Choosing a platform to develop new applications can be quite confusing for beginners. Even experts sometimes face various challenged to fulfill business requirements. When selecting between Native, Web, and Cross-Platform app, keep a note of things you need for the application.
App development platforms add to your business outcomes, and that is why you should look for professional advice. It will help you grasp a good knowledge of the market and things that people are looking out for. All of these app development platforms work great as per the need, and it depends on you to make the right choice.
Native Applications
Applications made using Native platforms are compatible with either of mobile operating systems. You can either use one code for Android or iOS app development or make it compatible with both platforms; you have to write the code again.
Native apps let you access built-in apps like camera, GPS, microphone, proximity sensor, etc. Applications developed using native platforms are known to provide outstanding performance to the users.
Advantages of Native Application Development
- Fits like a Glove
Well, the native apps are friendlier to the OS than any other platform. They fit like a glove and perform well with all the in-built functions of a smartphone. These features include GPS, memory, and other hardware like a microphone and camera. With a native app, you will get an enhanced user experience.
- Outstanding Performance
A platform-specific app always provides a fantastic performance with fast processing speed. They are flexible, and you can quickly get the apps designed as per your needs.
- Interactive UI
There are specific guidelines that a native app has to follow as per Android or iOS. Following them makes the app interactive automatically, and one enjoys the experience of using them.
- Available in Stores
Getting apps on the stores are much safer as compared to installing them from other sources. This is why people always prefer native apps to keep their devices secure.
Disadvantages of Native Application Development
- Higher Costs
Developing a native app is a complex process, and you need a professional developer to make an application. It will add to the cost, and hence, you need to spend more on native apps.
- More Code
Coding is needed for each platform, and you cannot use the same code on both platforms. Now, this makes the whole process more time-taking, and as a result, you need a high-end team of developers for it.
- Example of a Native Application
Instagram – Instagram is a perfect example that almost everyone uses on the internet today. The user interface on both Android and iOS are different, and it is developed unique as per the user needs.
Even the updates for native applications run a day or two late. Such apps are known to provide the user with easy to use features and engaging UI.
Web Applications
As per the name, Web applications are made using HTML5, JavaScript, and CSS languages. You can get the websites customized quickly, and they are easy to use. Making changes to these web apps doesn’t take much time, and it is much cost-effective.
Web applications are more like web apps turned into websites with almost the same interface. Social media websites turned apps fall under the same category. Apps developed on the web have various advantages and disadvantages; here listed below are some of them.
Advantages of Web Application Development
- Easy to Make
Web applications require less planning and take lesser time to develop one. Some of the brands already have a website, and a web application is a website cum application. It makes development and designs pretty easy and less time-taking.
- Less Resources Required
Applications on the web don’t require much from a developer. You can use the same code for all the platforms, and this means fewer resources.
- Cost-Effective
Well, a web application is much easier to make as compared to other app platforms. Even the modification in designs isn’t a time-taking task. The code required for the web application is the same for all platforms that cut more than half of the cost.
- Perfect to fulfill Short Release Cycles
If you want to provide your audience with something that takes less time, there is no better option than a web application. Updates are effortless as the user doesn’t have to download them, and the website will automatically update when accessed by the user.
Disadvantages of Web Application Development
- Less Intuitive UI
Well, this is the harsh truth, but web applications have a poor user interface. These are websites that have turned into applications, which makes it less intuitive. But, they aren’t comfortable as native or cross-platform apps.
- Less Efficient
A web application lags a lot, and with its poor UI, it is not comfortable to use compared to other platforms. This is why it requires fewer resources, design, and money.
- Bugs and Fixes
It would be best if you keep updating your web application as it will keep on getting buggier. Constant updates will keep up your web application for better performance.
Cross-Platform Application Development
Cross-platform applications are perfect for people and brands that are looking for advanced features on a budget. The significant benefit of cross-platform is the usage of the same code over various platforms, including websites.
Apps on Cross-platform are made using React Native, NativeScript, Flutter, and Xamarin. With Cross platform apps, you can also get access to the in-built features of the smartphone.
Advantages of Cross-Platform Application Development
- Sharable Code
The code that is used for one platform can be easily used for other platforms. You can use it for Android, iOS, and even independent web applications. Sometimes, you can use 80% of the same code, which reduces time.
- Outstanding User Interface
Native controls are used in cross-platform apps that provide a friendly user interface. It makes the cross-platform app more comfortable to understand, and the design looks similar to the native applications.
- Cost- and Time-Effective
A single code is being used multiple times in cross-platform apps. It helps to reduce the cost of hiring a developer and the time taken to develop the application.
Disadvantages of Cross-Platform Application Development
- Needs Native Code
When you use the same code on other platforms, you still require a little native code. It will cost you some money and a bit more time.
- Performance Interruptions
When compared to a native app, the code in cross-platform makes the app much slower. A single interruption in the code can result in lags and bugs.
- Frameworks and Plug-ins
Frameworks often are considered as the base of cross-platform applications. Plug-ins and Frameworks are everything on which a cross-platform app depends, which is why there are some limits to the scope of these applications.
Conclusion
As a whole, all of these platforms discussed are best as per the needs. All it takes is engaging content and design to attract new audiences to your apps. Go through all the advantages and disadvantages of every platform available for app development.
