy decision. You might wonder why you want to create an app that works across all platforms rather than an app that is only compatible with one.
(Or that you have to make the app several times to be able to use it on multiple platforms.) It's essential to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.
Advantages
Cross-platform development has many advantages:
Code Reusable
If you use native development to create an app, you must separate the code you write for each platform. (For example, Xcode is used for iOS and Android Studio, respectively, for Android apps).
Cross-platform development allows you to reuse the same code for all platforms.
Maintenance Code
You will not have to change the code on every platform that your app runs. All changes are synchronized and will appear on all platforms once you have updated your codebase.
Convenient and Cost-Effective
You must know how to program for the platform that you are developing, the native app. Cross-platform app development is easier if you only have to learn one programming language.
It also reduces the cost of an app since less work is required.
Increased Market Reach
You limit your audience by limiting the app's use to only one platform. You'll need to reach the largest audience possible if you are developing an app aimed at customers.
You can reach a wider audience by making your app available on multiple platforms.
Disadvantages
The advantages of cross-platform software development are apparent, but there are also some drawbacks. The following are some of the drawbacks:
Performance Issues
Although your app may perform well when developed for multiple platforms, you should keep in mind it will not perform as well as an application natively designed for a specific platform.
Low-Quality Graphics
Graphics used for cross-platform apps are often better than natively developed applications. You won't be able to access the OS core graphics libraries.
There may be better options than cross-platform development if your app relies heavily on graphics.
Delay in Updates
You won't be able to avoid the inconvenience of having to wait a long time for changes to appear in your cross-platform tools.
Users Experience a Mediocre Service
Native apps have been designed for specific platforms and offer a better experience to users than cross-platform apps.
It is imperative if your app's functionality depends on the ability of it to access the hardware of a user's mobile device directly.
Want More Information About Our Services? Talk to Our Consultants!
Use Frameworks to Develop Cross-Platform Applications
Some of the most popular cross-platform app frameworks are listed below.
React Native
React Native, the JavaScript-to-native framework most widely used by Facebook and Instagram, is React Native. This open-source software works by translating the source code to native elements.
It is not just because Facebook developed that this tool is so popular. Nearly 70 percent of software developers know JavaScript and ReactJS.
Flutter
Google created Flutter to allow native code compiling to solve the problem of building apps on both iOS and Android for every mobile device.
Flutter, however, does not use JavaScript, as other frameworks do. Instead, it uses Dart. Google created Dart to try and replace JavaScript. Using Flutter, you can create apps with Material Designs that are more friendly for users of Google Maps and Gmail.
Apache Cordova
Adobe released Apache Cordova as an open-source project. Major companies, including Google, Microsoft, and IBM, develop the platform.
The framework is the engine behind almost every free tool for cross-platform app development. It bundles a codebase, for example, JavaScript, CSS, and HTML, into a native executable. This gives the developer direct access to native APIs.
Cordova-based apps can connect with many other Cordova-based apps using plug-ins created by the community using JavaScript.
You will need some mobile app experience to use Apache Cordova. All the decisions regarding design and architecture are up to you.
Adobe PhoneGap
Apache Cordova was built on Adobe PhoneGap. PhoneGap has become a stand-alone product powered by Cordova. PhoneGap simplifies the development of Cordova apps by providing an easy-to-use interface.
Using PhoneGap, you can set up an application server to host your apps over the network, accelerating the build-to-run-to-revise loop. It allows developers to spend more time coding the app and less on updating manually. Adobe PhoneGap is also open source, so it's supported by hundreds of developers, including Adobe.
Even though developing apps with Cordova is more straightforward than with other platforms, new developers can find it difficult.
Ionic Framework
Ionic Framework, an open-source tool that combines Angular with its own UI Library, is a hybrid of Angular and UI.
PhoneGap is used for the mobile build to access Apache Cordova's plug-ins. Ionic is compatible with JavaScript, TypeScript, and TypeScript. Electron and Chrome both support hybrid desktop apps that run on the framework.
Framework 7
Framework 7 uses Apache Cordova, just like many other open-source frameworks. Framework 7 is built on Vue.js and offers many elements of the interface similar to native interfaces.
For example, Framework 7 can replicate Google Material Design and iOS standard design. You can also customize your app's interface with various themes.
