Hybrid Mobile App Development : Step-By-Step Guide
Our today’s discussion is based on hybrid mobile app development. Hybrid mobile apps are just like any other app installed on a gadget. They are a mixture of both web-based and native apps. Hybrid apps course within a native container and influence the gadget’s browser apparatus to handle various web technologies. Some of these are CSS, JavaScript, HTML, and HTML5. The web-to-native model allows easy access to various features of the devices. Namely, these features are the camera, microphone, and mobile storage. Let us divulge further details about various hybrid apps below.
What Is Hybrid App Development?
Simply put, hybrid mobile app development is the formation of a single app that can route on numerous operating systems together with iOS, Android, and Windows. Usually, the developers include a single code shaft for all platforms when they create the hybrid software. The code is written only once with the help of numerous tools and then run on various platforms. This ability lets the hybrid mobile apps be easily converted to native apps. And, also ensure that they perform well on the native platform and the web view.
How Do Hybrid Apps Work?
If you look at it, the name displays all. Yes, hybrid apps come with the combo of web and native mobile apps. By using web technologies like CSS, HTML, and JavaScript, the developers build hybrid apps. With the help of an open-source framework, the code is added to a native app. Ionic or React native frameworks are some examples for this purpose. This lets the app run within each platform’s fixated browser. This enables the app to be easily installed on various mobile devices and put up on app stores.
Furthermore, the usage of plugins also lets the app use the hardware of the device. Features like the GPS, address book, photo gallery, or the camera are accessed by the applications. The suite of UI components also lets the user get the feel of the native interface. Thus, despite being developed as web-based apps, they also give the feel of native apps
Confused Between Native And Hybrid?
If you’re not tech-savvy, then the above-stated details can confuse you. Hybrid and native apps are pretty different from each other. Native apps are built on a single operating system and leverage various features and hardware of the gadget they are downloaded on. For example, Apple and Google both build hybrid apps. However, they also ensure that these apps are compatible with an iOS or Android feel.
Furthermore, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Google maps are just a few examples of native apps. However, as they have a single code base, they are compatible with various operating systems. Hence, hybrid app development is a more straightforward and extra cost-effective methodology for building mobile apps. That’s also why this type of mobile app conception has achieved cumulative fame, and more and more brands ponder about capitalizing on hybrid mobile app development. Key global companies like Nike, Walmart, Amazon, and Etsy use hybrid apps. On average, 74% of the top 50 iOS retailers’ apps are built on the hybrid model.
Key Benefits Of Hybrid App Development
The reason is apparent. Hybrid apps cost less and deliver the desired functionality evenly. Furthermore, they are easier to build and offer the expected functionality. Below, we have cited some of the unique functionalities of hybrid app development. These are:
Easily Scalable On Another Platform
Due to the single codebase, you can deploy hybrid apps quickly over multiple devices and platforms. For instance, an iOS-built app can be launched on an Android platform.
Single Codebase To Manage
You don’t have to spend money like native apps. Build the hybrid software and manage one database for multiple platforms. Quick and easy.
Quick Deployment
Yes, that’s another plus. Hybrid apps take less time to build because you only need to manage one database across multiple platforms.
Cost-effective Development Process
Instead of hiring multiple developers and worry about expenditure – you get the work done in one shot. The initial cost and maintenance are low because the developers only need to write one code set for every type of platform. Thus, you save considerable time with the hybrid approach!
Offline Availability
Thanks to the native infrastructure, the hybrid apps also work offline. The users don’t have to worry about real-time data. Furthermore, previously loaded data will be showcased on the apps.
Are There Any Disadvantages Of Hybrid Apps?
Just like any other development, hybrid app development also has some setbacks. Though, these setbacks aren’t problematic and offer room to improve. But, still, here are a few that you may have to consider.
Less Customization
This is thoroughly based on the unique user experience on different platforms. Since these apps operate under one codebase, the functionality will not be as seamless as expected. And, there will be no customization option as well.
Mediocre Performance
As these apps load in a web-based view, the user experience will be less than that of native apps. And, this is one major setback in the hybrid app development model.
Less Number Of Updates
Every app gets frequent updates to carry forward unique features based on different platforms. This quality gets missed up to some extent as the new updates might miss on specific platforms. And, for some, the latest updates might be nonexistent altogether.
Applicable Costs On Hybrid App Development
Remember one thing. No matter what software you are about to build, you cannot get a fixed price. The time-and-cost model is solely based on the requirements and unique features of your business. Next comes the complexity level of a hybrid app and the time it will take to be built. Let’s show you some approximated figures below:
- If you want to build a simple hybrid app with minimum features, the cost can average between $8,000.00 to $10,000.00 on par.
- Somewhat medium complex hybrid apps are going to cost around $10,000.00 to $15,000.00 average expenditure.
- For enterprise-level hybrid apps, you will have numerous complexities to consider. Thus, the price can vary between $50,000.00 to $150,000.00, and the time will be approximately 8 to 12 weeks.
- Lastly, if it is a gaming app, then this price can increase on a scale of $250,000.00. Furthermore, if you hire hourly, the mobile app development company can charge you $50.00 per hour.
Tip: These costs are aggregated based on unique business requirements. Connect with our app development experts to discuss your project, as prices vary based on special project requirements.
5 Real-Life Examples Of Hybrid Apps
With technology reaching unmountable heights, some big names work around the hybrid app development model. Plus, these examples aren’t what you think of. Yes, businesses are using a hybrid approach because of the latest high-end frameworks. This development has enabled developers to build high-performance mobile apps with unique functionalities and interfaces. Here are the top 5 real-life hybrid app examples:
Gmail
This mother search engine was built on HTML previously. However, mother Google has upgraded to HTML5 recently. You get the unique native and web-based compatible elements. Whether you use Google on your cell phone or web browser, the experience is impressive and unique every time. Plus, upgraded features and functionality are available on every platform seamlessly.
