With the right framework, building cross-platform applications for mobile devices is a breeze.There are a few considerations. The right framework for app development can streamline the process of app creation. Still, there are some other complexities that we will discuss later in this article.
Businesses would not risk their mobile app presence in today's Darwinian and highly disruptive world of mobile app development. Budgeting is a major concern for businesses that choose native apps.
Cross-platform app development is the best choice for businesses that want to be on both Android and iOS. It is essential to understand some basic concepts before determining where the framework category will be in 2023.
What Is Cross-Platform Application Development?
Mobile apps are now a crucial part of the business. You must know the complexities of creating an app. Cross-platform mobile application development involves the creation of software that works with multiple mobile operating systems.
Developers can share all or part of the source code for cross-platform apps. Experienced Developers can create and deploy mobile assets for Android and iOS without having to record them separately.
Why is it Important for 2023?
The Development of cross-platform mobile apps allows mobile app developers to create applications that can work with one codebase, which reduces costs. This also allows you to reach a wider audience with your app. The Development of cross-platform mobile apps offers a consistent experience for users across platforms. This makes maintenance and updating easier.
Native And Cross-Platform Apps: What's The Difference?
The debate between native and cross-platform has been dividing the tech community for many years. Some experts prefer native apps to cross-platform ones. Companies like Uber, on the other hand, are working to develop their Ribs cross-platform framework to rewrite their driver app.
Native and cross-platform technologies are constantly evolving. The constant evolution of technology means that it is important to revisit these topics periodically to determine which options are leading the pack.
Native app development avoids the complexity involved in creating a product that is sustainable and can be used on multiple platforms. Instead, it focuses on generating an app that is close to the platform that the app will be running on (i.e., Android, iOS, etc.). ).
By incorporating as many devices as possible during the creation and programming process, cross-platform frameworks aim to create an app that is accessible to as many brand fans as possible.
There are two important factors to compare when comparing Native App Development with Cross Platform App Development: the app development cost and Mobile development tools used in the development process.
Let's analyze the cost of mobile application development. Statista data from 2015 revealed that in the U.S., the median cost per hour of native Development for iOS and Windows was 150$, and for Android, it was 168$. Cross-platform developers were charging 125$ per hour.
In the United Kingdom, the costs were half those in the U.S. and in Eastern Europe, they were a quarter. This was the cost level six years ago. You can imagine the rise in cost even though they haven't released more recent figures.
Native Mobile App Development is a way to increase compatibility for a specific platform. It requires a high level of expertise. It may be easier for some companies to find developers who are experts in cross-platform tools than those who are specialists in them. You're more likely to find talent who can work with Objective-C or Swift on iOS devices or Java or Kotlin if your app runs on Android.
If your strategy includes multiple mobile environments, you will need to hire a development team per code environment. This is not an easy task due to the lack of talent. They should then ensure that each codebase is maintained. Any change to your business could also affect the native codes built by your team.
Native Development does have its advantages. Developers working within a platform have unrestricted APIs and tools. This gives them a great deal of freedom in the design and Development of their app.
Natively-built products are more scalable because they benefit from a large number of resources and tools available to the app developer. A native application also offers a superior user experience and is ranked higher in the app store.
Challenges In The Cross-Platform App Development Process
Up until a few years ago, cross-platform app development was only possible for straightforward mobile games and applications. With time, new technologies have improved cross-platform app development, making it more powerful and flexible.
Compatibility Issues Between Different Operating Systems And Devices
Compatibility can be a challenge when discussing cross-platform app development. These issues can arise when apps aren't built to support the devices. Performance issues can result.
Limitation Of Access To Hardware Features
Cross-platform frameworks behave differently on different devices. It can be challenging to use all the features on each device.The hardware of the gadgets is not directly accessible to the tools.
Performance Issues When Compared With The Native App
Inconsistent communication between native and non-native gadget components can cause performance hiccups.
