What is Cross-Platform App Development? Know the Pros And Cons

Gone were the days when the development of applications was dedicated only to native platforms. At present, the scenario indicates the rise of cross-platform app development. Android and iOS both have a hefty amount of consumer base. As per Businessofapp statistics, Android reserves 44% share, while iOS holds up to 55% share in the US market.

So for modern-day businesses, it’s essential to select a technology that can be helpful to reach out to the consumers that are sitting on both sides – Android and iOS. Of course, the cross-platform is too worth getting for, but it’s also crucial to see that it brings some disadvantages too. So here we will discuss all the pros and cons of cross-platform app development that you must consider before giving a kick start.

What is it Stands for Cross Platform App Development?

You might be familiar with the term cross-platform app development; it refers to crafting software that is capable of operating on variable platforms. The intent behind cross-platform was to make use of a single language or toolkit to craft a project that is compatible to run on multiple platforms.

While the native app development stays loyal to its one and only operating capability and consumes a single programming language to run on a specific platform. When the thing comes to app development, entrepreneurs often get confused between native – web – hybrid apps that consist of various differences. But when your aim is clear to target the Android and iOS user criteria, cross-platform always makes the ideal pick.

Benefits of Utilizing Cross-Platform App Development

From reusable code structures to speedy expansion cycle and more counts on under the greatest benefits of cross-platform apps. Let’s have a detailed view.

Speedy Development

One of the great advantages of obtaining from cross-platform is that the procedure can be way speedy analogized to native apps. Where the programmers are required to leverage only one code component. So, once the coding phase is over, coders can reuse the codes to jump between Android and iOS, which will result in a way faster development process.

Comprehensive Audience Reach

The great war of iOS vs. Android app development stays ahead of the curve when deciding which one to pick. Therefore if you make a pick out of these two means, you will eventually lose the additional side of the audience. To come over this, entrepreneurs have to craft software that is competitive to operate on multiple platforms, which will help to extend the audience reach on the market.

Cost Effective

Not all kinds of businesses like to spend a lot of money on creating applications. So from cost saving prospect, cross-platform make the appropriate choice. One will be able to cut off the 20% to 30% cost by relying on cross-platform where there will be no requirement to spend a budget on particular development for Android and iOS.

Reusable Code

Two teams get involved in native, where one composes codes for Android and the other one for iOS. However, under cross-platform development, programmers do not require to write unique codes for multiple platforms since the code base is in one place. So programmers can easily reuse the code component to target both platforms, which results in saving a lot of time and effort.

Easy Product Maintenance

Execution of an app is a long way journey, especially when you are crafting the apps with native, then you will need a lot of time to fix all the errors to maintain the product. But with cross-platform, you don’t have to struggle this much since you have to focus on a single code base. Moreover, software updation can also be a way easier by considering future prospects.

Suitable for Prototyping

Entrepreneurs can build cross-platform apps as a Minimum Variable Product (MVP) approach to testify industry concepts or as prototypes to introduce ideas to investors or stakeholders. This approach works well for startup organizations to eliminate the risk of developing unprofitable products. Since its cross-platform is cost-effective, entrepreneurs can gain feedback with less investment.

Limitations to Consider For Cross-Platform App Development

It’s essential to check both pros and cons of cross-platform app development before you start building your next software. After checking on benefits, let’s have a glimpse at the negative bar of cross-platform development.

Performance Issue

According to sources, 70% of users uninstall or delete the app if it takes a longer time to load. Then it’s obvious that if users face the poor implementation of the app, then for sure they are going to uninstall it. So in cross-platform, performance still remains an issue of concern because of its complicated coding structure. No matter if the functionality remains the same on both sides, however, native apps tend to be great at performance while cross-platform consists of slow performance compared to native.

Fear of Code Loss

The efficient and cost-effective way to build cross-platform is to make use of development frameworks specially designed for this type of product. So such frameworks lock the project codes in such a manner that can be accessed from a specific platform. So in case of switching to a new framework, you should be more careful, or else you can face the potential loss of codes and efforts.

Poor UI/UX Designing

Another major disadvantage of utilizing cross-platform is its poor UI and UX design. In the account of native apps, UI and UX designs are more user-focused, which results in eye-catchy graphics. While for cross-platform, all devices consist of its specification, so it’s not possible to meet the requirement with a single code for all. Hence programmers are required to simplify the features to make graphics look the same on each device.

Not Enough Customization Support

Sometimes cross-platform development frameworks do not support all operating system features. So it will restrict you from customizing features and functionality as per your project needs. So selection of an appropriate framework is essential that can work with customization if you wish to add on.

Lazy New Updates

Whenever any new feature gets introduced to the Android or iOS platform, therefore it takes some time for development frameworks to integrate the new functionality into its development toolkit. Consequently, it prevents users to make use of new functionalities, or they have to wait longer for the latest versions to be released. Consequently, lazy updates can create a drawback in cross-platform app development.

To Sum Up

In this article, we have checked over some of the greatest pros and cons of cross-platform app development. So now we can conclude that cross-platforms remain a big win for startup entrepreneurs who are looking forward to cost-effective plus speedy development solutions. However, if your project demands specific customization needs with complex functionality and stable performance, then native development remains the perfect choice to go with.

So it’s not always right to go with a cross-platform concept must consider your project concept before building an app. This way, you save from potential risks and get the appropriate platform to launch your project. Get the best of IT services from the market-leading technological firm – Elluminati to bring your dream project into existence.