Apache Weex
Apache Weex is another framework that uses Apache Cordova. Instead of executing JavaScript in WebView and rendering HTML, Apache Weex generates native experiences.
Many UI components are available out of the box. The components translated into their native counterparts improve the performance of an app. A vibrant community contributes to the open-source framework by creating new interfaces and designing plug-ins.
NativeScript
NativeScript, an open-source, cross-platform tool to develop mobile applications, is a free and open-source development platform.
NativeScript provides JavaScript native APIs and lets developers reuse the NPM plug-in directly in projects being developed with NativeScript. It also supports TypeScript and Angular.js 2 NativeScript has a few drawbacks.
Kony
Kony lets you build mobile apps for multiple platforms and provides pre-built applications that novices can use to create their apps.
Kony also has many features, such as automatic coding and API connections. There needs to be more support for resources.
Xamarin
Xamarin, a popular tool for cross-platform app development, is used by many of the largest developers, such as IBM, Foursquare, and Dow Jones.
Xamarin is an excellent tool for developing cross-platform apps, primarily if your application is written in Ruby or C#. Xamarin allows you to create native apps on multiple platforms with just a C# codebase. You can also share code with the Xamarin Platform, lowering development costs.
The free version is limited in features, and you won't be able to access open-source libraries.
Jasonette
Jeanette, an open-source framework, uses a similar process to server-side rendering. This involves generating markups on the server.
After that, the browser downloads pages completed from the cloud. Jasonette will allow you to provide JSON for each mobile screen. There's also no need for an intermediary runtime to execute Dart, JavaScript, or any other non-native language.
Jasonette, therefore, is as close to native development as it gets to cross-platform. A JSON framework can also reduce your code size.
This is only useful if you are creating a mobile stateless app. You will require additional functionality on your server-side implementation to respond with JSON for non-static applications.
Manifold
Manifold isn't much of a help with mobile development. It can work well if you already have a mobile app or website.
Manifold primarily aims to convert your web application into a native app.
Cross-Platform App Development Tips
If you want to create an app accessible across different platforms, a cross-platform development framework could be the best option.
There's more to consider than ensuring your app works on every platform. Here are some tips that will help you create an app tailored to each platform's needs.
Making It Appealing
Apps are designed to perform, not just look good. But the aesthetics of your app can still be significant. The look and feel of an app will affect its functionality.
A visually extravagant app can overwhelm users. A visually appealing app is more likely to engage users. Your app's look and feel will also help reinforce your brand identity.
Use A Platform-Independent Technique
Many developers focus on specific platforms when developing a cross-platform app. This includes iOS and Android.
The developers will test the app using the platform they most often use. This can lead to the app working well on one platform but not so much on another. Build your app the same as you would a web service.
Your developers will focus more on performance when you use a platform-independent approach.
Test your App
You need to ensure that your app works on every platform. Do not assume that because the app was developed using cross-platform tools, it will run on other platforms if it runs well on another platform.
Concentrate on Your Users
When developing an application, always keep the user in mind. This is true whether it's for one platform or all of them.
You will need to maintain the user's needs when developing an app. This can lead to a decrease in the functionality of the app and its user-friendliness.
Read More: 5 Best Frameworks to build Cross-Platform Mobile apps
What To Look For When Selecting A Service That Develops Cross-Platform Apps
It's important to take into consideration various factors when selecting an app development company or cross-platform service to work with for your project.
These are all things that will contribute to your success. Before making a decision, you should consider the following factors:
- Supported Platforms (iOS, Android, etc.): Make sure that you select a service which supports your target platforms, like iOS, Android and Windows. It's important to choose a cross-platform service that will simplify your development across multiple operating systems.
- Speed and Performance: The development service you choose should offer optimal speed and performance for your application, providing a responsive and smooth user experience. Consider the framework’s capability to provide native-like performance and its compatibility for existing performance optimization methods.
- Design Options and Customization: A cross-platform development service should offer many design options to help create an appealing interface. Take into account the flexibility and ease-of-use of the tools as well as the prebuilt templates or components.
- APIs and Native Features: A service must provide APIs and native features, such as GPS and camera. It will allow your app to fully leverage the platform's capabilities, providing a richer and more feature-rich user experience.
- Compatibility of Third-Party Tools and Libraries: In order to streamline development, you should choose a service that is compatible with the most popular tools and libraries from third parties. You can then leverage your existing resources to reduce time and effort needed to implement key features and functionalities.
