Hybrid mobile apps are built with a combination of web technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
Hybrid apps are hosted inside a native application that utilizes a mobile platform’s WebView.
This enables them to access device capabilities such as the accelerometer, camera, contacts, and more. These are capabilities that are often restricted to access from inside mobile browsers.
Hybrid apps make it possible to embed HTML5 apps inside a thin native container, combining the best (and worst) elements of native and HTML5 apps.
Hybrid mobile applications provide a way for developers to re-use their existing skills in web development. Developers don’t like the prospect of getting locked into proprietary platforms. This includes the programming languages and SDKs provided by platform vendors (more on this later).
it’s true that hybrid mobile application development enables developers to target more than one platform. However, each platform comes with a set of caveats when it comes to its web runtime or WebView. This is especially true with Android, which is inconsistent between OS versions.
Mobile development is a constantly moving target. Every six months, there’s a new mobile operating system, with unique features only accessible with native APIs. The containers bring those to hybrid apps soon thereafter, with the web making tremendous leaps every few years. Based on current technology, one of the scenarios examined in this article is bound to suit your needs.
Native
HTML5
Hybrid
App Features
Graphics
Native APIs
HTML, Canvas, SVG
HTML, Canvas, SVG
Performance
Fast
Slow
Slow
Native look and feel
Native
Emulated
Emulated
Distribution
Appstore
Web
Appstore
Device Access
Camera
Yes
No
Yes
Notifications
Yes
No
Yes
Contacts, calendar
Yes
No
Yes
Offline storage
Secure file storage
Shared SQL
Secure file system, shared SQL
Geolocation
Yes
Yes
Yes
Gestures
Swipe
Yes
Yes
Yes
Pinch, spread
Yes
No
Yes
Connectivity
Online and offline
Mostly online
Online and offline
Development skills
ObjectiveC, Java
HTML5, CSS, Javascript
HTML5, CSS, Javascript
There are several factors that you should consider when you step-up to make the best Mobile App for your target users. Should you chose native, you have the luxury of exploring native features and offer a better user experience for your users. However, opting for a hybrid app will ensure that your app is cross platform ready, in a short time with a limited budget.
Bottom line is to go for a native approach unless you have already invested in a lot of your tech, or the industry demands it – which is what is your core business? If it’s a media site/content delivery platform, a hybrid approach might help you on few factors, otherwise a native approach is suggestive in terms of experience, adaptability, support for integration and long term goals.
About Us
Opal Infotech is an ISO 27001:2005 & ISO 9001:2008 certified web solution Provider Company in India since 1998. Our wide range of digital services include web design and custom development, mobile apps development for Android, iPhone and other platforms, SEO, Google AdWords (PPC) Campaign, Google Product Listing, Google Remarketing, Google Interest Marketing, Alibaba Minisite Design, Alibaba Ranking Optimization and Social Media Marketing etc. At present Opal Infotech has client base in more than 55 countries including reputed business houses, personalities and outsourcing IT companies from USA, Canada, Europe, UK & Australia. We follow the international standards for web related development and services. We provide the quality web based solutions to our client in India and across the globe. Our core strength is our years of experience in assessing the business online requirements, concept visualization, content management, implementing cutting edge technology for web creation, software programming, and digital marketing in a cost effective way and on time project delivery to meet the client’s expectation and our ultimate goal “Client Satisfaction”.
