The world of mobile app development is changing rapidly. Developers often confuse themselves when choosing between cross-platform and native mobile app development. Both options have their own set of advantages that can be appealing.
So, which one should you choose? Choose the one that fits your box. Each platform has its advantages, disadvantages, and unique factors to consider.
This article aims to clarify the differences between cross-platform and native mobile development. By the end, you'll have a clear understanding of which development method you should go with.
Cross-Platform Development
Cross-platform development allows you to create applications using a single code that will function across various platforms, like iOS and Android. It’s like throwing two strikes with one pitch.
With this platform, developers can build functional and diverse apps using a framework. Popular tech companies create these frameworks.
An example of cross-platform mobile app development is React Native, which was used to create the all-time favorite Instagram app. Imagine if you had to purchase an iPhone to use Instagram. Yikes!
Advantages of Cross-Platform Mobile App Development
1. Affordable
Cross-platform’s biggest flex is that it works using a single code only. This way you can save money, time, and resources.
2. Consistent
Cross-platform mobile applications are built using the same code, this will maintain consistency all across.
3. Quicker Development
Working with the same code reduces time. This way mobile app development solutions reach the market and customers more quickly. Also, cross-platform frameworks have simplified the testing process.
4. Convenient MaintenanceThanks to the single code framework, updating can be done in the blink of an eye. Any errors, you will find out in a snap.
5. Increased Reach
Your cross-platform apps will be launched on both iOS and Android platforms. Your app will make way to larger audiences. More users equals more opportunities.
Disadvantages of Cross-Platform Mobile App Development
1. Fewer features
Be prepared to be disappointed, because cross-platform apps don’t offer extensive features. To access fancy features, you will have to update it frequently.
2. Complex designs
Cross-platform apps usually have complicated designs that struggle to fit in with the platforms. This ends up being a load on developers.
3. Complicated Integrations
Adding specific features that are based on multiple platforms, will be a headache using cross-platform. This integration is hard and can be done by someone experienced.
Native Mobile App Development
Native mobile app developers work on creating apps for specific platforms only. Your apps will be based on specific program-based coding. Besides, specific coding languages, developers will require an IDE Integrated development environment.
Android apps will be created using either Java or Kotlin programming. For iOS apps, you will have to work with Objective-C or Swift programming language.
Advantages of Native Mobile App Development
1.SecureData leaks are no joke and that’s why native mobile applications maintain top-notch security and confidentiality. This way you also have control over platform-based security features.
2. Flexible
Native apps are more scalable and flexible. They efficiently deal with specialized demands.
3. Comprehensive Features
Native apps have fancy and functional features, elevating our experience. Platform-based integrations such as GPS can be integrated. Users can fully benefit from such comprehensive functions.
4. Enhanced Performance
Native apps are specially built for their target platforms. They can also be assembled using programming codes and languages. This way you have a more structured, functional and satisfactory experience.
5. Fewer Bugs
Native apps benefit from updated SDKs, which leads to fewer bugs and with every update, the app only gets much better.
Disadvantages of Native Mobile App Development
1. ExpensiveNative mobile app development is heavy on your wallet since you require experienced developers, multiple teams and specific programming languages.
2. Longer Development Time
Native apps only work with specific codes for specific platforms which prolongs the development time. They also need ongoing support and updates.
3. Limited Reusability
Because native apps are created using separate targeted coding, they can only be used once.
Cross-Platform VS Native Apps: Which is the Best?
Selecting the right custom mobile app development company is essential to meet your digital goals and market demands. Firstly start by deciding your budget, requirements, functioning, and security needs.
Once finalized, you have to compare the two platforms and find the best platform as per your needs. Let’s look at various factors related to the development platforms that you must consider:
1. Market Reach
You should know how fast the mobile apps will reach the market platforms. Do analyze the customer response you receive. If you want to reach customers faster, consider opting for cross-platform mobile app development. It is significantly quicker than native mobile app development.
2. Cost
Working with a low budget? Don’t want app development to burn a hole in your wallet? Then go with cross-platform development. However, if you have a higher budget, native mobile app development is the better choice.
3. Security
Consider the risk for certain mobile apps. Banking and phone payment apps need to be secure to prevent data breaches. For such apps, native development will be the ideal platform. It offers extensive security functions like data encryption and fraud detection.
4. Performance
If you want your app to have heavy graphics, quality animation and extensive functions, then native development is the best choice. Native development is specialized for such features. Using cross-platform, you might achieve the desired results.
5. Target Audience
Select the platform that will cater directly to your targeted population. If you want to create apps for iOS users, Native apps will enable you to create platform-specific applications. Cross-platform does not cater to any specific platform.
6. Maintenance
If your goal is to create a low-maintenance, low-effort app, then cross-platform is the right choice. Their single code framework requires fewer updates. Native apps require frequent updates for their specialized functions, adding to the workload.
Considering these factors and your goals, you can choose the platform that best suits your needs. Both platforms have distinct differences. Make sure to select the one whose features align with your requirements. Remember to choose a platform that enhances your applications without adding to your workload.
Uses of Cross-Platform Development
- Small businesses and startups can create apps with minimal cost and target a larger audience.
- Developers can use cross-platform to create simple functional apps like news reporting, weather, and calculators.
- Developers can market prototype apps and gather feedback, before committing to native platform applications.
Uses of Native Development
- Native development can help create gaming apps since it offers the latest graphics and qualities.
- Apps heavily based on integrations and platform-specific features can be created with Native development.
- Using native, apps committed to providing effortless and fancy user experience, can be created as well.
Conclusion
In this battle of native Vs. cross-platform, we cannot declare anyone as the winner. It looks like it is a tie. Both will work out for you if they align with your requirements. Cross-platforms will give you affordable apps with a wider reach, whereas native will create apps that are functional and advanced.
Using this article, carefully go through the merits and demerits of each platform. Compare them with your goals and make your choice. The rest of your app’s success depends on your skills and how you worked towards making improvements.