Name a common accessory in everybody’s hand in 2024 better than a smartphone. Since we use them for everything, app developers are constantly creating new and exciting applications to meet our needs.
You've got to think about the operating system it'll run on, when you're building an app. It means either Android or iOS. Your choice here will shape how you develop your app from the ground up.
Now, You've got two main paths to choose from:
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Native development: This is considered when you want to build an app specifically for one operating system.
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Cross-platform development: This approach is known for letting you create an app that works on multiple operating systems.
Your decision in choosing any one of them will impact everything about your app from how it looks and feels to the tech you use to build it. It even affects who can use your app in the end. So, let's check each option in detail.
Native Mobile Apps
Native apps are designed to work perfectly with either Android or iOS.
If you want to build Android apps, you have to work with Java or Kotlin. Java has been used longer, but Kotlin is new so Google's really pushing it. It has also got some unique features that Java doesn't.
You undoubtedly use certain native applications on a daily basis. Most common ones can be Spotify, WhatsApp, Pinterest, and Google Maps.
The Good Part About Native Apps:
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Native apps are fast and responsive. They're built for your phone, so they run pretty smoothly.
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Your users' data will be safer than ever because these apps can tap into your phone's built-in security features..
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Native apps are easy to use as they follow your phone's design rules.
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You will get the latest updates right away as soon as they're available.
The drawbacks:
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You might need different teams for Android and iOS. That means more salaries to pay.
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Building two separate apps takes longer than building one.
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You can't reuse code between Android and iOS versions.
You build them once, and they work on multiple operating systems.
You'll use special frameworks to build these apps. Popular ones built with it are such as React Native built by Facebook, .NET MAUI built by Microsoft and Flutter built by Google. They all let you create apps for multiple platforms even though each one uses a different programming language.
Google Ads and the New York Times app use Flutter. The World Bank and Alaska Airlines went with Xamarin (now part of .NET MAUI).
The Pros About Cross-Platform Apps:
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You only need one team to build apps for multiple platforms.
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A lot of your code can be reused, which will save you time.
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If you want to fix something or add a feature, you will have to do it once.
The Downsides:
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Cross-platform apps are bigger, which can be a problem for users with limited phone storage.
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Some phone features might be harder to use with cross-platform apps.
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These apps might run a bit slower than native ones.
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For the latest phone features in your app, you might have to wait for a while.
Which one do you choose? It will depend on what you're after. Here are some things that you should think about:
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What’s your urgency to launch? If you're in a hurry, cross-platform will be your best option.
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How important is security? For things like banking apps, native development might be safer.
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Does your app need to be super fast? Games and other high-performance apps usually work better as native apps.
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What's your budget like? Cross-platform development can help you stretch your dollars further if you are on a budget.
Ultimately, you will require a unique response. You must consider your unique circumstances and make the best decision for yourself. Consider your target user base, your app's functionality, your timeframe, and your budget.
Whichever route you decide on, you must ensure that security, performance, and expansion potential are your top priorities. With time, your app should be able to support additional users and features.