Mobile app technology is growing at an unprecedented pace. We have more programming languages and frameworks than ever before, making the job of developers easier. As a result, modern-day apps are more appealing in terms of UI/UX and faster in terms of performance.
Developed in 2013 by Max Lynch, Ben Sperry, and Adam Bradley of Drifty Co, Ionic is one of the feature-rich frameworks available today for developing hybrid mobile apps.
With adequate expertise in HTML, CSS JavaScript, and TypeScript, anyone can build a mobile app with an Ionic framework.
The platform powers more than 5 million apps worldwide, providing platform-specific UI elements through a library of native components for iOS and Android.
Features of Ionic
If you are a mobile app developer, you would love to know why Ionic is so popular and what features make it unique. Let’s discuss some of them.
Platform-Independent Framework
First things first, Ionic can work irrespective of the platform. You don’t need to hire a native developer to develop a native app, nor do you have to change the code because it works on mobile-optimized web components.
In other words, it’s a single codebase across various platforms, so anyone familiar with web technologies and Angular can leverage it to create fully-functional applications.
Web Standard-Based
Since the framework is built on standard web technologies like HTML, CSS 5, and JavaScript, Ionic components have a stable API. This means Ionic apps run equally well on multiple platforms.
Design Flexibility
Creativity demands a flexible platform in order to execute one’s ideas with perfection. Ionic contains pre-designed components, typography, interactive paradigms, and a gorgeous base theme so the end product is always appealing.
Framework Compatibility
In the early versions, the framework was tightly coupled to Angular. However, since the v4, all versions of Ionic are engineered to work as a standalone web component library with integration for all the latest JavaScript frameworks.
Performance
Besides maintaining its cross-platform reputation, the Ionic team has made sure their platform has components that can speed up the mobile performance. So irrespective of the platform, the performance of the app remains the same.
Security
Besides offering secure data storage, Ionic offers advanced features like biometric and user authentication. With pre-built software, Ionic not only reduces the risk of any security breach but also speeds up the development process.
Though to make the best use of these security features, one should be skilled enough to deploy them in the right manner.
Plugin integration
When working with Ionic, you will never be short of resources. There’s an option to integrate different technologies with the app, be it payment security, testing tools, analytical instruments, etc. This versatility paves way for developing highly advanced, functional apps.
Testing
Testing convenience is another perk of using the Ionic framework. If you are working on a mobile app you can test it on the browser or via a stimulator for all operating systems. Further, you can do remote debugging and testing on the actual platform to get an idea about the working of the application.
Capacitor
This feature has been available since the Ionic v4 release. Basically, it’s a cross-platform API and an execution layer so developers can call Native SDKs from web code. Also, it can write the custom native plugins the app might need.
Lazy Loading
Lazy loading is part of new Ionic versions. This feature boosts the performance of applications by delaying the initialization of components until it is needed.
Ionic Framework in Enterprise App Development
Enterprise application development has always been regarded as a complex process. Connecting thousands of customers and employees with the enterprise via app requires planning and exceptional development expertise.
However, lately, things have changed with the introduction of advanced frameworks like Ionic. Developers have much more convenience and flexibility to craft customized solutions, irrespective of the industry.
Ionic offers versatile libraries to give access to native features. These include GPS, camera access, calendar, geolocation, filesystem, and many more.
From corporate applications to education, finance, remote working, customer engagement, B2B, B2C, and eCommerce stores, Ionic gives enough options to create functionalities as per user requirements.
Why Ionic for Enterprise Apps?
Without Ionic, executing complex enterprise application ideas would be a tedious process. With pre-built features, it makes the job much easier.
- Open-Source framework
- Improved speed
- Interactive user interface
- One codebase
- Wide community
- Reusable components
What’s New in Ionic V5?
Released on 11 February 2020, the Ionic v5 focuses on improving the UI of the app. It allows you to create customized animations and components to devise aesthetic design ideas for your next mobile app.
Pricing
There are no fixed-price plans. However, if an app development service or an enterprise wishes to use the framework, they can get a custom quote based on their needs.
What the platform guarantees is top-notch support and the availability of rich functionalities to include in the app, without spending months in the development process.
- Premium plugin access
- Dedicated CSM team
- Roadmap influence
- Security audits
- Architecture reviews
- UX/UI design reviews
- Biometric sign-in
- Security Token storage
- Deployment on Android or iOS
- Advanced SQL Engine
And much more…
Conclusion
For developing data-driven and intuitive enterprise apps, you need adequate resources. Ionic offers everything you need to build native and cross-platform apps from scratch.
However, if you are not an app development agency, nor you have the in-house resources to build an enterprise app, you can hire Ionic experts to get the job done efficiently!
P.S. Digital Gravity is a leading mobile app development agency in Dubai with skilled app developers. From enterprise-level apps to small apps, we can create exactly the type of app you need for your business.
