If you want to build a mobile app for your company, you will need to decide what type of development framework you want to use. There are three major frameworks that people use in mobile app development: native, cross-platform, and hybrid.
If you are lacking the human resources necessary to build a complex app, you should consider using a cross-platform framework. In the sections below, we will explain why this is a preferable option. First, though, we will provide an overview of framework types so as to illustrate the features and requirements of each of them.
App development framework types
The primary differences between the three major mobile app development frameworks are fairly straightforward. Native frameworks are designed for one or another particular operating systems (usually iOS or Android). While this can be effective if your target audience is uniform in their device usage, it can be problematic for cross-platform users.
Cross-platform frameworks use one codebase to build apps that can function on multiple platforms. And hybrid frameworks use a combination of the other two. For many company’s purposes, cross-platform frameworks are the most useful as they cover the widest possible range of users.
Benefits of cross-platform framework usage in mobile app development
Major cross-platform frameworks, such as Flutter and React Native, offer multiple benefits in the mobile app development process. When you find the right development service, such as ECO & Tech, you will be able to build your own custom mobile app quickly and easily.
Benefits include:
- Increased development speed. Cross-platform frameworks are faster and more efficient than other types of frameworks for multiple reasons.
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- They allow for real-time updates and testing capability, which makes the development process much quicker.
- With a single codebase, you can eliminate the time that would otherwise be necessary to re-write code for other operating systems.
- Cost savings. Using a cross-platform framework will save you costs in several areas.
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- You will save a lot of money by using a single codebase and development team, rather than multiple ones. They will also be able to collaborate more easily in the development process.
- You will continue to save on maintenance costs once your app has been developed. With a single codebase, updating and maintaining your app will be much more straightforward than it otherwise would be.
- You will have much greater scalability than you would with other frameworks. Working across platforms will be seamless and efficient.
- Improved user-friendliness and higher satisfaction levels. With a single codebase, your users will have a much smoother experience, and consequently higher satisfaction levels with your app.
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- Single UX/UI. Even the most prestigious companies in the world are often guilty of not optimizing their apps across platforms, which results in a frustrating user experience for many people. When you use a cross-platform framework, you won’t have to worry about this problem as the coding uniformity will ensure a smooth experience for all users.
- Customization potential. Cross-platform frameworks can allow you to tweak app specifics to individual needs more easily than other types of frameworks. This allows app designers to meet the requirements of a broader range of brands.
- Greater range of components. Cross-platform frameworks include a much greater number of built-in components and libraries to choose from. This makes the development process both faster and more sophisticated.
Flutter as a preferred framework
Now that we’ve covered the benefits of using cross-platform frameworks for mobile app development, let’s take a closer look at how they can work in reality by examining one of the more popular tools. Flutter, which is one of the most widespread frameworks in the world, uses the programming language “Dart” in the development process. Dart is known for its strong performance level in creating apps that are close to native ones in their capabilities.
Other benefits of using Flutter include:
- A swift development process. Flutter has a feature called “hot reload” that provides nearly real-time updates during the development process. This helps developers stay on top of every aspect of a given app’s creation and make necessary adjustments almost immediately.
- Popularity and available support. Because of Flutter’s broad global popularity, it has a wide range of support available to developers. It also has detailed documentation available that other, less popular tools might not have. This documentation can be valuable for problem solving.
- Near native experience. Flutter in particular allows for a user experience that even native-built app users would find seamless. It also allows for native features and APIs.
Beyond these particular benefits, Flutter is open source, and therefore anyone can access it. This allows for a broader market reach, and greater possibilities for collaboration among diverse groups. It also allows for seamless integration into clouds.
Look through the options before making a decision
Flutter isn’t the only tool out there, of course. React Native, Xamarin, and Iconic each have their own standout features. In making a decision about which tool to use, you should take your individual needs into account. You might decide on Flutter development services, which are the most widespread among cross-platform frameworks. Or you might find one of the other tools more appropriate for your needs. Be sure to consult professionals in your search so that you fully understand what you will be getting.
Conclusion
Of the three major types of mobile app frameworks, cross-platform frameworks offer many clear advantages over the others. Working with a single codebase allows for much broader usage of mobile apps, across platforms, devices, and even in transferring data into clouds. For these reasons, cross-platform frameworks are by far the most preferred way to create mobile apps worldwide. There are different cross-platform frameworks to choose from. To choose the most appropriate one for your purposes, talk to a professional development service and determine how your particular needs match those of the available tools. It would also be to your advantage to use a professional service in the app development process.