Given that there are above 6.3 billion smartphone users globally, it is unsurprising that the mobile app market is expanding enormously. With 88% of time spent on apps, smartphone usage, and app usage are both continuously increasing. The development of software that is functional with several mobile operating systems, known as cross platform app development, is expanding as a result of its popularity.
Numerous new tools have entered the market as a result of the quickly developing cross-platform app development technology’s increasing popularity. It can seem challenging to choose the one that would best meet your needs when there are so many choices.
We’ve compiled a list of the top six cross platform mobile app development frameworks and the characteristics that set them apart to help you choose the best tool. You will also discover some important considerations after this article when selecting a multi-platform development framework for your company.
Keep exploring to learn more about cross-platform app development and the best tool in 2024.
Table of Contents
What is Cross Platform Mobile App Development?
The process of developing software applications that work with several mobile operating systems, including iOS and Android, is called as cross-platform app development. This technique cuts down on development time and expense by allowing developers to create a single codebase that can operate on several platforms.
Fundamentally, cross-platform applications are made to run on a single codebase across several mobile operating platforms. This method is not the same as native app development, which involves making apps, especially for a single platform like iOS or Android. By building code once and delivering it across several platforms, cross-platform apps may offer a consistent user experience across various devices, which is their main advantage.
Cross platform app development uses a variety of techniques and resources that enable code reuse, something native apps usually cannot. Businesses may drastically save development time and resources by utilizing these tactics. However, since the decision has a significant impact on the app’s functionality, user experience, and overall success, it’s critical to balance the benefits and drawbacks of developing native versus cross-platform apps.
Types of Cross-Platform App Development Tools
In order to streamline development and expedite delivery, some companies now provide cross platform mobile app development tools that support several OSes. Businesses can categorize the tools into two broad groups:
- Hybrid cross-platform
These tools create web apps that run natively on the target devices by utilizing mainstream technologies like HTML5, CSS, and JavaScript. Compared to native techniques, development is faster, simpler, and less expensive because the majority of the code is platform-neutral. Nevertheless, the apps are unable to fully utilize the device’s built-in features and perform worse than native apps.
Also Read: Node JS vs React: When to Use Each for Maximum Development Efficient
- Native Cross-platform
These technologies offer a middle ground between developing apps natively and using a hybrid approach. Developers can use an intermediate language, such as JavaScript or C#, to create programs for several platforms. In contrast to the hybrid approach, the applications make use of native UI controllers, which improves app speed and allows them to utilize device features better. However, cross-platform native apps still fail to operate as well as real native apps, and development is not as rapid and straightforward as it is with hybrid apps.
IT teams should assess their requirements for web-based applications in addition to cross platform app development services. Progressive web apps are basically enhanced web apps that offer additional device capabilities while maintaining the flexibility of web-based apps. They do this by using plugins to access native functionalities on mobile devices.
Top 5 Cross-Platform App Development Tools in 2024
Now is the perfect time to discuss the best tools for developing cross-platform apps. These tools will surely help you to create user-friendly cross-platform applications. Here is the list of the top five cross platform mobile app development tools you should watch out for in 2024:
Flutter
Flutter is a well-liked framework for creating desktop, website, and mobile apps from a single codebase that was released by Google in 2017. You must utilize Google’s Dart programming language to develop apps with Flutter.
As an open-source SDK for creating excellent Android and iOS applications from a solitary codebase, Flutter is a superb choice for cross-platform mobile app development.
Despite being the second most popular framework, Flutter is not nearly as widely used as React Native; in the previous two years, Flutter has been used to create about 13,000 apps.
Another critical feature of Flutter is its own rendering engine, which has a Skia structure. While other app development tools mostly rely on platform-specific UI, this approach ensures greater control over the app’s appearance. It guarantees that it looks and behaves the same across all operating systems.
Key Features:
- Hot Reload Feature
- Supports Google’s Material Design
- It contains its own rendering system
React Native
Facebook created the open-source application React Native. React Native has speedily become one of the most popular options for creators of apps.