Having Trouble Keeping Up With The Latest Updates For Operating Systems And Devices
Developers of cross-platform apps have difficulty maintaining compatibility across operating systems and devices.
Other challenges that cross-platform development faces include -
- Developers of cross-platform apps have trouble maintaining compatibility across operating systems and devices.
- Poor user experience can be caused by performance-related bugs.
- Cross-platform apps are not recommended if a business application manages a part of the corporation and stores user data. This is due to security issues.
These challenges are minor compared to cross-platform Development.
Cross-Platform App Development Has Many Benefits
Given that the cost per platform is increasing exponentially and the need to have a rapid time to market for an enterprise, cross-platform design is the best way to go.
Maximum Exposure Of The Target Audience
A mobile cross-platform strategy enables a business to create and distribute apps across several platforms, such as the web. A single app can be built to target both iOS platforms and Android platforms. This maximizes their reach.
Cost reductions in Development
Cross-platform app development relies on the principle "write once, run anywhere." The use of Agile processes and tools and reusable codes can help reduce costs. Cross-platform apps are the only way to increase a business's profitability on multiple platforms.
Easier Maintenance & Deployment
On any platform, a single universal app can function. When changes are made, deploying and maintaining code is simpler. The updates can be synchronized across all platforms and devices quickly, saving both time and money. A bug found in a common codebase only needs to be fixed once. This allows developers to save time and money.
Quicker Development Process
Quick Development is another way to develop cross-platform applications. A single source code that can be used for multiple platforms reduces development time by up to 80%. This process allows for the Development of a business app with many features in less time. The developers can meet deadlines for cross-platform apps.
Reusable Code
This platform also has the benefit of allowing code to be reused. Rather than developers creating new codes for each platform, one code can be reused. It saves both time and resources by eliminating the need to create codes repeatedly.
Cloud Integration Is Easy
Various plug-ins and cloud settings can be used with cross-platform programmes. The single source code coordinates with plug-ins, extensions, and other add-ons to improve the app's functionality and scalability.
Customization And Faster Time To Market
As previously mentioned, cross-platform app development follows the principle of 'write once and run everywhere.' App developers can reduce Time-to-Market with rapid deployment. Developers can also make small changes to the code if an app needs to be transformed or customized. It is easier to produce products faster than competitors because the customer experience is improved.
Uniform Design
Users can identify user interface elements (UI) and predict their interactions across various platforms. The User Experience (UX), therefore, is an important factor to consider when developing any software or app.
While developing multiple apps, it is difficult to keep the different development projects in sync. The cross-platform tools for mobile Development allow designers and developers to create a uniform experience that users of the app can enjoy.
Cross-Platform App Development Has Its Advantages And Disadvantages
The code is difficult to design. App developers must take into account various exceptions to build code that will run on all platforms and devices. It is difficult to have a code that contains many different adaptations. It may be difficult to find a skilled team to do this type of coding. Mobile app development services are a great option since they already have a dedicated team of skilled developers, and your company won't need to hire additional talent.
Cross-platform apps are slower than native versions. There are no significant differences between apps, but for some user groups, speed is the deciding factor.
Cross-platform app developers may be unable to use certain features, like geolocation, microphone, or camera. Native app developers can benefit from the wide variety of tools and resources provided by the platforms to make the devices work better. Some devices restrict cross-platform apps from accessing certain features for privacy reasons.
Cross-platform apps are somewhat limited in comparison to native apps. Native apps have a wide range of UX tools available for programmers. This results in a less enjoyable user experience when cross-platform apps are compared with native apps. The way that potential users receive an app is crucial for a startup or SME building it.
Design sprint workshops allow you to test apps at their very first stage without building an MVP. No matter what technology is used, such as native or cross-platform app development, this workshop will help you to learn the issues you should tackle early.
We'll help you find the Cross-platform App Development Framework for your product if you've already decided that this is the best fit for you.
