DEV Community: Siva Prasadh .G

Top 15 Cross-Platform App Development Frameworks (for 2021)

Siva Prasadh .G — Mon, 09 Nov 2020 16:51:45 +0000

Today’s customers want it fast and really fast. There is no denying the fact that native iOS and Android applications are robust, fast and efficient but equally take a long time for development. To negotiate this pressing challenge, industry leaders opting for cross-platform applications.

Today, almost 1 out of 10 mobile app development companies focus on developing cross-platform applications for their customers as they are fast, quick and offer a native-like experience and run across all devices, operating systems.

What is a cross-platform app development framework?

You can visualize a cross-platform app development framework as a base or platform where the developers will code for an application that can run on multiple platforms with the same source code/one-time coding. It lessens the app development lifecycle time of developers and enables them to develop and deliver apps faster.
By now, you’d have realized the significance of cross-platform apps and the frameworks. In this post I’d walk you through the benefits of these next-generation applications, top 15 cross-platform app development frameworks most app development companies use today and will use in 2021.

Benefits of using cross-platform app development frameworks.

One app for many devices
One app for any platform
One app for publishing across multiple app stores
One-time source-code
Reusable code across platforms
Market analysis and tests
Rapid prototyping
Faster development
Seamless product maintenance
Uniformity

Top 15 cross-platform app development frameworks for 2021

In this post, I have compiled the top 15 cross-platform app development frameworks that will be widely used by mobile app development companies across the globe in 2021. Let’s discuss them in detail.

Flutter
Developed by Google, Flutter is an amazing open-source platform for cross-platform app development. What makes it attractive is: fast development, expressive beautiful UIs, and native-like performance.
Some of the businesses that use Flutter are Google, eBay, BMW, etc.

Top reasons to choose Flutter framework for cross-platform app development.

Highly stable
Dart, AOT compiled language
Smooth development cycle
Powerful hot reload feature
UI kit for every need
Pixel-perfect match Flutter now has 2 million users and counting.

Ionic
Ionic is the fastest growing and leading open-source framework for cross-platform app development. The library of mobile-optimized UI components, tools contribute to building interactive applications fast.
Some of the businesses that use Ionic are GE, Airbus, Panera, etc.

** Top reasons to choose Ionic for cross-platform app development. **

Developer-friendly
Huge community
Angular advantage
One code for all
Cordova edge
High standards of UI
Simplified testing

According to a report, business executives prefer solutions like Ionic and React Native in greater numbers.

React native

Developed by Facebook by 2015, React Native helps businesses to build native like applications using languages like Swift, Objective C, and Java.

Some of the businesses that use React Native framework are Facebook, Skype, Tesla, etc.

Top reasons to choose React native framework for cross-platform app development.

Ready-made components
Community is driven
Hot reload
Open-source
React Native for Web functionality
Highly reliable
Easily accessible to native functionalities
Implementation of Native UI components

For the past few years, most companies are trusting React Native for the hybrid app needs.

Apache Cordova

Apache Cordova is a renowned cross-platform app development framework that uses web technologies including HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

Some of the businesses that use Apache Cordova are Walmart, Adobe, QrStore, etc.

Top reasons to choose the Cordova framework for cross-platform app development.

Reusable code
Familiar technologies
Strong community support
Wide range of plugins
Free and open source
Offline development
Debugging
Live-reload
Cloud Apache Cordova is widely used by enterprises today for the rich app experience it offers.

Xamarin

Xamarin, an extension of the .NET platform is one of the most trusted and loved frameworks of developers and enterprises. Xamarin uses C# for developing everything.

Some of the businesses that use the Xamarin cross-platform framework are Alaska Airlines, American Cancer Society, JustGiving, etc.

Top reasons to choose the Xamarin framework for cross-platform app development.

*Open-source and free
*Native performance
*Base framework for accessing native features
XAML, for building dynamic mobile apps using C#
*Libraries for common patterns, such as Model *View ViewModel (MVVM)
*Editor extensions with syntax highlighting, code completion, designers, and other functionality specifically for developing mobile pages

Today Xamarin is one of the most used platforms for hybrid app development needs of enterprises.

