How To Choose the Best Cross Platform Mobile App Framework
A cross-platform framework simplifies the codebase so that you can quickly launch an easy-to-maintain app for different devices. Of the many options, though, which is ideal for your project?
An expert Las Vegas mobile app development agency considers many factors to narrow the choices until they can select the best. These include:
- Project complexity
- Developer skills
- Performance, ecosystem, and community support
Ready to learn more about cross-platform mobile app frameworks? Let’s go!
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What Is a Cross-Platform Mobile App Framework?
You can count on an expert Las Vegas mobile app development agency to choose the right one for your project. However, you become a more effective collaborator when you have at least the basic know-how.
Your knowledge of mobile app development today begins with defining a cross-platform framework. What is it?
The easiest way to explain it is to compare it to scaffolding that keeps the structure upright while being built. In programming, it is a library or collection of tools that allow developers to efficiently create a mobile platform that runs on different operating systems. In particular, it should work on iOS and Android based on a single codebase.
Some of the most common cross-platform frameworks include:
| Framework | Description | Language |
|---|---|---|
| React Native | Designed by Facebook, it uses React (a framework for developing web apps) and is compatible with Android and iOS. | JavaScript |
| Flutter | It is a framework that Google created; usable for different ecosystems, such as Linux, and intended for mobile and web app development. | C, C++, Dart (Google’s designed language) |
| Xamarin | It is an abstraction that a Microsoft-owned company created. As an abstraction, it makes programming more efficient by hiding an object’s irrelevant and unnecessary details. | C++ |
| Ionic | Max Lynch and Ben Sperry created this open-source platform with an MIT license that uses existing programming languages. | JavaScript, CSS, and HTML |
| Apache Cordova | This framework lets mobile app developers include native APIs, such as cameras and accelerometers, in their designs. It was formerly called PhoneGap until Adobe Systems bought Nitobi, which created it. | HTML, CSS, and JavaScript |
These frameworks have their respective features, strengths, and limitations that can influence your decision based on the following factors:
1. Project Complexity
A mobile app project usually falls into two categories: simple and complex. A simple platform has the following characteristics:
- Minimal scope, which means it usually has a single or few specific purposes or tasks
- Straightforward user interface, with basic controls and interaction
- Limited data handling, so it processes and stores fewer types of information
- Minimal integration
- Low-security requirements (for instance, it does not require two-factor authentication)
A calculator is one of the prime examples of a simple mobile platform. Its clear objective is to help the user get the right numbers fast. It does not need advanced features such as scanning or geolocation. It may run without compelling users to register or open an account.
Meanwhile, a complex mobile app project needs the following:
- Extensive features, ranging from GPS to cameras and accelerometers
- Sophisticated user interface, which is usually more comprehensive and interactive, such as multiple views or screens
- Advanced data handling and storage, because users might have to input various kinds of personally identifiable and sensitive information
- Robust back-end development to manage different APIs and functionalities
- Advanced security features, such as data encryption, to comply with legal laws and industry standards
- Performance optimization, including scalability, for a smooth user experience
You can consider most of the well-known mobile apps today to be complex. Think about Uber, Amazon, and banking platforms.
Most of the frameworks mentioned above can handle simple and complicated mobile app development. However, Apache Cordova might be better off for simple work, even if it lets you add native-like features to the platform. It might fail to deliver all its APIs and plugins, which might also not be updated.
2. Developer Skills
Your choice of the best cross-platform mobile app framework also largely depends on the skills of your developers.
- What programming languages do they know? Are they experts on these?
- Have they handled mobile app projects similar to yours? What was the outcome?
- How good are they at maintaining or scaling an application?
- Are they front-end, back-end, or full-stack developers?
Ideally, you want professionals capable of working with various programming languages. For example, if they know CSS, they can work on Iconic and Apache Cordova. Better yet, you look for a full stack, although this is in demand and difficult to find.
You can consider outsourcing mobile app development if you require specialized skills and expertise that your in-house team cannot fulfill.
Some businesses today use artificial intelligence (AI) solutions, such as ChatGPT, to generate cross-platform codes. They might work for simple app projects, but overall, software experts frown upon them.
Studies have shown they are prone to writing insecure codes. Although they save you time and money, they also increase your cybersecurity risks. These could lead to more severe problems, such as lawsuits and a damaged reputation.
3. Performance, Ecosystem, and Community Support
The right mobile app framework is the one that allows users to take advantage of the platform’s full functionality, delivers the best user experience, and makes maintenance and scalability easy.
This is where most options differ. For example:
- React Native lets developers reuse over 85% of their code from a native framework for other platforms. It also allows for hot reloading. However, it might not be capable of handling extensive computational tasks. It also tends to be dependent on native functionalities to work well.
- When you know Dart, you can quickly build an app fitting for the Android ecosystem using Flutter. You can also use its rich library and user-interface elements to create a more immersive user experience. However, you might have problems with compatibility with other operating systems.
- Ionic is easy to use, even for software developers with moderate mobile app design and creation knowledge. This is because it is based on popular programming languages. It also has a strong community that can answer questions and offer suggestions. The problem is limited user interface options and customizations.
Summing Up
You cannot have it all in one cross-platform framework, so you can use the list provided here to help you determine what is best for your business needs, project requirements, and target users.
Digital Authority Partners (DAP), a Las Vegas mobile app development agency, also highly suggests working with experts that can maximize the full potential and features of these frameworks. Contact us today if you are looking for suggestions.
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