Guide to Cross-Platform App Development

Cross-platform apps: Yes, or no? It’s a good question.

While much has been written about selecting the correct mobile platform for your product, there has yet to be a definite answer.

After all, it’s a complex decision to make.

Each platform has its advantages and disadvantages — depending on your requirements, as well as the objectives of your business, the benefits of a specific platform may outweigh its downsides to present a compelling solution for your business needs.

Below, I’ll dive into what cross-platform development means, and explain its pros and cons.

Next, I’ll elaborate on few questions that’ll help you evaluate if cross-platform apps make sense for your business.

What is cross-platform mobile development?

Cross-platform mobile development refers to the development of apps that can be used on multiple mobile platforms, such as Android and iOS.

Using cross-platform technology, a single app source code is compiled into native code for different operating systems. This differs from native app development, where an app is developed for a specific platform.

Benefits of cross-platform mobile app development

1. Reduce development costs and less time taken

This method creates one code base, thus reducing the complexity of having to manage multiple codebases, developer toolkits, languages, and methodologies that native app development requires.

You’ll likely require less manpower too, or be able to publish an app within a short timeframe with the same number of developers.

Additionally, by choosing the right tools and mapping out a thorough strategy for development, you’ll be able to reuse 75 percent of the original codebase, thereby cutting down on the time needed to develop your app.

2. Exposure to a more user base

Being available across multiple mobile platforms ensures that you don’t wind up separating a large user base by not serving all platforms equally.

3. Tap on the advantages that each cross-platform tool brings

Flutter:

Developers can take advantage of native UI toolkits to create an app that presents a familiar interface and “feels right” to users. Flutter is different because it only has a thin layer of C/C++ code. Flutter implements most of its system (compositing, gestures, animation, framework, widgets, etc) in Dart (a modern, concise, object-oriented language) that developers can easily approach read, change, replace, or remove. This gives developers tremendous control over the system, as well as significantly lowers the bar to approachability for the majority of the system.

React Native:

React Native uses JavaScript, one of the most popular programming languages. This makes it easier when it comes to hiring developers with the skill set you need.

Want to make changes to an existing app? You can apply React Native UI components to the code without the need for rewriting. If your app is built using frameworks like Cordova or Ionic, the code can also be reused easily with a plugin.

Disadvantages of cross-platform mobile app development

1. User interface issues

As each platform has its unique user interface elements, it can be a challenge meeting explicit requirements for each platform, particularly if the user interface code is shared across the platforms.

Apple is known for having strict guidelines, so developers risk having their apps rejected when submitting their app to the App Store. And while certain tools enable developers to write user interface code specifically for each platform, the time taken for the process can eliminate the time-saving benefits that cross-platform tools offer.

2. Delays behind in terms of executing new features

A cross-platform tool may prevent you from implementing the latest iOS or Android updates, as third-party tools aren’t able to provide immediate support. A time lag will occur before new plugins or changes can be implemented.

3. Dealing with the disadvantages that each cross-platform tool brings

Flutter:

Depending on its functions and level of complexity, Flutter is still an immature framework. It hasn’t been around for long, which is why it’s still not entirely stable. Several more or less challenging issues remain, along with a lack of more advanced features that leverage the capabilities of operating systems. Many of these features are not yet supported, with plenty of libraries being in the development stage and showing limitations when comparing them to native counterparts (i.e., Google Maps). 

Dart is also pretty immature. When comparing it to Swift and Kotlin, it’s basically like taking a step back - it has either fewer features or the existing ones are not exactly well-refined.

Flutter apps are quite large and “heavy” to start with. They occupy a lot of space and take longer to download or update.

React Native:

The young ecosystem of React Native means that the tool is constantly evolving, with library updates released just about every month. While this means that users are getting additional tools, they would also need to invest time and effort in studying the documentation to ensure that these tools work with previously created APIs.

In some instances, a lack of custom components may mean that developers need to build their solution from the ground up.

Does my business require a cross-platform app?

Here are few interrogations to help you decide if cross-platform apps will be a good fit for your requirements:

1. What’s my timeline?

The first step you’ll need to take is to lineout your application development timeframe. If you’re planning to release both the iOS and Android versions of an app, which will you launch first? And how much time do you have until you release the other version?

Once you have your timeline mapped out, you’ll have a clearer idea of which method will better suit your requirements.

For example, if you need to release an iOS app on a tight deadline, and anticipate to launch an Android version at a later stage, native app development may be a more suitable option. Swift, the programming language developed by designed to be easy to use. Developers can see what they’re creating with the code as they write it, and the language incorporates common words and phrases like “add” and “remove”. As such, it’s much faster to develop.

In the opposite situation — where you need to launch the Android version within a short period — cross-platform development may be a better option. That’s because Java, the default language for Android development is more complex, and may present more difficulties.

2. What’s my budget?

When you’re finalizing among platforms, you’ll need to look beyond the current costs of the project, and instead, evaluate the total cost over time.

Whereas cross-platform development is typically affordable, it may incur additional costs gradually. As cross-platform frameworks are newer and keep maturing, hiring or putting together a team of experienced developers may be costlier or take a longer time. On the other hand, it’s comparatively easier to hire Android or iOS developers.

You’ll also need to measure the requirements of your app and business. For example, if you’re planning to release new features or implement changes continuously, cross-platform development will create greater cost savings as you’ll only have to manage a single codebase.

3. What’s the intended feature set and scope of the application?

If you’re creating a business around your mobile app, or intend to implement complex features or animations, going native is the clear winner. Native apps offer fast integration of new features, allow full access to a device’s services and features, automatic monitoring of the app’s performance, and better performance with animations and rendering.

Companies that have gone native in a bid to improve their app performance include Facebook and LinkedIn. Facebook encountered issues such as the lack of smooth scrolling, delays in image loading time, and broken AppCache, while LinkedIn wanted to resolve problems such as the lack of memory space for users, absence of debugger and performance tools, as well as animation performance issues.

But what if a simple app that requires little customization will fit the bill? In this case, opting for cross-platform development is a good start.

4. Who is my target audience, and where are they at?

If you’re targeting users across multiple platforms and devices, a cross-platform app is likely the best option.

5. Does cross-platform development fit in with my overall digital strategy?

Start by reviewing your current digital strategy and resources. If you‘ve built a responsive website with complex functionalities and interactivity, it may require extensive resources to adapt these features for a cross-platform app that will match up to the demands of your users.

On the other hand, if you don’t yet have a website, cross-platform development may present greater cost savings by enabling developers to build a mobile, desktop, and website app using a single code base.

Let me know your thoughts and if you are looking for a mobile application development solution for your business to streamline the process or want to increase customer engagement for your business. Also, if you are a startup and looking for a reliable partner to build MVP for iOS, Android, and Web platforms let's connect and discuss your requirement.