These days, cross platform mobile app development is in high demand. And mobile app developers prefer to use cross platform app development tools and frameworks because of convenient reasons like code reusability, quick development, and consistency.
Acclaimed mobile app development services providers implement their technical know-how to develop exceptional apps that benefit enterprises and users alike. For that, they always assist their workflow with the best framework for mobile app development.
But is that all that there is to the cause? Let’s find out.
WHAT EXACTLY IS CROSS PLATFORM MOBILE APP DEVELOPMENT?
Cross platform app development is the process of creating a single application that can operate on several operating platforms, such as Android, iOS, and Windows.
Instead of creating separate app versions for each platform, developers can create apps that operate on a single platform with a single codebase. It is the best framework for mobile app development since it adheres to the “write once, run everywhere” idea. This makes the development process faster, and the deployment of the software with a shorter time to market.
Cross platform mobile app development solutions are preferred by many businesses for a variety of reasons, including lower app costs, scalability, speedier delivery, and consistency. Some popular examples of app/solutions made using cross platform app development are Flutter-based Google Assistant, React Native-based Instagram, Xamarin-based Alaska Airlines, etc.
And if you want to boost the visibility of your brand/business, you can choose the support of a renowned mobile app development company. They will choose the best framework for mobile app development to make your vision a reality.
Cross platform mobile app development frameworks such as React Native and Futter can be used for long-term maintenance to achieve a uniform look across both iOS and Android, to reduce dependency on another development team, and so on.
However, the app can be created natively, which implies that it is created using the SDK of a certain operating system (iOS or Android). Cross platform mobile app development services consider all device configurations such as hardware memory, sensors, and cameras. Native apps have the advantage of excellent performance, a smooth user experience, and powerful functionality.
COMPARISON: CROSS PLATFORM AND NATIVE MOBILE APP
Native apps vary from cross platform apps in several ways that come as part of their difference in mobile app development services workflow. One of the most significant differences between native and cross platform applications is that native apps employ a particular app development programming language for a certain operating system.
E.g.: Objective-C is used for iOS, whereas Java and Kotlin are used for Android.
Let us now examine the remaining differences.
1. UI/UX
Since native apps are built independently on two distinct operating systems, they feature platform-specific user interfaces.
Cross platform mobile app development builds apps with the same codebase on both operating systems, and all apps have the same UI.
2. Development Time
Native apps take time to build even with the best framework for mobile app development because developers must write different codes for each operating system.
Cross platform app development demands shorter time frames since developers only need to write one piece of code for all operating systems.
3. Costs
A native app has a higher development cost than a cross platform app.
The cost of cross platform mobile app development services is lower than native app development.
4. Code Reusability
Since Android and iOS each require separate code to develop a native app, code cannot be reused in the app.
Since Android and iOS utilize the same code with cross platform app development, code can be reused in cross platform apps.
5. Teams
To build the same native app on both platforms, separate teams for Android and iOS are necessary.
To create a cross platform solution, only a cross platform mobile app development team is required.
6. Technology
AppCode, XCode, and Android Studio are Android and iOS environments used in mobile app development services.
Frameworks for developing cross platform apps include React Native, Flutter, and Xamarin.
7. Dependency
Native apps are less dependent on third-party open-source libraries and features.
Cross platform app development relies heavily on various libraries and technologies.
The choice between a native and cross platform mobile app, on the other hand, is entirely dependent on the present condition of your business, requirements, features, and the sort of app you want to produce. In some cases, cross platform applications outperform native apps and vice versa.
Let’s look at why the majority of enterprises favor cross platform mobile apps or cross platform mobile app development.
THE BENEFITS OF USING CROSS PLATFORM MOBILE APP DEVELOPMENT
The following are some of the benefits offered by cross platform mobile apps:
1. Greatly Helps in Cost-Cutting
A single codebase is necessary to construct an app in cross platform app development. Businesses can get the app up and running without spending a lot of money on development. A cross platform application requires only one team with fewer members, lowering the cost of such mobile app development services.
With cross platform mobile app development, it is much easier to have the initial version ready and assess how it performs in the market. Since cross platform software development is only utilized once, the expense of redesign on each platform is avoided.
