Application Battles: Web, Native and Hybrid

You have the most brilliant idea for an app and you’re about to take the brave step of bringing this idea to life. You probably have 1000 questions, but let’s start with what kind of app you’re wanting to build.

In this article, we’ll be breaking down the different options you have when it comes to deciding how exactly you’ll be able to execute your million-dollar idea!

We’ll help you dissect the pros and cons of each of these options, so you’ll be able to make the most informed decision possible.

Web applications are those that you are able to use from a simple web browser. They’re simple but versatile, so they are quite powerful. Let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons.

Since web applications simply require web technologies, they are less complex to build compared to mobile applications. So, comparably it will be the cheapest option.

Web applications are not limited to just one device, all users need to access your app is an internet connection and a browser. That means that the app can be used on both desktop and mobile platforms.

Web technologies are diverse and extensive enough to create many functionalities. However, these apps are not able to access mobile features such as cameras, photo galleries, and notifications.

The benefit of mobile applications is that they’re able to store data, so users can access the app offline if they want to. However, web apps rely on the internet, so no internet means no access.

In order to access your app, a mobile user will have to enter your URL to their web browser. Comparably, a downloaded app can be opened from the simple tap of an icon on their home screen.

Native mobile applications are those that you can download off the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. They are developed using iOS and Android-specific languages. What does this mean for you? If you’re after a powerful and high-quality mobile application, native is your answer. But let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons.

Since native applications are written specifically for the platforms they are placed on, they have been optimised for speed. In a world that is all about engaging short attention spans, this is a paramount advantage.

The iOS and Android platforms have been developed to include a huge array of features that take advantage of mobile software and hardware. This means that you’ll be able to integrate whatever features your heart desires.

There are certain user interface design patterns that have been developed for each mobile platform, so users will feel quite at home using your mobile application.

The main reason native mobile apps are costly is that it requires developing on two different platforms and therefore require two different programming skill sets. Additionally, increased complexity also means more components and more time to be invested to create the app.

Hybrid mobile applications are exactly what you think they are – they combine the best of the web and native app development has to offer. It might be an attractive option for smaller-scale projects.

Users download the app from their respective app stores and when opened, it looks exactly like a native app. Even though the app is written in web languages, no one is the wiser if your design is robust.

Hybrid mobile apps have the ability to access native features such as the camera, gallery, calendar, and notifications. This means more capabilities than web applications.

Since hybrid mobile applications essentially add an additional layer on top of the mobile application, they will not perform as well as native applications. The lag time depends on the complexity of the app and the internet connection of the user. This is probably the biggest drawback of hybrid applications.

It may not be a smooth ride for an app to be approved for release to the app stores if the app does not adhere to the rules set by Apple.

Here’s a handy little chart that summarises the comparisons between web, native and hybrid app development:

If you’re in need of someone to create your web, native or hybrid applications, you’re in luck! EB Pearls is a full-service web and mobile app design and development agency. We can help you strategise, build and launch your brilliant app! Contact one of our representatives here or call us on 1800 857 679.