Hybrid App
Development

Hybrid app development has moved on in recent years from the days of casting a web application inside a native app shell. There are certainly still working examples of hybrid apps and there are agencies that still offer hybrid apps as a pathway for development. There are a number of factors to consider which go beyond the reduced costs involved in development. 

As a general summary, hybrid apps when compared to native apps tend to have less in the way of performance, security, and available functionality. A hybrid app is essentially a web-based application that has features that perform like a native app, such as push notifications. Hybrid apps differ as they utilise a backend which is coded  similarly to a website in HTML, CSS or JavaScript, and the native frame that can be pulled directly into the user device. There are specific frameworks which are commercial available that are generally utilised for this. So basically they mimic a native app which again comes with immutable limitations.

A native app by contrast is coded specifically for the operating system (OS) for which it is intended for use- largely iOS and Android. They are built to run natively- which means they execute directly using the devices processing capabilities, and although many utilise a web backend this acts as a database rather than doing the “heavy lifting”. This comes with the obvious advantages of being far more secure, and exceedingly more capable with functionality and performance.

The costs to build a native app are justifiably more as the time required to essentially build “from scratch” rather than utilise frameworks is more, as is the requirement for highly skilled developers.

There is however a solution that sits in the middle of hybrid app development and native app development.

Cross Platform Native apps use a web backend- same as hybrid apps and native apps do, however they utilise an intermediate piece of technology that compiles specifically for each OS platform and delivers directly to the interface. This eliminates both the need to build apps specifically for each OS, saving time and money. Equally it removes the “work-around” nature of applying a shell for web technology to serve like an app which increases functional capability, performance and security.

Microsoft have just released a brand-new platform, affectionately known as MAUI which stands for Multiplatform App UI. As its full name suggests it spans across several OS platforms, it utilises the one code base and compiles natively to the intended devices. His is not limited to phones either, other devices such as watches, and wearables are also on the hit-list. MAUI effectively will supercede Microsoft’s Xamarin product as the flagship app development product.

The AppTeam are largely a cohort of .NET developers who have deep ties with the Microsoft suite of products. Microsoft is widely used by large corporations, government departments, and enterprise operations for its flexibility, security, and robust structures. Additionally MAUI is an open source framework which means your app product wont be locked into proprietary systems which no-one else will be allowed access. 

We work on all levels of both native app development and cross platform app development so if you are ready to move on your app project, let’s discuss the most appropriate pathways available to you.