As mentioned in the first article dedicated to mobile app types, cross-platform apps are native applications that are developed with an “intermediate language”, such as Microsoft technology C# (“C-Sharp”). This is one of our core competencies at ERNI. We can use it to develop an app that is compatible with different platforms.
The advantages of this variant are similar to those of a hybrid application. However, such an app, which was developed using a cross-platform foundation, is also displayed natively. However, it is not so expensive, since only one code base has to be maintained. The only negative aspect is the size of cross-platform apps, as additional libraries are available. Apart from that, quality, performance and user experience are comparable to a native app.
For the sake of completeness, however, a further differentiation should be mentioned:
- Online apps offer the advantage of real-time information, but naturally do not work without an Internet connection – and performance suffers with a weak network.
- Offline apps are particularly suitable for scenarios in which an app is to be used without W-LAN or a good network connection via mobile radio. Their disadvantage is that users usually have to download the main data to the device first, which in turn consumes more memory. In addition, the information is not available in real time when the app is used offline.
Since companies today want to be represented on as many platforms as possible, cross-platform apps are the recommended solution in many cases, of course always depending on the intended use. However, this variant is often still unknown. “Most of our customers are hesitant at first because they want to use the native app. But when we introduce them to the benefits of cross-platform development, they usually prefer our alternative,” says Joseph Davidton Cadag from his experience.
