Today, applications for mobile devices are generally built for a specific platform. Each operating system uses a unique coding language that is not recognized by other operating systems. For example, an app designed exclusively for iPhone would not work on a Samsung Galaxy. With cross platform mobile app development, it is possible to create a program in a universal language that can be used on any operating system. Cross platform development is an investment that grants organizations the ability to deploy their software on Android, iOS or any other mobile platform.
Applications Commonly Used On Mobile Devices
Ordinarily, when a mobile developer builds a native app, they build a separate app for each operating system. To build an app for Apple iOS, a developer would use a program in Objective-C or Swift. When building an app for Android, a developer would use a program in Java, and when building an app for Windows Phone, a developer would use a program in C# and XAML.
There are also several different types of software products used by smartphone owners, such as the following:
Web Applications
These run on remote servers and are accessed only through the internet. Web applications upload data to client browsers and cannot be found in app stores.
Hybrid Cross-Platform Applications
This type of app is typically built using JS, CSS and HTML and can be downloaded from app stores and run while offline. Hybrid cross-platform applications make it easy to use the code repeatedly which can be a cost-effective solution in app development.
Native Applications
These apps are built exclusively for a specific operating system. Native applications offer optimal user experience and functionality. They also have exclusive APIs that can access in-app purchases, push notifications and camera functionality.
Native Cross-Platform Applications
This type of app combines hybrid and native software products to be reused on multiple operating systems. While native cross-platform applications do offer noticeable savings on both time and resources, they can result in a slight performance loss.
Advantages of Cross Platform Mobile Development
The concept of cross-platform mobile development has grown in popularity in the last few years. When developers are able to write code once and employ it across all platforms, it can result in many advantages.
Reduction Of Expenses
Having to create code in several different languages can result in major expenses. Coding an application just once can save a considerable amount of money. Savings can also be found elsewhere, such as having to debug an app just once in the common code base instead of several times across each individual platform.
Seamless User Experience
Cross platform mobile development can also have a positive influence on user experience. When one base code is used across all operating systems, it results in a more seamless user experience and less of a learning curve.
Ideal For Prototyping
The use of cross platform mobile development can be ideal for prototyping. It makes it easier and faster to market the app on multiple platforms. It also enables the user to collect user feedback, secure patents if needed and establish their brand in the market.
Quicker Development & Adoption
Bring your own device (BYOD) policies in the workplace are becoming more common. Cross platform mobile platform apps can result in faster development and adoption at a lower cost which can be beneficial when certain apps are needed for use by employees.
Disadvantages Of Cross Platform Mobile Development
While cross platform mobile development can be cost-effective, improve user experience and provide other key benefits, it is also important to understand the downsides of this application type. Only then is it possible to weigh the pros and cons and decide if this method of mobile development is the right solution.
Possibility Of Decreased Platform Efficiency
One of the biggest potential downsides of cross platform mobile development is less efficiency. Lack of hardware power can cause HTML5 animations to run less smoothly on some devices, especially operating systems that are more than three years old.
May Take Up More Power & Resources
It can also result in the use of more power and resources. When using advanced features on a cross platform app, users may experience fast battery drainage and the use of more resources compared to a native app.
Keeping Up With Updates For Different Operating Systems
It can be more challenging to keep up with updates on different operating systems when an app is created through cross platform mobile development. Delays in making essential updates could result in a loss of customers and the app becoming obsolete when competitors provide a more efficient app.
Reach Out To A Professional Mobile App Development Company
Cross platform mobile development may be the right solution in situations where an owner wants an app to work seamlessly across multiple operating systems. To learn more about the custom software development process or to speak with a professional mobile app developer about creating a mobile application, contact the custom software developer at Orases today by calling 301.756.5527 or by requesting a consultation online.
