On the surface, creating a mobile app seems easy. However, it’s comprised of many different elements, tools, and software that make it function smoothly at all times. There are 3 main types of mobile apps. Each has its own benefits and weaknesses, as well as how well they work with various development projects.
The 3 Types
- Native apps
- Web apps
- Hybrid apps
Native Apps
Native apps are considered the more traditional approach to app development. They’re designed for individual Operating Systems (OSs) and must be essentially rebuilt to run on other platforms. The programming languages native apps are coded with include: C++, React, Java, Kotlin, Swift, and Python. Since they are created for singular platforms, this allows them to have faster performance speeds. Additionally, they have direct access to all the features of the apps, such as Bluetooth and phone contacts.
The biggest downside to native apps is having to recreate the app for each platform it’s developed on. Reusable code isn’t generally an option across platforms with native apps. This will also slow down development and increase the cost of the entire development project. Another downside is the maintenance and need for updates of each of the platforms as the app grows.
Web Apps
Web apps don’t require software installation onto the computer developing the app like native apps do. Instead, they are accessed through a web browser, which is where actual development takes place. Less memory and storage space is used up on the computer as well—a bonus for web app developers. This decreases development costs because it reduces a substantial amount of effort and time native app developers would have to spend rewriting code for different platforms. A subdivision of web apps is Progressive Web Apps (PWAs), which are similar to a native app functioning within a web browser. Programming languages such as JavaScript, Ruby on Rails, HTML, and CSS are used to build web apps.
The most significant disadvantage to web apps is that they are entirely dependent on the web browser being used to make the app. Some features or functions may not transfer properly across different platforms. This could disrupt or disappoint users if they have a poor experience. Since the web browser plays such a large role—and no software is downloaded—developers can’t use it offline, meaning power outages, poor service, and more could happen unexpectedly.
Hybrid Apps
Hybrid apps are the middle-man. They have functionalities of native and web apps. Essentially, they appear to be native apps in every sense, but they are actually more advanced web apps. They’re built using Objective C, Swift, HTML, and other similar programming languages. Economically and in terms of development speed, hybrid apps are superior. The loading speed is much faster, which helps even in places of poor internet connection, and they only need one code. Although they do seem like a better option, hybrid apps rely on native APIs and various web technologies for app development.
Final Thoughts
Each app type works slightly better for different projects depending on the use for the app, expected growth of the app, development time and cost, and the developer(s) skillset. Analyze those elements to properly determine which type of app is the right fit.
