There has been a long ongoing debate among native and web, which has created countless arguments between the developers and confounded decision makers, globally. In the argue, the developers have discussed the various pros and cons of current technologies and its usage. However, considering the last technology that discussed most is Hybrid Apps.
Hybrid apps are the native apps, which use native widgets or “web views” to display HTML content, but erase the address bar and normal controls of the web browsing experience. This provides a platform to the developers where they can insert the web content directly inside an app, as well as simply blend the native elements and the existing web content onto the same screen. In this article, we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of both Native and Hybrid apps, and explain when you can use each one.
Native Apps - It doesn’t use any HTML content, as well as the entire UI is built with native controls. It is distributed through an application catalogue, such as a Google Play store or Apple’s App Store.
Hybrid Apps - It is a native app that uses a “web canvas” to display HTML content. Just like Native apps, it is also being distributed via AppStore / Google Play, and allow the usage of native frameworks (GPS, Motion, Camera, etc.). The hybrid apps easily share their code between different platforms, i.e., Android/iOS/Windows, as well as they also require native code to perform correctly on each platform.
The Showdown: Hybrid vs. Native Apps
Multi-Platform
The non-native apps with impactful technologies such as HTML, CSS and JavaScript that can seamlessly perform by all major platforms, i.e., iOS, Android, Windows and Blackberry. Even the HTML frameworks are used to wrap all of the code in multiple application bundles for each platform on which the app will perform. PhoneGap or Ionic are the most popular frameworks that are used to develop hybrid apps. These two are based on Cordova.
Development Time
The time required to develop a mobile app is totally calculated on the basis of technologies that are required to use on the desired amount of platforms. Through non-native technologies, you can secure your extra time of developing the same app for each platform, as well as can quickly make it accessible to a wider audience. Hybrid apps are best for testing, proof of concept, idea validation, etc., and also secure investment.
App Performance
Although, the apps perform best when they are written in the language that compatible with the specific device and operating system. In comparison of Hybrid apps, the native apps are much better in performance criteria. Some of the common challenges of Hybrid apps are:
- Screen transitions are not so flawless
- Buttons are slow responding in comparison of native buttons
- Events and reaction times have a small delay
- Animations have delays and are not as smooth as on native apps
Conclusion
When it comes to the enterprises choose, they prefer to have both native and HTML features for developing flexible applications. Although, the choice between native and hybrid apps is totally depends upon the context of your objectives. Determine your specific business needs, consider your performance needs, timeline, developers’ skill level, and customer’s platform preference, then make your decision.
If you want an expert opinion or really want to get your idea developed into reality, you can hire the best Cross Platform App Development Company. Their team of experienced engineers, designers, marketers and mobile business strategists will provide you the complete valuable solutions for your business app urge.
