In the past mobile app developers were allowed to develop apps for only one particular platform. For example, if you were developing an app for iOS, you can only develop the app for that platform because it will not work on Android. But over the years, the hunger for more apps by the growing population has changed this narrative. The mobile app development industry has expanded across both the major platforms, allowing developers the chance to create apps that can support both Android and iOS devices.
Many businesses have also realized how they can benefit from creating apps for both platforms. For businesses, it means an opportunity to reach a larger audience to generate more profit. Like every form of technology, cross-platform mobile app development has its advantages and disadvantages, and that is what we are going to talk about.
Pros of Cross-Platform Mobile App Development
We are going to start with the advantages/pros. The following are some of the advantages that come with cross-platform mobile app development.
Code re-usability
Cross-platform mobile app development allows you to use a single code-base for Android and iOS devices. This has reduced the workload of developers because there is no need to write separate codes for each platform. All you have to do as a developer is writing a single code then make slight adjustments to make sure it works for both platforms. This has made the job of a mobile app developer easier.
Faster development
Before cross-platform mobile app development became the norm, a developer could only develop apps for one particular platform at a time. This meant that you have to do twice as much work to be able to launch an app that can be used for both Android and iOS devices. Now developers can work on apps that are compatible on both platforms using a similar code-base. Because you can use almost the same code for both platforms, it provides a quicker way to build apps.
Lower development costs
Many developers focused on developing apps for a particular platform because trying to develop an app for both Android and iOS meant double the budget. With cross-platform mobile app development, developers can use one code-base for both platforms, reducing the costs that come with developing apps for both platforms. This also means that more businesses can start investing in apps because they don’t have to spend twice the money that comes with developing apps for Android and iOS devices.
Large audience
Developing a mobile app for one platform meant focusing on a particular audience even though your idea is for both platforms. It also meant that you had to take the risk of investing double if you want to create an app that will serve both Android and iOS users. A cross-platform solution gives you a wider audience from the very start at a much lower cost. If you still want to launch the app on one platform before the other for optimization purposes, you still have access to that option.
Cons of cross-platform mobile app development
Everything that has advantages definitely has disadvantages in certain areas, and cross-platform app development is no different. Although cross-platform comes with many advantages, there are some disadvantages we cannot overlook. The following are some of the disadvantages that come with using cross-platform mobile app development.
Lower performance
When you compare an app development using cross-platform development and a native app (created for one platform), there is a slight difference in performance. Cross-platform apps perform a bit slower than native apps because the codes used for the app are not specifically meant for that platform alone. These differences are minor and it might not affect your app if you know how to handle them properly.
Limited user experience
Native apps have a slight advantage over cross-platform apps. Since the code-base used for cross-platform apps is meant for two platforms it slows down the user experience. This is because cross-platform apps don’t have features for native apps that can help improve user experience.
Harder code design
You already know by now that the code-base for cross-platform apps is meant for more than one platform. Even though cross-platform apps allow you to write code meant for two platforms, it also makes it difficult. This is because you have to develop a code that will perform well for both Android and iOS devices.
Conclusion
The following pros and cons mentioned above about cross-platform mobile app development should help you decide if it is the best option for you. Some developers prefer using cross-platform app development whiles others prefer the native app development method. If you have a low budget, but you still want to build your app at a fast rate, we would recommend using cross-platform mobile app development.
About 5280 Software LLC:
5280 Software LLC, located in Denver, Colorado is a premier software development firm. We have worked with a variety of clients over the years. Our expert team of developers have helped small to medium sized businesses, startups, as well as enterprise level clients such as RingCentral. If you are looking to build a mobile app, we can deliver flawless apple ios mobile apps as well as android mobile apps. Our mobile app development agency designs apps for smartphones, ipad and android tablets, wearable such as smart watches, and even smart TVs.
The power of a well-designed app to gain new customers is key in today’s market. Our cutting-edge mobile app development solution is what your business or startup needs! Our developers are adroit with any mobile app development platform you need. We help execute your app development to perfection. If you need the best mobile app development companies, you have found them!
We offer a complete solution with the latest technologies to solve your obstacles and scale your customer base. From the start of any project (and at every stage, step, phase, and release) we focus on the client and always ask for feedback while we develop the project. Creating a quality solution for a business or startup is our end goal. Our strategy and processes are based on solid communication with our clients. 5280 Software LLC is one of the top mobile app development companies in the USA. We are far better than other mobile app development companies that charge more money for lower quality.
All projects are built according to a clearly defined scope of work. If you need assistance with scope creation, we offer this as a service. This scope of work will be used in the provided development contract. Make sure whomever you hire for your project provides you a development contract with clearly defined pricing, development timeline, payment schedule, and deliverables. We would like to learn about your project and help refine your scope of work. Our custom website, software, and mobile app development agency is here for you every step of the way. We are one of the most renowned mobile app development companies in the USA.
If you have an idea for a mobile app, please emails us your full name or company name and we will send you a signed NDA. We send NDAs to all potential clients to guarantee your ideas and documents will be kept in confidence. Once an NDA is in place, feel free to book a free discovery call. You can also fill out our app development questionnaire to share the details of your project before your call. We are the leading firm specializing in building solutions for the web, iphones and other smart devices including IOT. Our company can create a custom solution on a variety of platforms using the most current popular programming languages. Weather it is a cross platform hybrid app or a natively programmed solution, we have you covered!
We look forward to speaking with you about your project. Learn why clients around the world trust working with 5280 Software LLC. We support our clients from mockups, sketch, wireframes, and graphic design, development, product launch and ASO when we publish your app, and even code updates at a competitive price point. Feel free to visit us on our social sites Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, or send us a LinkedIn connection request to learn about our offers to get answers to your questions. Want to hear firsthand from our previous clients the superior service we offer? Check out our testimonials! Call us today at 888.510.0833 to learn about our mobile app development services!
