The very first invention in the field of technology goes way back to the late 1800s. Obviously, it was nothing like the present day laptops or desktop computers. But after the abuse of the 1600s, it was the new update in the field. And as far as the mobile devices are concerned, the first device was of Motorola invented in 1973. So you must be thinking what those mobile devices of the late 1900s were compatible for? Well cut it short, those cellular devices were just to tackle the basic needs of that time period.
But with the passage of time and advancement in technology, every field has revolutionized. And all of the changes actually happened because of the internet. So what to do expect from the field of IT itself? Obviously, every single device and service got an update.
The arrival of mobile applications:
The very first mobile app was developed in July 2008. Yes just 11 years back, the first ever application was introduced. And now in a matter of a decade, we are so independent on them that we can’t even move without those applications. Well, functioning without cellular devices is practically impossible in the 21st century. Because from waking up to eating to going to your offices all is completely based on your cellular devices. And the applications of these devices are helping us in every task of the day. Ranging from simple to the most complex things.
Moreover, we have seen that there are different types of systems working for cellular devices. Starting from iOS, Windows, Blackberry to Andriod. As the systems are different, so the application formed for them must be different as well. According to research, by 2020 the number of apps of the Apple store will hit 5 million. And as far as the android numbers are concerned, there are more than 2.6 million apps in the google play store. And obviously many more in windows, blackberry, and other different systems.
So the question arises here is, which system is most preferred? And how businesses are tackling the needs of users from different platforms? Having presences on all the platforms is the main agenda of every business owner nowadays. And it the right approach to get the maximum results in return. However, it is pretty obvious that forming a mobile application costs a lot of money and efforts. Anyone especially small businesses can’t afford 4 to 5 application’s cost. But it is made obvious earlier that to get the maximum result, having presences on all the platform is compulsory. So what exactly is the solution?
Cross-platform app development:
Cross-platform app development is the process of creating an application compatible for more than one mobile operating system. However, it is obvious from the term itself also that this approach helps in creating a cross-platform app. As there are numerous devices out there in the world with different operating systems. Having presences on more than one platform is the perfect solution for utmost results. And thanks to cross-platform app development. It helps the businesses owners to have existences on iOS, android, windows and many more.
With the arrival of the cross-platform approach, spending money, efforts, and a lot of time on different technologies is old school now. Businesses prefer to work with cross-platform technique to make one single app where the coding is done just once. And later on, it is released on more than one platforms.
Approaches to cross-platform app development:
Here are some new approaches tackling the need of the businesses owners
Rapid mobile app development:
Rapid mobile app development is also known as RMAD is basically a tool which helps the businesses to address their issues effectively through the application. Actually, it is done by creating an internal app using code-free programming tools. It helps in creating the application on a really short span of time.
Progressive Web Apps:
We all are aware of those websites which acts like applications. Actually, progressive web apps also known as PWAs are those websites. It is in point of fact a smart solution for those users who are not willing to download the application from the store. So for their surveillance, the developers produce a website behaving like mobile application.
Hybrid Mobile App Development:
It is a very unique approach. As in hybrid development, the developers form the application as a JavaScript mobile app or it can be HTML5. And later on, the developers place a wrap of native device app over it and release it the market.
Windows Universal Apps:
This is the solution to the issue of multiple devices. Like it creates one codebase and it is for all the window based devices. As a result, users will be able to use the same application on PC, mobile devices, laptops, tablets, smartwatches, and even the Xbox.
Cross-platform technology stacks:
Even though with the introduction of cross-platform development, there is no need to learn each and every single technology out there. But still, there is a call for learning those which have a role in the formation of application. Decent knowledge of these few basic tools will be very beneficial in the long run.
- Xamarin: C+
- React native: JSX, reach.JS, and JavaScript
- Cordova: CSS, JavaScript and HTML
Cross-platform app development tools:
Yes, above-mentioned tools are an integral part of the production. But there are other tools which are very significant in the approach of cross-platform development as well. And any developer with a decent knowledge of these tools can make an excellent earning by working on cross-platform app development.
- ManifoldJS
- Native Script
- Apache Weex
- Titantium
- Ionic
- Adobe PhoneGap
- Framework7
- Flutter
- Jasonette
Why cross-platform app development is important?
IT companies are more inclined towards cross-platform technique. It just doesn’t give them the flexibility of working on more than one platform. But they also don’t have to be worried about costing, marketing and efforts along with the strong factor of time. Cross-platform app development is providing them with the best possible options in all the segments. As the apps on the cross-platform are cost-effective and also reduces the timeline for their development. That saves a fortune for the businesses. As they just have to code the application once and its deployment can happen on more than one platform really easily.
