Smartphone ownership is on the rise. 

Stats say that more than 5 billion people around the world have mobile devices. 

This means that the mobile app market is flourishing, as many dev companies build different mobile tools and pieces of software. 

But this lucrative business opportunity comes with a costly obstacle – the need to create two versions of the same app in order to offer it both to Android and iOS users.  

That’s why React Native seems like an obvious choice for those who want to build a mobile app that performs well on Android and iOS devices, provides great UX/UI design in both versions, and is cost-effective to be made. 

However, there are some downsides to this practical tool which basically saves you time and money as you won’t have to create two separate apps, some of which are unavailable APIs, design adjustments that have to be made, or a small community. 

Let’s dive in and go through different pros and cons of using React Native as well as Native iOS or Android, and help you decide which approach is better for your mobile app development. 

What Is React Native? 

React Native is an open-source mobile app development framework that allows you to code once and build apps compatible with multiple platforms but not at the expense of superb user experience and user interface. 

So, you can develop great apps and save time that you’d otherwise spend building two different versions of the same app. 

According to its proponents, this framework combines the finest elements of native development with React and brings you the best of both worlds. 

This JavaScript-based framework was designed by Facebook for the purpose of allowing its developers to build a mobile app that will work on both iOS and Android devices seamlessly.   

As its name suggests, it consists of React – a JavaScript library and Native, referring to the native components of each platform that are used for creating the design elements. 

This means that under the hood, React Native enables you to write your app in JavaScript and render it with native code. And since 66.7% of developers use JS in their work, it’s clear that all of them could easily create mobile apps without having to learn additional programming skills.

Also Read: Setting Up An Offshore Development Center In India

Given that React Native quickly gained popularity due to its time- and cost-effectiveness, many popular companies decided to use it in order to build their apps  – Facebook, Instagram, Bloomberg, KFC, Salesforce, and Pinterest, among many more. 

It’s interesting that even Microsoft opted for React Native in order to build the mobile version of Skype, instead of using its own Xamarin. 

 Airbnb enthusiastically embraced React Native back in 2016, as a cross-platform solution seemed like the best way to speed up the development cycle of their mobile apps. Another advantage of using this approach was the fact that they could easily onboard and train their new developers regardless of whether their background was in mobile or web. 

However, in time, the downsides of React Native (which we will discuss a bit later) started to show, so Airbnb finally decided to abandon it whatsoever and return to the pure native approach. 

Pros of React Native 

It’s only logical that since some of the biggest tech companies stick to React Native, this framework has a couple of aces up its sleeve. 

Let’s see why some developers believe that it’s a game-changer in the industry. 

It Saves Time and Money 

We’ve already mentioned this benefit, but since it’s one of the most important objectives of any business, it’s worth elaborating on it. 

Many startups operate on a shoestring, which means that they’re trying to cut corners as much as possible in order to avoid running out of money. But, staying competitive in a saturated market means offering a mobile app to both Android and iOS users. That requires writing different code for each, and in turn, having to hire mobile developers for both mobile operating systems. 

And that’s a lot of money. 

On the other hand, React Native cuts all these costs by enabling you to use the same code for iOS and Android. 

Moreover, it can boost your productivity significantly, and reduce your development efforts by almost 50% meaning that your app will hit the market sooner. 

It Shortens the Development Cycle 

The fact that many developers use JavaScript means that it will be more than easy for them to adopt React Native. 

In addition to that, this tool allows you to share a great deal of your codebase between Android and iOS. In other words, you won’t have to start coding everything from scratch, but simply reuse the same code for the Android or iOS version of your app. 

Walmart, for example, managed to reuse 95% of their code between Android and iOS. 

You don’t need to be a rocket scientist to crunch the numbers and figure out how efficient this approach is and how much it can shorten the development cycle. 

This particularly applies to some simple apps that don’t have too many native features. 

It Allows for Native-Like Performance

You don’t have to worry whether your app built with React Native will be sluggish and buggy. 

With Native React you can be sure that it will perform at an almost native-like level thanks to the fact that these apps render their user interface using native APIs.

Also Read: How Much Does Website Development Cost?

It’s Reliable 

As some of the most popular brands use React Native, this framework has ensured the support and updates for at least a couple of years from now. 

Facebook will keep developing it and you won’t find yourself in a pickle if you opt to build your mobile apps with the help of this framework. 

Besides, being an open-source framework, React Native makes it possible and very easy to add extra features. 

Its “live reload” functionality means that you can update your app and add new features without suffering any downtime. 

Cons of React Native 

In order to provide you with all the relevant information you need before you make your decision, it’s essential to mention that there are also certain disadvantages to using React Native. 

