We compared and discussed the differences and contradictions while speaking about the advantages and disadvantages of native app development. Now, let’s have a more thorough discussion on hybrid app development as well as analyze some of the best tech stacks that you can choose while developing a cross-platform mobile app.
Advantages of Hybrid Mobile App Development
We have already drowned out the major arguments and parallels between the advantages and disadvantages of native and cross-platform development while discussing native apps. As mentioned some things that make hybrid apps more preferable include:
- Low-cost app development
- Fast results
- Less time on testing the app
- Easier usage of plugins
- A single open code used for multiple platforms
- Scalability: Hybrid mobile applications are limited only by the underlying framework
Let’s see what’s the difference between Native and Hybrid approaches, and understand why Hybrid wins over Native.
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Maintenance and support is easy and less costy
Everybody, at least once, got frustrated using their favorite app because of the update of the specific operating system. This is especially an up-to-date topic for native apps. Nor is it only annoying but it’s also very costy for many users to change their mobile device as soon as the operating system is updated. On the other hand, the scalability of the app becomes so poor that companies simply get no other choice than to hire new development teams or the previous ones to roll out new versions with each update. A hybrid app or a cross-platform app easily bypasses such problems, and most of the time companies just rely on the software maintenance support that is usually provided by qualified software development agencies after the project ends.
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Effortless integration with other apps
Native apps are less flexible as they run on a specific operating system thus it limits the ability to work in harmony with other apps. Simplicity is the number one priority for attracting more users to install your app. Limited integration often annoys users cutting out the chances of scoring high in the store. Hybrid apps take advantage of this issue as they both perfectly connect with the mobile’s system environment and get easily integrated with other apps in the store without the slightest of friction.
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Online marketplace qualification process is more hassle-free
Google Play Store and App store are the 2 ”˜’giants’’ in the online app market. According to the recent research by Statista, there are 2.560.000 apps available in Google Play store and 1.847.000 in App store in the first quarter of 2020. Thus, these two dominants have rather strict rules and guidelines for publishing an app. If you are serious about your product, it’s obvious that you should, first of all, submit your app to these stores. Although these two welcome both hybrid and native apps, it’s always less risky to develop a hybrid app, which has the potential to be submitted at least to one or hopefully both of these stores.
An eye-friendly and attractive design is the number one feature that catches our attention while choosing which app to install. We may do it subconsciously, but it’s a fact. However, your app isn’t the winner among other options just after it’s installed. A consistent experience is also crucial. Hybrid apps provide these features across both iOS and Android platforms. Cross-platform apps function perfectly for mobile meantime embracing the web. With hybrid approach, you can be sure that your app offers superior UI experience. It helps easily and quickly download graphics and content. The adaptation process to various device screens is much faster ultimately causing faster data display and smoother data streaming. The companies that value and target on high engagement on both iOS and Android, choose hybrid mobile app development model.
Disadvantages of Hybrid Mobile App Development
Although hybrid mobile apps are ideal solutions for the limited-budget businesses, require less time, and allow reaching wide audiences there are still some drawbacks that should be taken into consideration.
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Challenges in user experience
Hybrid mobile app is developed for multiple platforms thus it should be adjusted accordingly. There should be a mid-oriented interface for both iOS and Android users. So, challenges may occur for Android users if the developers heavily focus on iOS functionalities and vice versa.
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Hybrid mobile apps may work more slowly
As hybrid mobile apps are less flexible when it comes to operating in a specific system, the loading process may take more time. However, the loading time difference is so little that the users won’t be able to notice it. Plus, this isn’t related to content-oriented apps, as they are simple and don’t require complex functions.
Nevertheless, these don’t prevent hybrid apps from being a widely-used and up-to-date solution for many businesses. So, checking out the “best-practice” technologies in Hybrid mobile app development is also advised.
After you decide to develop a mobile application via the hybrid model, take time to understand which is your ideal technology for building the hybrid app. As I’ve already mentioned, CodeRiders developers work with Ionic and Flutter technologies. Thus I’ll speak about these two.
Ionic and Flutter
Although Ionic and Flutter are separate mobile app development technologies and have specific functions, there are still some things that they share in common, and make them stand out among other technologies. Both Ionic and Flutter give a chance to create a UI framework that works everywhere, has great performance, is highly scalable, and has a nice and neat look wherever it runs. Unlike other cross-platform approaches that highly focus on mobile development, Ionic and Flutter have one shared codebase designed to address mobile, desktop, and the web.
Common to this case, there is also the main distinction between these two. Ionic embraces open-web capabilities even in case of a little possibility. Therefore, Ionic is entirely based on open-web technologies, which include web languages that are used to build Ionic apps, standard-based UI components running in your app. On the other hand, Flutter has the approach of creating a brand new ecosystem from scratch. Thus, almost everything about Flutter is based on its own standards that aren’t included in nowadays browser capabilities, web languages, etc.
Flutter technology is a great solution if you’re looking for strong animations. It has outstanding options for widgets that are incorporated to ensure the native performance of the application. Some of the options include icons and fonts, navigation, scrolling.
Ionic is easier to move across the platforms and is based on the look and feel.
Choosing between Ionic and Flutter is something that should be done together with a technical person. This is why CodeRiders usually provides free consultations and explains all of the details of the used technologies, development methods, etc. – so non-technical clients can get deep into the process and understand what the development cycle is going to be about.
Now, hopefully after reading this article, you'll decide which method is the best for you. So, now when you have your mobile app development model figured out, it's also important to represent clear-cut requirements. Check this easy guide for writing a scope of work document with a real sample.
