Top Cross-Platform App Frameworks To Use In 2022-2023

The majority of modern businesses have long realized that having a custom cross platform mobile app is increasingly more effective in gaining customers than any other channel. But building a web app and choosing the most suitable framework is a long process, especially if you pick mobile app cross-platform development.

Though as the world of tech is constantly expanding, and as new frameworks are released frequently, the process might seem too overwhelming before you even start using the services of top software companies in Europe.

In this guide, we will discuss the peculiarities of mobile cross-platform app development. We look at the pros and cons of the top 5 cross-platform frameworks to help you pick the most suitable for your project.

What is a cross-platform app development framework?

If put it easy, a cross-platform mobile app development framework is a program that allows the creation of a single reusable codebase fulfilling the principle of “Write Once, Run Everywhere”. Such frameworks help to build an app that can run on multiple mobile platforms and operating systems.

While cross-platform development frameworks can save time and cost, you risk quality in the process. That’s because it’s harder to provide optimal running of one app on various platforms. Also,  customization of the app is not possible beyond what’s allowed in the particular framework.

Yet cross-platform apps are very popular as they are easy and quick to develop, and though it takes more effort to deliver an equivalent user experience, a professional development company OmiSoft can help with that.

What is the best framework for mobile app development in 2022?

One of the initial and at the same time biggest hardships of cross-mobile app development is selecting the best framework and knowing which tools facilitate the process. Regardless of your role, knowing which tools are best would be nice, wouldn’t it?

Let’s take a look at the 5 most popular frameworks of 2022-2023 that are definitely worth your attention.

#1 React Native

React Native is a software framework created by the company Meta Platforms, Inc (basically Facebook). It is used to develop apps for Android, iOS, macOS, Web, and Windows by allowing devs to use the React framework along with native platform benefits.

Using Javascript as its base language and React to render content through it, React Native allows a cross-platform mobile app developer to use a single codebase to create applications across multiple platforms. React Native is one of the frameworks that Omisoft developers are pros at, so if you are curious about React Native development, drop us a line!

Must-know about React Native

• React Native is open-source, which comes with a large community that supports and improves it by fixing bugs, bettering and introducing new features.
• WORA—one-time coding of React Native, is one of its biggest advantages. It solves the main challenge of other frameworks—the need for developers to code the same application separately twice for iOS and Android.
• High compatibility with 3rd-party plugins like Google Maps.
• The framework puts a great focus on UI providing a highly responsive interface. What does it mean? It means that React Native environment helps to create a smooth interface for apps, by reducing loading time.
• React Native makes possible remote updates to your codebase.

 #2 Flutter

Flutter is Google’s open-source SDK for building mobile apps. The development framework is cross-platform, enabling developers to build 2-D apps for Android and iOS as well as a new OS from Google called Fuchsia. 

Unlike most programming languages, the language used for Flutter was developed by Google specifically for this framework. Although it may be harder to find developers with expertise in Flutter, there are many online resources and a thriving community should you need help. Besides, here at OmiSoft we also have expert Flutter developers that can make your creative idea happen.

Must-know about Flutter

• Portable GPU of flutter allows to work on the newest interfaces.
• With Flutter you don’t need to update the UI contents manually, as it has a reactive framework.
• Flutter developers can automatically remake a widget tree
• The framework has an inbuilt graphic engine, so devs won’t have a headache after making separate interfaces for iOS and Android.

#3 PWA (Progressive Web Application)

PWAs are web applications that can be run within a browser. They are essentially cross-platform because you can open them on almost any device including desktops and mobiles. Generally, PWAs are developed using web technologies such as HTML+CSS+JavaScript (and JS frameworks like Vue or Angular).

Must-know PWAs features

• Full responsiveness and browser compatibility
• A PWA delivers features like push notifications, full-screen capabilities, a home-screen icon, and an offline-first application to add to user engagement.
• The framework allows for providing a faster experience for users.

#4 Ionic

Ionic is an open-source, cross-platform framework that speeds up the creation of hybrid apps. It allows web developers to create apps using their existing skills, rather than having to learn new programming languages and methods. Ionic’s universal web components can be used with any JavaScript framework, such as Angular, React, Vue, or even no framework at all.

Must-know about Ionic

• Ionic is one of the main competitors of React Native, as it’s an open-source front-end framework.
• SAAS UI framework, which Ionic is based on, is tailored to mobile OSs. Therefore you get numerous UI components and as a result robust apps.
• Ionic uses Cordova plugins, which allow using in-built features of the device like a Camera or GPS.
• Ease of embedding useful yet attractive features and components into the app due to AngularJS.
• Ionic gives a native-like feel, still being cross-platform.

#5 Apache Cordova

Cordova is one of the most popular frameworks for cross-platform mobile development. It allows you to develop apps using HTML5, CSS, and JavaScript and then share them with other developers in order to get feedback. 

That way, you can make use of existing web technologies while still taking advantage of in-built device features such as GPS, Camera, Phonebook, Storage, and so on.

Must-know about Cordova

• Cordova allows using existing web techs like JavaScript, CSS3, and HTML 5.
• Very little need for platform-specific developments.
• The framework follows a plugin architecture, and many plugins can be modified, which adds functionality and attractiveness.

According to the analysis of OmiSoft’s team, in 2022-2023, the two most popular frameworks for cross-platform app development are Flutter and React Native. Though other frameworks like lonic and Cordova may also be worth exploring.

How to choose the best cross-platform app development framework?

Undoubtedly, cross-platform app development is here for a long time because of the massive benefits it brings in time, money, and convenience departments. As cross-platform apps can be built in almost half as much time as native applications and can be used on all platforms at the same time it will remain a smart choice for many businesses.

In 2022-2023, the two most popular frameworks for cross-platform app development are Flutter and React Native. Though other frameworks like Ionic and Cordova may also be worth exploring.

Is Cross-platform the best choice for mobile app development?

Do you still doubt whether going cross-platform is the best option for you? Let’s explore all the main pros and cons of cross-platform mobile development.

Benefits of cross-platform mobile development

Single code-base for iOS and Android applications

Cross-platform frameworks allow you to reuse code on multiple platforms.

Better value for money

The single-code base allows hiring of 1 development team, instead of 2. Therefore you reduce overall development costs and get better value for the buck.

Fast development process & time-to-market

A single cycle of development takes less time if compared with separate development processes.

Consistency of UI/UX across-platforms

Cross-platform ecosystems are more dynamic and provide better UI/UX consistency.

Drawbacks of mobile development cross-platform

‍Functionality limits

Cross-platform devs are limited in the usage of geolocation, microphone, and camera, which are not a problem for a native app.

The app is usually slower

An additional abstraction layer makes cross-platform apps lose in speed to native apps.

‍Limited UX ‍

Cross-platforms can’t deliver the same UX experience, as native apps yet, as they can’t take advantage of native UX components.

Longer wait time for updates & new features 

Google or Apple releases updates or new features for their respective OSs first, and it takes time to support the same updates.

Conclusion

With the pace at which the app development landscape is changing, it can be hard for developers and businesses to keep up. However, multi-platform solutions allow you to save time and money while delivering a great ROI. 

If you want to propel your business, cross-platform developers at OmiSoft have the experience and skills to develop high-quality mobile apps that meet your business needs.

By Yevhen Sakara

CBDO & Co-founder

Nov 11, 2022

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