Nowadays, people increasingly prefer to use mobile applications rather than visit websites. This trend is linked to the fact that many apps can be used without mobile internet and are also more productive. Some global companies get more orders through a mobile app than a website. However, application developers face a dilemma: customers’ devices have different operating systems, and creating several software variants is too time-consuming and expensive.
Cross-platform application development technology emerged as a solution for developers. What are cross-platform mobile apps, what are their advantages, and how do they work? In this article, we will answer all these questions in detail.
What are Cross-platform Applications?
Cross-platform applications are defined as programs that can be built to run on different operating systems and hardware platforms. They enable developers to embed code into one platform and execute it on desktops, mobile devices, web browsers, etc., without coding it again. Cross-platform development tools and frameworks allow this through API and abstraction layers that convert the code to work on the other platform.
Numerous tools for cross-platform development exist, and one of the most famous is Embarcadero Delphi. It supports compiling a new project for macOS, Windows, iOS, Android, and Linux. This means that there is one version of the app for all the platforms, cutting the development and maintenance expenses in half. Nevertheless, certain performance drawbacks can be compensated for exceptionally well by modern cross-platform tools.
What are the Benefits of Cross-platform Apps?
Most web developers today choose to create cross-platform applications. Why is it so? This approach offers many benefits, and here are the main ones:
- Supported on various operating systems. Instead of building specific native apps for each OS, cross-platform applications enable developers to create code for one application and then use it in other operating systems.
- Saves money and time for business owner. This multi OS support is very helpful to the customers as they do not have to spend more time and money creating other app versions. Such an approach can save thousands of dollars for the mobile app buyer.
- Simplifies maintenance and updates implementation. To the developers, maintaining a cross between the two platforms is more convenient than working on iOS app and Android app as two different entities. This means that if you issue an update, it will only require you to make one deploy as opposed to making multiple app store pushes.
In general, cross-platform applications are quality software, and this approach to development reduces the probability of serious errors in the application’s operation.
Examples of some of the Most Popular Cross-platform Applications
Below are some examples of cross-platform applications you probably already use in your day-to-day life.
Chrome
Google’s Chrome is a dominant web browser that has revolutionized the way we access the internet. Its cross-platform compatibility allows users to seamlessly switch between devices running Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, Android, and iOS. One of Chrome’s key features is its ability to synchronize user data, including browsing history, saved passwords, bookmarks, and settings across all devices. This synchronization ensures a consistent browsing experience regardless of the device being used. Chrome’s speed, simplicity, and extensive library of extensions have contributed to its widespread adoption and market dominance.
Dropbox
Dropbox has become synonymous with cloud storage and file synchronization. It offers a robust solution for storing, sharing, and accessing files across multiple devices and operating systems. Dropbox’s client applications are available for virtually every major operating system, making it an incredibly versatile tool. Users can upload files to their Dropbox account and access them from any device with an internet connection. This accessibility has made Dropbox an indispensable tool for both personal and professional use, enabling easy file sharing and collaboration regardless of the devices or platforms involved.
Evernote
Evernote has established itself as a premier note-taking and organization tool that runs natively on almost all platforms. It goes beyond simple note-taking by offering a comprehensive synchronization service accessible through both mobile and desktop applications. Evernote allows users to create, organize, and share notes, which can include text, images, audio recordings, and even handwritten notes. Its cross-platform nature ensures that users can capture ideas and information on one device and seamlessly access them on another, making it an invaluable tool for personal organization and productivity.
Skype
Skype has been a pioneer in online voice and video communication, dramatically changing how people connect across distances. With dedicated applications for Windows, MacOS X, Linux, iPhone, and Android, Skype enables users to interact with each other regardless of their location or device. Its features extend beyond basic calls to include screen sharing and group video calls, making it suitable for both personal and professional use. Skype’s cross-platform availability has made it a go-to solution for international communication, remote work, and maintaining long-distance relationships.
Spotify
As the undisputed leader in the music, podcasts, and audio streaming industry, Spotify boasts an impressive monthly active user base of 248 million. Its cross-platform compatibility is a key factor in its success, with the official Spotify website and web player working in harmony with mobile applications for iPhone and Android, as well as desktop applications for PCs and Macs. This seamless integration across platforms allows users to access their music libraries, playlists, and personalized recommendations from any device, ensuring a consistent and enjoyable listening experience wherever they are.
Slack
Slack has emerged as the leading team communication app, offering native clients for various desktop and mobile operating systems. It provides a centralized location for work-related communication, allowing team members to collaborate effectively regardless of their physical location or the tools they use. Slack’s cross-platform nature enables seamless file exchange and integration with numerous third-party services and applications. Its ability to create channels for different projects or topics, along with features like direct messaging and video calls, has made it an essential tool for modern workplaces, especially in the era of remote and distributed teams.
Drawbacks of Cross-platform Applications
Multiple operating system compatibility may offer greater usability and more customers, but it also has its drawbacks. For example:
- These apps are ambiguous. They are not platform-independent, do not fully utilize a particular platform’s capabilities, and do not always support specific features.
- Failures of optimization. A cross-platform mobile app may fail to optimize for specific application features like the camera or even the fingerprint scanner.
- Average user experience. The user interface and experience are relatively average and can have inconsistent aesthetics from other platforms on the same devices. This can make the app feel like it belongs to a different world, which can make it difficult to use.
- Troubles with performance. Cross-platform apps also have problems with performance because they need intermediate software and can’t be optimized for some platforms. This can lead to inefficiency and poor interaction with computers and their applications.
- Troubled updating and maintenance. Additionally, it is difficult to support and update features in different OS versions, which is another problem.
In a nutshell, apps that run on multiple platforms increase the number of users. Still, the platforms are not as well-optimized, the user experience may decrease, performance can diminish, and some functionality may be lost. It’s all about balancing device-independent applications and fully developed platform-specific functions and style. In fact, effective content planning across the various platforms and the implementation of outstanding custom plugins can go a long way in ensuring that the negatives are minimized while the positives are maximized in equal measure.
Final Thoughts
The choice between native and cross-platform mobile app development depends completely on you. You need to analyze various factors, including your target audience, your clients’ operating systems, and your goals to understand if a cross-platform app is right for you. As practice shows, it is a great solution to create an app compatible with different OS, saving money and your own time.
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