In the fast-paced world of mobile app development, businesses face the important dilemma of choosing the appropriate strategy for building their apps. With the increasing demand for mobile apps on multiple platforms, the decision between native and cross-platform development is important. Woohoo Web Technologies, a renowned mobile app development firm, recognizes the importance of this option and provides professional advice to organizations interested in developing mobile applications. In this blog article, we’ll look at the differences between native and cross-platform app development, as well as how Woohoo Web Technologies can help organizations make informed decisions.
Choosing Between Native and Cross Platform Mobile App Development
Should we create a native app for each platform or look for a cross-platform solution? This thought comes to your mind while developing a mobile app. Regarding mobile app development, a common topic that trends is whether the app should be set up to be native or cross-platform. The discussion about going with native apps or cross-platform is nothing new and has been going on for quite some time.
- What is a Cross platform app?
Cross-platform mobile apps are built to target multiple operating systems. These apps can be easily customized to make the code applicable and accessible on different platforms. Simply, you write code compatible with different mobile OS like Android, iOS, Windows etc.
- What is a Native app?
A native app is an application that is coded for a specific platform. Since they are written for a particular platform, they can take advantage of the features of the operating system installed on it. They have access to mobile functions. However, native apps are expensive because they are developed specifically for one operating system.
The face Off: Native vs Cross Platform
Let us compare mobile app development platforms on different parameters. Let us take information about both these platforms. This will help you understand both these methods in depth. Ultimately, choosing any platform depends on your business needs.
- Cost: Cost is a deciding factor when it comes to choosing any platform for developing mobile applications. Small enterprises and startups are constrained by budget, and building apps cross-platform is a cost-effective option as they do not have to code their applications differently for different platforms. In contrast, cross-platforms do not require much investment, thus, they save time and money. On the other hand, larger organizations can afford to go for a native platform. For each native OS, you will have to re-code the app. Thus, it becomes challenging for you as you have to call developers having expertise in a certain programming language (Java – Android, Objective – C for iOS) to develop native apps on multiple platforms. With open-source tools (Ionic, PhoneGap, Xamarin, etc.) available for cross-platform app development, it is easy to control expenses. So, if you do not have that much investment, you can go with cross-platform app development as it is cost-effective. You can develop apps at lower investment than native apps.
- App performance: Since native apps are specifically designed for different platforms, native apps are faster and more reliable, as other platforms require other languages that are compatible and suitable for developing mobile apps, which Their performance should be better. Native mobile apps are more flexible in implementation and modification, whereas cross-platform apps have limited compatibility with different platforms. They are less flexible because each forum has additional requirements.
- Reusability: Cross-platform mobile apps are reusable across different platforms, because web technology is the same for all media, and the code can be reused without starting from scratch, whereas for native apps, you need to customize the app for each platform. For this you will have to write code from scratch.
- Reliability: Native apps are developed with the corresponding SDK for a specific platform. Therefore, it is easier for you to utilize all the hardware resources of the app code. New features are easily accessible, making them fast, robust, reliable, and less likely to crash.
- User experience: Native apps have a rich user interface and create a unique environment for the native user experience. It enhances certain aspects of your app, such as layout, navigation, interactivity, adaptability, graphics, and more. Generally, cross-platform apps often experience performance delays. Cross-platform apps do not provide a good user experience. Thus, users feel less responsiveness, but apps are smoother when using interface designs with dynamic content.
- Marketplace: Native apps have their own specific market in the app store (Google’s Play Store, iOS App Store) where users can install them. On the contrary, cross-platform apps have an edge over native apps because users can easily download and install them from web browsers and app stores. In this way, cross-platform apps have increased their coverage.
Native or Cross Platforms
Cross-platform refers to mobile app development that can be used on multiple platforms. This allows you to use the same code base while focusing on different platforms and be the leader in marketability, reusability and cost. On the other hand, in native app, you have to write different code for each forum, but there should be a good interface, performance and speed. You can develop UI in a cross-platform app, but you will have to spend months to achieve the performance that a native app provides. Both the platforms are useful and prominent and they have their advantages and disadvantages. You can choose any medium for mobile app development depending on the business requirements.
Conclusion
Choosing between native and cross-platform app development is a crucial decision for businesses venturing into mobile app development. Woohoo Web Technologies, a trusted mobile app development company, provides valuable guidance and expertise to help businesses make the right choice. With their comprehensive understanding of both approaches and a client-centric approach, Woohoo Web Technologies ensures the delivery of high-performing, feature-rich, and cost-effective mobile applications. Collaborating with Woohoo Web Technologies empowers businesses to unlock their mobile app’s true potential and gain a competitive edge in today’s digital landscape.
