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Over a third of software developers create mobile apps using cross-platform mobile frameworks. You may be lured to the attraction of native app development since it’s what major firms use, but unless your app requires access to native features, you must determine if the return is worth the expense.
Applications that are Native
The most frequent sort of app is native mobile apps. They are native in the sense that they are designed for particular platforms and written in languages that the platform supports. Most native iOS applications, for example, utilize Swift, whereas native Android apps use Kotlin by default (historically Java).
Start-ups often choose to create a native app because they want to target consumers on a certain platform first – in some areas, Android phones are significantly more widespread – or because they know most VCs (Venture Capitalists) would want to test their app on an iPhone.
Advantages of Native Applications:
- Native applications often outperform web apps.
- Native app development gives developers complete access to the device’s operating system’s feature set.
- Because each mobile operating system has its own set of UI standards and rules, native mobile applications tend to have a more refined UX and design.
- Upon launch, native app developers get access to all of the newest and best features.
The Drawbacks of Native Applications
The expense of native apps is one of its major drawbacks, particularly if you’re a tiny start-up looking to develop an MVP for startups to sell to investors. Some say that the initial expense of native mobile app development is worthwhile in the long term, but you should also consider the following disadvantages:
- Native applications employ programming languages that demand expert developers, and if you want your app to be available on both platforms, you’ll almost certainly need twice as many app developers.
- Simple apps may not benefit from the complexities and subtleties of native programming.
- Because you’ll be running trials and making drastic modifications to your app early on, any upfront expenditure may be a waste of time.
If you don’t need a GPS feature or extensive connection with native SDKs for things like AR/VR capabilities, native app development may not be the ideal option for you when starting from scratch. If you are not sure about the choice, then go now to the Dewais specialists for advice.
Cross-Platform Applications
Most early-stage start-ups and even some later-stage start-ups enjoy the cross-platform approach to app development. It’s an excellent, low-cost option for smaller start-ups seeking a native app-like feel, a high-quality user experience, and secure, dependable functionality. Sharing code across platforms also allows you to release a functional solution sooner.
The Advantages of Cross-Platform Applications
Aside from the economic advantages of cross-platform app development, there are a few more advantages to consider:
- You may employ a single codebase with certain platform-specific capabilities, which minimizes development time and hence expenses.
- When correctly designed, UI performance may be as fast as native apps.
- Cross-platform development is an excellent choice if you need to release an app before a competition. Once you have a functional app in the market, you may convert it to a native app.
- When developing a cross-platform application, there is no need to recruit platform-specific teams, as there is when developing a native app.
- Because most defects only need to be detected (and addressed) once, cross-platform programs save QA time.
Cross-Platform Application Drawbacks
Again, we advise most start-ups considering app creation to thoroughly explore the advantages of going the cross-platform way, but we are well aware that there are a few negatives to this style of app development, including:
- In certain cases, shared code might have an impact on the user experience. When developing a native app, you adapt to the features and guidelines of each platform;
- When it comes to alerts and platform-specific features, integrating the app might be difficult.
Which App Development Method Is Right for You?
At Dewais, we’ve worked with a variety of companies to create their apps. In general, the decision between native vs. cross-platform boils down to your company and your goals. We often recommend beginning with a cross-platform mobile solution like Flutter when designing an app for an early-stage start-up. Going native generally makes sense once you’ve established enough traction to justify much more investment in the software, or when you have specific feature needs that a cross-platform framework cannot provide.