In a world brimming with technological advancements, in which mobile devices make up around 50% of all internet traffic it's amazing to look at the endless possibilities for businesses to jump onto the mobile wave and beat the competition by providing unique mobile-based experiences to their customers.
Mobile apps can be accomplished using a variety of methods however, the method changes. Therefore, it's important to be aware of different technology's capabilities to make use of the capabilities of a platform. You might be thinking what is the best choice to develop an app? In this article, we'll go over three mobile technologies that are suitable for mobile app development including hybrid, native, and progressive, in order to assist you in deciding which for your mobile app. Read on to discover the main features and differences.
The Fundamentals of Mobile App Development
Before we move on to the different types of mobile apps created, the most important element of developing mobile apps that must be considered is the preferences of the users. To help you understand this what users prefer, here are some important elements an enterprise must consider prior to launching development of mobile apps.
Mobile OS: Based on Statista the number of smartphone users is currently 3.5 billion. If we look at Android with iOS market share across the globe, Android stands strong with 72.2 percent market share, and iOS: 26.99% market share. To help businesses create an app that is in line with their business goals, selecting among Android as well as iOS platforms is one of the most important choices. Based on the app's final purpose, determine if the app is designed to cater to Android customers, iOS users or both.
Budget and time: Another thing to keep in mind is the estimation of the amount of time and money that will be used for the undertaking. Every mobile app development technology is unique in its time and budget demands, therefore it is important to determine the project requirements in a way that will ensure that the app is beneficial to your business.
Technology: Selecting the appropriate technology is essential, based on the app that has to be created. Although it can be difficult to choose the right application development technology, one of the most effective ways is to work with a reputable mobile app development firm to develop an app that meets the requirements of your business.
After we've gained the knowledge of the basics we can move to the real issue: Native vs. Hybrid and. Progressive Web Apps.
What is the definition? Native vs. Hybrid vs. Progressive Web Apps
Native Applications are among the most advanced mobile applications developed using specific mobile OS (i.e. iOS and Android) programs and tools. The apps are downloaded from the app store directly to the mobile device (desktop or smartphone) and operate flawlessly without the need for a browser.
Hybrid apps are a mix of native and web-based apps. They are basically web-based apps which have been integrated into an app's native shell. They are built using web technology like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. These apps support multiple platforms and connect to mobile platforms via the app's integrated browser.
Progressive Web Applications are basically websites that instantly load with any connection regardless of whether you're online and offline. They're created to be responsive and work on any device, such as desktop computers or mobile device's browser on tablets or phones.
Let's go deeper into determining which kind of application is the best fit for your business.
Native Mobile Apps - A Detailed Overview
According to the definition above, Native apps are the most popular type of mobile app development. They are renowned for their solid functionality, their speedy performance as well as user-experience. The applications are designed specifically for specific platforms and use languages that are compatible with the specific OS.
Pros of Native App Development:
Rapid performance, maintenance and development stability
More security and robust functioning even in offline environments
Improved UX/UI, custom APIs and components that are optimized for various screen sizes and versions of the system.
Simpler to set up, faster to avoid technical issues and bugs
Immediate implementations & non-dependence on open-source libraries/third-party frameworks
Cons of Native App Development:
The necessity of separate app development for various mobile operating systems.
Design and App Store Optimization takes longer than web and hybrid apps.
The addition of new features requires separate codebases and a team of native languages experts is required.
App Store approval process takes a long time, which increases the cost, causing delays for updates.
App users have the responsibility of deciding whether they want to upgrade to the most recent version or not.
What is the best time to create an Native Mobile Application?
If you need to program for one platform and utilize specific hardware features
This is the first time your customers will be using your mobile application so you would want to provide the best user experience, which means removing complicated and unneeded features.
If you are looking for a fast application with multiple functions.
The best choice to play 3D applications or games that have lots of animations.
Native App Programming Language
For Android: Java or Kotlin
To use with iOS: Swift or Objective-C
Native apps examples: Facebook and Twitter
Hybrid Mobile Apps: A Detailed Overview
As mentioned above, Hybrid apps are essentially web-based applications wrapped within an app shell that is native to the application. They are downloaded through an app store, but typically, they are a light application which uses a web view to display the content of an app. The process of developing hybrid apps involves developing a backend codebase which is then covered by an native shell that permits the application to be uploaded to Google Play or the App Store.
Pros of Hybrid App Development:
One codebase can be used on all platforms, resulting in lower costs for development and a shorter time-to-market
More cross-platform support than Native applications.
It is easier to maintain, add new features, and integrate with Web-based services
Access to native functions (push notifications Geofencing, accelerometer, geofencing, sensors, Bluetooth and access to other applications like calendars, alarms, etc.).
Every user is using the same version as you decide when updates are installed.
Cons of Hybrid App Development:
Performance is less than native apps, and could result in problems when the use of certain features offered by iOS or Android only.
Certain modifications could cause the codebase to become more complicated and may increase the cost and time to develop.
App Store Optimization (ASO) as well as the App Store approval processes is time-consuming and can lead to increase in the cost and delay in updating.
Rely on the security of your browser system and upgrade the base application to ensure compatibility with your system.
What is the best time to create an Hybrid Mobile Application?
If you are working on a basic project that doesn't require animations or complicated features
It is essential to make it available on both iOS as well as Android
You must create an Minimum Viable Product (MVP) to verify your idea for your project
Hybrid App Programming Language
Web Technologies - CSS, HTML, JavaScript
Frameworks - Ionic, Flutter, Xamarin, Mobile Angular UI, React Native
Hybrid apps examples: Instagram, Gmail, Evernote
Progressive Web Apps: A Detailed Overview
PWAs are web-based applications created using JavaScript, HTML, CSS and are designed to run on any browser that is compatible with standards for both mobile and desktop devices. They function as native mobile applications that are equipped with intuitive gestures that mimic app-style navigations.
Pros of Progressive Web App Development:
Work offline, which allows for easier access to different platforms and devices
Ability to adapt to various screen sizes with incredible speed
In comparison to native apps, web-based apps are more cost-effective and require minimal maintenance.
Web applications don't adhere to the standard OS protocols and need approval from the market. They can therefore launch at any moment and in whatever format.
PWAs don't require manual updates, and when there is a new version available the update is automatically rendered.
PWAs are significantly smaller than native apps due to of their lightweight architecture.
Cons of Progressive Web App Development:
Web applications are not able to leverage hardware features and are limited in access to the hardware.
Insufficiently intuitive interaction compared to native apps.
Performance is less robust for iOS and compatibility is less with Apple devices
It requires more battery power. It is also slow and not that responsive. Getting a reputable mobile app development firm is always a good option to aid you in paving the way to a successful mobile app development and deployment.
What is the best time to create an Progressive Web Application?
PWAs are ideal for creating an e-commerce experience that is robust and secure
The best approach when the goal is to draw traffic
Progressive Web App Development Programming Language
CSS, HTML, Javascript, Polymer, AngularJS, VueJS, React PWA Library, PWA Builder, Lighthouse
Progressive Web App examples: Uber, Forbes, Tinder
It's Time to Conclude!
Native mobile applications as well as hybrid mobile apps and web-based apps with progressive features have distinct advantages and drawbacks. Which among them is the most suitable for the needs of your business will depend on a variety of aspects like budget, timeline, the audience marketing strategy, and the final goal of application development process. Based on the various aspects that we have discussed, you may be able to get a good idea of what kind of application will meet your company's requirements. But, seeking a collaboration with a reputable mobile app development firm is always a smart option, since it can aid in paving the way to a successful mobile app development and deployment.
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