Best Cross-Platform App Development Frameworks
There are several cross-platform frameworks, each with its pros and cons. Below are the most popular and competitive frameworks of today.
Xamarin
Trusted and loved by developers, Microsoft acquired Xamarin in 2016 after it was first launched as an independent framework for cross-app Development.
It's an open-source framework that was launched to solve the problem of disjointed native technology stacks, making app development for mobile devices difficult and expensive.
Pros of Xamarin
- Xamarin app development uses C# for coding. It is compatible with Android, iOS, and other platforms.
- Xamarin is a community with over 60,000 contributors representing more than 3,700 different companies.
- Xamarin allows you to share more than 75% of code between platforms, allowing for "write once and run anywhere" convenience.
- Xamarin is a single technology stack that allows for faster Development.
Cons of Xamarin
- Xamarin can be expensive for large enterprises. Xamarin can be used for free by individuals and startups. However, businesses must purchase a Microsoft Visual Studio license.
- Xamarin should not be used for apps with heavy graphics, as each platform uses a different way to lay out the screens. It is recommended to implement a UX/UI-rich application natively.
- Xamarin offers limited access to some important libraries for app developers who are developing mobile apps. Creating the UI can be time-consuming, as the user interface is not mobile.
Apps Created With Xamarin Cross-Platform App Framework
- Fox Sports
- Alaska Airlines
- HCL
- American Cancer Society
- BBC Good Food
React Native
React Native was a project that Facebook launched in 2015.The market for hybrid frameworks was greatly affected. React has become one of the top cross-platform frameworks in just a few short years.
The Pros of React Native
- How much code is shared can vary depending on how complicated the project is. The development process is significantly accelerated by code reuse.
- React lets you preview the results immediately and provides ready-to-apply components, which reduces development time.
- The Hot Reloading function allows developers to see code changes in seconds, and not minutes, as when using native technologies.
- React Native focuses primarily on the UI, resulting in a highly responsive user interface.
- This also gives you access to some useful native functionality like an accelerometer or camera. This renders a native-like, high-quality user interface.
Cons of React Native
- React Native does not provide a fully cross-platform framework. There is still the need for native components to be used to access certain functions, such as the camera and accelerometer. This means that there will be separate codes for Android and iOS.
- The framework can lag behind native platforms because it is not designed in conjunction with iOS and Android. Udacity stopped investing in React Native to add new features because of this.
- React Native is inconsistent when it comes to updating.
- React Native speeds up Development but increases the time spent on debugging. This is especially true for Android.
Apps Created With The React Native Cross-Platform Application Framework
- Bloomberg
- The following are some examples of Pinterest
- Skype
- Tesla
Flutter
Make stunning native apps Quickly Flutter, a different open-source, free cross-platform framework for building native Android and iOS interfaces. You may recognize Flutter!
You might wonder: If Google announced Flutter at the Mobile World Congress in February 2018 and released its first release on December 5, 2018, how does it appear in this list of popular cross-platform app frameworks?
The Pros of Flutter
- Hot reloading allows developers to see code changes in seconds rather than minutes.
- Flutter is a great framework for MVP development. You can build a mobile app that is native-looking on Android and iOS without spending time and money on two separate apps.
- Dart is the object-oriented language used by Flutter. Developers have found it easy to learn.
- Flutter offers a complete set of widgets that follow Google's Material Design and Apple's Cupertino style.
- Many ready-made solutions allow developers to use Continuous Integration platforms, such as Travis and Jenkins, for native Android and iOS applications.
Cons of Flutter
- Flutter only offers limited TV support (i.e., Flutter does not support Android TV or Apple TV).
- Several libraries are ready to use because they were developed by Google. Flutter is still lacking when compared with native Development
- Flutter apps are usually larger because they use platform widgets instead of built-in widgets. The smallest app that can be created with Flutter is currently no smaller than 4MB.
Apps Created With The Flutter Cross-Platform App Framework
- Alibaba
- Google Ads
- Tencent
What Is The Best Framework To Develop Cross-Platform Apps For Your Project?