2. Reduced Development Time Due to Code Reusability
Another significant benefit of cross platform app development is that the code may be reused several times for an app. Instead of creating fresh codes for each platform, programmers can create the same app for many platforms by reusing the same code.
3. Increase Your Reach to a Larger Audience
You can reach the audience for the specific operating system if you create a native app. However, by developing a cross platform software, you may reach a larger audience or target both the iOS and Android marketplaces simultaneously. With a broader reach, your app has a better chance of strengthening its market presence, building brand engagement, increasing its bottom line, and increasing its popularity.
4. Platform-to-Platform Brand Consistency
Brand consistency guarantees that your company’s identity is easily recognized across all platforms. Since the platforms use the same codebase, cross platform mobile app development makes it simple to create a consistent brand picture. You can easily create consistent IDs in apps on both platforms.
5. Faster Deployment
Since just one cross platform app is created, any updates or modifications to the code are easier to maintain and deploy. The updates are simple to roll out across platforms and devices. Furthermore, if an issue occurs, the uniform code for both applications might make it easier to fix.
LEADING CROSS PLATFORM MOBILE APP DEVELOPMENT TECHNOLOGIES
You may be aware of the several cross platform technologies that might help your business expand, but selecting one can be difficult. Furthermore, choosing the best framework for mobile app development for a cross platform app might help you manage your finances better. To make things easier for you, we’ve compiled a list of several cross platform app development tools.
The following is a list of the best cross platform mobile app development tools.
1. Flutter
- Simple code writing for cross platform mobile app development services
- Hot reload
- Rich widget
- SDK and native functionalities are available.
- Development on Linux, Mac, and Windows are supported.
- Minimal Code
E.g.: Google Assistant, Tencent, BMW
2. React Native
- Platform agnostic components
- NPM packages
- Strong cross platform app development community
- Third-party library assistance
- Live reload
- Hot reload
- CocoaPods support
E.g.: Facebook, Tesla, Walmart
3. Ionic
- Uses web-standards
- Cordova plugin
- Compatibility with frameworks
- Javascript components
- Angular.js-based
- API is available
- Cross platform mobile app development tools that are mobile-friendly
E.g: Diesel, Pacifica, MarketWatch
4. Xamarin
- Android and iOS native platform integration
- Class libraries that are portable for cross platform mobile app development services
- Application loader
- Several code signings
- Instruments for diagnosis
- Storyboard files
- Gaming
- Integration with Visual Studio
E.g.: HCL, UPS, American Cancer Society
5. Apache Cordova
- Powered by Node.js.
- CLI (command-line interface)
- Plugins for cross platform app development
- Web view is embedded
E.g.: Adobe, UseInsider, JustWatch
6. Appcelerator
- App builder that works with Javascript
- Code that is reusable
- Multilingual interface for cross platform mobile app development
- Include third-party libraries
- App builder is user-friendly
E.g.: Cisco, Forrester, Bed Bath & Beyond
But when do you need cross platform mobile app development? Let’s look at which cases call for such mobile app development services.
WHEN SHOULD A CROSS PLATFORM MOBILE APP BE DEVELOPED?
- If you have a larger audience that uses your app on both mobile and web, choose cross platform app development
- 2. If you want to create basic apps to engage with your customers that do not have animations or complicated features
- If you want to swiftly deploy your app on numerous platforms, you can go for cross platform mobile app development
- If you wish to test your idea using a minimum viable product (MVP)
- If you are constrained by time, money, or human resources
THINGS TO KNOW IN CROSS PLATFORM MOBILE APP DEVELOPMENT
1. Potential hiring assistance can be found through UpWork, GoodFirms, Clutch, etc.
2. Cross platform mobile app development services costs are in an estimated range of $15,000 to $25,000. This can vary as per business needs, app complexity, features, etc.
CROSS PLATFORM MOBILE APP DEVELOPMENT: CONCLUSION
We have condensed the whole guide to building a mobile app with a cross platform app development approach. We hope that all of the information regarding the development helps you make the best decision possible along with the best framework for mobile app development.
