Back to blog
December 19, 2017 · Nitin Dhiman

Native Vs Cross Platform Mobile App Development

The-Controversy-of-Machine-Age-Native-Vs-Cross-Platform-Mobile-App-Development

Introduction:

These past few years have witnessed a plethora of debates regarding comparing the benefits of native vs cross-platform mobile app development. Companies have hold major controversial discussions in terms of which app development brings better revenues to the table. Both cross-platform and native app development have their own pros and cons, we are here to let you decide which one is the right path for your project. Though, the cross-platform is still preferred by many companies, native app development just takes the cake. Determining which one is the absolute better only relies on what is best for you and your business goals. It's important to look into the reason for selecting each strategy in order to better understand the concept of native vs. cross-platform mobile app development. You can use this to help you decide on your project in an informed manner.

What is Cross Platform Mobile Application Development?

Cross-platform mobile development refers to the development of mobile apps that can be used on multiple mobile platforms. You can use programming languages such as Java, HTML to run the already-created code on any Android or iOS platform or even the windows and customize it accordingly. Simple interaction is the key here. This platform is preferred only if you do not require to access any other peripherals.

Pros of Using Cross Platform:

1. Time-Saving

This app allows you to use a single code across multiple platforms thus saving major time for rewriting the code every time and customizing the platform, thus, more faster project completion. Consistency and synchronization is the major advantage here.

2. Maximum Profits

The app allows you to maximize the profits by offering you an exposure across multiple markets which can be targeted across multiple users and platforms. Thus, wider the user market, more are the monetary benefits.

3. Affordable

The major difference between native vs cross platform mobile app development is that Cross platform mobile apps are based on the principle of “write once, run anywhere”, which is the major way of saving time which further leads to efficient working of the project. You do not require a large team of developers for a project and can cut the business costs.

4. Easy to Launch and Update

The app allows an easy launch and customizing,saving you a major deal of time as well as money. You can see the effect of changes simultaneously in every platform all at once.

Cons of Using Cross Platform

1. Performance Delay

Cross platform apps usually do not integrate smoothly with the platforms as compared to the native applications. They tend to freeze while communicating with the platforms, either its hardware or software, the reason being their non native nature.

2. Alien

Being an alien platform is one of the major reasons for Cross Platform Mobile App Development lagging behind in the debate of native vs cross platform mobile app development. There is no guarantee that the cross platform apps with a single overall code will adapt the every customization you have made to the device. It may result in the app not being able to integrate with even the simplest of features in the phone like camera or recorder, thus, hampering with their functionality.

What exactly is Native Mobile Application Development?

It is the type of application development that uses platform specific programming languages. You have to built the app from the scratch itself, without using the same code again and again. They are built with the sole purpose of operating on the single dedicated platform.

Pros of Native App Development

1. User Interface

The seamless integration of native apps with the platforms makes them contribute tremendously towards creating a positive user experience and encourages them to use it further. The usability of the app gets efficiently quite a lot which further finalizes the success of the product.

2. Performance

Native app development is specifically designed for the apps that requires major user interaction as well as processing of ample amount of data such as images, videos or animation in order to get optimum performance. The native app’s code is responsible for communicating directly with the hardware or software functions of the operating system, thus increase the usability and performance. It is one of  the major reasons for native app development turning outt to be a better platform in the debate of native vs cross platform mobile app development.

3. Better Positioning

More higher is the position of your app in the app store, more are the number of viewers which can indeed turn into customers. Thus, using a native app allows you more visibility in the app stores only due to their optimum performance and user friendly interfaces.

4. Platform Integration

Native apps allows the users to customize them according to their needs or specifications due to being smoothly integrated on their specific platforms. This gives the user a feeling that the app is integrated in their device itself.

Cons of Native Application Development

1. Time Consuming

You have to develop the native application for every single platform which is a rather time consuming process and will prolong the project completion. As you cannot use the same code on every platform, the programmers will have to rewrite or change the code all together.

2. Expensive

You will need to hire multiple skilled professionals in order to develop the native apps, thus increasing the overall budget of the project. Since it requires separate codes for separate platforms, hiring the developers is a handful tasks. So, here are the pros and cons of native vs cross-platform mobile app development. While the cross-platform focuses on getting some high number of subscriptions for the application, the native focuses on the user experience. Though having a high number of users is great, but we do know the fact that user satisfaction is the main purpose of building a mobile application. If the users are not satisfied, they might discontinue the use of the app altogether, thus taking all the immense efforts down the drain. So, it might be best to choose from either of them according to your own user and company’s requirements.      

Turn this idea into a practical growth plan

Send us your website and what you want to improve. We can help with SEO, AI visibility, conversion pages, product strategy, and digital growth systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is native mobile app development, and what makes it controversial in the machine age?

Native mobile app development entails creating apps for specific platforms such as iOS or Android using platform-specific programming languages and tools. In the machine period, there is a debate because developers must create their own applications for different platforms, which may be costly and lengthy. However, native apps typically offer better performance and access to device features, making them preferred for resource-intensive or hardware-dependent apps.

What in particular is cross-platform mobile app development, and why is it a hot topic in the machine age?

Cross-platform mobile app development involves creating apps that can run on multiple platforms using a single codebase. The controversy in the machine age surrounds performance concerns and access to native device features. While cross-platform tools have improved, there may still be trade-offs in terms of performance and full utilization of device capabilities compared to native development. However, cross-platform development allows for faster deployment and reduced development costs, making it an attractive option for certain projects.

Which approach, native or cross-platform, is better for mobile app development in the machine age?

There is not a one-size because all methods have benefits as well as disadvantages. Native app development is ideal for applications that require maximum performance and access to specific hardware features. On the other hand, cross-platform development suits projects with limited budgets and tight timelines, seeking wider reach across multiple platforms. Evaluating project requirements, target audience, and long-term scalability will help determine the most suitable approach for mobile app development in the machine age.

How do native and cross-platform mobile app development differ in terms of user experience and interface design?

Native apps offer a more consistent user experience as they are designed specifically for a particular platform, following its guidelines and interface elements. Cross-platform apps, on the other hand, may have a single design, resulting in a more simple user experience across multiple devices. However, cross-platform tools have improved in providing platform-specific UI components, reducing the disparity in user experience. To provide the best experience for users, developers must find the balance between platform-specific design and code reuse.

What role does the growing complexity of mobile apps play in the native vs. cross-platform debate in the machine age?

The growing complexity of mobile apps is a key consideration in the native vs. cross-platform debate. As apps get more advanced and feature-rich, native development can provide improved speed and greater control over app behavior. Complex apps with intensive graphics or demanding computations may benefit from the performance optimizations possible in native development. Cross-platform development, on the other hand, can be an option for simpler programs, allowing faster development and greater market reach.

cross platform vs mobile app development