- Time and Effort for Development: Cross-platform development offers a significant advantage in terms of time and cost savings compared with building apps separately on each platform. Evaluation of development services in terms of code reuse, pre-built components and maintenance ease.
You can choose the best cross-platform application development services for your project by carefully considering all of these factors.
This will ensure that your app is high quality, feature-rich, and engaging. It also meets your audience's expectations.
Considerations on Cost
It's important to take into account the cost of the application development process when choosing an agency or cross-platform service.
By carefully evaluating each framework's costs, you can make an informed choice that fits your budget. Keep in mind the following key costs:
- Cost of Development: The cost of development includes all expenses related to building an app. This may include hiring software developers, purchasing hardware, or the time it takes for the entire project. By allowing developers to create apps that work on multiple platforms, cross-platform frameworks reduce costs. The actual savings, however, will be determined by the efficiency of the framework, its learning curve and the available resources.
- Cost of Maintenance: After your app has been launched, you'll need to budget resources for ongoing maintenance including bug fixes and updates. Take into account the accessibility of the community and the support available for the codebase. Also, consider any maintenance requirements specific to the chosen framework.
- License Fees: Certain cross-platform frameworks for app development may charge licensing fees. These fees can be charged per developer or per application. When calculating your total costs for using a framework, be sure to include these licensing fees. Open-source frameworks do not usually have license fees. However, they can have additional costs for premium features or support.
You can select a service for cross-platform application development that will meet your budgetary needs while still providing the features and functionalities you need.
Resources and Support for the Community
When choosing a framework for cross-platform development, a strong community with countless resources is crucial.
A community of experts and a variety of learning resources are essential for a company that develops web and mobile apps. They can reduce the time spent on development and help to resolve problems more quickly. Consider these key features of community resources and support:
- Documentation and Online Forums: A well-documented, active framework accompanied by an online forum allows developers to solve common issues and gain valuable insight from fellow developers. Assess the quality and availability of documentation, and the level of responsiveness in forums and platforms such as Stack Overflow.
- Learning Resources and Tutorials: In order to reduce the learning curve for your team and increase their efficiency, you should have access to comprehensive learning material and tutorials. They can come in the form of official guides, videos tutorials or blog entries by experienced developers. You should evaluate the variety and quality of resources available for each framework.
- Meetups and Developer Conferences: Many frameworks hold annual meetups and conferences for developers, at which they can exchange knowledge and learn the latest updates. They also provide a networking opportunity with their peers. These events will help you and your team to stay up-to-date on the latest trends, best practices, and technologies in cross platform app development.
You can make sure that your team is equipped with the knowledge and tools necessary to build and maintain high-quality apps by evaluating the resources and community support available for the various cross-platform development frameworks.
Future-Proofing and Scalability
It's important to take into account the framework's scalability, and the future proofing of your app when choosing an agency or service for cross-platform development.
It will allow your app to grow, adapt and change with the market and technology without having to rework it or redesign it. Consider these key elements for future proofing and scalability:
- Able To Deal With An Ever-Growing User Base: Your app will have to be able to cope as it grows in popularity. It is important that the framework you choose provides efficient performance when under load. This includes support for modern scaling techniques such as caching or load balancing.
- Adapting New Technologies And Platforms: As the mobile app market continues to evolve, new technologies and platforms are constantly emerging. It is important that your chosen framework has a proven track record in adapting to new technologies and platforms. It will keep your application up to date and help it maintain its edge on the market.
- Adding New Features And Updating Existing Features: You may have to update or add features to your app as it grows to keep up with user demands and to stay competitive. It should be easy to add and update features in the chosen framework without having to do a lot of rework. When evaluating the framework’s ability to accommodate updates and new features, consider its modularity, compatibility with other libraries, and flexibility.
You can make sure that the cross-platform development services you choose will provide a strong foundation to allow your app's growth and evolution with an ever-changing app market by carefully considering these factors.
Want More Information About Our Services? Talk to Our Consultants!
The Conclusion
To conclude, selecting an excellent cross-platform app development service requires carefully considering several criteria.
These factors include supported platforms and platform compatibility; performance and customization features; customization access native features compatibility 3rd-party libraries development time cost community support scalability.