So, let’s check why it’s perhaps better to opt for native development or simply convert an Android app to iOS or vice versa.  

It Leaves Much to Be Desired 

Although React Native is said to be easy to use, it can’t be denied that there are a lot of issues with debugging tools, hot reloading, or the compatibility of packages. 

All this can be particularly tricky to deal with for inexperienced developers, not to mention that these roadblocks can have a negative impact on React Native’s most popular advantage – saving time. 

Namely, trying to figure out how to fix these bugs and failures can slow your app development process significantly. 

Another obstacle that has to be singled out is that there are certain APIs that aren’t available. It’s true that you can find your way around this issue by implementing native modules, but that complicates the entire development cycle. 

Native Code Is Still Required 

As we have mentioned before, React Native will do if you’re building a simple app that doesn’t have too many native features. 

Otherwise, you will need to hire a well-versed Android and iOS developer in order to write these sections of the code. 

In a nutshell, to build a demanding and well-functioning mobile app requires expertise in a particular platform. Although there’s an increasing number of open-source libraries that enable access to native platform features, you still can’t rely on them when you want to have some complex features and functionalities. 

Also Read: In 9 Years of Learning, I Saw 500+ Products Failing: Top Reasons Why Startups Fail

And again, another important advantage of React Native, its cost-effectiveness is jeopardized, as the entire project becomes more expensive once new developers come on board. 

Since Native React is usually recommended for smaller teams who usually don’t have any native mobile experience, this downside can be a real deal-breaker. 

What About Native Mobile App Development?

There are two main mobile platforms that dominate the market – Android and iOS, which means that developers can pick Java or Kotlin for the former, and Swift or Objective-C for the latter. 

It’s clear that having to hire expert developers for every individual version of your app comes at a hefty price tag, and that’s one of the biggest problems of native app mobile development. 

Another issue is, of course, the fact that native development is more complex and as such time-consuming. 

But, if you’re willing to accept these disadvantages, you’ll benefit from the following upsides: 

• Comprehensive API support. Native development is compatible and integrates well with all the existing APIs which means that there won’t be any roadblocks that will stall your development cycle. 
• Excellent performance. Even the most complex features and technologies will work smoothly if you opt for native development. For example, if your new app will include augmented or virtual reality features, native development is a must. 
• A huge community. Although this doesn’t seem like an important advantage, having a big community that you can ask for support in case you encounter some architecture or design-related problems is a real lifesaver. 

The answer to the question from the title isn’t an easy one, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. You need to take your requirements and budget into consideration, and see what the best option for you is. While React Native is a pretty convenient and affordable tool, it still isn’t something that can be used for more complex and demanding apps. In a similar vein, native development will ensure great performance and speed of your new mobile app. 

This blog has been written by Aran Davies for EngineerBabu. Let us know in the comments section below if you loved the article.

You can also drop an email at mayank@engineerbabu.com. Or Click Here to get in touch today!

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The post Native Android or iOS vs React Native: Which One to Choose? appeared first on EngineerBabu Blog.

Defining Mobile Application

For a layman, a mobile app is something which simplifies their work just by a click of a button of their mobile.
To define it more precisely mobile applications or simply mobile apps are a computer generated program or software applications which are built to run on various mobile devices like- iPhones, Smartphones, and tablets.
They are so common these days that it is another way around if a smartphone doesn’t have the “popular apps” it is considered as “OBSOLETE”!

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Planning to Develop a Mobile app?

If you are planning to develop a mobile app for your business and you are not technically sound on the subject, the challenge is to decide on the type of mobile app.
The success of your mobile app depends on factors such as technical details, business needs, design, marketing, and branding.
Of so many factors, the most critical is the selection of app type, as changing the app type at the last moment can cost you, and wrong selection can ruin your project.
To speed up the app development and take the advantage of right selection for long you must first understand your needs and the various kinds of available apps.

Broad Classification of Mobile Apps

Apps can be broadly classified into Web, and Mobile Apps. Mobile apps can further be divided into Native and Hybrid Apps.
Each has their advantages and limitations, which you must understand and select your choice.

A. Web Apps

When an application is accessed using a web browser over a network like an internet, it is termed as- Web App.
Unlike websites which are informational, they are functional and need not be downloaded like mobile apps.
They are loaded on browsers like Chrome or Firefox and do not consume memory or storage space on the user’s device.
In short, they can be understood as websites with interactivity and functionality.
Due to these developers with web skills can easily write, using cross-platform, standard web technologies like HTML, CSS or JavaScript, a web app.
As web app can be used on any mobile device that has a web browser, be it iOS, Android, or Windows, it needn’t be written multiple times for each platform.
Advantages:

1. Easy maintenance.
2. Single code base across platforms.Distribution, deployment, and updates or features can be released instantly, as they need no updating on an app store.

