The future belongs to hybrid mobile apps and if you go by predictions made by tech experts, it is imminent that more than half the percentage of forthcoming mobile applications will be hybrid. That’s not all! Your own loyalty will shift to your mobile phone which will rank over PCs as a web access device.
Are you prepared for this newly emerging business model of applications employing the hybrid way of programming? The reasons for this transformation are many, the chief ones being that it goes well with business-to-employee applications and even fits the BYOD (bring your own device) fad.
Hybrid Applications versus Native apps and Web apps.
You can access platform compatible Native apps through icons on the home screen of your device. Native apps can work offline and make use of various features of the device such as camera, the GPS, contact list etc. — just right for your mobile platform or so you think? Because agencies will have to go in for platform specific versions for applications if they want them to run on all platforms.
PHP, ASP.NET built mobile Web apps can dispense content irrespective of mobile platform being used, as web browsers, in general, comprise identical capabilities.
Advantages of Hybrid Apps
Web-based codes HTML5, JavaScript and CSS compatible Hybrid apps, akin to Native apps, run on the device and not on a web page. These utilize browser engine of the device but not the browser itself. Like a good boss, hybrid application can be managed on various platforms and has the potential to make use of varied platform capabilities.
Now, since there will be variety of mobile devices in your work place, Hybrid apps will render you the freedom to build applications for different operating systems and also use diverse capabilities of each platform. Sencha and Cordova (formerly PhoneGap) are web view containers for building hybrid mobile apps.
Why Hybrid Apps will Reign over Other Applications
Let us ponder over reasons as to why the trend is going to tilt towards Hybrid apps in future:
• Web Developers can create advanced mobile apps.
• Cross-platform adaptability/Platform independence.
• Easy up gradation and maintenance.
• Accessibility of good native features.
• Developing Hybrid apps is cheaper as it allows cross-platform development with HTML code components that can be reused on other mobile operating systems.
• Functional irrespective of whether device is connected.
• Easier to build and code using HTML5 and JavaScript.
• Integration with web-based services as well as with device’s file system.
• Easy maintenance just like you maintains a web site!
Conclusion
With Hybrid apps, you may experience security concerns or installation hassles. These apps may not be as fast as Native apps and you may have to comply with variations in graphics and visuals, but the advantages out number such challenges. These applications amalgamate web technology and native execution on your very own mobile and encompass characteristics of both Web apps and Native apps.
Which one would you opt for? These applications cater to your needs as a mobile user and have their own pros and cons. You ought to base your decision on your user experience and specific requirements of every company.