Mobile Development

Why To Go For Cross Platform Over Native App Development?

NSDBytes Team

•May 30, 2020•3 min read

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Why To Go For Cross Platform Over Native App Development?

Today we will discover why most app developers and companies prefer cross platform app development compared to native. But before comparing anything, we first need to identify what it is.

Both technologies are constantly improving their framework, coding methods, and UI libraries. That’s why sometimes developers confuse choosing between one of them.

What is a Cross Platform App?

It is an application developed to make it compatible with different mobile platforms. There are plenty of frameworks available to ease the development process.

Some of them are Ionic, Xamarin, Flutter, and React Native. With the help of these platforms it is easier for app developers to develop such applications.

What is Native App?

A native application is developed exclusively for a specific platform. In these types of apps, only a single platform’s guidelines and functionalities are kept in mind.

Both have their pros and cons.

So why do developers prefer cross-platform over native?

I have divided your answer into six easy to digest points.

Let’s take a deep dive into it.

1. Cross platform apps compatible with multiple platforms. Hence such applications receive a wider audience range within the same cost of development. Hence, it gives much higher ROI and brand awareness. Some popular examples of cross platform apps are Uber, Bloomberg, Facebook ads, and Walmart.
2. As these apps are developed for multi-platform it has drastically less development time. It combines some common processes to make this possible. Because coding and scripting is reusable, less time required for bug fixing and testing. Native apps need to be built separately for each platform. For iOS you need to build with Objective-C or swift and Java for Android.
3. It requires less time to implement and make changes to code. This not only reduces development time but also gives more flexibility to sync updates. Contrarily, native apps need to change and implement code separately for each platform. That’s why its development time is much higher.
4. It gives thematic and seamless experience to users. It gives the same look and feel across all devices. Hence app giants like Uber and Facebook like to go with it for unmatched user experience. You can use the same color, interface, and UX across every platform effortlessly.
Maintaining brand guidelines is difficult for native application across every platform. Because you need to develop front-end separately for native one.
5. Reusable code, less bug fixing time, and flexible UI makes cross-platform app pocket friendly. Instead of making two or three different versions of your app, you only need to build a single version.
6. Tech giants are putting more weight on cross platform apps. So, there is ease of availability of cross-platform development resources. More frameworks are available compared to native app development.

Most startups now prefer cross platform apps because of its flexibility, cost effectiveness, wider reach to people, and uniqueness of user experience.

Hope you got the better idea!!

Whether you are a startup, developer or enterprise, cross-platform is always the most suitable and affordable one.

Still have a question in mind?

Feel free to comment below.

Want to hire expert app developers reach out to us at NSDBytes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cross-platform apps are built once using frameworks like Flutter or React Native to run on multiple operating systems, such as iOS and Android. Native apps, conversely, are developed specifically for a single platform using its dedicated programming languages, like Swift for iOS or Java/Kotlin for Android, leveraging unique device features.

Cross-platform development offers a wider audience reach and higher return on investment due to a single codebase working across multiple platforms. It significantly reduces development time and costs, simplifies maintenance, and ensures a consistent user experience and brand identity across all devices, making updates more efficient.

Cross-platform development is generally more cost-effective because it involves building a single codebase that deploys to multiple operating systems. This reusability of code, combined with less time spent on bug fixing and testing for separate versions, significantly reduces overall development expenses compared to building distinct native applications.

Yes, cross-platform apps must adhere to GDPR requirements when processing EU user data, just like native apps. Developers need to implement robust data protection measures, ensure transparent consent mechanisms, and design for data minimization regardless of the development approach. The platform choice itself does not exempt an app from these legal obligations.

Tech giants favor cross-platform apps for their ability to deliver a consistent and seamless user experience across diverse devices and operating systems. This approach simplifies maintaining brand guidelines, ensures uniform interfaces, and allows for faster, more flexible updates globally, which is crucial for their large user bases and rapid feature deployment needs.

For native iOS app development, developers primarily use Swift or Objective-C. For native Android apps, the main programming languages are Java or Kotlin. Each of these languages is optimized to leverage the specific features and performance capabilities of its respective operating system, offering deep integration with the platform.

Written by the NSDBytes Team

We are passionate about software development, AI integration, and helping businesses achieve operational excellence through modern technology.

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