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Abdul Rimaaz hybrid applications

5 questions clarified about hybrid applications

For a long time the priority was on computers, but the axis of application development has changed. Currently, developers are starting a software project with a focus on hybrid mobile app and  devices.

This trend grows as the popularity of smartphones increases and people are increasingly immersed and connected. As a result, desktops and notebooks are consolidated as work tools, and mass development becomes primarily mobile.

In this scenario, a new type of software is gaining a lot of space: hybrid applications – which allow a program to be distributed on multiple mobile platforms, with only one development stage with hybrid mobile app.

Do you want to know what hybrid applications are and why they are becoming a trend? Continue reading this post!

1. What are hybrid applications?

There are currently two dominant operating systems when it comes to mobile devices: iOS, restricted to Apple devices, and Android, which is a multi-brand operating system, present on countless devices worldwide – not only on smartphones, but also on tablets, TV Box and even some simpler notebook models.

As we are talking about competing systems, each one has a type of platform for the development, storage and commercialization of applications. This poses a great challenge for developers who are dedicated to mobile and want to serve both audiences.

To run natively on the two platforms, we would have to produce practically two different projects. To meet this demand , frameworks were created , which allow the development of hybrid mobile app.

In this scenario, this issue is resolved, making it possible for a single project to be accessible to both iPhone users and those of Samsung, Motorola and other brands. Want to know how? Keep reading.

2. How are they developed?

What makes it possible for the same code to run on both an Android device and Apple devices? What language should we use?

Basically, a hybrid application uses the same base as a web application – HTML, CSS and JavaScript. You must be thinking: but this type of application will run in the browser! No and yes.

What happens is that the frameworks that enable the creation of hybrid applications are developed to run on a browser-like basis, but not the traditional ones like Chrome or Safari, which are universal. In a simple summary, we can say that each application works as a single browser, which runs only one web application.

These frameworks, such as Apache Cordova , have the necessary plugins for the developer to create an application using specific plugins, which allow the application to use the device’s resources, such as camera, sensors, connection, among others, functioning as the native applications. It is possible to create a complete application based on a web application and install them on any operating system.

3. What are the main advantages of a hybrid application?

The first big advantage is striking: the opportunity for portability, that is, with a single code you can run your program on the main operating systems, which increases the power of action of the developer and the company that uses the application to offer a product , sell software as a service, publicize your brand or prospect leads.

As hybrid applications gain space, more material is produced on the subject, new frameworks emerge and the community of developers of this type of application increases – which guarantees an evolution of this solution. This increasingly distances the gap between their performance and that of a native application – and that brings us to our next question.

4. Why have hybrid applications become a trend?

The first reason is simple: democratization. Until recently, professionals had to have the knowledge of each operating system and each platform to develop an application.

This ended up restricting the market and hindering the capacity of some companies due to the lack of specialized professionals. With hybrid applications, this barrier is broken, as a professional who already has expertise as a web developer, with a few more adjustments can become a mobile developer and serve a greater number of customers.

Another important point is the saving of time, as the technologies involved in the development of hybrid applications are lighter, more flexible and have intuitive environments for testing – Ionica DevApp or Ionic View, for example – in addition to automated deploys and builds.

The developer is not tied to a specific IDE, such as Android Studio, and can use his favorite text editor to work – be the most robust, such as Eclipse and Visual Studio, or the simplest, such as Brackets and Notepad ++. In more emergent cases, it is possible to develop or modify a code using your computer’s simple notepad.

Hybrid applications also offer the possibility of cost reduction, since the company or the service provider will not need a specialized team for each type of operating system. In addition, as you will have a code for all platforms, updates and maintenance will become faster.

5. What are the differences for the other application models?

Now that you know the concept of hybrid applications, you may be wondering how they differ from other models. See below.

Native apps

Native applications, as the name suggests, are those developed specifically to run on an operating system. All work is done from the SDK and the native language, and its distribution (after approval) is made in the official stores – Play Store (Android) and Apple Store (iOS). These applications are stored on the device and can be used offline.

In relation to hybrid applications, the financial issue weighs due to the need to work with different teams and tools for each operating system. Performance is gained, as there is a direct connection to the native system.

Web app

Web apps are the oldest in this segment and the most democratic, as they only require the need for a browser. They are developed to run on PCs and smartphones, and are structured like a common web application, with HTML, CSS, JavaScript and other hybrid mobile app.

It weighs the fact that they do not have access to the device’s resources and the limitations of functions, but these apps gain in practicality, as there is no need for installation, not taking up space in storage. They are indicated for simple practical applications that do not demand as much performance.

We hope that you have understood the concept of hybrid applications and their differentials, as well as their advantages and disadvantages. You can develop mobile tools to enhance your work as a service provider and that hybrid applications are an excellent choice. You have three options:

  • Develop an app;
  • Hire someone to create the app;
  • Use an app that already has proven efficiency and know-how.

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