Everything these days has turned into an app. To some people, these apps are just icons, but for some, apps are something they feel they can rely on for their needs.
From a developer’s perspective, apps can be described as millions of code lines for the execution of said requirements.
An app is not as simple as it may look. There is a lot of programming involved in the development of a single app.
App development has evolved exponentially in the past few years. And today, we have apps categorized in different types.
Two very discussed and popular types are Native apps and Hybrid apps.
But what are they and which one should you choose?
Be it Native app development or Hybrid app development; we will discuss both in a detailed manner in this article.
Let’s get started now!
Difference between Native apps vs. Hybrid apps
Talking about the native apps first, they are created, keeping in mind specific platforms like iOS or Android. They are built using the languages that are supported by the platform.
For Android, these languages are Java, Kotlin, etc.
While for iOS, the languages are Objective-C, Swift, and more.
On the other hand, Hybrid apps are created using JavaScript, CSS, and HTML. Hybrid apps are like websites put into a wrapper of native apps to look and function like them. They improve the cross-platform capabilities by allowing one code base to cover multiple platforms.
Both native and hybrid apps can be downloaded and used through App Stores.
So, it can be said that Native apps are the ones that are created specifically for one platform. Whereas Hybrid apps can function and perform well across multiple platforms.
It sometimes becomes difficult to distinguish between Native apps and Hybrid apps.
Some famous examples of Hybrid apps include Google Maps, Telegram, and Pokemon Go, while some well-known examples of Hybrid apps include Uber, Instagram, and Untappd.
Difference between Native and Hybrid Apps Based on User Experience
An application will only be successful if the user’s experience is pleasant.
An application’s controls, functionalities, interactions, and features must be seamless with their performance.
A Native app is designed for different operating systems differently. The user experience for that particular operating system becomes of principal importance for deciding the presence of that app.
While with Hybrid applications, apps can perform on multiple platforms. There is just one UI that goes and works everywhere. There is no need to maintain two different code bases. Hybrid apps are easy to build and take less time in development.
Both the Native and Hybrid app development provide a different user experience in their own ways. The need here for the product owner is to perform research about their target audience and then decide which type would provide the user with the desired experience.
Advantages of Native Apps
Why is everybody running after Native apps?
Let’s find out with these advantages.
Enhanced User Experience
You can never deny this advantage of Native apps. The app developers tailor the app’s functionality specific to one platform. That particular platform has its own design, language, features, and elements.
This lets users navigate through the interface and understand the functionality of the application better.
Native applications can also work offline.
Improved Performance
Try and think yourself that an application created and optimized as per a specific platform can represent a spectacular performance level.
The reason behind this fast performance is not just optimization in the app but also the codes.
It is written in the Native language supported by the platform, which makes it work faster. Also, new features can be integrated a lot quicker.
Security
Developing a Native app ensures the protection of users’ data.
Hardware can be used to their maximum power or ability to process tasks and secure users’ data.
Full Functionality
Native apps have complete access to databases and hardware features of a particular device.
They don’t have to take into consideration any peculiarities of several operating systems to meet their needs. This leaves no issues or limitations related to the creation of the interface.
Personalization
Adjusting the layout of different devices becomes difficult with Fragmentation.
Native development serves as an effective way to keep the high-level design intact and offer a great experience to the users.
Advantages of Hybrid Apps
Many developers very much prefer Hybrid apps. Let’s take a took at the advantages that make them so beneficial.
Support Multiple Platforms
Hybrid apps support both Android and iOS devices with just one codebase.
You don’t have to build the app for each platform. Mobile developers build a single codebase that would function across all platforms. The hybrid mobile app development services prove to be very fruitful with this advantage.
If your goal is to increase brand awareness, then Hybrid mobile app development is the best option for you.
Fast Development
Since there is no need to work on multiple codebases, the developers can move ahead with a single codebase saving their effort and time.
The developing and testing processes are easy, and it would take less time to develop an error-free and high-quality product.
Change and Update With Ease
Once again, due to the single codebase, the developers don’t have to focus separately on every platform.
They just need to make changes once, and all those changes will automatically be applied to all platforms your hybrid apps reach.
Updates containing bug fixes and improvements can be achieved in a way better way in hybrid applications.
If the page faces any server issue, developers can fix that to provide users with a refreshed version on the launch.
Cost-Effective
Just like the single codebase influences the faster time in development, no extra coding or resources, it ultimately impacts the final cost of the product. You won’t need to speed on extra hours of development for different platforms.
Saving money now would benefit you later.
When to Choose What?
If your project’s need is custom features, high performance, excellent design, and reliability, then Native app development is your best option.
Whereas Hybrid app development is ideal for more simple projects. If your budget is limited, you can create an app that would support all the platforms with hybrid app development within a limited period.
Hybrid apps are also a good option for MVP as they let you test your product across multiple platforms without spending much.
Conclusion
Each type has its own benefits depending upon the requirement of the project. You can choose services for Native app development or Hybrid mobile app development services considering your project and one’s development capabilities.
Taking into account the information mentioned above, you can make a conclusion about which approach fits the most.