A cross platform mobile app is an increasingly popular development option.

What is it and why would you choose 'cross platform' for your next app project?

But first- a quote from Ancient Rome:

Difficulties strengthen the mind, as labor does the body.
Seneca

Seneca was a Roman philosopher, statesman and playwright. He lived in Rome from 4 BC until 65 AD.

In this quote, Seneca puts difficulties in a positive light. They strengthen us. Yes, they test us - but we come out stronger - in mind, body and spirit.

Similarly, 'cross platform' mobile technologies have been developed over recent years to address the difficulties or challenges inherent in the native development process.

As Seneca said, 'Difficulties strengthen the mind.'

I say: 'Problem + Solution = Benefits'

The Problem - Native App Development. Especially when investors want to target audiences across all platforms.

Did you know that a separate codebase has to be crafted line by line for each platform: one codebase for iOS, a second codebase for Android, and sometimes even a third codebase Windows OS? (yikes!)

The Solution - One single codebase for all!
(All for one and one for all)

The Benefits - Big Savings. Simpler. Leaner. More Agile. With less upfront investment and quicker timelines.

Sounds good, hey?

So, in the case of native app development, specific challenges have delivered new solutions with measurable benefits.

Thank you Seneca.

And welcome to the world of cross platform mobile apps.

What is a Cross Platform Application?

Towards a definition:

Cross platform mobile development provides an alternative to bespoke native development.

In essence, a cross platform app is a HTML website for smartphones - that is then custom 'wrapped', to look and feel like a native app. It is built with HTML, CSS and JavaScript. Tools such as PhoneGap, AppCelerator or Xamarin are used here.

The big plus is that you do not need to build a separate, backend codebase for every platform. This is a one size fits all approach. It does, however, require some serious thought on the part of the developer. They will need to write additional code and think holistically to ensure performance standards are met across all devices.

And a few negatives exist here - most especially, that a cross platform app may not be able to access all in-built device technologies.

And, to ensure a great user experience - a tailored UI interface - or custom frontend - is still required for each platform.

What about 'Hybrid Mobile Development'?

You may have heard of the 'hybrid' option.

But what exactly is 'Hybrid Mobile Development'?
Is it the same as 'Cross Platform Mobile Development'?

Although the terms 'hybrid' and 'cross platform' are often used interchangeably - there exists a fundamental difference between the two.

It's simple.

'Cross Platform Development' - is really the over arching term that broadly defines those mobile apps specifically built to target more than one platform.

'Hybrid Mobile Development' - may be viewed as a niche subset here. The 'hybrids' utilise both web and native technologies - think HTML, CSS & JavaScript, plus they take advantage of an invisible wrapper known as the WebView browser.

Additional plugins must be used to access device specific features.

Now let's bring in a new, third player: 'Near Native'.

'Near Native' - takes the cross platform technology a big step beyond 'hybrid'.

'Near Native' Apps are commonly developed in Xamarin or React Native. They are more truly worthy of the term 'cross platform', with the resultant code able to access inbuilt device technologies and hardware - with few performance limitations.

Xamarin or React Native provides a fast and effective solutions for complex mobile applications. Plus, they offer flexible and intuitive UI & IX development features that have a genuinely native look and feel.

'Near Native' closely mimics 'native' performance across all touch points.

The 5 Key Benefits of Cross Platform Mobile Development
1. Faster App Development
A 'cross platform' development process delivers your product to market faster. Quicker deployment timelines optimise monetisation opportunities.

2. A Single Codebase
A single codebase saves on time. Smaller teams with less resources are a key benefit here.

3. Big Savings On Development Costs
Less code + smaller teams = lower cost. Save on project budgets with cross platform development. Minimise your investment.

4. Reach More Audiences
Gain immediate visibility. Reach all audiences with a cross platform app simultaneously released across all platforms.

5. Fully Integrated Cloud & Enterprise Solutions
Frameworks such as PhoneGap and Titanium provide integrated cloud and enterprise solutions with highly tailored plugins - built to enhance cross platform functionality and usability.

What are the Negatives of Cross Platform Development?

Cross platform development is not a 'one size fits all' solution for everyone.

Remember - a 'cross platform mobile app' is not a 'native mobile app'.
'Hybrid' is not 'native'.
'Near native' is not 'native'.

Functional limits may be found across these areas:

• Reduced graphics and 3D effects

• UX Experience not fully optimised

• Cross Compliance Issues

• Integration of Third Party Services

• Flexibility & Update Issues

• Slower Speed and Load Times

At the end of the day - for some apps, fully native will always be the only way to go.

Will Cross Platform Development be best for my project?

The decision on that will depend on your app, your budget and your team.

'Cross platform mobile development' is always project specific.

It won't work for every idea.

I recommend that you approach the development of your app with an open- mind, a pros and cons approach.

We began with Seneca:
"Difficulties strengthen the mind, as labor does the body."

By understanding the difficulties within the native development process, you can better decide if your project is a suitable candidate for cross platform
development.

Know your options.

Get the strongest result - one that matches your budget and expectations.

And yes! I think Seneca would definitely take full advantage of today's cross platform technologies!