Learn how to – What type of app is best for your business?

Learn how to – What type of app is best for your business?.

You want to develop your application but don’t know which technology to choose is a common dilemma for many business owners. However, there is no doubt that you will need to become familiar with how custom web application development services work. The choice is not always easy, especially when you do not know the specifics of each of them. The purpose of this article is to give you an idea as well as a general understanding of what a native, hybrid, and web application is.

What is a native app?

The term native app refers to a mobile app developed according to the guidelines and requirements of a specific operating system. It is developed in the so-called “native” language. For example, a native application designed to run on the Android platform will be developed in Java or Kotlin. On the other hand, for an app designed for an iOS device, the developer would have to use the Swift or Objective C language.

However, in order to get the same native application in two stores, it will have to be developed in two versions from different technologies. After development, the application will be installed locally on a mobile device (phone or tablet).

Benefits of a native app for your business

An application written in a native language has many advantages.

•  Better Performance: This app offers easy access to all target system features (camera, accelerometer, GPS, microphone, etc.);
•  Faster: With better response and good resolution, it guarantees a better user experience;
•  It does not always require an internet connection to work;
•  Availability of push notifications: This allows users to be informed about promotional offers or alert them to new content;
•  Compliance with the design codes of each platform: When an application is well designed, it is able to adapt to the features of each platform.

Disadvantages of this type of application

Despite the numerous advantages, native applications have some drawbacks. Publishing an app on all platforms at the same time is a little tricky and time consuming. It also comes at a cost as it will require more developers to build and maintain the codebase for each system.  Also, the flexibility of this app is limited compared to others.

What is a hybrid app?

The hybrid application is the result of a combination of in-house development and web technologies. As such, it combines elements of a native app as well as elements of a progressive web app. This enables mobile phone functionality and can also be distributed on application platforms.

This type of application offers several benefits.

•  Simple and fast development cycle with cost control thanks to a single code base.
•  No more restrictions from the Apple App Store: developers can submit a new version of their product without worrying about review times.
•  Use of the most famous programming languages ​​(HTML, JavaScript and CSS): this facilitates the mobilization of the necessary resources.
•  Reduce the cost of building and deploying the application: Since the code is only written once, this means less time spent on the project and reduced costs.

Disadvantages of a hybrid application

The main disadvantages of this type of application relate to the interface and user interaction. Even if its performance is close to that of a native application, it should be noted that implementing overly complex displays in a hybrid application can be difficult. Also, it cannot communicate with other applications on the phone.

What is a web application?

A web application or progressive web application is an application developed and hosted on a server. Therefore, it is accessible through a web browser. Unlike a native mobile application, the user will not need to install this type of application on their mobile phone in order to use it.

It just needs to log into the application through his favorite browser. The technologies used to develop this type of application are the same as those used to create a website. Development is done in a web development language such as HTML5. Updates to this type of application are performed without the knowledge of the user.  Although you, as a business, in any case, will need to turn to specialists such as Digiteum.

Like the native mobile app, this also offers various benefits:

•  Budget control and cost reduction: budget is predictable thanks to a fixed monthly subscription;
•  This is three times cheaper than a native application;
•  Save time: Implementing and deploying this type of application is faster;
•  Mobility: offers universal access from any system;
•  Good security management: automatic data backup;
•  Continuous evolution and innovation: Automatic app updates.

Web Application Disadvantages

However, the web application has some limitations. In order for a web application to work on all operating systems, the website must be responsive, that is, adapt to all screen sizes.  programmed and adapted to all systems. It is also necessary to invest in improving the website, as updates are effective at the website level, not the app level. In addition, its use requires an Internet connection and does not allow access to all functions of the mobile phone. This type of application also does not contribute to the loyalty process, as it is not possible to send push notifications through it.

How to make a good choice?

After reading all the information regarding each type of application, you are probably wondering which one to choose.

A web application is the least expensive because it is easier to develop. Hybrid maintenance costs can be high. Regarding the platform compatibility of each application, remember that the native application is compatible with one platform, while the other two are compatible with all platforms.

By choosing a native app, you will receive a custom-made product. All declared functions can be implemented. While the hybrid is also custom-designed, it should be noted that adding certain features later can prove difficult, if not impossible. As for the web version, it does not offer all the features. After choosing the application type, you should entrust your project to a mobile and web development agency with many years of experience.