In order to reach their target audience, businesses have to adapt to the times and improvise their business strategy. Hence, cross-platform software becomes extremely important in the current scenario. Cross-platform frameworks allow an app to work on different operating systems such as iOS, Android and Windows using the same code. The advantage of cross-platform app development is that it allows an app developer to develop an app using a code in a single language or toolset and employ it on various platforms.
Cross-Platform Apps also happen to be extremely user-friendly, as maintenance is allowed over multiple platforms over a custom Customer Management System(CMS). It also offers companies the option to allocate their budget to development of a singular app that runs across several platforms, instead of investing in different apps for different platforms.
Benefits of a Cross-Platform App
Cross-Platform Apps only need to maintain a single piece of code. If any problem exists within the code, it reflects across all the platforms and subsequently can be rectified easily by making changes to the code in a single place. The code also needs less testing and the cost is also significantly reduced. A single individual can take care of the maintenance of the app through a custom CMS after the creation of the app. This also reduces the post-production costs as all the content and media for the app needs to be updated in a single place. More advantages of a Cross-Platform App include:
● Code Reusability
● Cloud Integration
● Fewer Technical Barriers
● Cost-Effective
● Easy Hosting
The Best Tools for Cross-Platform App Development
- XAMARIN: If you’re looking for an open-source platform for designing cross-platform applications, Xamarin is the one to pick. It can be used to design apps for all major platforms — Windows, Android and iOS. With its high performance, Xamarin is the fifth-best and most preferred platform when it comes to cross-platform app development. Xamarin supports the C# shared code base and suits .NET developers as well. Xamarin is nimble and comfortable and helps build high-performance apps. One of the major highlights of Xamarin is the presence of a Test cloud feature that enhances automatic testing with 100% code sensibility.
- REACT NATIVE: React Native is another popular framework for cross-platform app development. React Native boasts quick development for mobile apps. It is also very easy for businesses to launch the app across all platforms without compromising on the quality. React Native is also compatible with third-party plugins and uses less space in memory.
- CORONA: Corona is a framework more inclined towards the development of cross-platform gaming apps with extremely high-quality graphics. It is very easy to implement and makes it compatible for apps to run on various devices with a single code base. Corona also employs a Corona Simulator which offers an instant view in Lua codes for the developers.
- IONIC: Ionic is another open-source framework for hybrid mobile app development. Users have the choice between using frameworks like Angular and React. Designers can build an interactive and engaging user interface and add user-friendly features. Ionic allows developers to build high-performance apps for iOS and Android with the added benefit of strong community support.
- ADOBE PHONE GAP: Adobe launched PhoneGap, a way for developers to make apps using languages like HTML5, Javascript and CSS. Adobe PhoneGap comes with third-party access and numerous plugins.
Cross-platform app development tools and frameworks can save on costs, time of development and market time. Numerous businesses are making the active choice of having a cross-platform app represent their brand. It’s always wise to do your research before you choose a framework to develop your app within. If you have any queries about making your own cross-platform app, you can reach out to experts at TechRev, a top web and app development company.
