Cross-platform app development is sought-after skill. Companies and businesses prefer hiring cross-platform developers to ensure the applications they develop can be used by all users regardless of their device type. Whether it’s a mobile or web application being developed, the trending technology ensures the developed application supports different platforms. This post details the seven most widely use cross-platform app development frameworks that you can use.
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What is cross-platform app development?
Cross-platform has rapidly become the most preferred approach to app development by various companies. Cross-platform refer to software built to run across multiple platform, such as Android, Windows, iOS, etc.
Any application built using a cross-platform framework can be seamlessly installed and used on any device with no separate coding required to run on any platform. With a cross-platform application, no separate versions of the application are required for various platforms. Instead, the application is built using a single codebase.
7 Most Widely Use Cross-Platform App Development Framework
Here’s quick guide on some of the best cross-platform framework to consider YOUR next app development project.
1. Flutter
Google introduced Flutter in 2017 to offer quick way for developers to create cross-platform native mobile app. You don’t need to have difficult time creating separate interface for iOS and Android.
Flutter uses Dart, giving it an SDK that supports creating an application that runs on Android and iOS using the same codebase. Thanks to its in-built graphic engine.
2. Ionic
Ionic is open-source framework base on AngularJS and has numerous UI options to support developing robust cross-platform applications. Moreover, it utilizes the SAAS UI framework, which is ideal for developing mobile operating systems. Using Ionic gives cross-platform applications a native feeling. Besides, it uses Cordova plugins to support accessing the device’s built-in features, such as GPS.
3. NodeJS
NodeJS runs on Chrome’s V8 engine and remains a preferred option for creating cross-platform applications. The best part about NodeJS is that you can use it to develop client and server-side applications with the same codebase.
Furthermore, you will get flawless and smooth applications thanks to its single-threaded model that ensures the server responds in a non-blocking approach. With that in mind, you can hire node developers to create a cross-platform application for your business or organization.
4. Kotlin
JetBrains developed Kotlin SDK to support creating applications that run on iOS and Android. You can have the same codebase for both platforms or write codes for each. Kotlin Multiplatform Mobile gives you control over the interface, and you can utilize other UI frameworks, such as Jetpack Compose, in your project.
Moreover, the framework has a reliable and mature community, and it is quickly growing and finding its space in the market as a reliable framework for developing cross-platform applications. Still, it has updated documentation, making it easy to learn and debug when facing errors.
5. React Native
React Native integrates ReactJS and JavaScript, making it an ideal option for creating natively rendered cross-platform applications. Meta platforms developed the open-source framework, and if you want to create a cross-platform mobile app with a native feel, you can comfortably use it.
6. Xamarin
For someone comfortable in C language, Xamarin offers a quick way for you to develop cross-platform mobile apps. Microsoft owns Xamarin and uses a single C# codebase to develop cross-platform applications. Moreover, you can use the same user interface for all platforms or customize each.
Xamarin reduces hardware compatibility issues by offering APIs and plugins that support the common functionality of multiple devices. Still, it allows the direct inclusion of C++ and Java libraries. With Xamarin, you will enjoy its Write Once, Run Anywhere (WORA) functionality due to the multiple class libraries it offers.
7. NativeScript
You can rely on NativeScript to create mobile applications that run on iOS and Android. It is a free and open-source framework that allows the building of native apps using JavaScript and TypeScript, or VueJS and Angular. Someone who already understands Angular or VueJS will quickly grasp NativeScript.
For anyone looking to attain a WORA functionality, using NativeScript will work to your advantage. Besides, the framework offers all the native APIs, making it easy for developers to reuse plugins when developing their projects.
You will love how it renders sleek and accessible platform-native user interfaces. You can even tune the user interface for particular devices or screens.
Conclusion
When creating an application, using a framework that allows creating a cross-platform application is best. That way, all your clients will be considered by ensuring they can use the application regardless of their device. This post has detailed the seven widely used cross-platform app development frameworks you should consider when developing an application.