Hybrid Mobile App Development

Hybrid Mobile App Development

Losing clients is something a business cannot and should not allow, especially in the times of the pandemic and worldwide crisis. For successful business development, one needs to keep in touch with clients. Knowing that customers use various gadgets to access the Internet, a business should do its best to make it as comfortable as possible. Developing a hybrid mobile app is an excellent solution – no matter what device is used, it fits all.

So, what is a hybrid app? Let’s discuss it in more detail.

What is a hybrid mobile app?

A hybrid mobile app is an application that can be fully or partially rendered and operated with the help of web technologies. It is implemented using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and technologies used to create websites. A hybrid app is always “wrapped” into a native cover. This is done with the help of various free and paid frameworks.

Hybrid apps are something in-between native and web apps. However, they are built to look like a native, which means that they are installed on the user’s smartphone and can be found in an app store. But there is one important distinction – they must be hosted within the native application and work through WebView.

Hybrid is more of a programming approach than a kind of an app. Its main principle is programming everything possible on the server-side. This means that only the necessary minimum remains on the client-side.

Why does one need a hybrid approach?

The hybrid approach has probably emerged as an attempt to save time and resources when mobile development has started moving into its top gear. Hybrid applications take into account the specifics of several platforms. A hybrid application is developed with respect to the framework, which predetermines the productivity and usefulness of the product. It also reduces development costs.

What are the main benefits of using a hybrid approach?

The main advantages of a hybrid mobile app are as follows:

  • Hybrid applications have extensive functionality and customization;
  • Developers are not limited to one platform only;
  • It has independent updates;
  • It has a reasonable development price and fast implementation of the planned project;
  • It is cross-platform;
  • Its price is lower than that of native applications;
  • It can be distributed via app stores.

What should one pay attention to when working with hybrid apps?

The hybrid application requires a stable Internet connection. Many companies, regardless of their activity, tend to use hybrid apps. If an app is overly complex, go native. If the process of development requires additional time and effort, again – go native. True, the hybrid approach saves money. But if the task becomes more complicated in the process of development, it is better to use native. Compared to native, hybrid apps have lower working speed. It is no good if you plan to use a wide range of visual elements and detail.

So, what to choose?

When it comes to the choice, the following should be taken into consideration – the type of mobile app depends on your task and available resources. If you need to process a video from a camera in real-time, make a 3D animation or other similar complex things, it is better to give preference to a native platform. If there are no requirements either to the computing power of the phone or concerns about the absence of the Internet, a hybrid application will be more suitable. Think of the five parameters – price, performance, distribution, the ability to re-use the code, monetization.

Hybrid applications are a perfect solution for web applications without deep hardware or system integration. They are great if the goal is to create a simple interface and primitive animation, and if the speed of creation is important. Use hybrid if you require specialization in several platforms at once or for automating business processes when employees or customers are already using the company’s services.

Leave a Reply