In the current era of mobile phones, it is essential for organizations to target users on different platforms and devices. Developing different native apps for the platform can be expensive and time-consuming in the long run. This is where cross-platform app development frameworks come in handy. These frameworks allow developers to write an application once and deploy it on Android, iOS, or even Windows platforms.
Mobile app development trends are constantly changing, and cross-platform development frameworks are gaining popularity because of the number of advantages:
- Faster development: Developers can save lots of time on the development of cross-platform apps by writing code once, as compared to building native mobile applications.
- Lower cost: The reusability of code across platforms reduces duplicated development, hence reducing cost.
- Wider reach: This means that a single app can go across different platforms and, therefore, reach more users.
But it is important to select the right cross-platform framework for the project to be successful. Some frameworks have their advantages and disadvantages depending on the situation, so you should choose depending on your situation. In this article, we review 7 of the top cross-platform app development frameworks of 2024 and how they can help you with your next project. Let's get started.
The Best Cross-Platform Frameworks of 2024
1. Flutter
Flutter, launched in 2017 as an app development framework, is rapidly gaining popularity as an open-source platform developed by Google for building elegant and high-performance mobile apps for both platforms. Unlike web technology-based frameworks, Flutter has its own rendering engine that guarantees a genuinely native-like UI regardless of the platform. Flutter is built around Dart, a modern object-oriented programming language that is easy to learn and easy to understand.
Advantages of Flutter:
- One of the benefits of hot reload functionality is that it makes the development process faster, as updates can be made almost instantly.
- It has its own rendering engine, which makes the app experience smooth and native.
- The abundance of predefined controls and the emphasis on appearance allow for the development of beautiful and intuitive user interfaces.
- Create a single code base that can be used for deployment on Android, iOS, and even web based applications.
Examples of apps built with Flutter:
- Alibaba
- Google Pay
- Reflectly
2. React Native
React Native, launched in 2015 and developed by Facebook, has taken the cross-platform development world by storm. Being built on top of JavaScript, this frontend framework has emerged as the go-to framework for creating mobile apps for both iOS and Android. It enables developers to build apps that look and feel like native apps for both the iOS and Android platforms using JavaScript and JSX. React Native bridges the gap between web development and native app creation by using platform-specific components that render as familiar UI elements on each device. This approach provides a relatively streamlined development process where there is an opportunity to use the same code.
Advantages of React Native:
- There are several forums, tutorials, and libraries available for developers due to the large React developer community.
- Develop your app for both platforms, Android and iOS, and hence avoid the cost of developing the app twice.
- Due to the familiar javascript skills and pre-built components, it leads to a faster development process.
- Design the apps to be elegant and have a look and feel similar to the native appson the iOS and Android platforms.
Examples of apps built with React Native:
- Facebook
- Instagram
- Skype
3. (.NET MAUI) previously Xamarin
If you're a developer comfortable within the .NET ecosystem, Xamarin's recent iteration, .NET MAUI, present a compelling solution for cross-platform app development. First launched by Microsoft, Xamarin has evolved into a well-developed tool that helps you develop apps for iOS and Android using C# and gives them a native look and feel. This tight integration with C# and the broader .NET ecosystem creates a streamlined development experience for programmers with that background.
Advantages of .NET MAUI:
- It is supported by a long history of Microsoft tooling that has developed around it. They provide stability, and they offer a lot of resources that can be used by .NET MAUI.
- Take advantage of the increased numbers of developers, libraries, and extensive support that are present today.
- .NET MAUI is an excellent tool for developing an application since it yields well-performing applications. (Source)
Examples of apps built with .NET MAUI:
(Source)
- NBC Sports Next
- Escola Agil
- Irth Solutions
4. Kotlin Multiplatform
Kotlin Multiplatform offers a code-sharing approach for developers who want to focus on cross-platform development. This framework, developed by JetBrains, the company behind the Kotlin programming language, enables you to create one codebase that is platform-agnostic. Think of developing core functionalities once and deploying them on Android, iOS, the Web, and many other platforms! Kotlin Multiplatform does this by focusing on the sharing of code. The core functionality can be implemented in a way that is independent of the operating system, while specific elements such as UI widgets or specific gestures for each OS can be implemented as additional code.
