Gone are the days when one had to look only for native app platforms to develop mobile applications that were costlier, time-consuming, and used different codes. Now, there is a new technology in the market i.e. cross-platform applications to address these issues.
Since cross-platform applications came into the scene, they have shown a ray of hope to enterprises who could not opt for mobile apps due to high-cost investment. They have outshined the native app platforms and become one of the best choices for business people to adopt the technology.
Cross-platform applications run on multiple operating systems with a single code, whereas native apps can not do the same. To help you understand how it has revolutionized the business world, I will provide you some facts below:
- As per Statista, 42% of developers use React Native cross-platform to develop an application.
- According to a report, 70% of traffic comes from mobile applications where Android and iOS platforms are the only dominating platforms.
- According to a survey, Android and iOS operating systems accumulate 98% of the market.
- By 2023, paid downloads and in-app adverts are expected to create 935 billion dollars in revenue.
- Cross-platforms saw a 75.97% hike in 2020, and it would be gaining more heights in the following years.
Cross-platform applications help run apps on different operating systems such as Android, iOS, windows, blackberry, etc.
Nowadays, a person does not use devices based on any particular operating system. He might be using Laptops, Desktops, Tablets, and Phones that run on different operating systems.
If you want to avail of an app for your business product, you need not separate apps for multiple operating systems. With the help of cross-platforms, you can get a single app for them.
Let’s Discuss the Significant Aspects of Cross-platform Applications:
1. Reusability of Codes
If you want to get an app for your business, you develop it separately for android and iOS users. And for that, you need to build the specific code for the operating systems separately. But here it is not so.
In cross-platform, it is most advantageous that codes, once developed, can be used on multiple platforms. Developers need not write different codes for specific operating systems.
They need to write only one and deploy it over various OS like android, iOS, Windows, etc.
2. Cost-Effective
Cross-Platform is less expensive than Native app platforms as it requires only one code base, getting done by a single team.
You don’t need to engage teams developing apps for specific platforms. One dedicated team can do the work hence saving a lot of money.
3. Maximum Audience Reach
An app developed through cross-platforms could reach up to the maximum number of people as it runs on various operating systems like Android, iOS, Linux, Windows, etc.
Most people, i.e., 98%, are using either the android version or iOS version, and targeting them will likely boost your business growth.
4. Good Development Speed
Since it requires a single code base, it reduces the development efforts up to 80%. Developers can meet the expected deadlines given by clients using cross-platforms apps.
Cross-platform tools play the role of catalyst that expedite the development process. As soon as the app develops, it will hit the market, leading to your business growth.
5. Uniformity of Design
User Interface(UI) is an integral part of cross-platform apps where a user can recognize UI elements and predict his actions over different platforms.
If an app does not provide uniformity, a user can uninstall the app or detach himself from it. To not let the user uninstall the app or disengage with the app, it is vital to consider the user interface.
Cross-platform apps ensure uniformity and make it possible to maintain a uniform user experience that one can enjoy.
For instance, If an android user experiences the app on apple and the apple user experiences the app on Android(vice versa), he will find similarities operating the application.
6. Easy Maintenance and Time Saving
Since the app requires a single code base, the app does not need high maintenance and can easily be updated and modified.
A team can consistently watch over the updates coming on the operating systems and update them accordingly.
Cross-platform is also time savvy as one team is enough to develop the application. One unit can build the code and rewrite it on various platforms.
Having discussed the benefits and significance aspects, Let’s look at the following popular apps developed on cross platforms.
Chrome: Most of the OS use chrome built in the devices. It came into effect in 2008 when Google, the tech giant developed it. Chrome is widely used all over the world today, helping users to experience technicality.
Team Viewer: Whenever we need support from someone through desktop, laptop, and mobile phones, with the help of Teamviewer we resolve the issue.
Adobe Reader: Adobe Reader is one the best amongst pdf readers developed on cross platforms and is exhilarating at the same time.
There are several technology tools for cross-platforms thriving in the mobile application world, like React Native, Xamarin, and Flutter.
Let’s discuss them in detail:
1. React Native
Facebook introduced React Native way back in 2015, creating a massive roar amongst tech giants. React native uses javascript language and supports multiple operating systems, including iOS and Android platforms.
It has the capability of making several UI blocks that will surely enhance the quality of an app. Moreover, the reloading feature of React native also plays a significant role in becoming the desirous app developing technology amongst developers.
Some best examples of React Native cross platforms:
- Bloomberg
2. Xamarin
It is one of the oldest cross platforms introduced in 2011. Initially, it was independent but later acquired by Microsoft. Xamarin uses c# language and .Net framework for the development of an app.
Xamarin involves various perspectives to create unique UIs and components which can be reused on other platforms using c# language.
- 14% of developers used Xamarin for cross-platform development across the world.
- More than 15000 apps were built through the Xamarin development tool.
Some best examples of Xamarin cross-platforms:
- Alaska Airlines
- Picurex
- Fox Sports
3. Flutter
Flutter is the latest cross-platform technology emerging these days and, of course, one of the best, because the software development process of Flutter is smooth and relatively more manageable. The emergence of Flutter has seen a huge surge in the demand of top Flutter app development companies.
- According to a 2020 developer survey, 39% of developers used Flutter over the world.
- The top five territories using Flutter are India, China, the United States, the EU, and Brazil.
Some best examples of Flutter cross-platforms:
- Google ads
- Alibaba
Conclusion
As discussed above, Cross-platform applications have left a lasting impact on the business world today. Businesspersons who used them to develop an application are reaping the results now. Instagram, Pinterest, and Alibaba are some of the best creations of this new technology.
So, why delay now? Hire the app developer from India’s best mobile application development company and drive your business to a new height.
