Mobile apps have become a requirement for many businesses across various industries, making it necessary for applications to run smoothly on both iOS and Android platforms. Cross-platform app development has gained immense popularity due to its numerous benefits.
With its growing demand, several cross-platform app development tools and frameworks have emerged in the market, and every mobile app development company is trying to utilize this unique technology. By opting for cross-platform mobile development, you can create solutions quickly and at a lower cost.
In this post, we will be discussing cross-platform app development and the top mobile app development frameworks that you can use to build multi-platform mobile solutions.
What is Cross Platform Mobile App Development?
Cross-platform mobile app development is a method of creating mobile applications that can be published on any platform, such as Android or iOS. This approach allows developers to use a “build once, publish anywhere” technique, making the apps compatible with multiple mobile operating systems.
Unlike native app development, the code base for cross-platform apps can be reused. This is why it is a popular method in the app development domain, which most top mobile app development companies use.
Developers use programming languages that are not native to specific devices and operating systems. Instead, they use a diverse programming architecture, which enables the apps to be supported on two or more platforms.
These apps are built using cross-platform mobile app frameworks that make it easy to access different platform SDKs (Software Development Kits) and libraries.
Understanding Native Vs Cross-Platform Mobile App Development
Native mobile app development is a type of app development that focuses on either the Android or iOS platform. These apps are designed by taking into account the unique features of the target operating system.
On the other hand, cross-platform mobile app development is developed to function on multiple operating systems using a single codebase.
The table below highlights the key differences between Native and cross-platform mobile app development:
| Feature | Native App Development | Cross-Platform App Development |
| Platform | Single platform (iOS or Android) | Multiple platforms (iOS, Android, etc.) |
| Performance | Faster and smoother due to optimized code for specific platform | Slower due to the abstraction layer |
| User Experience (UX) | Feels more natural and intuitive for the platform | May have a less polished look and feel due to generic UI elements |
| Development Cost | More expensive due to separate codebases for each platform | More cost-effective with a single codebase |
| Development Time | Longer development time | Faster development time |
| Security | More secure due to access to native platform security features | Less secure due to potential limitations of the development framework |
The Top 5 Cross-Platform Mobile App Development Frameworks
Now that you have a good understanding of the fundamentals of cross-platform mobile apps, it’s time to know about the best frameworks and tools available for developing such apps.
These technological frameworks can be utilized to develop and launch your own app.
Below is a list of some popular frameworks that you can consider:
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React Native
React Native is a well-known name in the development industry, which is based on Facebook’s best-in-class JavaScript library, React.
It enables cross-platform development while ensuring a native look and feel when it comes to UI components. Hire React Native app developers that can use JavaScript, Java, Swift, or C to create robust applications for your project.
Some popular apps built using React Native app development services are Skype, Shopify, and Bloomberg.
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Flutter
Flutter, owned by Google, is a popular framework that enables creators to build mobile, web, and desktops apps using a single codebase. Developers need to work with Google’s programming language Dart to create apps with Flutter.
Hire cross-platform app developer to build premium cross-platform apps for your business. Some well-known mobile apps based on Flutter include eBay, Google Pay, and Alibaba.
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Xamarin
Xamarin, owned by Microsoft, is an open-source cross-platform app development framework that uses the C# language and the .Net framework.
It supports Windows, Android, and iOS app development and is supported by many contributors and developers around the globe. Some popular apps built using Xamarin are Academy Members (Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences) App and Alaska Airlines.
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Ionic
Ionic is an open-source UI toolkit that works on a combination of native and web technologies like JavaScript, CSS, HTML, etc. Developers can build mobile and desktop applications with Ionic and power apps to leverage built-in device features with Cordova and Capacitor plugins.
Ionic has its own IDE (Integrated Development Environment) that makes app development easy. Some well-known apps built with Ionic include BBC Children and EA Games.
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Native Script
Native Script is an amazing free cross-platform framework based on JavaScript. It offers all native APIs, rendering the ability to developers to reuse existing plugins straight from NPM into the projects.
It wouldn’t be wrong to say that Native Script is a preferable choice of developers looking for WORA functionality.
Key Benefits of Cross-Platform Mobile App Development
Cross-platform mobile app development offers several advantages over native app development, here are some of the key benefits: –
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Mobile App for Various Platforms
Cross-platform frameworks offer several advantages to enterprises seeking to build mobile apps.
They allow developers to create applications that can run on multiple platforms, which is particularly useful when the business functionality is straightforward and quick deployment is a priority.
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Low Development Costs
Cross-platform development can significantly reduce the cost of building mobile apps.
Previously, a company would have had to develop separate workflows for web, Android, and iOS. However, by using a cross-platform framework, the effort required to build the app can be reduced by up to half.
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Agile Development Methodology
Cross-platform development can simplify the development process and reduce the number of human hours required to complete the project. Developers can choose between native, hybrid, and custom web app development approaches, optimizing development loads across sub-teams. This flexibility is particularly useful for CPU-heavy or gaming applications that require more native development and optimization than e-commerce apps.
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Convenient Code Maintenance
Cross-platform development makes code maintenance simpler.
With software development services developers can use the same codebase for different platforms, which reduces the chance of cognitive biases and discrepancies in design, code, and content. This, in turn, reduces the likelihood of errors and flaws, resulting in a more consistent project overall.
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Shorter Time-to-Market
Cross-platform development can speed up the time-to-market for mobile apps and make customization easier.
These platforms come with tools, features, and extensions that support responsiveness, performance, and security, making the development process more streamlined and efficient.
As a result, businesses can deploy their mobile apps faster and customize them more easily.
Why Cross-Platform App Development is Essential for Businesses?
There are multiple reasons why enterprises should consider cross-platform app development. Some of these are: –
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Better Reach
Cross-platform apps allow businesses to launch their apps on multiple platforms simultaneously, such as iOS and Android, which expands their reach and enables them to target a wider audience regardless of the type of device they are using.
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Cost Efficiency
Developing a single app for multiple platforms reduces the cost of development compared to developing separate apps for each platform. This is because the code can be reused across platforms, reducing both time and effort.
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Enhanced User Experience
Cross-platform applications provide a consistent user experience across all platforms, which is crucial for building brand recognition and maintaining user engagement. By providing a consistent user experience, businesses can increase user satisfaction and retain users in the long run.
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Easy Maintenance
Using a shared codebase makes it easier to maintain and update the app, as any changes made to the code will be reflected on all platforms. This reduces the time and effort required to maintain the app while ensuring that users receive the latest features and updates quickly.
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Exposure to a Wider Talent Pool
Cross-platform app development allows SMEs and enterprises to access a larger pool of developers. They can work with developers who possess expertise in cross-platform development technologies, enabling them to find the right talent to build and maintain their apps.
Conclusion
So that was all the information you need to know about cross-platform mobile app development. Choosing cross platform mobile applications is a good option as it offers unique advantages, especially for businesses looking for a quick and affordable solution compared to the traditional app development methods.
If you are looking to develop a user centric, secure and scalable cross-platform mobile app, you can hire skilled mobile app developers from a prominent cross-platform app development company. These developers have all the knowledge about mobile application development, years of experience, and a good track record.