NativeScript
NativeScript is an open-source framework with a vibrant community of developers. The open-source framework is used for building cross-platform apps using Angular and Vue for expediting app development.

Some of the companies using the NativeScript framework are GeekyAnts, Traverse LLC., Workbox, etc.

Top reasons to choose the NativeScript framework for cross-platform app development.

One code base for iOS or Android.
Reusable codes
Cost-Effective
Easy Access to applications
Angular, TypeScript, or JavaScript advantage
Ease of Use and a good User Experience
Low code development
Reduced maintenance
Simple web skills and easy to use tools make NativeScript a good choice for most enterprises today.

Node.Js
Node.Js is a popular cross-platform framework with a runtime framework built on the Chrome V8 Javascript engine. Efficiency and responsiveness are two advantages that make Node.Js a popular choice among enterprises.

Some of the businesses using Node.Js are Facebook Messenger, Twitch, Slack, etc.

Top reasons to choose Node.Js framework for cross-platform app development.

Node.Js APIs are synchronous
The faster code execution process
Zero buffer and faster output
Single-threaded model with event looping functionality
Open source and free

Server-side development support and scalability are other factors that make Node.Js a number one factor for cross-platform app development.

Appcelerator Titanium
Open, extensible development for creating rich applications makes Appcelerator Titanium as their number one choice for enterprises. Eclipse-based IDE, MVC framework, and cloud services are other critical parameters that make this platform ideal for cross-platform app development.

Some of the businesses using this platform are Legoland California, Pulse, Queens Library.

Top reasons to choose Appcelerator Titanium for cross-platform app development.

*Single codebase
*Open-source
*JavaScript-based SDK
*Appcelerator Alloy MVC framework
*Integrated mobile backend as a service
*Integrated with Appcelerator’s open marketplace

Titanium environment will help companies to develop and market applications 60% faster for staying way ahead of competitors.

Sencha Touch
Sencha Touch helps developers build one touch applications for mobile and desktop with powerful SDKs and HTML5 extensive toolkit. Allowing developers to create animations and functional user interfaces are other benefits that make this platform a good choice for enterprises.
Some of the businesses using Sencha Touch are Las Cumbres Observatory, Kaseware, University at Buffalo.
Top reasons to choose Sencha Touch for cross-platform app development.
Faster layouts
Native packaging
HTML5 device APIs
Event handling for better touch responses
New class system for intelligent and innovative builds
Sencha Touch has already powered more than 10,000 customers and 60% of them are Fortune 100 companies.
Corona SDK
Corona SDK is a well-known cross-platform framework for companies looking for game-based app development for mobile devices and desktops.
Some of the applications built using Corona SDK are Gunman Taco Truch, Battle 2, Zip Zap, etc.
Top reasons to choose Corona SDK for cross platform game app development.
Open source
Strong community
Plugins for all needs
Lua-based
Call any native library facility
Completely free with no hidden charges, fees or royalties make this platform a better one for game app development.
Adobe Phonegap
Powered by open web tech, Adobe Phonegap is widely used for building applications that are amazing. Ability to develop apps quickly with the help of HTML, CSS and Javascript to create magical applications make this platform one of the best frameworks for cross platform app development.
Some of the applications built using Adobe Phonegap are TripCase, Untapped, snowbuddy, etc.
Top reasons to choose Adobe Phonegap for cross platform app development.
Robust development community
Phonegap toolset
Plugin library
Third party tools
PhoneGap has always been preferred by most companies for its faster deployment and rich app experience.
Vue Native
Another interesting cross platform framework for building applications using JavaScript. Vue.JS is considered to be cost-effective and it is one of the reasons why it is used by companies today.
Some apps built using Vue.Js framework are Kitsu, Social Amnesia, Listmonk.
Top reasons to choose Vue Native framework for cross platform app development.
Real-time changes synchronization
Swift mobile app development
Document Object Model
Well-defined ecosystem
Reduced learning curve
Minimized scaffolding
Vue.Js is widely used by companies like Samsung, Qualcomm, Fidelity etc.
Qt
Qt is powered with a comprehensive set of highly intuitive and modularized C++ library classes and APIs that simplifies app development. Highly readable, easily maintainable and reusable code with high runtime performance makes it one of the best cross-platform frameworks of all time.
Some of the businesses using Qt are Lufthansa Technik, Clarius, Fresenius, etc.
Top reasons to choose Qt for cross platform app development.
Best-in-class design tolls
Own cross platform IDE
Rich set of fundamental enablers
Framework add-ons
C, C++, Python, Javascript, etc.
Many companies trust Qt for its ability to deliver great user experiences.
Codename One
Codename One is used for building complex real world apps with full backend and front end implementations with ease and cost effectiveness.
Some businesses using Codename One for building applications are Vision24, BoI Global Group, Math Underground.
Top reasons to choose Codename One for cross platform app development.
No special hardware and 100% reusable code
Drag and drop GUI builder
Great control over pixel and draw anywhere
Full access to native OS language
Open source and free
1800 app installs, 40k developers and 1M cloud builds make this platform a good framework for cross platform app development.
Monaca
Monaca is the top-rated open hybrid app development platform that can be immediately plugged into any existing workflow and development environment. Cloud IDE, CLI to debugger and remote online build are other factors that make this platform a best fit for enterprises.
Some of the businesses using Monaca are Bekfood, WhatsMode, Starnick etc.
Top reason to choose Monaca for cross platform application development.
Flexible development environment
Onsen UI for building beautiful and high performing applications
Remote build and continuous integrations
Powerful debugging and testing
Cordova power plugins
Backend services for Cordova
With easy to use tools, services and UI framework, Monaca is widely used by companies for building and marketing apps faster.
Conclusion
These are not the only cross platform application development frameworks that will rule the rooster in 2021. I have compiled only the best ones that have already impacted the business performances of many enterprises. Choose the best one that fits your business needs and start delighting your customers.