1. Device-level features accessible through JavaScript APIs.
2. Development costs are lower.

Limitations of Web apps:

1. Interactions are not so neat and responsive when compared to other apps.
2. UI design elements can be inconsistent.Device-level features like push-notification, work offline, and load on the home screen are not supported.
3. As they are unavailable in “App Store” the potential reach to users slip down.
4. Slow operating and cannot be accessed without internet.
   
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B. Mobile Apps

Mobile apps can be downloaded from an “App Stores” and are of two types, namely- Native and Hybrid Apps.

1. Native Apps

Apps created, designed and coded for specific platforms, like iOS, Android, and Window phones are native apps.
They are more complex when compared to web apps, in terms of the fact they take account of the software language used in the device, development tools required for them, user interface elements needed, and software development kits (SDKs).
Hence, one native app created for one OS will not run on the other.
That implies if you wish to develop native apps for iOS, Android, and Windows you need to create separate apps.
Unlike iOS devices, Android devices have the “back button” hence they do not need separate UI element for this.
Native apps are released and distributed via an “App Store” which has its pros and cons. On one side, the user gets access to hundreds of apps at a single location, which makes it easier to install.
Each of these platforms has its own publication procedure, therefore, for an update or new feature, it can take from few hours to few days for completion.
Other pros and cons are:

Pros:

1. Superior user experience in terms of speed and responsiveness.
2. All device-level features are accessible.

Stable and reliable.

1. Can work offline.
2. Available in an App store hence marketing easy.
3. Least use of hardware and efficient coding.

Cons:

1. Different code bases required for different platforms.
2. Are expensive.

Take time to build.

1. No cross-platform support.
2. Prior approvals required in case of “Apple App Store”.
3. Maintaining and updating are demanding.

As many developers may be platform specific, you may need to invest in two separate developers if you wish to launch on multiple platforms with Native apps.

2. Hybrid Apps

As the name itself says- it is an amalgamation of Native and Web App. They get installed as Native App and feel like Web apps.
They are built on JavaScript, HTML or CSS and run on simplified browser within the app termed as- Web view.
Hybrid apps are good MVP options as they can be created in short span of time, with limited resources and can be launched for testing and feedback.
In short, they are native app codes coupled with web technologies and published via a relevant native app store.
Developers prefer creating web apps as hybrid apps as doing so allow them to integrate device-level features like push-notifications or camera.
At the same time, they also get the chance to be accessed on App store, Google Play or Window store.
Developers are always happy to build a hybrid app as they need to write single web technology code base, which can be deployed into multiple devices.

Advantages:

1. Single code base.
2. Cross-platform support.

Convenient, fast and cost-effective to build, using standard web technologies.

1. Apps can be marketed in app stores.
2. Easy and faster updates.
3. Can work offline.

Allowed access to device’s APIs, can access storage, camera and much more.
Works on both iOS and Android.

Disadvantages:

1. As they load in a browser like an element they have poor performance, i.e., less responsive.
2. The UX is usually compromised.

Submission (for iOS) is required for the relevant App store.

1. Dependent on a third-party platform.

Declared Winner!
Now that you are clear on the definition of Web and Mobile apps, you would agree that Mobile Apps are far more user-friendly, fast, easy to access and have great functionality.
It is estimated that 90% of user’s digital time is spent on mobile apps rather than the web.

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While mobile apps are declared winners, they do have two contestants, and the winner amongst them is certainly the one which has the following:
– Highest Safety
– Supreme User Experience.
– Eminent performance.
– Can work on both online and Offline modes.
You got it correct- The Native Apps.
Though hybrid apps do have qualities like single code base, cheaper origination costs but when accounting for the peerless features of Native apps they fade away.

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Why Choosing is Important

For your and the app’s success, you must take out some time to decide the kind of app your business actually needs.
Here are few reasons why you need to choose correctly:

•  You have a core purpose of developing an app, therefore the mobile app needs to match that purpose.
  While you do so you purposefully keep the focal point of your mobile app in the pain areas of the audience.
  Secondly, that secures that the features and capabilities will be audience-friendly.
• Cost of your platform greatly depends on the type of app you choose. You cannot play with all kinds of apps and then finally come to a conclusion.
  You must choose before you hit the deck. This way you stick to your intended budget for the mobile app.
• App development doesn’t end at the end of the creating it, in reality, it starts from there. It requires long-term dedication and you need resources for the maintenance, updates, and future up scaling.
  Therefore, choosing the correct app will guide you to align your resources accordingly.

