Choosing Between Native and Cross-Platform Mobile App Development:
A few years ago, businesses were forced to go native, but as mature cross-platform mobile app development tools like Flutter, React Native, Xamarin, etc. emerged, the latter gained prominence. But you need to understand that there are too many factors at play when you take the decision to build mobile app.
Advantages of Developing a Cross-Platform Mobile App:
Choosing to work with a cross-platform ecommerce website development companies will give you the following benefits.
#1 Cheaper to Build Due to Single Codebase:
Cross-platform apps run on both iOS and Android platforms. Since it has a single codebase, it takes the same amount of time as developing a native app for one platform.
#2 Mobile App Easy to Fix:
Multiple code bases are difficult to fix while a single code base is easy in this case. The only caveat is that you need a developer who is proficient in both platforms and has the skills to make changes without making any mistakes.
#3 Seamless Cloud Integration:
With a single code source, integrating cross-platform applications with the cloud platform is extremely easy. Cross-platform applications offer better compatibility and support for maintaining applications in the cloud.
#4 Native-like User Experience:
When you compare the development method, timeline. Cost associate with building a cross-platform application versus a native application. You will know that the benefits are multiple. Even with a single code base development, it offers the same features and functionalities as compared to developing using native applications.
#5 Mobile App Code Reusability:
A cross-platform app development company will reuse codes, which will significantly reduce your development time. By reusing codes, you also reduce your development costs. If you were to develop using native apps, you would have had to write unique code for each platform.
#6 Faster Time to Market:
Using the concept of “write once, run everywhere,” cross-platform ecommerce website development companies in dubai reduce the time it takes for the app to be open to the market. Since the customization of the mobile app can do with minor changes in a single code. Cross mobile app developers can deliver applications quickly.
Challenges of Cross-Platform Mobile App Development:
While cross-platform app development has its unique set of benefits, it does have its own challenges.
#1 Mobile App Limited Updates:
Sometimes, the operating system does not support all the features by a framework. Suppose the iOS platform introduces a new update, then you can update the iOS version of your app accordingly. It is impossible to do the same with Android unless Google releases the same update.
#2 Slow Code:
For beginner developers, managing cross-platform app development can become quite tricky. Developers end up using conditionality while developing the app, this results in slow code that ultimately slows down the app.
#3 Performance Issues:
Cross-platform apps do not integrate easily with the target operating systems. Since they are written on non-native code, there might be faulty communication with the native components of the device. This can prevent the apps from working as you expect.
Pros of Using Flutter:
While there are several cross-platform app frameworks in the market, each with its own pros and cons, here we are going to discuss Flutter and React Native as they are the most popular among developers. The first version of Flutter was developed in December 2018, since then more than 2 million developers have used Flutter. We have already mentioned that React Native is the most popular cross-platform app.
Flutter: It is a cross-platform app development framework that has become increasingly popular due to its usefulness. The open-source mobile SDK can be used to create native-like Android and iOS apps. Thanks to a huge library of widgets that Flutter has, developers can create the entire UI using them.
Pros:
- Flutter offers more dynamic and faster app development. Developers can make changes to the codebase and see them immediately on the app. It has a “hot reload” feature that allows changes to be displayed immediately.
- With Flutter, developers can write one codebase for two apps. Since it is platform-agnostic, you can have the exact app on both platforms.
- Since most of the work is done on GPU, Flutter’s UI is smooth and delivers 60 frames per second.
- It is perfect for building MVPs. The Flutter Gallery app includes a demo of its main features, widgets, and thumbnails.
- You will be able to have the same UI even on older devices.
