Ever since the advent of smartphones, the term 'apps' has become ubiquitous. On a smartphone, why go to the browser and access the website? Rather, downloading the app and using it is much simpler. That's the talk that happens among various groups and circles.
Speaking on a serious note, it has to be said that so much of hard work goes into the development of mobile apps. Assuming that you have heard of HTML5 mobile application development, Native and Hybrid application development, let us see some detailed comparison between them and which is to be used.
HTML5 Mobile app development
The typical and standard technologies that are put to use by leading HTML5 developers in the development of HTML5 apps include HTML5, JavaScript and CSS. Since the HTML5 applications can run on any platform, they are said to follow write-once-run-anywhere approach.
Despite the fact that sophisticated apps can be created using HTML5 and JavaScript, there exist some constraints. Issues related to sessions management, access to native device functionality and reliable online storage need to be addressed.
Basically, an HTML5 mobile app is a web page or a collection of them. These are particularly designed to work on a small screen. Users will not have the native look and feel. Also, they would not be able to use their familiar compound gestures.
Developing HTML5 apps is easier. The real problem faced by the developers is when they try to create in such a way that it fits the prospective screen size.
HTML5 development, when compared to Native app development, requires less development time and also less deployment time.
The drawback of a HTML5 mobile app is that they have very limited functionality, restricting it to web browser capabilities.
The other disadvantage of HTML5 mobile apps is their lengthy load times. Even in the case of screen transitions, they have an inferior performance. Apart from that, their ability to function offline or in low-bandwidth modes is below par.
Native Mobile App development
In a stark contrast to building HTML5 mobile apps, the development of Native mobile apps is done using the native language of the platform. For instance, using Objective-C on iOS and using Java on Android.
As Native apps are compiled into machine code, their performance is exceptionally good.
Importantly, with the Native apps we get pinch-spread, double taps and also compound User Interface gestures. Besides, Fast graphics API and Fluid animation are also on offer.
Native apps, apart from offering a great level of reliability, also provide better security environment. Native app development is done to offer better responsiveness, fluid experience. The app's loading speed will also be less and will also have access to the phone's address book and camera.
Native apps can also be developed in such a way that the apps can be accessed without the availability of internet connection. During the course of development and testing, it would only take a little time to find and fix bugs, thanks to the native development tools that come in handy.
Hybrid mobile app development
The hybrid apps are essentially built using HTML5 and JavaScript. The app is wrapped in a native container which gives access to native platform features.
These apps are created through tools like PhoneGap and Sencha, which are cross-platform development tools.
The cost aspect in the development of hybrid apps is comparatively less. Single code can help perform on varied platforms. However, the downside is that contact to native APIs is limited.
Conclusion
What suits your needs has to play a critical role in choosing with HTML5 app development or Native app development or Hybrid app development. Consider all the factors, advantages and disadvantages, your target audience, your business needs, before to taking a call.