An average US adult spends 3 hours and 15 minutes on their smartphone every day. This means that launching an app of your own is a great business opportunity. However, you need to decide whether you want to develop a native or a web app. The difference boils down to the fact that web apps run through a mobile browser and native apps are full-fledged programs. Each option has its pros and cons and can be successful under some circumstances. To make the right decision, you need to understand which solution will work the best for your targeted audience.
Web App: Pros, Cons, and Considerations
The main benefit of web apps is their compatibility with any browser and therefore device. An application like this (developed in JavaScript, HTML, or CSS) doesn’t require installation and download. It runs instantly the moment the user opens the page. If the user’s gadget is capable of running a web browser application, they will be able to use the full capability of your HTML5 app.
Web applications are also very easy to create. You can have one running fast and even a novice should be able to master the development process without problems.
Another important web apps benefit is that they will be highly responsive if written correctly. Therefore, your users will enjoy using these solutions on any gadget.
The downside of web app development is that the code you get to work with is a bit limited. It’s made to be a ‘fit all’ solution, so you might not be able to incorporate any unique original features into the program.
As to considerations, you’ll need to choose your hosting service very carefully. Any mobile application that requires the use of Internet needs to be hosted on a secure, reliable, and fast server. Be sure to research the host’s capabilities through the information from independent sources. For example, take your time studying iPage reviews. You’ll see that the service is flexible, affordable, and very reliable. Next contact the host directly and find out if you’ll be able to host a website with a web app on their server.
Overall, a web application is a better choice for businesses with an audience that values speed, adaptability, and compatibility above all.
Native App: Pros, Cons, and Considerations
Native apps are usually developed using the programming language of the platform they are designed for. This means that you’ll have to create a separate app for Android, iOS, Windows Mobile, etc. This makes the entire ordeal more complicated, time –consuming, and expensive.
However, in the end you get more opportunities for creating unique apps that fit your requirements perfectly. You’ll be able to provide a truly stellar user experience and add robust functionality to your application. And you’ll be able to promote your solution more efficiently as you’ll publish it on the app store of your targeted mobile platform.
Unfortunately, these apps have a much higher risk of compatibility problems and might struggle adapting to different screen sizes and resolutions. Native apps also have more ‘bugs’ due to their more complex code. And don’t forget that these applications need to be downloaded and installed. This means that a person in a hurry or one with their smartphone memory full won’t be able to use your app.
Native apps are the best choice for the businesses with unique propositions that require a more advanced code to work. Native apps can be popular among dedicated users who are fans of the brand.
Web App Vs. Native App: Verdict
A web app is a great place to start because it‘s cheaper and easier to develop. If the response you get is as positive as you’ve hoped, you can stop at that.
Native apps can be more sophisticated and original. However, they are also more expensive and difficult to handle for both users and developers. Use them if there is no other option available.
