To remain competitive in the current business era, it has become extremely vital to have a mobile app presence. However, it becomes extremely crucial that during mobile app development, the presence be made available on two platforms, namely, Android and iOS. This is where cross platform app development enters the picture.
When we talk about this concept of a cross-platform app, and what it is; it refers to those apps that can easily function across the Android and iOS platforms. This functioning is made possible courtesy of its development done through a single codebase. Hence, the dependency on writing separate codes gets eliminated.
This is a major reason why more and more startups are placing their focus on the concept. It allows them to save considerably on cost, followed by reducing their time to market the app for each platform as well, side-by-side.
So, if you are an entrepreneur who is planning to invest in this, the article is for you. It highlights the advantages of developing cross-platform apps for startups and the reasons for their integration into operations.
What is Cross-Platform App Development?
Cross-platform app development is the concept of building an application that can function seamlessly across the iOS and Android platforms in a rather streamlined way. This is made possible through the presence of a single codebase.
As a result of this, developers can save time considerably during mobile app development. This is because one code alone saves the day.
With an idea that you have gauged about the concept; let’s understand how the task of developing cross-platform apps is done.
How to Perform Cross-Platform Mobile App Development?
Different steps need to be followed while developing a cross-platform app. Some of them include:
- Using frameworks like Flutter, React Native, Xamarin, NativeScript, etc.
- Keep UI guidelines of different platforms under strict scrutiny.
- Continue testing.
With all these steps adhered to carefully, your cross-platform app development journey will be a successful one for sure.
Now after gauging the different methodologies to build a cross-platform app, we must have some insights into some interesting facts about these solutions.
Interesting Facts about Cross-Platform Apps
- Developers usually channel Native, Flutter, and React Native to build the solution.
- Due to the presence of a single codebase, therefore coordination with different extensions and plugins is a simple task, alongside making the task of cloud integration a cakewalk as well.
- Building a brand image and experience that is consistent becomes easy to achieve as a result of using the same UI and UX components. Hence, developers can deliver a native experience.
- As a single code is used across all platforms, therefore, chances of discrepancies are less. This thereupon reduces the potential presence of bugs as well. Hence, issues of app crashes get diminished as well, simultaneously.
All these areas thereupon are enough to give a comprehensive idea that investing in the field of cross-platform app development is certainly the right path.
Why Should You Invest in Cross-Platform App Development?
If you want to streamline the way project management is performed, followed by ensuring that your ROI percentage goes up as a startup, investing in building a cross-platform app is the right direction.
Here is why:
Is Time Friendly
Getting across to your audience in terms of educating them about your services becomes a cakewalk through the aspect of cross-platform app development.
As a result of the solution promising an exceptional first impression and taking a shorter time-to-market, hence reaching out to users becomes easier.
Simplified Deployment Procedure
When developers perform cross-platform app development, they get access to native UI support, which goes on to support them in the prospect of native app development ensuring that the features seem as if they are cross-platform.
This is something that makes deployment over multiple application stores a cakewalk for mobile app developers.
Delivers Customized Experience
Another main reason why startups should invest in the concept is the prospect of providing users with a customized experience.
Due to the flexibility that the platform offers, and through the presence of a simple backend architecture, it becomes easy to deliver a smooth user experience due to the creation of a unique UI design and functionality, side-by-side.
Gives Access to a Large Array of Development Tools
When developing these solutions, developers can channel the use of Flutter, followed by obtaining the flexibility to use tools and frameworks like React Native, Kotlin, etc.
This makes it easy to create user-friendly designs, alongside ensuring that the app functions rather smoothly without any form of discrepancies whatsoever.
Helps Creation of MVP
A minimum viable product is a product that helps to address business and user needs and requirements in a streamlined way.
This is something that is made possible through the prospect of investing in cross-platform app development, as it becomes easy for developers to study what iOS and android users need, and thereupon build a solution that seamlessly addresses both their concerns in one single app.
Is Easy to Integrate
When you enter into the journey of building a cross-platform app, you get the support to have its integration done with other apps.
Since the association with the device’s framework’s climate is a flawless task; hence issues such as creaks get mitigated thereby ensuring users receive a smooth experience when operating the app.
So now that you are aware of the reasons why you should invest in cross-platform app development, let’s get hands-on with the scenarios when it is best to build these solutions.
Recommended Scenarios for Cross-Platform App Development
Are you a budding entrepreneur who wishes to gain more reach? Cross-platform app development is the right pathway. It will ensure users receive a unique experience while operating the app across different platforms.
However, in a situation wherein you wish to get an idea of where cross-platform app development fits best, I have highlighted the points.
- If your area of focus is to accelerate the pace of app development.
- When your target audiences are iOS and Android users respectively.
- If you need a single codebase for app logic and control user interface elements.
- If you are on a tight budget.
- Wherein you lack the desired resources for app development, as a single team alone is capable to manage the entire development process mitigating the requirement of code recreation for different operating systems.
Now, let’s provide you with a list of frameworks that you can particularly use for the task.
Frameworks You Can Use to Make Successful Cross-Platform App
- Channeling Flutter which merges both cross-platform and native approaches. You can develop enterprise apps using Flutter on the lines of Alibaba, Hamilton, etc.
- React Native. You can use it to your advantage to create a unique user experience so that user engagement remains greater.
- Ionic. Through its utilization, it will become a streamlined task to create a creative user experience in your app followed by getting the support to add user-friendly features.
What Are You Waiting For?
If budget is a constraint for you and you want your application to be launched in a short time, cross-platform app development is the path for you. You can deliver a smooth experience through the end solution, followed by gaining the ability to get wider outreach. Last, you will be able to deliver on-point security, stability, etc. as well. Get in touch with a reputed mobile app development company offshore analyzing their experience in developing native apps, cross-platform apps, and web apps alongside assessing their portfolio and client reviews. Thereafter observe your business reaching the direction of success and profitability it deserves right from the word GO!