‘What is a Web App?’ and ‘Web Apps VS Native Apps VS Hybrid Apps: Which is Best?’
“No matter what anyone says or does, my task is to be good.” Marcus Aurelius
Marcus Aurelius was a philospher and one of the last emperors of ancient Rome.
For me, what he means here is that above all else - our task is a simple one. And that task is to be good.
In this article, I will address two questions:
‘what is a web app?’ - and ’Web Apps VS Native Apps VS Hybrid - which is best?”
But first, back to Marcus Aureilus and the task to to be good.
In regards to apps -
What makes an app ‘good’?
Where design meets function.
Where usability meets simplicity - at the crossroads of mankind, mind and machine.
If your app succeeds on this basis alone - it has outperformed most.
Keep this im mind while reading this article - and consider which platform will work best for your app.
Will it work best as a web, native or hybrid mobile app?
So, what is a ‘Web App’?
A Simple Definition
A web app simply means a website application.
A web app has a lot in common with a tradtional website. As you know, a typical website contains pages, information, pictures and other content relevant to an indivitual or business.
Similarly, a web application resides on a server - is accessed via the internet - and provides users with access to information, pictures and other content.
Well known examples of web apps include Youtube, Facebook and Dropbox. These are incredibly popular web apps that provide information & services.
Now like your average website they have a url - and like your average website, they can be accessed by both desktop and mobile devices. They do not need to be specifically downloaded onto your mobile to be used. Simply open them and away you go.
As easy as accessing a website.
Now! What is a ‘Native App?’
A Native App is a specific mobile app developed for a particular mobile platform - typically iOS, Windows or Android.
Native mobile apps are built for a specific platform. they are not accessed via a web address. Instead the user must
download the native app directly onto their personal mobile device, usually via the app marketplaces, such as the Apple App Store or the Google Play store.
Upon download, the native app is installed directly onto the device itself.
When downloaded and installed, native apps can access the mobile’s internal system resources - such as GPS functionality, built in camera features, etc. Snapchat, Google Maps and Instagram are some examples of popular native mobile apps.
So in summary, a web app can be used simply and immediately - without download.
A native app - is built for your speciifc device - ios or android. It must be downloaded by the user and installed on their device - ipad, phone or tablet.
Now let me introduce a further option - The Hybrid App.
What is a hybrid app?
A hybrid app is often described as a web app running inside a ‘native wrapper’
It combines both native and web development technologies. Why? Common goals are simplification and saving on development time, testing time and, of course, money.
Now, back to our key task - which is, according to Marcus Aurelius, to be ‘good’ or as we like to say - good, better or best (in class).
Now, web apps vs native apps vs hybrid - which is best?
Which platform is the right choice hor YOU - depends upon the goals of your app, your vision, your business model and your budget.
Let’s talk about the key differences between web, native and hybrid apps.
To determine which type of app is better suited to your needs and goals, you need to compare.
Here is a quick overview and comparison:
The User Interface
From a user’s point of view - it is often hard to spot the different between a web app, a native app or hybrid app. Yet, the native app is able to provide
a greater and more fully featured customer experience.
From a development point of view, a native app is best for user-centric experiences while a web app is best for application-centric purposes.
If the success of your app requires a premium ‘user experience’ - a native app is probably the way to go here.
The App Development Process
The app development process differs greatly between web, native and hybrid.
With regard to native apps - each platform is developed separately with a custom codebase.
Every mobile platform uses a unique programming language.
for iOS it is Objective-C,
for Android it is Java,
and Windows Mobile makes use of C++.
Web apps, on the other hand, use make use of web languages such as JavaScript, HTML 5, CSS3 adn others.
Each mobile platform (iOS, Android and Windows) tries its best to help out the developers. They each provide a tailored software development kit, platform specific development tools and key interface elements, to make the native app development process as easy as possible.
However, when it comes to web apps - and hybrid apps - no such standardization exists. Of course: many tools, frameworks and systems are out there - in particular with regard to deployment.
So Here is the Pros & Cons, App Development Summary:
Native Apps Are:
Specifically built for each platform
Easy to download via the app stores
They take advantage of the device’s inbuilt hardware and software features (GPS, Calendar, Camera etc)
They provide a potentially enhanced user experience
They are generally faster than web apps
They can work offline
They are easier to build due to the availability of developer tools and software development kits
On the negative side, native apps are:
More expensive to build than web or hybrid apps
Each platform required a specific build - from scratch - which significantly increases costing and timelines
They have higher ongoing maintenance and update costs
Must be approved for download on all app stores
Web Apps and Hybrid Apps Offer:
Simpler development - one code base for all platforms
Faster timelines to market
More affodable development costs
They do not need to be downloaded or installed — they typically function in-browser
They are easier to maintain due to a single code base
They are significantly quicker to build than native apps
Do not require app store approval, and can be launched quickly
However - Web Apps and Hybrid apps do not:
Work offline
They are slower than native apps, and offer less in the way of features
And finally, a web app may be more difficult to monitize
On Hybrid Apps
A hybrid app offers similar advantages / and disadvantages to web apps.
However, a hybrid app can also take advantage of plug-in technologies to utilise inbuilt device features such as GPS, Calendar, Camera etc.
Web, Native or Hybrid?
It's up to you - as I said previously, it all depends upon the goals of your app, your vision, your business model and your budget.
As the expert Marcus Aurelius said: “No matter what anyone says or does, my task is to be good.”
Again - your decision regarding Native, Web or Hybrid App Development - should be driven by that lofty notion - where ‘the task is to be good’.
Be good for your user - build well your user - and put the user at the heart of every development decision.
That is the trusted pathway to good, then better and best.
In apps, and in business!
And so,
Good luck with you next mobile app project!