Hybrid vs Native Apps,  which is a better development method?

One question routinely surfaces in today’s modern development landscape — whether to build a mobile Web site versus a native app versus a hybrid app. As a developer, you need to take the time to think through a few considerations before running off to develop software. If you’re confused and wondering whether to build a hybrid mobile app or a native mobile app, don’t worry, this article will help you decide your mobile app strategy.

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Hybrid or Native App Development, Which one is better?

Native App Development

Native app development means using the native programming languages of the devices to build the app. For iPhone, the native programming language is Objective C and the new Swift. For Android, the native programming language is Java.

Native App Quick Wins:

• Native UI allows users to quickly learn the app
• Easy to discover in app stores (Apple’s App store, Play store)
• Access to deceive hardware/software (GPS, Location, Shake, Calendar, etc. )
• Better user experience

Hybrid App Development

Hybrid apps are developed using web technologies: HTML5, CSS, and JavaScript, then put inside a native container such as Adobe PhoneGap. These native containers run the web application code and package it into an app.

Hybrid App Quick Wins:

• Portability (one code base, multiple platforms)
• Access to various hardware/software capabilities (through plug-ins)
• Cheaper origination costs
• Faster (initial) speed to market

Comparison between Hybrid or Native app development

Design of Interfaces

Most mobile interfaces can be implemented using either native app or hybrid app development technologies; however, there is more flexibility in designing these interfaces using hybrid / PhoneGap app development technology. Hybrid app development uses HTML5 and CSS3 that have far superior capabilities when designing interfaces with many form factors and highly dynamic content.

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Cost

It is more cost effective to build mobile apps using hybrid / PhoneGap app development technology stack. Hybrid / PhoneGap apps leverage high quality and diverse sets of libraries as well as providing the tools required to reduce the development time.

Development Timeline

Hybrid apps are easier and faster to develop and deploy. However, if there are a lot of native and complicated features that are beyond the capability of the hybrid app Framework and Environment, then it will be more time consuming to build for hybrid apps.

User Experience and Performance

Native apps provide better performance, responsive and fluid experience and a user can navigate and interact with the app without noticing any loading delays. Hybrid apps tend to have some user interaction delays, and users can notice that the app is not as responsive sometimes.

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Maintainability

Hybrid / PhoneGap apps are more maintainable as long as the developer chooses a right framework such as KendoUI, jQuery mobile, Ionic, etc. This is because it is easier to maintain the Web app technology (HTML, CSS, and JavaScript) than a native app technology.

Conclusion 

If the requirement is to create the best user experience, native development is a better choice. For companies with sufficient allocated budget that are planning to build and maintain large app projects and do not want to worry about limitations for implementing new technologies and support, native is a better choice. For budgetary limitation, the hybrid app may be a better choice. If there is a need to quickly develop the app, the hybrid app may be a better choice.