Wide use of smart phones along with the need for social networking, net surfing, online shopping, gaming, news updates, weather forecasts and other utilities have triggered the need for mobile applications. In contrast to old cellphones that had only a simple calculator in the applications menu, smart phones today have advanced messengers, ebook readers. music tutorial apps and much more.
Mobile apps are usually classified into three major types namely web apps, native apps and hybrid apps. Each type of app has been explained below:
In many aspects, hybrid apps have proved to be better than other two types. Consequently, IT companies are now focusing on mobile hybrid app development.
Approaches for Building Hybrid Mobile apps
Following are the two approaches commonly used for creating hybrid mobile apps:
There are multiple good reasons for one to use any of these approaches for developing hybrid mobile apps. However, WebView approach allows developers to make maximum use of their web programming skills.
Benefits of Hybrid Mobile Apps
Following are some excellent benefits provided by hybrid apps:
Mobile apps are usually classified into three major types namely web apps, native apps and hybrid apps. Each type of app has been explained below:
- Native App: These apps utilize each and every capability of the device and its operating system. The performance overhead mainly depends on the platform being used.
- Web App: While building this app, you can port the code across multiple platforms. This considerably reduces the cost of development and saves time as well.
- Hybrid App: This app combines the features of both native and web apps. Here native-like apps are deployed across a wide range of platforms using a common code base.
In many aspects, hybrid apps have proved to be better than other two types. Consequently, IT companies are now focusing on mobile hybrid app development.
Approaches for Building Hybrid Mobile apps
Following are the two approaches commonly used for creating hybrid mobile apps:
- WebView Approach: This approach uses JavaScript, HTML and CSS code base. A browser known as WebView runs this code base. A native app keeps this browser wrapped in it. This wrapper exposes native APIs to JavaScript.
- Compiled Approach: A language such as JavaScript or C# is used to write the code. For each platform that is supported by the device, the code is compiled to native code. This yields a native app for a particular platform. However, the app cannot have much freedom when developed using this approach.
There are multiple good reasons for one to use any of these approaches for developing hybrid mobile apps. However, WebView approach allows developers to make maximum use of their web programming skills.
Benefits of Hybrid Mobile Apps
Following are some excellent benefits provided by hybrid apps:
- Existing web programming skills of developers can be utilized extensively.
- Multiple platforms can use a single code base.
- Time taken for development and cost incurred during the process are significantly reduced.
- Form factors can easily be designed.
- Certain features of the device and its operating system can be accessed.