Hybrid mobile app development

In order to develop a mobile application, experts use several approaches:

1. Native (the program is written for a specific operating system).
2. Cross-platform (one code is used for all operating systems).
3. Hybrid (using cross-platform technologies with a native shell).

In this article, we will consider the advantages, disadvantages of hybrid technology, as well as its scope.

What is hybrid development?

Hybrid development is development using common programming languages, using web technologies that are used to create a site.

The approach includes the use of cross-platform, native methods and the use of frameworks.

Pros

Developing an application using hybrid technology has many advantages:

1. Only one programming language is used, so it's easier to find the right specialist and there is no need to involve additional employees.
2. Democratic value.
3. Cross-platform. No need to create multiple programs for different operating systems. The application will be supported on all devices: IOS, Android, Windows Phone.
4. Ability to work offline.
5. Access to basic mobile device data (camera, fingerprint).
6. The ability to place the application in the official stores of the OS (Google Play Market, App Store).

Cons

If we talk about the shortcomings, we can distinguish the following:

1. Difficulties with responsive design layout. Despite the use of frameworks, many of them may not display correctly on some devices.
2. The performance will be slower than with the native approach.
3. There is a restriction on the embedding of visual and graphic elements.
4. There may be bugs that are difficult to detect. This is due to the fact that when testing a program, an error can only occur on one OS, and when it is fixed, another one may occur, but on a different operating system.
5. There are few opportunities for integration with the internal tools of the mobile device.

Which applications are hybrid development suitable for

It is best to use a hybrid approach under the following conditions:

1. We need to create a simple program without complex elements.
2. No need to use native functionality.
3. The application is being developed for multiple platforms.

Examples: Wikipedia, Evernote.

Previously, popular services such as Facebook and Linkedin also worked on a hybrid model, then switched to a native version.

The demand for development is constantly increasing, most customers need a quick implementation, so there is an increasing interest in simple solutions with an affordable cost.

Thanks to this, a hybrid approach is increasingly being used, which, in some cases, is more effective than the native one.