Native Applications
Native applications are those that are developed for one particular platform. For instance, native apps would only work with Windows, Android or iOS. This enables the app to work fully with components of the device such as the GPS, accelerometer, microphone or camera.
What are the programming languages used in Native applications?
Native applications are developed using a particular software development kit (SDK) and an integrated development environment (IDE).
The following are some of the programming languages that can be used to build these native apps:
- iOS Applications
To be able to make a native app work on an iOS application, there must be Xcode available for it. The programming language which is used in this regard is Objective-C or Swift.
- Android Applications
For an Android app to work well as a native application, there is a need for developers to make use of devices that work with touch screens and on smartphones. The programming language used in this regard is developed using Java or Kotlin.
What are the pros and cons of using a native app?
Advantages
Here are some advantages of using a native app:
- Stability
As a native app user, one thing that you can be sure about is stability while using the application. This can be ensured when native mobile app users resort to particular platforms that are specially made for their usage. For instance, certain apps that are specifically designed for an iOS or an Android user.
- Simplicity
Another thing that as a native app user you should be least concerned about is adapting to the functionality of the application. Both in the iOS or the Android interface, the developer has a choice to maximize the features as much as possible for the user-specific platforms, making the entire experience for the users simple.
- User-friendliness
Native apps allow the user to use all the features of the app while still maintaining a very smooth, fun, and effortless user experience.
- No third-parties
One benefit that the native application sets it apart from the cross-platform apps is the fact that the developer knows what operating systems would work well with it. This makes the app free from any third party restrictions. A native app is a perfect choice if the user wants to have a non-standardized and less complex experience.
- Effectiveness of UI/UX
When it comes to using an iOS or an Android application, both operating systems have a different interface experience for their users. This is an important reason why users choose one interface over another when it comes to running native apps on them. Like the interface, behavioral patterns on both iOS and Android are also different, making them effective for UI/UX.
Disadvantages
Here are some disadvantages of using a native app:
- Application development cost
One of the major disadvantages of using a native app is its development cost. It is quite expensive when compared to cross-platform apps.
- Time-consuming
Native apps are generally more time-consuming when it comes to the development of the application. If you are planning to run the app on two platforms at once, you would have to wait longer than you might have anticipated.
- Expensive support system
While the native apps are user-friendly and designed to make things easier when using them, they have a more expensive support system when compared to cross-platform apps. Let us just say they are also more difficult to maintain and require more attention.
Cross-Platform Applications
Unlike how native applications are developed, cross-platform apps are developed with the help of a shared operating system. The best thing about cross-platform apps is that they provide a universal solution that can be supported by multiple platforms at the same time. Another unique quality that the cross-platform possesses and the native apps do not, is its ability to fit several operating systems.
What are the pros and cons of using a cross-platform app?
Advantages
Here are some advantages of using a cross-platform app:
- Affordable
Cross-platform apps are affordable to use when compared to native apps. Both users and developers can make the most of its single code feature. This helps in reducing the cost at large, unlike in native apps which are more expensive.
- Easy deployment
When it comes to cross-platform apps, the deployment of the application is quite easy when compared to native apps. Cross-platform apps do not require different codebases which makes the functionality of the application much faster. Any further changes to the app can be done easily without having to make any individual changes to every single platform.
- Wider reach
With cross-platform applications, there is a greater chance that it will reach a wider target audience, directly generating more revenue.
- Small team size
Cross-platform apps are faster as compared to native apps which mean that the team required for the development do not have to be too big. A small team can easily carry the development process without too much hassle.
- Time-saving
Cross-platform apps work well on multiple operating systems at the same time which makes them less time-consuming when compared to native apps.
Disadvantages
Here are some disadvantages of using a cross-platform app:
- Performance glitches
When compared to native apps, cross-platform apps have more glitches. One major reason for this shortfall could be that multiple apps are working on the same platform.
- User experience issues
Cross-platform apps have a shared codebase which makes them less user-friendly in comparison to native apps.
- Less flexible
Over the years, cross-platform apps have shown less flexibility when it comes to being adaptable and user-friendly according to individual users. This is one thing that the users have been complaining about for quite some time now.
Conclusion
In the end, it all comes down to the type of business and application you are looking to build when deciding whether to go with Native or Cross-Platform. We here at Cosmico Studios believe that user experience is everything when it comes to the user retention of an app, which is why we prefer to build Native apps over Cross-Platform.
If you have any questions or have an idea for an app that you would want to build, feel free to contact us for a consultation.