Cross platform mobile application development refers to the building of software applications that can be used across multiple mobile operating systems. Traditionally, apps are created for each individual platform, meaning a native app would be built for both Android and a separate app for iOS. With cross platform mobile development, there is more flexibility to create an app using a universal language that can then be exported to different mobile platforms. This means that one app could work across multiple environments.
How Is Cross Platform Mobile Development Different?
Cross platform mobile app development differs from a native mobile app in a number of ways. A native mobile application is designed to meet the requirements of a specific operating system. There are several key advantages to using native mobile apps, such as high performance, seamless user experience and robust functionality.
A cross platform mobile app is different as it is designed to be compatible with multiple operating systems instead of just one. This means that an app could run on a smartphone, PC, tablet, connected TV and even a smartwatch. This type of app development is also highly beneficial, providing easy maintenance and updates, a shorter time to market and a broader reach.
Top 4 Benefits Of Developing A Cross Platform Mobile Application
Approximately 91 percent of internet users use mobile devices to search the web as of October 2020, according to Statistica. With the rapid popularity of smartphone use, app developers are always searching for ways to make apps faster and more comprehensive.
When a business chooses to create a mobile application for their organization, one of the biggest decisions they will have to make is which development platform to use. Cross platform mobile development provides a universal solution that is supported by multiple mobile platforms at once.
Cross platform mobile development offers countless advantages over traditional mobile development. Here’s a closer look at some of these benefits and how they can provide value to a business.
Same Experience For Users, Regardless Of What Device Is Being Used
What makes cross platform mobile development so popular is that users across all devices can have the same experience, regardless if they are using a smartphone, laptop, desktop, tablet or any other internet-enabled device.
If a user begins using an application on a smartphone but wants to switch over to a PC, they want to retain a similar user interface and experience to avoid confusion and wasted time. Cross platform mobile development is an excellent solution that can help achieve greater customer satisfaction.
Lower Upfront Costs
Mobile app development can be a costly endeavor, especially when app developers must create apps for each individual platform. Cross platform mobile development can actually save businesses money by reducing the amount of time it takes to create the app.
Cross platform mobile development makes it simple and cost-effective for organizations to build multiple mobile apps on various mobile operating systems. Developers are able to replicate or reuse substantial parts of the code for different mobile operating systems which essentially saves time and money.
Reach A Wider Audience & Market
When apps are created for a single platform, such as Android or IOS, there is a focused market for these products. However, when a cross platform mobile app is developed that can be used on any platform, the market opens up. When products are built and published for multiple app stores simultaneously, there is a much higher reach and the app is more likely to become popular.
Advanced Analytics & Data
Cross platform mobile application development also differs in the way that it collects data and measures success. To ensure a desirable spot on the market, collected data can be used to adjust the app early on in the process to better help meet the needs of its target users.
Compared to traditional web application development, cross platform mobile development also allows for easy product maintenance. With cross platform development, the only focus is the codebase, making it quick and easy to test apps and deploy “bug fixes” and other upgrades. Having just one codebase also helps to keep consistency in the design.
Speak To An Experienced Mobile App Development Company
Many businesses are turning to cross-platform app development due to its many benefits. However, like any rising technology there are also a few disadvantages to consider. Cross-platform apps are not able to take full advantage of native-only features to achieve an excellent customer user experience. It is also common to have slow code performance during the development phase. In many cases, the benefits of cross platform mobile development outweigh the few downsides.
To learn more about the benefits of cross platform mobile application development or to speak with an experienced mobile app development company, reach out to the custom software development team at Orases by calling 301.756.5527 or by scheduling a consultation online.
