Today most application developers target the base of iOS and Android. This paved the way for cross platform development. Cross Platform Mobile App Development is an approach in which developers build applications using a single set of code that is able to support multiple operating systems. So coding needs not to be done for each platform separately. Using a single base of code makes it popular among the native world.
With programming languages like HTML5, the mobile application development using cross platform model is made possible. HTML5, CSS3 and jQuery are the most common widely used technologies for cross platform development. Even though cross platform development helps to overcome many of the challenges faced by the developers, still it is with some drawbacks. By listing out all the pros and cons, you can make an informed decision whether it is a correct choice.
In this article, you will get the information on 7 Advantages and Disadvantages of Cross Platform Mobile App Development. From this post, you will know the know the pros and cons of using cross platform app development.
Let's get started,
Advantages of Cross Platform Mobile App Development
1. Development Speed
Development efforts are significantly reduced here since there is only a need to create a single code base. Writing code once is enough for multiple operating platforms.
It almost requires only 50% of effort to develop a cross platform app than a native app. Therefore, deadlines are not an issue in cross platform development.
2. Cost
Another benefit of using a single code base is its development cost. There is no much cost involved here since you need to build the code only once. If you are going to use different teams for each platform it will cost you more.
A company will be able to build a cross platform app with a smaller team. In this way, the software companies can eliminate budget constraints.
3. Maintenance
Maintenance is also easy in cross platform apps. Identifying and fixing errors is fairly a simple process because you need to fix the error only once.
If you choose a cross platform development you do not need to hire hire different software engineers to maintain two or more applications. Only a single software engineer is enough to monitor all of the products.
The process of updating is also faster. Changes in a single code will reflect in all of the platforms. So whenever there is an update, users can expect to have to immediately.
4. Efficiency
As mentioned earlier, having one single source code is the main advantage of cross platform apps. This allows developers to reuse the code efficiently.
The same code can be used for both Android and iOS rather than writing codes for each platform. This approach is adopted among many software companies due to their effectiveness.
5. Cloud Integration
Cloud integration is an easy process in cross platform apps. On default, there are many features and tools that support cloud integration. This is again due to the face that it uses a single code base.
Hence, storage of user data is made easy in the clouds. Because of this, cloud technology is integrated with most cross platform apps.
6. Consistency
Operating systems like iOS and Android are very different in terms of app compatibility. A challenge faced by the development team is implementing the same function across two separate apps which supports different platform.
But this process is more convenient with cross platform development because it is able to show same feature across different platforms. Since the code base is the same, the difference isn't much here.
7. Audience Reach
The reach of particular application is more if it is developed using cross platform approach. The number of platforms covered is directly proportional to the market reach. Cross platform apps are targeted for two or more operating systems.
Therefore, their audience reach is higher. Once the app is developed it can run on multiple platforms such as Android, iOS and Windows.
Disadvantages of Cross Platform Mobile App Development
1. Performance
The performance of a cross platform app is comparatively lower than a native app. There are lots of customizations done in terms of design and flexibility. And they are with higher code complexity. So the development team cannot expect a cross platform app to run smoothly as a native app.
Moreover, the performance also depends on the platform it is built with. For an example, Cordova is known as a platform which is very supportive in building high performance apps due to their web embedded features.
On the contrary, cross platform apps are built with technologies such as React Native and Flutter will be able to deliver faster apps. However, the difference aren't noticeable much unless it is graphics intensive application.
2. Stability
Some of the cross platform apps are built keeping in mind to target one specific platform. Each of these platform has its own settings, preference and storage options.
So these apps may have problem running in different platforms. That is the reason why still cross platform apps cannot enjoy all of the features like the apps built from other platforms.
Unlike in native apps, cross platform apps cannot instantly acquire the latest from its respective operating system. And also, stores app like Google Play and App Store have set minimum requirements for their applications.
3. Security
Cross platform apps are also prone to cyber attacks. In comparison, cross platform apps are very low in terms of security than a native app.
Since cross platform apps are updated less frequently, lots of security issues are addressed. So those who use cross platform apps are at a risk of breaches and other security issues.
4. User Experience
Every device which uses cross platform apps cannot have the same level of functionalities. When compared to a native app, cross platform apps are designed targeting one specific platform.
Each operating system interacts with users differently. For an example, operating systems vary based on their screen layout and graphics.
Obviously, the look will also be different. So while using a cross platform app there can be some limited user experience on these operating systems.
5. Customization
Cross platform development frameworks also restrict customization options. Thus, users cannot customize their app as they needed. A lack of customization may result in halting certain functions.
Hence, some features of the app like GPS, notifications and camera might be missing. Sometimes due to poor customization options, the entire application has the tendency to get blocked.
6. Flexibility
An application that is designed from the cross platform approach cannot provide the same amount of flexibility in all of the platforms. Each varies differently according to their functions.
Due to the fact that cross platform apps are based on unified technology it delivers lower flexibility than a native app.
7. Delayed Updates
Regularly, operating system releases new features for their apps. Users cannot expect a cross platform app to get updated instantly.
There is some delay. This is due to the framework used. On default, the framework is not optimized for the fast reflection of new functionalities.
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