What is hybrid app development?
The Hybrid app is a software application that is a blend of web applications and native apps. As it is a blend it has got the name ‘hybrid. Its operation is similar to a native app but has the inner workings of a website app. Hybrid apps are actually web apps put in a native app shell. Like native apps hybrid apps to run on the device. Web technologies such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript are used to create the program’s core, which is then integrated in a native application. When the app is downloaded and installed, the native app shell can connect to all the features provided by the mobile platform through a browser implanted in the app.
Hybrid apps are a popular choice with the developers because it is easy to develop and preferred by the businesses. After all, it is cost saving and compatible with all platforms. Experts feel that although hybrid apps provide high speed performance, their response time is slower when compared to native apps and hence is not suitable for high-speed apps like speed games. However, Hybrid mobile app development provides many benefits to the businesses, the users, and the developers.
In fact, professionals predict that almost 75% of the mobile apps will be hybrid by the end of 2021. This is astounding. This is because of the wide range of benefits offered by hybrid apps. What are they? Here is a list of the main advantages of hybrid mobile app development.
Benefits of hybrid app development
- Better user experience and attractive user interface
User experience is very important for the success of an app. It is the user experience that determines whether it succeeds or fails. None of the users will be interested in your app if it provides a bad user experience. As hybrid apps are a blend of native apps and web apps, they enjoy the benefits of both. Enhanced user experience is an advantage of native apps and hybrid apps too have the same benefit to some extent.
The user interface of hybrid apps looks like an extension of the website app in design and layout. It is consistent across all platforms. Differences of UI across different platforms can have a negative effect on the user experience. Take Netflix as an example. Its UI is consistent across all types of devices like mobile phone, TV, tablet, and others. The consistent user interface is one of the reasons for an enhanced user experience.
The users are able to experience a native feel without any differences when they shift from one device to another. This is a big advantage.
- Single codebase for multiple platforms
Contrary to native apps, the hybrid apps use one code base that can be used in multiple platforms like android and iOS. This allows the developers to build apps fast. This not only saves time but also money. As the development process is completed quickly, the company can get a winning edge over its competitors. They can launch their app before their competitors giving an unarguable competitive advantage. For example, it may take nearly three months to build an iOS app but it takes just two weeks to build a hybrid app.
- Cross-platform development
Cross platform is the future of mobile app development. Developing an app that can be accessed from multiple platforms is a huge advantage for businesses as it increases the reach of their app. Although, cross platform apps can be created with native apps, the hybrid app development has the biggest advantage of a single code base, short development time, consistent UI, and lesser cost. Hence, hybrid mobile app development is useful for start-ups who want to develop cross platform apps on a low budget.
- Speed of performance
It is true that native apps provide high speed performance. However, when you compare the speed of hybrid apps with web apps, hybrid apps win without any doubt. It runs quickly on mobile screens even when many users are using the app. Twitter is an example of this fact. The traffic is very heavy on Twitter but it operates smoothly and performs at a good speed.
- Offline working
Hybrid apps have the native infrastructure. So they can work offline. The data will not be updated when you are offline but you can load the app and have access to the previously existing data. Offline support is not possible in website apps. This is of great help in places where the internet connectivity is poor. People who want to save data love this feature. This feature keeps the customers are connected even when they are offline. The users can store data as offline storage and use it when they are travelling in places with no internet access.
- Integration with other apps
Hybrid apps can integrate without any problem. It is beneficial to developers because they need not put up a lot of efforts to integrate the apps.
- Ease of development
This is one of the greatest benefits to developers. It makes them more creative and they can come up with more innovative ideas.
- Ease of maintenance
HTML and other web languages are easy to maintain. There is no worry about the release of a new operating system that could change the functionality and infrastructure of the app. Moreover, the app gets updated automatically. There is no need to make changes and submit on the app store and wait for approval. The developer can make changes instantly. This ensures that the user has access to the latest version whenever they log in to the app. This enhances the security of your data.
What are the drawbacks of Hybrid app development?
- It does not support modern features like AR and VR etc. It also lacks 3D support.
- The User Interface is limited.
- The transition of pages is slow.
- The performance is dependent on the browser’s speed.
- The content loaded in hybrid apps has some glitches.
What are the frameworks of Hybrid app development?
There are quite a few frameworks for the developers to use.
- React Native
- Xamarin
- Ionic
- Phonegap
- Apache Cardova and
- Mobile Angular etc.
Native apps vs Hybrid apps
- Native apps are developed for the specific operating system, either for android or iOS. Hybrid apps are developed for multiple operating systems with a single code.
- Hybrid apps are built using web technologies like JavaScript. Native apps are built using SDK or Software Development Tools.
- Native apps are faster than hybrid apps
- Hybrid apps are cheap and easy to develop.
- UI is better in native apps.
- Hybrid apps are better for free apps and native apps are better for paid apps that have to be bought in the app store.
- Hybrid apps can be run on all platforms whereas native app can be run only on one specific platform.
- Native apps can be built only by specialized experts.
- Hybrid app users usually don’t need to update the app. Native users need to update the app to know the changes made.
Both native and hybrid apps have their own pros and cons. However, there are a few situations where only hybrid apps are suitable.
Where and when do you need a hybrid app?
- When you are on a budget hybrid app is the right choice because the cost of building a hybrid app is very low when compared to a native app.
- When you have to develop in a short period of time you have to go for the hybrid app as it can be developed very quickly. It may take a couple of weeks or more depending upon the features and requirements of the app.
- If you are not in need of a very complex app.
- If you want your app multiple platform access at a low cost.
- When you have a short deadline to launch and market your app.
Why do experts believe Hybrid apps are the future?
- App stores have a lot of limitations. Native mobile app development process and the release of the app are long and hence, hybrid apps will rule in the future.
- There is no need to write separate code for building and testing. With the increasing need for multiple platform access, hybrid apps will be sought after.
- Hybrid apps let you extend DevOps to your mobile apps. Frequent updates are not possible with native apps. It is easier to update hybrid apps. Updates improve the UI of apps and so hybrid apps are expected to dominate in the future.