Choosing which app to use for a project can be confusing. You can build what’s known as “native”, “hybrid” or “web” apps. Each option has strengths and weaknesses to consider before committing your time and resources. To learn more read on…
1. Native apps
iOS on Swift
Android on Java or Kotlin
Since native apps are more powerful by design and more complex to develop they are more expensive compared to other types of apps.
Native apps are developed for a single platform or operating system. Apps built for systems like iOS, Android, Windows phone, cannot be used on a platform other than their own.
Advantages of native apps include high performance and good user experience as developers can use native user interfaces. Native apps also have access to a wide range of tools, and other features that puts no limitation on app usage. Native applications are distributed from app stores that support their platform, and have a built in audience that uses that platform.
2. Hybrid apps for all platforms
Hybrid apps are built using web technologies (HTML5, CSS and Javascript). These apps are mainly web apps disguised as native apps. Hybrid apps possess the pros and cons of native and web apps.
Hybrid apps are fast and easy to develop. A Single code base ensures low-cost maintenance. Hybrid apps however lack in performance, speed and overall optimization in comparison to native apps. Also, there are certain design issues due to app inability to look exactly same way on two or more platforms.
3. Web Apps
Web apps act like native apps, but use browsers to run and are usually written in HTML5, JavaScript or CSS. Web apps are “installed” by a redirect to website that is bookmarked for quick access and cannot work without internet access.
Web apps require minimum of device memory. Since web apps don’t have their own database or store any data, all data is saved on a remote server, and users can get access to the data from any device with an internet connection. Using a web app with poor connection would result in a badly performing app.
For more information on building your app schedule a consultation today.