Advantages of Kotlin Multiplatform:
- Cut down the time required for development and maintenance greatly by writing a code once while deploying it anywhere.
- The core logic of the platforms is shared, making it easier to make changes when needed.
- The full advantage of native code on each platform is used to make the applications smooth and efficient.
Examples of apps built with Kotlin Multiplatform:
- Netflix
- Pinterest
- Coursera
5. NativeScript
Thus, NativeScript offers a strong solution for developers in search of a middle ground between code reusability and strong native performance. This is an open-source framework developed by Progress that enables developers to develop native mobile applications for both iOS and Android using JavaScript. Unlike the hybrid app frameworks, the code written in NativeScript is compiled directly into the native code of the platform, and therefore the app runs very smoothly. This approach is suitable for developers who are well conversant with JavaScript and wish to build applications that are as close to native as possible.
Advantages of NativeScript:
- Creating a fast and fluid user interface by directly compiling the app to native code.
- Use your current JavaScript skills to develop apps that are compatible with multiple platforms.
- Access device-specific features and functions using native APIs.
Examples of apps built with NativeScript:
- MyPuma
- Sennheiser
- Strudel
6. Ionic
For web developers looking to bridge the gap to mobile app development, Ionic offers a familiar and approachable approach. Ionic is more focused on building hybrid apps, and it is not like some other cross-platform frameworks that are mostly centered on native development. These apps use the familiar web technologies of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript wrapped in a native shell to work on mobile devices. Additionally, using Ionic, you can work with such web frameworks as Angular, React, or Vue.js. This means that web developers can build mobile apps by using their web development knowledge and preferred tools. Ionic is well-supported, with extensive documentation, many learning resources, and an active community base—Ionic is easy to learn for web developers who are new to mobile apps.
Advantages of Ionic:
- Build upon past web development experience and the languages already implemented (HTML, CSS, JavaScript).
- Get access to extensive resources, guides, and support from a huge developer base.
- Accelerate development with a rich set of pre-built UI components for a consistent look and feel.
Examples of apps built with Ionic:
- McDonald's
- JustWatch
- Marketwatch
7. Sencha Ext JS
For a developer looking for a cross-platform app development solution that is enterprise ready, Sencha Ext JS is one of the strongest choices. Sencha, the developers of this commercial framework have built an extensive component library and a strong development environment tailored to building modern web and mobile applications that are data driven.
Ext JS rather than making use of hybrid frameworks engages HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript. However, unlike hybrid frameworks, Ext JS utilizes a more nuanced approach.
Advantages of Sencha Ext JS:
- There are many pre-made components in the library which make user experience unnoticeable.
- You can save time and resources by having streamlined development environment and pre-built components.
- Fasten your app’s development and reach consumers quickly.
- Gives top priority to security in enterprise applications.
Examples of apps built with Sencha Ext JS:
- Siemens
- Schlumberger
- Yelp
Choosing the Right Framework
Deciding on the best cross-platform framework to adopt is informed by some critical factors that are unique to a given project. Here's a breakdown of key considerations to guide your decision:
1) Project requirements: In order to make a successful app, it is very crucial to understand all the functionalities and the level of complexity involved in the app. Simpler apps might be good to use hybrid frameworks like Ionic, while other complex or performance-sensitive apps might require frameworks like Flutter or React Native to feel native.
2) Developer skills: Think about your team’s composition. If your developers are comfortable with web technologies, Ionic or React Native might be a good fit. For those with experience in C#, Xamarin (.NET MAUI) could be an excellent choice.
3) Performance needs: Consider the performance criteria of the application that you are developing. In cases where smooth animation and system responsiveness are critical, choose such frameworks as Flutter or NativeScript that operate with native code.
Conclusion
Cross-platform app development frameworks provide a powerful option to create a single code base running on multiple operating systems. However, this decision is critical to the success of a project, and its choice should be made carefully. However, it is crucial to understand that this ideal framework is based on your needs. But do not hesitate to go further!
Are you looking to get the benefits of cross platform development and develop your mobile application? Yukti Solutions is an experienced team of developers that provides cross-platform mobile app development services. Whether you are trying to choose the right framework or need to design, develop, and deploy your app, we can assist you in getting your mobile app to the masses. Get in touch with us for a free consultation.
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