Android native app, web app, hybrid app pros and cons analysis

Source: Internet
Author: User

Several projects have been developed recently, involving several development models of Android. For the original ecological development, Web application development and Mixed mode development, I think that is not what is the best, which is the worst, this is entirely based on their own needs, choose a suitable development model. They also have their own a bit, but also have their own shortcomings, we based on the actual situation, take the advantages, try to avoid shortcomings, is the best development model. Below, we will see together, these three kinds of development mode, what is the difference.


first, native application (also known as local development Native app) 

have you ever used Microsoft PowerPoint or Word? These can be run directly on your computer or on a smartphone, and simply, native apps are developed specifically for an operating system, such as iOS, Android, BlackBerry, and so on, which are running on their own mobile devices.

Advantages: 

    • faster, high performance, good overall user experience;
    • can be used offline (because it is used on a web-relative platform) ;
    • supports a large number of graphics and animations; Easy to find (inside the App Store) and rediscover (app icon will always be on the home page);
    • app downloads can generate profits (of course, the App Store pulls 20-30% revenue).
cons:  

    • High development cost;
    • The support device is very limited (usually which system is used on which platform-specific device);
    • Online time is uncertain (App store review process varies);
    • Content Restrictions (APP store restrictions);
    • You will need to re-download the app updates when you get a new version.
For example: Yellow Pages Group has developed several versions (IOS, BlackBerry, Android) that have shelves in every native app market.

Second, the WEB application 

Web applications are essentially web-based applications designed for mobile browsers that are developed in a common web development language and can be run on a variety of smartphone browsers.

Advantages: 

    • supports a wide range of devices;
    • low development cost;
    • can be launched immediately;
    • no content restrictions;
    • users can use the latest version directly (Automatic Update, without user manual update).
cons:  

    • user experience is not so flashy;
    • Picture and animation support is not high;
    • can not be downloaded in the App Store, not be able to get profit opportunities through app download
    • requires networking;
    • There are restrictions on mobile phone features (camera, GPS, etc.).
for these shortcomings, if you can use the advantages of HTML 5 on the Web, it will be greatly improved, although the technology is improving, it is not yet able to do everything native application can do.

Some companies, such as the Financial Times, have developed Web applications after native applications, and users have access to their apps via a browser, because their apps take in-app purchases, and the App Store doesn't allow in-app purchases, or they can't get the 20%-30%.

three, hybrid applications (HyBrid app development)

Hybrid applications are known to be a combination of native and Web applications that are part of a native app, and that are parts of a Web application, so they must be run partially on the device and partially on the web.

However, the proportion of mixed applications is very free, such as the web accounted for 90%, native accounted for 10%, or 50% per cent.

Advantages: 

    • compatible multiplatform;
    • smooth access to various functions of the phone;
    • app store available for download (Wen apply native app shell);
    • can be used offline.
cons:  

    • Uncertain on-line time;
    • User experience is inferior to local application;
    • Slightly slower performance (requires network connection);
    • Technology is not very mature yet.
Facebook, for example, is a hybrid app that can be used in many app stores, but with a lot of web features, it runs slower, and now it's decided to use native apps to improve performance FB.

Conclusion 

Now if you're thinking about which application is best, the answer is, look at the situation:

    • For example, what is your budget? If you have enough budget, you can develop several local applications plus a Web application.
    • When does your application need to come to market? Web applications can be developed quickly and then rolled out directly.
    • What features and functionality do you need to include in your app? If you have a deep integration with some of the features of your phone, such as a webcam, you need to show a lot of graphics and animations to choose your native app better.
    • In the real development process, many developers are often familiar with the kind of development will use their own good, it is reasonable. However, because of their own good, it is certainly the best, the exclusion of other unfamiliar development patterns, so conclusion, a little shortsighted and hasty.

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