Originally published Aug 13, 2015, updated October 30, 2018
Mobile app development is not an easy task. But with the right tools, it can be simplified. Every mobile app has some distinct features that make them look different from others, which makes selection of the mobile app framework the most daunting part of the mobile application development process.
Frameworks allow developers to use special features that make the work of an app developer easier. Different frameworks have different features but the question that arises is which is the best framework for mobile app development?
Let us look at some steps to select the best mobile app development framework before we finalise the right framework for app development.
What to ask yourself before choosing mobile app frameworks?
Questions solve a problem better than solutions. So here are a few questions that you must ask yourself before you decide to choose a mobile app framework:
- What is the motive of building your app?
This question will answer what are you building your app for and what features should it include. - What kind of storage will the app need?
If the app needs to store large data, go for cloud storage otherwise local storage is the other option. - What will be the methods of communication between cloud API and mobile?
You will need to decide how will the device communicate with the cloud API. Some communication methods are a cellular network, Wi-Fi or bluetooth. - Which device features will the app be using?
These include features such as GPS, calling or camera. - What OS features will the app need?
OS have different features and depending on the requirement of your app, a mobile app framework should be selected.
How to choose the best mobile app development framework?
There are factors on the basis of which you decide whether the framework for mobile app development is right or not. Here are some of the points that you may want to consider while working on your app project.
Programming Languages
Choosing the best programming language for app development is very essential and most of the time it is witnessed that the programmers already have an established preference. Hence, it is advised to choose the application development frameworks that your designers and programmers are familiar with.
User Interface and Themes
These two are the considerations that will need your inputs throughout the entire process of designing. Basically, a theme is the design element that is carried out through each and every screen of the application. As far as user interface and user experience are considered, they are often plastered together and they look on both the effectiveness and the smoothness of the experience. UI lays out a blueprint of the structure and UX shapes the exterior of the structure and theme is produced when the end product has been reached.
Responsiveness
Speed is the biggest factor these days and it is importance is getting highlighted day by day. Moreover, when we talk about the customers or users, it is very important to note that the users won’t take your app seriously until the speed is fast enough. In the absence of the responsive design that quickly produces answers and scrolls swiftly, your app won’t be able to make the desired effect on the market.
Documentation
You have to look upon all the upgrade and modification possibilities for the application on a future date. The ease with which the app can be upgraded and the usability of the framework will surely be a pain for your team in case the documentation does not indicate what you can do with it.
Community Development
A framework that is well known among the large community of developers would certainly have more potential as compared to a smaller community because it is very obvious that the larger community would overshadow the smaller community for obvious reasons. Participating in large community developments has multiple benefits like access to tools on demand and it makes your application more secure and extensible.
Cost of development
The mobile app development cost factor is crucial to consider when choosing a mobile app development framework.
What are the different types of mobile app development framework?
Depending on the type of app you are looking to develop and publish, there are different frameworks that you can select from.
Hybrid framework (cross-platform)
Hybrid app development framework has some amazing options to choose from. They are:
- Apache Cordova: It uses languages like JavaScript, CSS and even HTML as a result of which the apps run on any mobile device. This mobile development framework includes built-in components which make development quite easier.
- Ionic: It is basically used to develop beautiful open-source front ends using a web technology with HTML5. Over the past couple of years, the Ionic framework has been upgraded multiple times giving the developers good features with every upgrade. In the argument React native vs Ionic, Ionic had some great points to prove why it could be the best Android framework 2019 will have.
- PhoneGap: This hybrid cross-platform development framework is actually built by Adobe and is based on Cordova. It was originally built by Adobe though it runs under the name of Apache for using it as a host machine. The greatest feature of this application development framework is its ability to run building tools in the cloud.
Native framework (cross-platform)
These mobile development frameworks use one language to build apps for multiple platforms. Let us look which frameworks are in it:
- React native: This is one of the most famous native cross-platform app development frameworks. React.js is an open source framework that lets the app builders build large-scale apps for the browser. This application development framework removes browser specific features and lets the developers add mobile-specific features. One of the best examples of an app built with React Native is Facebook.
- Native Script: Native Script is developed by Telerik though it is an open source framework. The community strength is quite strong for Native Script developers that allows them to understand it well. The languages used are JavaScript or Typescript.
- Xamarin: Xamarin is said to be one of the best hybrid app frameworks 2019 will have. It used C# to write programmes and also works on Windows phone. The framework is great for large companies with skilled Microsoft developers.
All native framework (platform-specific)
The third type of framework is different from hybrid and cross-platform frameworks. These include:
- Swift/ Objective C: Objective C has been used since years to develop iOS apps. It gets lots of support for libraries and most of the codes are already written there. In 2014, Swift was introduced and it replaced Objective C.
- Java (Android): Considered one of the best Android frameworks in 2019, Java is built in Android Studio to create Android apps. This provides great tools to developers and helps them target Google users.
- Windows Phone: To create Windows applications, you can use C#, Visual basic or Xamarin.
So, which is the best mobile app development framework?
While there are a number of frameworks that will rule 2019, as per our views, cross-platform app development frameworks provide more features and flexibility to app developers. The time taken to develop an app reduces when a multi-platform framework is used.
Remember that finding the right mobile application framework may prove to be the hardest stage when you talk about the new application. The customer and the application would tell you many points about what you need on the path of UI, UX and the overall design.
In the end, it should not be forgotten that the quality and user interaction of an app depends not just on the quality and features that a framework provides. It also depends on the app builders’ skills and innovative ideas. The visual attractiveness of the app also is dependent on the framework. Therefore, while choosing a framework for your app, take as much time as you want to be sure.
If you are still confused and are not able to figure out which framework fits your app perfectly then feel free to contact our team at Appinventiv. We will happily help you find the right framework for your app idea.
Originally published Aug 13, 2015, updated October 30, 2018
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