Hey all, today i will be comparing Native vs Web mobile development.

Native mobile development

Native mobile development can be described as the process of building apps for a specific mobile operating system, using said systems native language. Users can download the application from said systems application store. For example, programming iOS applications using Swift and publishing them to the App Store, or programming Android applications using Kotlin and publishing them to the Google Play store. This development strategy comes with its advantages and disadvantages so i will be listing three of each

Three advantages

Parental support and security

Platform providers give crucial support to their native technologies. This makes the technology dependable and advantageous for developers to use. Developers are supported with complete Software Development kits to communicate and interact with the platform features. Due to the need for app stores to approve the application before it is available to the public, apps can be assumed to have higher safety and security .

High performance

Native programming allows developers complete access to the devices hardware features and databases. This means getting the highest attainable speed, computing power, graphics, frame rate, support etc.

Offline functionality

Application functionality without an internet connection is more dependable and fluid on native apps compared to web apps. But this is changing quickly, web applications are catching up by providing limited but functional browser application caching, local storage and local database access.

Three disadvantages

Expensive development and maintenance

Native apps need to be developed separately for all the mobile platforms. This requires more development time, which means a bigger budget. Native developers are generally paid more than web developers for example in my city of Ottawa, Ontario. On the glassdoor website, web developers are said to be paid avg 59k/yr while ios & android devs get 71k/yr.

Long Downloading Process

To interact with native applications, the user has to go to the app store, install the app, open it, then maybe sign up, all before they can start to use the application. This pushes potential new users away as they do not want to commit before knowing what the app experience will be.

Commissions

Because native apps are accessed in a controlled marketplace. The market providers will take a commission for business that happens through that market. Apple and Google take 30% of any sales on their markets and 15% for subscription services.

Web Mobile Development

Web mobile development can be described as the process of building apps that are accessed via the internet browser and are optimized for a good mobile experience. This development strategy comes with its advantages and disadvantages so i will be listing three of each

Three advantages

Accessibility

Almost everyone uses a device that has a browser like Safari, Chrome , Edge etc. This gives the user more opportunity to access the application and a low entry barrier to get in touch with in app information not requiring a download

Cost-Effective Development

In my city of Ottawa, Ontario. On glassdoor web developers are paid on average 59k/yr while iOS & Android developers get 71k/yr. Web development talent is more prevalent and accessible. To make a native app you would need to developers for android and developers for ios . While web developers can develop one application that is accessed by both iOS and android users.

Ease of Updates

Web applications can update without requiring the user to download the application. Developers can push updates and get instant visibility of those updates on all platforms.

Three disadvantages

Limited Device Accessibility

Web applications provide limited ability to access a device's native features like camera and location services.

Unstable user experience control

Different browser variations can cause challenges while running your application. Some users may not keep their search engines up to date which may not allow users to access your apps full functionality. User experience is attached to their browsers performance which provides a less sophisticated interface

No app marketplace

Users are used to apps being with other apps in a marketplace instead of being on the internet browser. The marketplace provides an environment that promotes and regulates applications creating a more controlled user experience. Web mobile applications are on the internet with every other website. This is good for accessibility but a controlled marketplace creates a familiarity and trust from the user that cant be manufactured with the open internet.

In conclusion, native and web mobile development have their own unique advantages and disadvantages. Before committing to a development style, study what your app will need and find what method will work best for what your app needs.

Thank you for your time! I hope this article helps you and I wish you a very nice day!