Native app development and cross-platform development are two approaches to creating mobile applications. In native app development, developers create separate versions of an application for different operating systems, such as iOS and Android.
Cross-platform development, on the other hand, involves using a single codebase to create an application that can run on multiple operating systems. Let’s get into the differences between the two:
Platform Compatibility
One of the biggest differences between native app creation and cross-platform development is platform compatibility. With native app development, developers create separate versions of an application for different operating systems, such as iOS and Android. This means that each version of the application is tailored specifically for the operating system it is being developed for, resulting in better compatibility with that system’s features and capabilities.
Cross-platform development, on the other hand, involves using a single codebase to create an application that can run on multiple operating systems. This can be done through the use of tools such as React Native, Xamarin, or Appcelerator Titanium. While this approach allows for a single application to run on multiple platforms, it can result in some compatibility issues, as the application may not fully take advantage of the specific features and capabilities of each platform.
Development Time and Cost
Another key difference between native app development and cross-platform development is development time and cost. Native app development typically takes more time and is more expensive than cross-platform development, as developers need to create separate versions of the application for each operating system. Additionally, native app development also requires specialized knowledge of the different operating systems and their specific programming languages and frameworks.
Cross-platform development, on the other hand, can be faster and more cost-effective, as developers only need to create a single codebase for the application. This can be done through the use of tools such as React Native, Xamarin, or Appcelerator Titanium. These tools allow developers to write the code once and then use it to create an application for multiple platforms.
User Experience
The user experience is another area where native app development and cross-platform development differ. Native app development allows for a better user experience, as the application is tailored specifically for the operating system it is being developed for, resulting in better compatibility with that system’s features and capabilities. This can result in a smoother and more seamless user experience.
Cross-platform development, on the other hand, can result in a slightly less polished user experience, as the application may not fully take advantage of the specific features and capabilities of each platform. However, the difference in user experience can be mitigated by careful design and development, as well as through the use of tools that help to bridge the gap between platforms.
Access to Device Features
One of the biggest advantages of native app development is that it allows for full access to the device’s features and capabilities. Because the app is created specifically for the operating system it is being developed for, developers have the ability to take full advantage of all the features that are available for that platform, such as push notifications, cameras, GPS, etc. This can result in a more polished and user-friendly app that provides a better user experience.
In contrast, cross-platform development can be limited in terms of access to device features. As the app is being developed to run on multiple platforms using a single codebase, developers may not be able to take full advantage of certain features that are only available on specific platforms. As per the experts at App Machine, “While this can be mitigated through the use of additional tools and frameworks, it can still result in a less polished app that doesn’t provide the same level of functionality as a native app.”
Hope this article helped you understand the difference between native app and cross-platform development. It will help you make an informed decision.