This popular social media app is famous for sharing images and videos. And, with the hybrid model, this app can brace tons of offline data and mass media. Users gain access to various traits and features, edit photos, share videos, add different emojis and filters, and much more.
Evernote
In addition to a beautiful design and its capability to work impeccably on various devices, this efficient app stands out for its functioning, to some degree that contradicts the idea that hybrid apps are sluggish and of low-slung performance.
This social media platform is another excellent hybrid app supporting that performance is not a problem for this kind of app development. Twitter knows how to manage vast volumes of traffic and is a daily use platform for the masses.
Uber
We all love the unique Uber app, and it is one great example to be discussed. You have easy-to-control navigation, a seamless user interface, and ease of access in this excellent ridesharing app. Plus, it’s also deployed on iOS and Android platforms with the same set of features and gets frequent updates.
Popular Hybrid App Development Toolkit
Statista conducted a developer’s survey recently, and here is the list of the top 2022 hybrid app development frameworks. Because of their swift development and compatibility among numerous platforms – hybrid app frameworks are high in demand. Furthermore, this has enabled developers to offer user-focused features in less time. Here are the top hybrid frameworks you don’t want to miss.
Xamarin
This framework is a Microsoft property, is a cross-platform framework, and uses the .Net framework along with the C# programming language. It is compatible with various platforms and delivers a unique user experience and native solutions quickly.
Flutter
This Google-powered platform supports numerous programming languages and lodges many operating systems. It’s most valued for its swiftness and the countless features it offers, such as a rich set of real-time updates for numerous widgets.
React Native
Due to delivering native modules, React, and JavaScript is a go-to framework choice for developers. It lets them alter the source code into native rudiments and consequently transport a native experience for users.
Ionic
The most widespread tool for building hybrid apps is open-source and also free of cost framework. It also has a big developer community to support each other. Furthermore, it also has the native UI components, outlines, toolkit to debug, and test tools to help developers to release hybrid apps quickly. Along with these, you get the maintainability and scalability features as well.
PhoneGap
Dispersed by the Cordova framework, this tool is acclaimed for its effortless compatibility together with numerous platforms. Developers use modern programming languages like CSS, HTML, and JavaScript to transcribe a single codebase that the framework adapts to an app instantly. It also presents native plugins for individual mobile platforms, which further access the microphone, compass, and camera.
How To Find The Best Hybrid App Development Company?
You should reflect on many features when judging the best hybrid app development company for your business requirements. It all rests on what you select and whether you have different needs. Mainly, people who have inadequate financial resources usually require hybrid software. However, it isn’t easy to make, and you must also select the right mobile app development company. Thus, we have shortlisted some essential pointers to consider before hiring a hybrid mobile app development company. And, these are:
Expertise Make A Difference
Technical experience and certification are a must for hybrid mobile app developers. Thus, make sure to ask and enquire about the developer expertise from your technology partner. Better yet, ask for use cases or client feedback.
Does The Location Matters?
This again depends on your work approach. You may hire an in-house resource or also go after an off-shore, on-shore business approach. If you want to get updates within minutes, then you may hire an hourly-based developer. If you want weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly updates, go for a notable mobile app development company.
Always Remember To Ask The Cost
This is another very crucial aspect to look at for hybrid mobile app development. Developers charge different amounts based on their work experience. Thus, you need to set up your budget and see that it should be cost-effective as well.
Full Spectrum Of Services
The app development company should understand your unique business challenges, values, and organizational goals. And, next offer a full spectrum of development services.
User-Friendly Model
The app development company must have a user-friendly mobile app wireframe and sample fit for all platforms.
Customer-Centric Approach
The mobile app development company must pay additional attention to producing unique user experiences by supporting businesses to beat their challenges while maneuvering their work procedures. They must be devoted to refining customer experience, intensifying brand rendezvous and transfiguration, and delivering 100% productivity.
Here Are Your Hybrid App Takeaways
Of course, we understand the unique challenges every business must face and how they must choose the right technology partner and things to remember.
- Efficient and transparent interaction plan
- Well-organized project management
- An agile and hands-on approach for reliable product delivery
- Scaled and fully agile framework for app development
- Pioneering, brilliant, and multi-skilled experts
- Data-driven results
- Inexpensive rates for an extraordinary delivery
- In accord with the App Store and Google Play
- 100% accomplishment rate with a verified track record
- An in-house team of specialists
- Full-cycle development
- Custom mobile development on Android, iOS, and cross-platform.
- Meticulous quality assurance (QA) testing
Choose The Right App For Your Business
A digital product that transports its possible users’ satisfaction and the expected business results must be resolute with wide-ranging planning. Therefore, before developing a hybrid app, a company will have to deliberate a lot of factors. Some of these below-specified questions will help you choose to make a fitting development plan for the mission to thrive. You must take the following into account:
- Assess the user target group
- How do users approach the application?
- Should it be available in App Stores?
- Will the app need periodic updates?
- What is the level of complexity of the functionalities?
- Do we want to use the devices’ innate functionalities?
- What type of user experience do we want to position?
- What are our development sources, and how will we assess the app?
Connect with the tech-savvy experts at Clustox. Here, you will learn how we support enterprises and explore new possibilities through digital transformation solutions. Furthermore, we enable businesses to attain high productivity with good quality. Talk to us today about the productivity standards and how to minimize your costs for developing hybrid mobile apps. Please write to us to discuss your project particulars.