7 Advantages of Xamarin for Enterprise Mobile App Development

Siva Prasadh .G — Fri, 12 Jun 2020 03:54:25 +0000

Modern-day businesses are looking for alternatives to develop and deliver applications faster but at a reduced cost. This has been a challenge to many companies over the years. Hybrid app development has enabled companies to produce apps rapidly and cost-efficiently. And, companies that plan for hybrid app development mostly favour Xamarin for enterprise mobile app development for its ability to simplify developers work and ensure faster delivery.

Are hybrid apps the future of mobile development?

Mobile applications are no longer a choice but a necessity for enterprises. However, the real challenge is in deciding on native vs. hybrid apps. With both having its own advantages and limitations, choosing the best is always challenging.

However, according to several reports, 80% of enterprises are focusing on developing applications supporting multiple platforms like iOS, Android, and Windows, because hybrid applications are easy to use and cost-effective.
So, hybrid apps will the future of mobile app development.

Well, the next question you’d like to hit me with subsequently is why Xamarin for hybrid app development?

The sections below would help you understand why Xamarin platform is widely preferred by enterprises for hybrid application development.

Why is Xamarin used for cross-platform development

Before we get to why we think that way, let’s understand why you must choose cross-platform applications instead of native apps. If you are planning on an app for your business, here are some reasons that make enterprise heads to invest in Xamarin platform over the native app development.

Open source platform
Native-like user experience
Reuse of same API
Shared app logic
Advantage of C#

Enterprises looking for advanced, powerful and mission-critical business applications find Xamarin as the best-suited platform for their unique needs.

As a developer of an enterprise, what do you look for in the platform? Check out the advantages below.

7 Advantages of Xamarin for Enterprise Mobile App Development

As a Xamarin app developer here are some of the advantages you can enjoy.

Seamless and easy to use

The development process timeline with Xamarin is relatively shorter. It offers a comparatively simplified way of sharing codes across multiple mobile platforms and thereby takes less time to build an app.

Apps built with Xamarin provide a better experience to the users because of the standardized UI controls. You don’t have to develop any extra plug-ins thanks to the standardized UI controls.