Decision Making

With so many positives and negatives of each kind of mobile app, it is quite challenging, rather confusing, to decide which one should you go for. The following will guide and facilitate you to finalize.

A. UX

User experience cannot be compromised, and hence you must account for it while making a decision. If required you may write two separate native apps, one each for iPhone users and one for Android users.

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B. Time and Cost

Consider these two most important factors as you have to choose from a large range and each has its cost, complexity, features, and platform.
You need to evaluate which one to discount or you do not have a scope of discount. You may even decide to hire an agency to decide on this factor for you.

C. Hiring Developers

You may decide to hire freelance developers or employee developers from across borders.
To decide on that, you must research on the cost you need to pay for the same. Hiring from developing countries or emerging states like India or Eastern Europe, where the average cost range from$10-15 an hour, can be cheaper. Developers in the US may have an average cost of $150 an hour.

D. Time Taken to Market

One of the factors you must keep in mind is the time taken to build and then market. All types take their own time and have their own marketing time, For example:

• Time taken to create an app is shortest for Web apps.
• The longest time to create an app is for native apps.
• Native apps might take extra time as they need time for two separate development procedures one for Android and one for iOS.
• Native and Hybrid apps need to go through the submission and approval process in      relevant app stores (Apple App Store).

E. Audience Targeted

Develop apps based on the kind of audience you plan to target. This can be explained with an example.
Say, you wish to launch your apps with an audience, that needs updates very frequently. In such case, you must go for either Hybrid or Web apps as native apps will consume time to update.
 If your target audience needs easy access and downloading you must go for native or hybrid apps as only they work offline.

F. Features of App

The features you wish to keep in your app will also decide the kind of app you should go for. Different apps have different ability to use device’s native APIs.
Some apps are functional irrespective of the phone features. Some others might need consideration in this case.
Apart from this, you should also consider any feature you wish to add in future.

G. Performance of App

Experts agree that around 84% of users consider app performance as an important indicator for their selection.

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When to or When not to!

Another approach you may choose to decide on the selection is to check yourself when to choose an app and when not to choose an app and can be explained as:

Web App:

When to Choose- Choose when:

•  You wish your website to be displayed on mobile devices with ease.
• You don’t want extra mobile native functionality.
• You wish to display your content on mobile platforms like iOS, or Android.

When not to Choose- Do not choose when:

• Native mobile functionality is not the need.

Native App:

When to Choose- Choose when:

•  Target is only iPhone or only Android or only Windows users.
•  When accessing device functionality is the need.
• When performance, view, and compatibility are the prime objectives of a specific ecosystem.

When not to Choose- Do not choose when:

•  No need for specific native functionality.
• Performance is not an issue.
• Budget and time is a concern.
  

Hybrid App:

When to Choose- Choose when:

•  Multiple platforms are the objective.
•  Phone-specific functionality is needed.
• Developer skill sets are limited.

When not to Choose- Do not choose when:

• Best experience required for each mobile platform   

The finest Approach

As explained based on your business objectives you must choose the type of app, and can be summarized as:

1. How soon you need the app?
2. The quality you need in your app for UX
3. Feature advancement or complexity you wish to offer
4. Your budget

Whatever the answer to the above questions you have to remember customer demands keep changing with time and,
– The API infrastructure you offer must be reliable, and accessible.
– A mobile app is always an extension of your brand.
– Understand customer demand, behavior, and be ready to adapt to changing trends and market evolutions.}

“Nobody has Time for Bad Experience”!

The key to a successful app is the user experience. That’s why the most successful apps look completely different to what they used to 10 years back.
Clearly, if the key differences lay in a better user experience then you must choose that app. To arrive at, the best mobile app let’s summarise Native and Hybrid App:

No doubt on all user-experience parameters Native app score higher than the Hybrid app and one must give preference to a Native app while choosing.

To Conclude

Most of the above criteria are been fulfilled by native apps and that makes them the most populous and in-demand mobile apps of the times.
You may employ the best developers to build your native app or may hire the master like- EngineerBabu to do the job for you.
EngineerBabu develops high-quality products and renders world-class services like:
– Logo Design
– Web Development
– Android Development
– UI & UX
– Growth marketing
– iOS App development.
As can be seen, EngineerBabu is the “One-Stop” solution for all your App related concerns.
EngineerBabu helps startups, enterprises, and owners to grow their business by building high class IT solutions. 95% of projects developed by them were completed on-time.
Set your priorities and act accordingly, if budget is priority opt for web or hybrid.
If the priority is brand experience and you are confident that user experience will fetch you the dividend you must choose native apps.
The speed, responsiveness, and the spectacle will be unmatchable.

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The post What to choose Native, Hybrid or Web App? – Mobile Application Development appeared first on EngineerBabu Blog.