Living in the Mobile era, the use of Applications or apps as it is generally known has become a norm for individuals as well as enterprises. The ease of use mostly influenced by the ease of installation, i.e. Go to the Platform Specific Store (Google Play/App Store)> Download app (which also installs the app) > Set permissions > Open app. Ever wondered why the list for permissions in some apps is restricted to Contact List, while others ask for Camera, Location, Storage and additional permissions. While every app looks the same in the foreground, it’s the background that defines the difference or in other words, it’s the style in which the app is developed, wrapped or packaged, the platform specificity and more.
Enter, the App Types!
No we are not talking in terms of Educational apps, games, marketing apps, etc., instead, it is the most basic level of characterization when it comes to app creation. The 3 types of apps: Native, Web and Hybrid.
Basic Overview of Native Vs Web Vs Hybrid Mobile Apps
Native Apps are platform-specific. So, to begin with, the coding language and the packaging differs for each app. There are different apps individually created for specific platforms and are mostly designed to tap on the inherent features of mobile devices. The file type differs, i.e. .apk files for Android apps and .ipa files for iOS apps.
Web Apps, on the other hand, are cross-platform applications that can work on various devices are created by using standard web technologies – mostly HTML5, CSS, and JavaScript as well. It may/may not be browser-specific, but can be run on any device with an internet connection. It uses only specific features of the device itself.
Hybrid Apps are installed on the device and are downloaded from app stores just like Native apps. The development is done using technologies like- HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, that are used to create web apps. Hybrid apps, however, can tap on the device features by using a native shell that utilizes the device’s Webview.
Getting into the Nitty-gritty of Native Vs Web Vs Hybrid Mobile Apps
Development: Native Apps are build using software development tools (SDK) for specific software frameworks, platform or operating system. Like Android app built using Java Development Kit on Java platform, iOS app built using iOS SDK, Swift, and Objective C. Different source files must be maintained for different platforms which can be a point of inconvenience for enterprises that develop different apps/ use different apps.
Web Apps developed in HTML5, JavaScript, and CSS. The back end is written in any of the many programming languages.
Hybrid Apps are developed in HTML5, JavaScript, and CSS, the native-like wrapper is created using bridging solutions like Apache Cordova or PhoneGap.
The source file for web apps and hybrid apps can be the same with only the wrapper being different for the latter, which makes the whole modification and update process easier for enterprises.
Features: Native Apps and even many Hybrid apps have full access to all the hardware on the devices on which they run and hence can utilize almost every feature based on the requirement. This comes in handy for enterprise apps that need features of the mobile for the app function.
Web apps in many ways are nothing but websites that look like apps. The running depends on the browsers and it utilizes very few of the features of the device itself.
Speed: Native app win hands down in this aspect as it offers the quickest access and is optimized for easy usability. Web apps and hybrid apps, on the other hand, can be greatly influenced by network-browser issues. At an enterprise level speed often determines the effectiveness of the app itself.
Installation: Native Apps and Hybrid apps go through a long & sometimes complex process of getting approved and being installed on user devices. Web apps are not installed on the device, and creating a bookmark is an easy and fast process.
Cost: Native apps are costlier to develop as it involves creating an OS-specific app with customized features. Web and Hybrid apps, on the other hand, are relatively cheaper.
Platform Dependence: Goes without saying that native apps are platform dependent while web apps are platform-independent. For hybrids, the native shell is platform dependent while the back-end code is device agnostic.
Offline Functions: Native app offers the best possibility if working in places with no connectivity is a must. While web apps can make do with in-browser caching, the functionality is limited in comparison with native apps.
User Interface: The user interface can be highly customized to match the platform requirements in native apps. For Hybrid apps and web apps, the interface looks like an app, and the look actually depends on the browser’s properties.
Content Restrictions, Approval Process: Native apps and Hybrid apps are hosted by the respective platform-specific app stores and each has specific guidelines, content restrictions and approval processes too. This is often time-consuming and may require a base fee, the same applies for content updates. Web apps, on the other hand, have no such restrictions. While this may seem like an issue when there are many apps in the picture, for a few apps enterprises can easily cover the overhead in lieu of better features.
Examples:
Native Apps – Google Maps, Twitter, LinkedIn etc.
Web Apps – Gmail, Google Docs, Flipkart Lite etc.
Hybrid Apps – Instagram, Amazon, Uber etc.
As for the question which one is better, or which is the right choice for enterprises? The answer would always be “determined by the purpose”. On a broad level the factors that influence the choice are:
- ‘Must-have’ Features
- Target Audience
- User experience
- Security Requirements
- Scalability
- And Cost
Now that you understand the difference between Native Vs Web Vs Hybrid Mobile Apps, which type of app would your enterprise opt for and why? Learn which type of app will be suitable for your requirement by booking a FREE Consultation with our experts who will help you determine which app type is best suited to your requirement.
QuadLogix is an IT Consulting, Software & App Development organization delivering end to end IT solutions to Enterprises across the globe. Our deep expertise in Technology, our varied experience across multiple industries and our well designed software best practices makes us the preferred IT consultants & development partners for businesses across the globe.
If you require any further information, feel free to contact us on marketing@quadlogix.com
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