Within two decades, smartphones have transformed from simple but bulky communication tools to catering to almost every need. Mobile applications play a major part in delivering this benefit by catering to a wide range of requirements. There are two fundamental methods of app development: native platform and cross-platform.
Discover the primary differences between the two app development types to understand which strategy is suitable for your application.
Here are the two types of app development, segregated by advantages and disadvantages.
Opting for Native Application Development
Developers can opt for native application development if they wish to cater to a specific operating system (OS). Thus, the development is done through the OS’s native programming language and tools. For Android, Java is a well-known choice, while for iOS, Xcode or Swift can be used.
Benefits of Native Platform Application Development
These are the advantages of developing on native platforms:
- Better Performance: Since they are developed for a specific platform and incorporated in the same manner, they deliver an optimal performance. Native applications can run operations more smoothly and at a faster rate due to their direct access to the platform’s application programming interfaces (APIs).
- Enhanced User Interface: A User-friendly design is the priority during application development. Native development allows for more tailor-made user experiences to be generated.
The benefits are lucrative. However, there are some major disadvantages as well.
Drawbacks of Native Application Development
These are the disadvantages of developing on native platforms:
- High Development Costs: With separate platforms, developers create separate codebases for iOS and Android. Updating and maintaining each requires time and effort. This increases development costs.
- Extend Time to Launch: The time to eventually market the product is extended as the development and testing of apps on individual platforms takes time.
These drawbacks sometimes outweigh the benefits for developers. So, they might opt for cross-platform development.
Also Read: The Surprising Comeback of Feature Phones
Opting for Cross-Platform Application Development
The primary goal of using a cross-platform strategy is to target multiple systems. This is because applications for both platforms can be developed by creating one codebase. With a unified API and their platform-specific software development kit (SDK), a cross-platform framework is used.
Benefits of Cross-Platform Application Development
These are the advantages of developing through cross-platforms:
- Economical: Development and maintenance costs are significantly reduced as only a single codebase has to be generated. Some developers hold expertise on a specific platform, but a cross-platform approach allows for the easier sharing of knowledge and resources.
- Shorter Time to Launch: Since it takes less development time, the product can be brought to the market and advertised at a quicker rate. Additionally, new features and updates can be simultaneously released across platforms.
The benefits are lucrative. However, there are some major disadvantages as well.
Drawbacks of Cross-Platform Application Development
These are the disadvantages of developing through cross-platforms:
- Lower Performance Levels: There are significant performance trade-offs when opting for cross-platforms. Applications that are resource heavy do not perform as well as those developed on native platforms. Additionally, there is a restriction on using platform-specific features for smoother applications.
- Poorer User Interface: With a single codebase, neither platform receives applications that showcase a native look and blend in properly. To achieve this, additional customizations must be made which will increase costs.
These drawbacks sometimes outweigh the benefits for developers. So, they might opt for native platform development.
Closing Thoughts
Deciding between native and cross-platform provides their own sets of merits and demerits. However, this one choice will greatly impact the app’s design, the technologies employed, and the audience that can use it in the end. Therefore, it must be made with careful consideration.
