Understanding the Differences Between Native and Hybrid Apps

A lot of people looking to get an app built get confused when asked whether they want a native app or a hybrid app. There are major differences between the two. Choosing between a native app and a hybrid app often relies on the goals of the business or development.

What is a native app?

In the simplest of terms, a native app is an application that was specifically created for a particular platform. For instance, if the targeted users have Android devices, then the application should be developed and created utilizing Android tools and resources. If the app was developed for iOS then it is understood that it won’t be compatible with android devices.

Native apps are made by utilizing the specific platform’s SDK, languages, and tools. It’s called native because the code was written and tailored for a specific platform. The app can easily be distributed in app stores like Google Play, Blackberry App World, and the Apple App Store. A native app’s main features include reliability, better user experience, can support both offline and online transactions, and availability of SDK for developers.

What is a hybrid app?

A hybrid app, on the other hand, is a combination of web and native application development. In most cases, the code for the app is developed and written making use of HTML, JavaScript, CSS or a combination of all three programming languages. Unlike in a native app environment, hybrid apps are distributed to target users through application marketplace that cater to multiple platforms with different operating systems.

It’s preferred by some developers because it offers better code portability. It only needs a native container on the other platform to properly run. Just like native apps, hybrid apps can be distributed in major app stores. However, hybrid apps usually have a larger market because they can be used in more than one platform. A hybrid app’s main features include faster app development, hassle-free device file system integration, cross platform user interface, and it’s much easier to maintain.

Comparatively, there are major differences between native apps and hybrid apps. Organisations or businesses looking to have an app built should be aware of these differences. This is to ensure that they are getting the right type of app. As was mentioned earlier, choosing between a native app and a hybrid app relies deeply on the objective of the app development. What’s the app for? Who are the target users? What devices and operating systems do the target users often use? These are just a few of the questions a business should consider when deciding to get either a native app or a hybrid app. Call us now at 03-7660 7232 or email us at sales@servecomp.com.my if you need help in developing an app of your own.