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Native App Development vs. Cross-platform App Development

Native App Development vs. Cross-platform App Development

NogaTech Official's photo
NogaTech Official
·Jan 4, 2022·

6 min read

Untitled design - 2022-01-04T143116.667.png Let's have a quick look at how the mobile app development market has developed. • From 2017 until the end of 2021, apps downloaded on mobile devices will grow by 45%. • The market for mobile apps is not tied to only software developers. Since the spending on enterprise software has reached the US $5.2 trillion • The competition isn't restricted to Android or iOS no more. Enter cross-platform vs. native app development. From the three points mentioned above, we can conclude that the discussion has shifted to the importance of mobile apps. The problem is when companies have to choose which technology is appropriate to build the application. Many tech giants like Google, Facebook, Airbnb, Skype have already started developing apps using cross-platforms like React Native and Xamarin.

However, how do you settle on one option? It all depends on the idea. As far as any discussion goes, both methods have each of their pros and cons. However, we can help by providing an extensive overview of each of these techniques. This is why we have it.

Native app development

Native app development involves the creation of apps that run on an operating system that is specific to it, such as iOS, Android, or Windows. One of the main advantages of native applications is that they provide access to the device's features such as cameras, GPS, contact list and so on. However, their downside can be expensive since they require separate development times for every platform. This means that you will have to invest a lot of time and money to pay for Android native application developmen t and iOS Native app creation.

Advantages as well as Cons Native application development

Pros

High-performance Native applications are extremely effective in regards to speed as well as responsiveness. Since they're developed with core language programming and APIs, they can benefit from the speed of processing on the device and have the lowest time to load.

Experience the ultimate experience If you're looking to build apps that offer an immersive and robust user experience and have the best appearance and feel, the native technology will win the race. Because it utilizes native SDKs that native apps offer a more natural user experience.

Excellent functionality It can access the platform's features it is designed for. This is an excellent score for native applications over cross-platform. As a result, the app runs faster and is a more user-friendly experience. Furthermore, apps that can function without internet connectivity will be a cherry on top.

Cons

Cost The development costs for native apps are higher than cross-platform apps. This is due to two main reasons. The development of native apps is complicated. Professional development and support can consume all budgets, and the second reason is. If you are looking to serve two different types of users, such as Android and iOS, You will require two distinct apps.

That implies two development teams and, most importantly, two different budgets.

Slow development speed These applications take more time to develop than cross-platform applications. It is also impossible to reuse the code from an operating system from one to the next.

Cross-platform app development

Cross-platform app development permits the creation of mobile applications using a universal language. Eventually, they can be compatible with multiple mobile platforms. The most important benefit is the code reuse that makes development a simpler process.

The developers will utilize identical native features; however, offering a different UI and a great user experience is different.

Cross-platform apps are getting more popular due to React Native app development and Flutter app development. Let's look into the factors that led React Native and Flutter apps to become the buzzwords in the tech world.

React Native React Native This framework based on React, created in 2015 by Facebook at the end of 2015, has gained footing in the market for app development due to its accessibility to the most popular native features as well as its ability to share more than 80% of the codebase used in mobile applications.

Flutter It is the Google framework Flutter is, however, built on Dart, allowing faster rendering and better adaptability to specific platforms' UX technology. This makes it the best choice to natively built applications that run on mobile phones, browsers for the web and PCs based on an identical codebase.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Cost-effective Because these apps use mostly the shared codebase model, you can utilize a single codebase across different platforms, so you will reduce by half time to develop. It only takes an entire development team to develop one application, and it can be distributed across different platforms.

Simple support To ensure that your app can stand up against tough competitors, it must be maintained regularly. When we look at this in general. As a result, it could consume a significant amount of your time and effort. However, cross-platform applications can help you avoid them since you can perform regular updates and maintenance thanks to one codebase.

Fast time to market If you're planning to launch a brand new application or add a feature to the iOS and Android apps, Cross-platform lets you achieve this in a short time.

Maximum visibility Apps for mobile are, in general, a means to boost your company's exposure. Apps that cross-platform allow you to reach out to an extensive user base simultaneously and at an affordable budget. There is a codebase, and you're able to predict an audience on various platforms, including iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, and Linux, according to your needs.

Cons

limited functionality There's a significant performance difference between native and cross-platform applications since cross-platform apps only have access to the OS capabilities, do not have accessibility to the APIs natively available and require internet connection.

Integrations Since it's designed in a single-size-fits-all manner, it is difficult to integrate the app with local settings can be an issue. There are a variety of instances where the applications do not work perfectly when it comes to integrating with local settings, which can lead to the app failing.

What's the ultimate decision?

In the discussion above, we can see that each comes with unique advantages and disadvantages. In my opinion, it may not be too difficult to decide on a preference. It is possible to make an informed choice according to your budget, time, and particular project.

Suppose you're looking for a reliable application with an excellent user experience and don't have a budget, time limit, or time constraints. In that case, your goal is to run using Android or iOS. You want to use native apps, then going with native is the best option.

On the other hand, should you wish to build an app to appeal to an extensive user base with a low cost and time-efficient method, cross-platform application development is the best option.

Final thoughts

Suppose you're unsure which option to pick for your project or need to learn the details about these platforms to make an informed choice. In that case, You can seek assistance from a seasoned cross-platform app development firm.

If you're planning to invest your plan with money and time, there is nothing better than having the advice of experts.