Whether you are a beginner interested in learning mobile app development or a pro who wants to try a different mobile app, knowing which app dev framework for your project is important.
You have this great idea, and this nice project and some resources are all lined up. The only thing you need is an idea of the best mobile application development framework to kickstart your project. We will examine which mobile app framework could be your ideal choice.
So What Apps Should You Use?
You can choose between Hybrid or Native Apps. However, natives are highly recommended. The advantages? The best performance and full control of the phone using Android with a native application. This is what social media giant Facebook discovered when they created the React native framework and redesigned their messenger app using the unbeatable React Native App.
With native apps, you can easily add new tools to your application and enjoy the brilliant performance. Other benefits include a solid background, efficiency, and mature community.
The disadvantages of native apps include the skills and resources needed, which are more costly than Hybrid apps. These skills entail proficiency in Kotlin or Java for Android application development and Swift or Objective-C for iOS app development. To build an iOS application, you need a Mac machine. This explains why many developers use Android when starting since they can not afford a Mac. Both Android and iOS require developers and resources to build and maintain hence the additional costs.
Choosing Between Hybrid and Native
Know what is required: Does your mobile contain complicated tools requiring additional access to the phone’s maximum capabilities? Then to avert any potential risks, go for native apps.
Be economically conscious: If you have a sufficient budget to cater to Android or iOS development, then Nati apps are your best option. If, however, your resources are limited such that you can only work on one project at a time, you can still settle for native apps. Or you can go for Hybrid and work with data-driven apps and save both time and money. In other words, native apps are super effective, flexible, and confident but are quite costly. However, it can be a worthwhile investment if your project is viable. Knowing which applications to choose from, let us now explore the best frameworks you can work with.
Flutter vs. React Native
The difference between these two frameworks is significant. React was developed as a web rack but has since lived to its full potential and even penetrated the mobile space. Flutter was created as a mobile application framework and is now moving into the web and other platforms. Their techniques demonstrate the developers’ strategy when designing and maintaining the codebases of these projects.
React Native – React is Facebook’s baby, now playing the role of both web and mobile application frameworks.
The pros include popular tech that comes with community support such as SDK and AWS. Also on offer are third party libraries and packages. You can access an easy learning curve for developers. Hence if you are working with an experienced team, they can start working on React Native right away.
What about the cons? The third-party libraries are sourced from open communities, which means your total dependence on those third-party libraries, hence frustrations. React native also runs on Javascript bridge, which means it’s inferior to Flutter. There is also the issue of backward compatibility and unsatisfactory hot reloading.
Flutter – Developed by Google, this native application development framework is open-sourced and works on mobile and web platforms.
The merits of Flutter include excellent performance and a perfect hot reload. It doesn’t require Mac to build apps for iOS and can use code magic to develop an iOS app. Faster prototyping and has better included minimizing dependence on third-party libraries. Multiple platforms such as Android, iOS, and Desktop are deployable from a single codebase. Additionally, Flutter offers great flexibility for doing native app development, an easy learning curve, and remarkable backward compatibility.
Now for the demerits: Flutter is only two years old; hence it is still in its development stage. The SDKs for mobile apps are not yet available. The framework also supports multiple platforms with limited third-party packages, which necessitates constant updating of these platforms.
So Which Is The Best Between React and Flutter?
Flutter’s flexibility, efficiency, and the ability to move into any web or platform make it ideal for a single developer or a small team of developers. However, React is the best option for professional developers with an existing web app who wants to work on a new project.
Conclusion
If you have sufficient resources and time to build and launch a new project, go for native apps, and enjoy full control and flexibility. However, Hybrid can be just as effective if you are working on a limited budget. Still, the benefits will not be as fulfilling as when working with a native application framework.