Users are the key factor while creating the application. And almost all the users are using more than one devices. So they want the same set of application to operate on all the devices. Take a simple example of a mobile phone of Apple which will have an iOS operating system. And a desktop computer with an operating system of windows. The user who is using the cellular device will appreciate having the same set of applications on the desktop computer as well. For that purpose, the best thing is cross-platform app development.
Moreover, that technique just doesn’t only take care of users. But developers also. As it provides the developers the liberty of developing, testing, designing, and deployment through the same single integrated platform.
Upsides of cross-platform development:
Presence on multi-platforms is considered a huge plus these days. And this presence also multiplies the chances of maximum results. Well, the main idea of cross-platform development deals with the factor of creating the application once. And then running it multiple time at different platforms.
Re-usability of code:
There was a time when programming language C was considered perfect. And mostly developers used to have a complete grip on it. But with the passage of time, new languages came up. And now developers prefer the new ones. And in cross-platform, the developers have the biggest benefit of reusing the code. Because in the previous days, the developers had to write the whole coding over and over again for different platforms. This just doesn’t only take a lot of time. But it multiples the cost of production as well.
As developers are creating the code customized for every operating system, they used to charge accordingly as well then. So with the introduction of cross-platform development, developers are reusing the same set of coding on every platform.
The effectiveness of cost:
Cost-effectiveness is considered to be one of the most promising features of cross-platform development. As this technique works on “write once, use multiple” policy, so it reduces the cost at a huge rate. As the owners are spending just once for the creation of the app, they don’t have to spend a huge fortune. And once the application is ready to deploy in the market, it is the time for the owners to start looking for the turnouts. So the minimum cost of production leading to the maximum profits, isn’t this the best deal ever?
Timeliness:
In order to get a feature-rich business application in a matter of shortest time span, opting cross-platform development technique is the key. The main thing is coding just once. It reduces the time period by 50 to 80%. And the app is ready for the users.
Actually, though cross-platform, it is a win-win situation for all of the parties involved. The owners are getting the app in the shortest time period and having its presences on more than one app. That will maximize profits. The developers are satisfied, as they have to develop just once. And obviously, the users are happy as well. Because they are getting the same set of application on different operating systems as soon as possible.
And all of the apps are marketing at the same time on different operating systems, it saves a lot of marketing time as well.
Easy cloud integration:
Well again, single coding does wonders in easy cloud integration as well. With all the enterprise-grade plugins, the app is universally compatible. Platforms such as Phone Gap have various plug-ins. And those help in enhancing the security of applications. Providing app functionalities authenticity, credibility and validity are considered as the prime function of these plug-ins. Businesses can take advantage of the app being globally available.
No need for complex updates:
How irritating is to update the cellular device just to download some application? Or updating the app manually? Well, when it comes to cross-platform, users don’t have to be worried about any unnecessary updates. All of the cross-platform apps can be access easily through the internet. And all of these apps are updated automatically as well for users. So there is no stress of having different versions to deal with on different devices. This way all the users have the same version to use.
According to the research conducting by a company based in Dallas, this approach increases the turnout. And provide the owners with the open chances to have higher ROI which is practically impossible to achieve through native techniques.
Maintenance of application:
In native app development, it takes a lot to dedicate and then solve the problem in the application. But it is completely different in the case of cross-platform development technique. So it is the first choice of App Developing Companies. It helps them a lot when it comes to the maintenance of the application. They have to put little effort into solving all the bugs and providing the updates. It also helps them in saving a lot of money too.
Native feel and look:
It is one of the main agendas of cross-platform technology to produce native-like applications. The developers work to make the app look as much as like native and also have the same feel. And it is really beneficial for the developers. As they don’t have to start anything from scratch. And they can just continue from whatever is available. Most of the products offer a singular development experience and that applies for both Android and iOS.
Hosting:
Once your application is ready and you have decided to release it on multiple platforms, the cross-platform help even then too. It provides easy hosting once all of the requirements are fulfilled and the final touches are done too. Cross-platform makes hosting a lot easier.
Minimum Technical barriers:
The developers of native app development need to have more knowledge of different languages and different approaches. As they have to work on a different platform. But that thing is also being taken care of in cross-platform. The developers using cross-platform technique can succeed in their work with grip over just HTML, JavaScript and CSS3. They don’t have to worry about more complex languages like Objective-C or Swift. So this technique is preferable for developers as well.
Every coin has two sides. Just like any other thing, the Cross-Platform Technique also has cons with all of the above-mentioned pros. It the duty of the owners to decide if they can compromise on graphics, storage options, lag in performance, limited feature support, the constant need for an update and some other factors. It is the call of the owner at the end to compare the cost of production, the importance of timing, presence on multiple platforms, and some other features.
After that comparison, the owner of a business has to decide if he is willing to compromise. Or he needs to target more audience in the most effective way possible.
Well, the response Cross-Platform App Development is getting, explains its importance and shows that it is just not here to survive but thrive also.