TYPES OF MOBILE APPS AND PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES

Smartphone usage is increasing steadily every day. Mobile app development industry is booming and creating entrepreneurial and employment opportunities. After getting to know about mobile application development process, the next query is about the type of apps that are to be developed. 

Organisations, businesses, people who want to develop an app, are usually confused about which kind to build. The confusion pops up majorly because of one reason- inadequate knowledge about applications and their kind. Let’s clear the air and get to know about them!

There are four types of mobile applications – web, native, hybrid and cross-platform. Before one decides to choose any of them, it is important to know the difference between the four and the related pros and cons. Making an informed choice proves to be the best in a long run. You don’t need to gear up, as this info is relatively easier to comprehend. Let’s get at that!

Rendezvous with the quad – Web, Native, Hybrid and Cross-platform

The above-mentioned apps are categorised on the basis of the technology that is used to code them.

· Web apps – These are the adaptable applications. They are accessed via an internet browser. They adapt to the system the users view them on. Since they are not native to a particular system, they are not installed or downloaded.

Web applications need an active internet connection to access, whereas mobile applications can be used offline as well.

· Native apps – They are created for one particular platform or operating system (OS). Since they are compatible with one platform, they cannot be used in a mix and match fashion, i.e., an iOS application cannot be used on an Android phone and vice versa.

·Hybrid apps – The combination apps! Though wrapped within a native app, hybrid applications as the name indicates, are a blend of both native and web apps. They can be downloaded from an Appstore and have their own icons too.

· Cross-platform apps – There’s a misnomer that hybrid and cross-platform are the same; they are not! Code shareability is the only similarity between the two. This approach also allows developers to write code once and reuse them for different platforms.

Cross platform applications are developed to function for several mobile platforms. They are compatible with more than one OS.

Programming languages

A programming language is a set of instructions for computers. It is a formal language that is used in computer programming to implement algorithms. A number of programming languages have been created and the process is still going on.

Python, JavaScript, Java, C#, PHP, C++, R, Swift, Kotlin are some of the most popular programming languages.

Comparison – is cardinal, definitely

1.WEB

Technology used: JavaScript, Ruby, HTML5, CSS etc.

Pros

1. Cuts down development cost as it is web-based

2. Performs well on all devices

3. Easier to maintain

4. Since web-based, no need to download and hence doesn’t take up device’s storage

Cons

1. Needs an active internet connection

2. Entirely dependent on browser used on the device

3. Might not integrate with system hardware always

2.NATIVE

Technology used: Java, Swift, Kotlin, C++, React, Python, Objective-C, Xamarin etc.

Pros

1. Are faster

2. With respect to performance, are reliable

3. Customers get a more optimised experience

4. Native UI

5. Have access to several choices of device features like Contacts, NFC, Bluetooth etc. BECAUSE they connect with device’s hardware directly

Cons

1. Maintenance cost is high

2. Take up storage because have to be downloaded

3. Have to be downloaded and reinstalled after every update

3.HYBRID

Technology used: HTML5, Swift, Ionic, Objective-C etc.

Pros

1. More economical (relatively)

2. Making them is a faster process

3. Load rapidly

4. Give consumers a consistent experience

5. Use single code base and there is less code to maintain

Cons

1. Lack in power in speed unlike native apps

2. Since downloads are required, they are slower

3. Don’t work offline

4.CROSS-PLATFORM

Technology used: Flutter, React Native, Xamarin

Pros

1. Codes can be reused

2. UI elements are almost Native like

3. Best approach for low custom applications

Cons

1. Poor performance

2. Limited access to features

This is just tip of the iceberg. The intent was to inform readers about the very basics of the kinds of applications. To better understand this, one should consult an expert. Let us know in the comments below if you are looking forward to develop an application to solve a problem or enhance your venture.

Connect with us to understand better and know more. We at Techugo, have a dedicated and talented team of developers, who can help you fine-tune your mobile strategy. Let’s work together and grow. Comment below your feedback.