If you’re looking to develop a mobile app, there are so many options for you to choose from. We have native web apps, hybrid apps, and web apps. How do you know which one to select?
We shall take time to go over the different alternatives, weigh their pros and cons, and then recommend the best way to identify what suits your needs.
Summary of Native Mobile App Development
A native app is an application that is built for a specific platform. They are usually written in a language that is accepted by the platform in question. Some of the popular frameworks for applications are Swift, Objective-C, Java, and Kotlin.
If you’re going to be building a native app with the help of top app developers in the USA, you’ll need to ensure that the right language is used for the right platform (iOS, Windows, Android). Because of the direct nature of these apps, they are usually very fast and responsive. The user interaction is excellent, and it aptly maximizes the functionality of the host device.
Mobile app development involving native apps, however, are usually more expensive than other alternatives.
Summary of Web App Development
These are applications that are hosted on traditional web browsers. They look like native apps and share certain functionalities, however, they do not require the installation of the application. Instead of using this approach, they facilitate interaction via a web view.
Generally speaking, web apps are easier to build, they are very easy to maintain, and they are cheap too. For all these wonderful advantages, the drawback is that they are much slower than the native app. Also, they are often unable to properly leverage in-built device functions such as GPS or other sensors. This also means that a web app is not as intuitive as a native app.
Summary of Hybrid App Development
You have learned a lot about native apps and web apps, two extreme ends of the spectrum of mobile app development. There’s another alternative that gives us the best of both worlds: hybrid app development.
Hybrid apps, as the name implies, combine the essential features of both native apps and web apps. This means they are not as expensive as native apps, they utilize the basic functionality of the device, and they do not require a web browser. Also, another implication of hybrid app development is that they leverage APIs. They are not as fast as native apps and it is not possible to customize the development of specific apps to specific platforms.
What Does a Top App Developer in the USA Need to Know About Hybrid App Development?
Usually hybrid apps are built using the usual frameworks such as JavaScript, HTML, and CSS. They are also equipped with the same capability as HTML5, incorporating native app features in the process. Hybrid app development is broken down into two parts. The back-end which is built using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. The other part is the native shell, and this is what loads the coded program.
Factors to Consider Before You Choose Hybrid App Development?
On paper, native app development seems like the best bet for any company. However, there are factors that should be considered before coming to this conclusion.
How Soon Do You Need the App?
In the startup world, speed is crucial. How fast an app can be made available can determine the success of your round of funding. If this is the case with your company, a hybrid app should be given the nod. You will get the app in good time.
How Important is User Experience?
User experience is obviously a very important aspect of service delivery, right? You can’t afford to compromise. Well, the only time you’ll be required to sacrifice UX in hybrid app development is when the app requires constant interactions with the phone’s built-in features. Will you rely on the camera, GPS, push notifications, etc.? If not, a hybrid app will suffice.
How Complex is the App?
With so many complex features, the requirements of the app increases and this also necessitates native app development. If you hire the right app development company for your project, you’ll have no issues with the complex requirements. But companies that rely on their app for a lot of complex procedures such as payment processing or on-demand apps are not advised to build hybrid apps.
What is Your Budget for the App?
This is probably the factor that trumps all other factors. If you neglect your budget and choose to stick with an app development project that is out of reach, you either get a sub-par delivery or you’re unable to complete the development. You don’t want any of these.
Why Should You Adopt Hybrid App Development for Your Startup?
We’ve explained all these in detail already. To simplify:
1. It’s easy to build and maintain
2. It’s cheaper
3. You can use one app for any platform
4. You do not need to use a browser
5. With advanced APIs, you can make use of the device’s in-built functions
Important Concepts to Consider in Mobile App Development
Mobile users are growing exponentially and this trend is predicted to continue for a long time. This means that the demand on your platform is bound to constantly increase.
With this in mind, make sure you remember the following tips:
1. A hybrid app is not meant to replicate a conventional native mobile app, neither is it to replicate a website. The aim is to merge the best of both worlds.
2. Your existing API infrastructure should be reliable and should also facilitate easy access to your platform.
3. Scalability is one very important factor to consider in a business. You need to hire top app developers in the USA to help take your business to the next level.
4. Make sure your system is secure enough to withstand attacks.
Conclusion
As we have seen, native apps outperform every other type of application when it comes to user experience and functionality. They have no problems accessing in-built functions like cameras, GPS, and other sensors. However, most startups do not have the luxury of funding this sort of project, at least not in their early stages.
This is why it’s recommended that startups adopt hybrid apps. In most cases, it’s sufficient for the purposes laid out. Are you thinking of how to hire top app developers in the USA to help you build a hybrid app? Look no further, we are right here to help you realize your plans.