It's crucial to choose the right framework for your project when you are evaluating cross-platform mobile application development frameworks.
Considerations When Selecting A Framework
- Your project's power comes from your development team. Make sure that they are familiar with the framework's requirements and tools. This will save time and reduce the learning curve.
- Other maintenance requirements, such as budget and total development time, would also be important to consider.
Comparing Frameworks Using Different Criteria
You will benefit greatly from comparing different cross-platform frameworks. Consider the following criteria when making your decision.
- Choose the frameworks that best align with your audience.
- Consider the expertise available in your development team.
- Check if the code can be reused across different platforms.
- Find community forums, documentation, and third-party libraries.
Why Choose Cross-Platform Development For Your App?
Cost and time savings, among other advantages, are important arguments for its use. If you're a CTO who wants to implement your app quickly and update it as soon as possible, this is the best option for you.
Cross-platform frameworks speed up the development process compared to native apps. Suppose your company is still in the MVP stage, and you are looking for a Proof of Concept that can be quickly and easily readjusted. In that case, this technology should be seriously considered.
Consider the app roadmap and the level of complexity that you plan to achieve. Some features require finesse that can only be achieved by native platform development.
This type of application development is also an option if you have a team who are familiar with the required languages. Your programmers must feel comfortable with the technology. So, the time you save on implementation will not be offset by the time it takes to learn new frameworks. Technical support for the cross-platform development framework is important so that the whole process runs smoothly.
This technology can be used to accelerate the time from product to market. Native Development is good for complex apps but takes a lot more time than cross-platform Development. You should choose the frameworks described if your product's journey cannot be delayed in the phase of going to market.
We've now seen the pros, cons, and most popular frameworks for cross-platform app development. When does it become an option to consider?
Best Practices And Tips For Cross-Platform Mobile App Development
- Maintaining visual consistency across all platforms is essential. Consider a set-design system or a UI Library. Pre-built components help to create a seamless user experience.
- To combat this, optimize your code for performance. You can combat this by optimizing the code.
- Use caching to minimize network requests.
- Clean code is important. Ensure that it is clear, readable, and maintainable.
- Test on different devices and platforms.
- After you have tested your app across platforms, you should continue to monitor feedback and note how the user experience differs on different platforms.
Future Of Cross-Platform Apps
Cross-platform app development will continue to improve and evolve as technology advances. We've tried to cover some of the trends and emerging technologies that will shape the future of cross-platform app development.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI Tools can be powerful when developing cross-platform applications. It can be used for app testing, testing, and personalization.
- Internet of Things: Integrating IoT and cross-platform allows for a seamless experience. It can be used to create apps and connect various devices.
- Platforms with low-code or no-code: These platforms allow developers to create apps using minimal coding. This makes development more accessible.
- Cloud Technologies: Cloud-based cross-platform application development is a great way to improve scalability and security. This allows developers to focus on the app's features and other functions.
Cross-Platform App Development: Predictions For The Future
- Adoption increases: Due to its efficiency and cost-effectiveness, cross-platform app development will be adopted even more widely.
- More functionality: As the technology for cross-platform apps improves, developers will be able to create apps that have more advanced features.
- Better user experience: Cross-platform apps will provide a seamless and personalized experience by integrating emerging technologies like AI and IoT.
- More platforms and tools: With the increasing demand for cross-platform apps, developers will have more flexibility and options.
Conclusion
Cross-platform apps have become popular because they eliminate the need to develop different apps for each platform. A cross-platform application can be used on multiple devices and platforms. A cross-platform framework will be necessary to develop a universally compatible app.
Which of the cross-platform mobile application development frameworks listed above is the best choice? It depends on your business and the app's functionality. Consult a Cross-platform mobile application development company with experience and expertise to make an informed decision.
Before you start building a mobile application development solution for your clients, make sure you have all the information you need about app development frameworks.