It enables developers to create natively rendered cross-platform mobile apps and is based on Facebook’s React JavaScript framework.
One of the great things about React Native is that it’s not just for mobile apps. It may be used to create native apps for a variety of platforms, including Windows, tvOS, macOS, Android TV, UWP, and web apps. React Native is, therefore, a true cross-solution and cross platform app development solution.
Key Features:
- Fast Refresh
- Build Customized and responsive UI.
- Integration with Flipper
Also Read: Kotlin vs Java: Choosing The Right Language
Kotlin Multiplatform
Kotlin Multi-platform (KMP) is an open-source technology developed by JetBrains that permits code sharing across platforms while maintaining the advantages of native programming. Developers can write native code when necessary, reuse as much code as they like, and easily incorporate shared Kotlin code into any project.
Key Features:
- Developers can reutilize code across Android, iOS, website, desktop, and server-side
- Program Specific APIs
- Supports Compose Multi-platform
Unity3D
Here, let’s continue the game topic. If you’re working on a game, think about Unity3d.
Striking visuals are the main factor in the popularity of this cross-platform programming tool. The fantastic fact is that you can use it for purposes other than mobile apps.
You can export the game to 17 different platforms once you’ve developed the code using Boo, C#, or UnityScript. Some of the top ones include:
- Android
- iOS
- Windows
- Wii
- Web
- PlayStation
- Linux
- Xbox
You may utilize the Unity3d platform to distribute your game to all of the shops once it is operational on all of the platforms you have chosen. It is necessary to mention that the framework utilizes native user interface (UI) elements. For example, text area or buttons, which means the cross platform app development feels and acts like it has been created for a specific operating system. As a result, the user experience becomes much more natural than other frameworks.
Key Features:
- Track User Analytics and get social shares
- Supports Unity Connect
Corona
Corona claims that their software development kit allows you to write your new mobile app in less than five minutes. Therefore, it’s safe to state that this cross-platform programming tool has a low learning curve. It’s simple to use, even for novices.
There is no harm in trying it out because it is free to use. Other than your time, you won’t need to invest anything in it. Corona’s primary integral use is to make 2D games. It is ideal for HD graphics and can assist you in developing mobile games much faster than traditional coding the whole application from the beginning. Therefore, it is also the best cross platform app development company in 2024. You’ll be operating in Lua, which is Corona’s scripting language, which is written in C.
Key Features:
- Provide HD graphics
- Fast Response
- User-Friendly
Conclusion
Selecting the cross platform app development framework that will best suit your unique requirements is challenging if these variables are not taken into account. Examine your future application needs in further detail and compare them to the capabilities of other frameworks. Finding the ideal cross-platform solution to assist you in producing high-caliber apps will be possible if you do this.
One of the most important aspects of creating a native app is deciding which platform to develop cross-platform apps for. All you have to do is select the top cross-platform frameworks. The simplest method for managing the development of multi-platform apps is this one.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What Is Cross-Platform App Development?
The process of developing a single application that functions on several platforms and devices, including Windows, iOS, Android, and the web, is recognized as cross-platform app development.
What Is The Best Cross-Platform App Development?
The process of developing a single application that functions on several platforms and devices, including Windows, iOS, Android, and the web, is recognized as cross-platform app development. One of the most influential languages for creating cross-platform mobile apps is C#. C# has a reputation for its performance and resilience. It provides developers with a rich environment and a familiar syntax, which makes it the perfect option for creating apps that function flawlessly on Windows, iOS, and Android devices.
Which Language Is Best For Cross-Platform App Development?
Flutter is the superlative cross-platform mobile app development language in 2024.
Is Cross-Platform Development Worth It?
Cross platform development mobile app solutions will save you a lot of time and effort when developing both Android and iOS applications. You need to go for cross platform application development if you want the application to run on both Android and iOS mobiles.