5 most popular cross-platform tools for app development

 What is cross platform?

Building a mobile application that works on both Android and iOS is referred to as cross-platform mobile application development. Native development, on the other hand, refers to the creation of an app for a certain platform.

Cross-platform technology is continually evolving, and it offers organizations a cost-effective method to expand market share. Many of the conventional obstacles of cross-platform app development can also be overcome using modern technologies and development techniques. DIY tools are also available, allowing anyone to create a cross-platform app. Cross platform development is also called hybrid app development.

XAMARIN

Xamarin is a tried-and-true tool for creating Android and iOS apps. It was released in 2011, but Microsoft purchased it in 2016. For entrepreneurs and individuals, the tool is now open-source and free. Here at, Helpful Insight Pvt.Ltd we develop apps which are developed with Xamarin.

Organizations, on the other hand, must purchase a license to use Xamarin.

Xamarin Apps

(i)Insightly CRM app 

(ii)The World Bank Survey app 

Xamarin Apps

PROS

(i)Since Xamarin is developed in C#, most developers can use it. 

(i)You can reuse 75% of your code on various platforms because Xamarin is written in C#.

(iii)For rapid development, you only need one tech stack.

CONS

(i)Enterprises find it costly.

(ii)Heavy graphics are not recommended.

FLUTTER

Google's offering in the area of cross-platform development is Flutter. It's a user interface framework that lets you achieve native performance across all platforms. Furthermore, you may accelerate your development and even find issues faster than with standard methods. Flutter provides you best cross platform mobile app development services.

 

Flutter Applications

(i)My BMW application

(ii)Nubank application

(ii) eBay Motors application

PROS

(i)A feature that allows developers to track code changes in real time.

(ii)For diverse devices, use a single codebase.

(iii)A layered architecture makes customization simple.

CONS

(i)Apps occupy large space

(ii)Apple and Android TVs have limited support.

Ionic

 Ionic is a fantastic framework for creating web-based cross-platform apps. To save money, Helpful Insight Pvt.Ltd can develop your code once and run it on multiple platforms. You may also expect your apps to run quickly and have a small footprint.

Additionally, you may create scalable apps.

Ionic apps include 

(i) Sworkit fitness apps, 

(ii) Instant Pot,

Ionic apps include 

PROS

(i)Pre-built UI components save time and effort 

(ii) Advantages  Transitions that are hardware-accelerated for better user experiences 

Transitions that are hardware-accelerated for better user experiences

(iii)  Works with a variety of frameworks, including Vue and Angular.

CONS

(i)Native plugins can cause conflicts 

(ii)Debugging can be a time-consuming process

REACT NATIVE

React Native is a Facebook product that powers leading brands all around the world. It is a hybrid platform for mobile application development that is built on JavaScript. We, Helpful Insight Pvt Ltd write code once and then distribute it across multiple platforms, including Apple devices.

To develop outstanding user experiences, React focuses on a device's natural features.

React Native applications

(i)Facebook

(ii)Instagram(iii)

(iii) Uber Eats 

Pros

(i)Up to 80% of code can be shared for speedier development.

(ii)Excellent for building responsive user interfaces(iii)Utilizes native device functions such as the camera and microphone

(iii)Utilizes native device functions such as the camera and microphone

Cons

(i)To use some native functionality, platform-specific coding is required.

(ii)Inconsistent updates.

APPCELERATOR

Appcelerator is a powerful tool used by Helpful Insight Pvt Ltd for building cross-platform mobile apps. It is open-source, and up to 90% of the code can be shared. You can use a variety of technologies to create high-quality apps that perform like native apps.

Titanium is Appcelerator's most popular product. You can also use Aptana and Alloy to help you code more efficiently.

Appcelerator-based applications

Over 75,000 mobile apps are powered by Appcelerator, which are installed on over 280 million devices.

Pros

(i)It's compatible with Angular and Vue.