Thanks to the integration of SDK, Xamarin makes it highly easy to add new features and auto updates the different versions of the app the moment the changes are effected in the OS.
Xamarin uses C# and the .NET framework -a proven, reliable developing environment – for all mobile platforms.

Anything that can be achieved with Objective-C, Swift, or Java, a developer can do in C# using Xamarin. You can integrate native open-source libraries available for iOS and Android with Xamarin.

A lot of existing open source and in-house source code projects can be reused in Xamarin.iOS or Xamarin.Android projects thanks to the C# and .NET framework combination.

Normally, the process of testing a cross-platform can be long and tedious. However, the Xamarin TestCloud allows the testing of applications on the cloud, making the process simpler, shorter and faster.

Highly flexible

Xamarin is primarily built on open-source technologies offering you the flexibility to choose components according to your requirements.

The component store of Xamarin offers a great value-add that provides several resources for developers, including cross-platform libraries, UI controls, and third-party web services.

Robust performance

Before we discuss performance, for starters, Xamarin has two main approaches, where one is a Shared UI and the other is a Separate UI. In a shared UI, nearly all the code is shared in all the platforms.

In a separate UI, only Business logic is shared, while you have to make separate user interfaces for all the platforms. Both approaches are equally popular.

Xamarin’s performance is close to native. Apps built on Xamarin.Andriod or Xamarin.iOS mirror native as the development is focused on sharing business logic rather than codebase.

The cross-platform capabilities use native UI controls and leverage platform-specific hardware acceleration, which enables in achieving close-to-native performance (which cannot be achieved with solutions that interpret code at runtime).

Even when a developer goes for the Xamarin.Formsapproach that is focused on broad code sharing with less platform-specific behaviour, the majority of the source code can be reused with Xamarin.Forms.

By virtue of using shared code, Xamarin leaves fewer bugs to deal with. With Xamarin TestCloud, developers can test apps with fragmentation, CI, and object-based UI testing.

Besides, developers can also test the health of the app using Xamarin Insights, which is a real-time app monitoring module.

100% Availability

If offline usability is a key differentiator for your app, thanks to the fact that Xamarin is backed by the Microsoft-Azure ecosystem, it offers reliable cloud-based data synchronization, which helps in using the app even when not connected to the internet.
Thanks to the integration with Azure, you can expect unhindered network connectivity that ensures continuous app performance and reduces performance lags – things that are crucial to success.

High scalability

As Xamarin is a Microsoft-driven product, by default Visual Studio becomes your environment to develop, build, and debug apps. Visual Studio contains a code editing environment, a simulator to try the app that you develop.

Developers can use the VS App Center to test the applications on various devices in a cloud. This offers you the flexibility to test different new features offline even while the app is being used in the market.

With Xamarin your app is future-ready as it works with some of the latest SDK’s and utilizes common and platform specific API’s.

Xamarin tightly binds the SDKs and the APIs of multiple platforms which enables developing high-quality applications as well as providing support for new features as soon as they are plugged into the operating system.

Best support

By virtue of using shared code, Xamarin leaves fewer bugs to deal with. With Xamarin TestCloud, developers can test apps with fragmentation, CI, and object-based UI testing.

Besides, developers can also test the health of the app using Xamarin Insights, which is a real-time app monitoring module.

Xamarin comes with deep integration with Azure Cloud, and hence comes with a robust app development environment and helps developers create rich mobile apps.

The Azure cloud provides the benefits of scalability, on-demand resources, high-availability, and cost-effectiveness along with the added benefit of high support.

Incredible security

Using Xamarin and Azure, you can be assured of the app and data security. As the connections between different app components are hosted on the Azure cloud and are encrypted, your app is secure.

The secure the connection between your app and the backend Azure comes with HTTP certificates and 24-hour threat management protection against malware.

By leveraging the authentication services provided by Azure developers can also securely integrate social media logins with the backend.
These are some of the advantages that make enterprises to leverage Xamarin for hybrid app development requirements.

Conclusion
No denying the fact that Xamarin app development is going to the future of enterprises. But, how do you get started? It requires expertise and experience to build applications that delivers amazing performance to customers.