HYBRID MOBILE APPS are now the go-to option of any app developers, mostly. They have a, quite effortless making process and has the capability to be compatible, across all platform devices. Due to these traits, they have largely populated the App stores. Besides, they are now serving as the opening gates, for many Small Medium Enterprises, to launch their presence in the App Industry.
SO WHAT ARE THESE HYBRID MOBILE APPS?
Hybrid Mobile Apps are the blend of Native and Web Apps. But, they are mostly Web Applications, who share the same code of HTML5, CSS and JavaScript. However to behave like a native app ie, to make use of the Native device’s features, they are hosted inside a native container.
We can also build them using Cross-platform Frameworks such as PhoneGap, Xamarin, Ionic, etc. Here, they convert a programming language into native code to suit a specific OS platform. Also a particular framework installs their unique characteristics into these apps. So it depends on an app developer to choose a framework, to build a hybrid app, the way he wants.
AND WHAT LED TO THE CREATION OF THESE APPS?
Its becoming an undeniable fact, that Mobile Applications are becoming mandatory and inevitable to drive a business. Because the sole reason is, they bring in new visitors and increase the conversion rates. So every businessman is in need of an app, at an affordable cost to drive his business. And Hybrid apps fit the demands and they definitely stand a chance to win over the customers.
LETS SEE MORE OF THE REASONS WHY TO GO FOR HYBRID APPS
1. COST EFFECTIVE:
The foremost biggest advantage for developers is the cost reduction factor. Comparing to Native Apps, they are relatively affordable. Besides, hybrid apps eliminate, writing large codes and also eliminate the complex process of maintaining them in a long run. So with less time and money, you can install them on all platforms without much manual work.
2. A SINGLE CODE BASE:
Hybrid apps require only a single code base to target, all the different OS Platforms. That is, they cancel out the factor of writing different codes for different platforms. Thanks to Hybrid Frameworks, who each has a unique quality, renders hybrid apps according to the specific OS device.
3. OFFLINE SUPPORT:
Hybrid Apps too, can now provide offline support. Like Native Apps, they use the device’s API, to save the data acquired through devices’ native features such as Camera, GPS, Contacts, etc,.
4. EASY MAINTENANCE:
Hybrid Apps are easy to maintain, because they work exactly like Webpages. As web pages doesn’t require any updates, Hybrid apps also don’t require one to maintain the app in the long run. The content is pushed as and when it is required using web languages, without going for necessary updates.
5. DEVICE FLEXIBILITY:
Small Enterprises’ dream of entering the App Market was made a reality, through Hybrid apps. Since Hybrid Apps can enter any platform because of it’s flexible configuration, small businesses can very well market their product and be in the competition.
THERE ARE CERTAINLY SOME DRAWBACKS HYBRID APPS HAVE.
1. LACK OF ANIMATION:
Creative aspect is very less in Hybrid Apps. The creative elements or the animation features, can not be added to make the app look attractive and tempting.
2. DEBUGGING:
It is extremely hard to debug the hybrid apps, since they are framework dependent. So developers need to have complete knowledge of particular operating system to find the error and debug it.
3. NOT A GREAT SUPPORT TO START-UPS:
It’s not a great idea for start-ups to choose Hybrid Apps to launch their product. The main reason is they lack creativity and doesn’t provide a seamless user experience for the customers
CONCLUSION:
To summarize, Hybrid Apps are a great helping hand to Enterprises, who want to drive their business with limited resources. The cost is manageable and they consume less time. Also you can reuse the code to build web applications in future. So before jumping in, have a complete analysis of the app you choose and draw out the goals and destinations you want to reach, through your product.