(ii)Components in JavaScript for simplicity of development

(iii)Fast prototyping with minimal coding

 

Cons

(i)Irritating insects

(ii) Complicated

PHONEGAP BY ADOBE

PhoneGap is a simple framework for creating quick and dependable mobile apps. The tool targets iOS and Apple users with familiar languages like JavaScript, HTML, and CSS. However, Abode has stopped supporting the program and no longer provides updates.

You can, however, continue to utilize the platform and seek help from the community.

PhoneGap Applications

(i)Wikipedia for mobile

(ii)HealthTap

(iii)The DHS Program 

Pros

(i)Generate application templates with a single click

(ii)Time is saved through quick and simple debugging.

(iii)Use a web browser to test your apps.

Cons

(i)Adobe has discontinued it.

(ii)Inappropriate for gaming apps

QT

QT is perfect for creating visual user interfaces and cross-platform applications. You can make use of powerful coding tools to swiftly test your apps for flaws. Most importantly, QT allows you to construct unique applications such as TV apps and automobile cockpit apps.

QT is very easy to use because it is compatible with major languages like C++.

QT-based applications

(i)App for Mercedes-Benz cockpit 

(ii)App for Sky set-top box

(iii)Tableau Analytics App 

 

Pros

(i)A single code stack to cut down on development costs

(ii)Building amazing apps using built-in libraries

(iii)Free to use and open-source

Cons

(i)UX isn't always smooth.

(ii)A meta object compiler can make development more difficult.

SENCHA

Sencha is a popular JavaScript-based cross-platform framework used by Helpful Insight Pvt Ltd. We create high-quality web-based apps for Apple and Android devices. With over 140 UI components, it can assist developers in creating responsive UIs.

A GXT java framework is also available for creating advanced features.

Sencha-based applications

(i) Ticketmaster app 

(ii)eVestment analytics and data platform

(iii)Web-based Nielsen reporting platform

Pros

(i)Save time by developing and testing apps with a single framework.

(ii)Reduce dependencies to improve app maintenance cycles.

(iii)Angular and React app end-to-end testing

Cons

(i)EXT.js isn't really user-friendly.

(ii)Extremely steep learning curve.

CODENAME ONE

We, Helpful Insight Pvt LtdCodename One uses Java to enable cross-platform development for organizations. Android, iOS, web, and even desktop apps are all supported. To obtain reliable performance, you can write your code naturally and then convert it to native code.

Additionally, you will receive all of the tools necessary to code, test, and debug your apps. You can also use the built-in widgets to create amazing native-feeling UIs.

Codename One applications

Codename One is used by companies such as Google, Lehman College, and Airbiquity to create feature-rich cross-platform programs.

Pros

(i)Excellent for creating multithreaded apps with a native feel.

(ii)Open-source and user-friendly

(iii)Compatible with both Mac and Windows PCs

Cons 

(i)Insufficient documentation 

(ii)Some code inconsistencies

RubyMotion

RubyMotion is an excellent solution for creating native-like cross-platform apps. It is Ruby-based and works on Android, iOS, and OS X. As a result, you can easily share your code across multiple screens.

RubyMotion also makes it easier to deploy and test your program in different settings.

Ruby Motion Applications

(i)Jimdo application

(ii)Music shop Bandcamp

(ii)Music app Jukely

 

Pros

(i)Use the same language to write functional and integration tests.

(ii)Supported by a sizable community

(iii)Save time by using X code as little as possible.

Cons 

(i)Debugging takes time and effort 

(ii)Not very up to date

CONCLUSION

The goal of app development is to generate a profit. However, unlike native apps, where you have limited options, choosing the genre of cross-platform app development is significant. So, don't you believe it's a simple process to create an app?

Choosing a cross-platform mobile app development provider is useless unless you select the appropriate tool. We discovered these fantastic frameworks that will help us stay competitive in the app development industry.

If you're seeking for an open-source app builder, look for cross-platform development using the 11 cross-platform mobile development tools listed above; you'll be able to find one that matches your needs. You can also hire skilled mobile developers to help you construct your app, which is beneficial in many ways. Helpful Insigths Pvt.Ltd,a hybrid mobile app development team that accomplishes task with good quality service.