How do you update and maintain cross platform apps efficiently and cost-effectively?

1 Choose the right tools

The first step to update and maintain cross platform apps is to choose the right tools for your project. There are different types of cross platform app development tools, such as native frameworks, hybrid frameworks, and web-based frameworks. Native frameworks, such as React Native or Flutter, use native components and languages to create apps that look and feel native on each platform. Hybrid frameworks, such as Ionic or Cordova, use web technologies and wrappers to create apps that run inside a web view. Web-based frameworks, such as Angular or Vue, create web apps that can run on any browser. Each type of tool has its own advantages and disadvantages, so you need to consider factors such as performance, user experience, features, and compatibility when choosing one.

2 Follow coding standards and best practices

The second step to update and maintain cross platform apps is to follow coding standards and best practices. Coding standards are rules and guidelines that help you write consistent, readable, and maintainable code. They can include naming conventions, formatting, indentation, comments, documentation, and testing. Best practices are recommendations and principles that help you write quality, secure, and efficient code. They can include modularization, reuse, refactoring, error handling, debugging, and optimization. Following coding standards and best practices can help you avoid errors, bugs, and technical debt, as well as make your code easier to update and maintain.

3 Use version control and continuous integration

The third step to update and maintain cross platform apps is to use version control and continuous integration. Version control is a system that tracks and manages changes to your code over time. It allows you to create branches, merge, revert, and collaborate with other developers. Continuous integration is a process that automates the building, testing, and deploying of your code. It allows you to detect and fix errors, bugs, and conflicts early and frequently. Using version control and continuous integration can help you keep your code up to date, stable, and reliable.

4 Test on multiple devices and platforms

The fourth step to update and maintain cross platform apps is to test on multiple devices and platforms. Testing is a crucial part of the development cycle that ensures your app works as expected, meets the requirements, and satisfies the users. Testing on multiple devices and platforms can help you check the compatibility, functionality, performance, usability, and accessibility of your app across different scenarios. You can use tools such as emulators, simulators, or cloud-based testing services to test your app on various devices and platforms without owning them.

5 Monitor and analyze user feedback and data

The fifth step to update and maintain cross platform apps is to monitor and analyze user feedback and data. User feedback and data are valuable sources of information that can help you understand how your app is used, perceived, and valued by your users. You can use tools such as surveys, reviews, ratings, analytics, or crash reports to collect and analyze user feedback and data. Monitoring and analyzing user feedback and data can help you identify and prioritize issues, bugs, and improvements, as well as measure the impact and effectiveness of your updates.

6 Plan and schedule your updates

The sixth step to update and maintain cross platform apps is to plan and schedule your updates. Updates are essential to keep your app relevant, secure, and competitive. However, updates can also be disruptive, costly, and risky if not done properly. You need to plan and schedule your updates carefully to balance the frequency, scope, and timing of your updates. You need to consider factors such as user expectations, market trends, platform requirements, testing results, and feedback data when planning and scheduling your updates. You also need to communicate your updates clearly and transparently to your users and stakeholders.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?