Mobile Development
Smartphone usage has increased by 78% in the last three years. The demand for mobile software encourages
the creation of new forms of app development. People can design applications without coding skills, with
the help of
DIY platforms, or create applications that use HTML, CSS and multi-platform web frameworks.
However, only developers with knowledge of high-level programming languages and a deep understanding of
the native development environment can create competitive software solutions with broad functionality
and unique, attractive user interfaces to guarantee the perfect user experience.
Native Vs. Cross-Platform Vs. Hybrid
Mobile software is gradually integrated into all aspects of our lives, accessing information, the latest
news, communicating with people, clicking and performing many other actions. This diffusion in our daily
lives increases the importance and diversity of mobile programs. The diversity of software development
opportunities is also increasing and software design companies can provide several ways to develop
mobile software. Each of these methods has advantages and disadvantages, so let's compare.
Cross-platform App
The alternative software development option presented to many IT companies is to use cross-platform
frameworks such as Xamarin, Appcelerator and React Native. In a cross-platform framework, you can write
programs with a performance close to the intermediate languages, such as JavaScript and C #, so you can
share up to 80% of the code in the required platform. Making cross-platform products also provides
access APIs and platform-specific libraries.
Is the Cross-platform App a Better Option than the Native One?
In multiplatform apps, cross-platform development is a more useful alternative than native coding, since
it provides UIs close to the native and shared code bases. But it is not as simple as it seems. Despite
sharing the code with cross-platform apps, the amount can vary greatly depending on the level of
customisation and the configuration of the required features. Development companies still need to write
additional code, and the greater the functionality, the more code you must write for each platform.
Speed can be slow due to the interpretation of the intermediate language used as a core. Access to the
functions of the device and the platform also depends on the support of the selected frame and the
complement, which limit the capacity of the programmer. Also, if you need a heavy user interface, the
amount of shared code will be greatly reduced, the development time will be longer, and the great
benefits of multiplatform development - reduced time and cost - will be lost.
Clients
Here at Magora, with a professional native application development team, you can make any type of
application or integrated software system. The choice of the solution depends on your requirements.
We’ll estimate every factor of your initial task - from the operating system used in the daily routine
operations of your company up to the prospective requirements and flexibility needed. Based on all these
factors, we’ll chose the appropriate technology and programming language to provide you with effective,
stable, multiplicable software.
Hybrid Mobile App
Unlike cross-platform apps, hybrids depend solely on the HTML 5, CSS 3 and JavaScript web programming
languages. They represent the user interface using an embedded web browser with a single code base. You
can access the functionality of the device through APIs and third-party add-ons. With minimal
personalisation and a single code base, it can reach the market faster than other native and
cross-platform apps. The most well-known hybrid development framework that is also used in development
companies is Cordova, also known as PhoneGap. Other frameworks that can be used for this type of
development are Trigger.IO, Ionic Framework, and Telerik Platform.
Why not Build a Hybrid App?
Time to market and sharing the code will affect performance, especially on previous versions of the
Android and iOS platforms. When developers use the web API, the resulting user interface resembles a
website and is very common for all devices. You can integrate more sophisticated functions with the help
of native programming using Objective-C and Java. The speed of performance is affected by the control of
the embedded web browser. When comparing native, hybrid, cross-platform and HTML5 mobile apps, the
latter offers the fastest time to market with the most common user interface. One of the biggest
drawbacks of PhoneGap development is the problem of exposing the PhoneGap app to the app store.
Web-based App Optimised for Mobile Devices
Mobile app companies also offer other options that allow employees to access company data and work
remotely. You do not need to create native or cross-platform applications to mobilise staff. Another
option is to create a web program adapted to the smartphone and the tablet. Unlike hybrid,
cross-platform and native apps, web applications cannot be found in any app store, but can be easily
accessed through an Internet browser and do not require storage space. Such software is designed to
adapt to any screen size on both desktop and mobile devices. It feels like an app on a smaller
screen
and the user interacts with it via a touch-screen interface.
The development of mobile software is the best option if your main
objective is to involve users while remaining on mobile devices, offering access without connection
to
content or functions that do not require an Internet connection. Software optimised for mobile
devices
based on web technology is a good option for internal processing, communication and data exchange.
Why does the DIY Platform Waste Money?
The "do-it-yourself" platform has a wide range of options for those with limited resources and
coding ability. If your goal is to create a promotional app with a simple function that affirms its
existence in the mobile device market, you can try several manufacturers of DIY applications instead
of hiring professional developers.
Let us provide you with some information before you start working with the DIY site.
Nuts and Bolts of DIY resources for Mobile App Development
DIY platforms certainly may seem very attractive as they bring such benefits as:
- Ease of use - Even if you’ve never worked on the site before, it’ll take no more than 15 minutes
to understand how it works. Those wishing to build programs with the help of such platforms need
no programming skills. Each element has a visual representation. Use templates to customise the
company image and add related content. In other words, you get what you see.
- A form of communication - The main challenges of software creation include communication
problems related to conceptual misunderstandings, response time delays and other issues. With
DIY applications there’s no need to wait for developers or explain your needs and requirements.
- Time and cost savings - By using the app creation site, development time is reduced by half and
the target audience can be reached as soon as possible. The cost of development and maintenance
is approximately $60 per month. At the same time, you get a cross-platform solution for all
major platforms.
However, there are a range of difficulties that cannot be avoided when working with the DIY
platform.
- Limited capacity - The manufacturer of DIY applications only provides basic functions and
creates a general program of low-level use. You cannot build prominent and sophisticated
elements that suggest a simple mobile presence.
- Buggy user experience - Even with individual approaches to each platform, developers face a
variety of challenges to create error-free experiences. With the DIY approach, a large number of
devices and users are excluded by mistake, and applications cannot be run on smartphones and
tablets. DIY manufacturers are willing to accept all major operating systems with a single
solution, but as the platforms are different, a solution cannot meet all the requirements.
A doubtful advantage is that you can launch programs faster and more cheaply, but the question is
whether the resulting product meets the requirements of the business. Such simple products will not
differ from competitors, add attractive features or increase the return on investment. In addition,
the resulting poor quality can have a dramatic impact on corporate reputation.
Talk to a Professional App Development Company
The Magora IT agency specialises in the development of mobile native apps, providing high-quality
smartphone and tablet programs. We can consult with you about an effective approach to native app
development, as well as create a project for your from scratch. Call us today for a free
professional consultation.
