Evolution is the key to the development of the human race. Our inquisitiveness and quench for change have
initiated great achievements and inventions. Technological advancements are no longer a luxury; it is a necessity. We live in the digital era where we rely on technology to ensure seamless and efficient processes in our lives. The consumer is spoilt by choice which leaves the companies in a tight spot. New trends and developments are proposed and implemented to cater the growing expectations of the customers. Mobile Applications constitutes a significant segment of the digital world. This continually evolving field has seen its share of carrots and sticks. Is the current technology sufficient to battle the growing demands or is there an inevitable need for advancement?
Hybrid App
Hybrid App, the current trend in Mobile Application was the tech-child of Native and HTML5. It inherits the DNA of both and has successfully created a Multi-Platform functional solution for development of Mobile Apps. The code developed by the same algorithms of a website is then placed in a native app container to allow it function like a Native app sans the multi-platform approach. The App is considered to be a blessing for companies and developers. Overlooking the performance and functionality issues, Hybrid App has ruled the App world since 2010.
The real question which has been a constant debate among the technological fraternity is whether the app is enough to combat the growing expectation and demands of the consumers.
React Native
A brainchild of tech giants Facebook and Instagram React Native, a JavaScript code library helps developers create multi-platform and highly functional mobile applications in a limited time frame. It is the successor of React and can address the problems faced in a hybrid app. Launched in 2013; the app closely resembles the mobile application created using Objective-C and Java. This technique is successfully implemented on Facebook and Instagram App. Some of the positive attributes of the platform include the availability of extensive literature for beginners, pre-defined codes, limited resources requirements, etc. Despite the fact that the technique is continually evolving, React Native is believed to be an effective alternative to Hybrid App.
Let’s take a closer and deeper look into the techniques to understand them better.
Architecture
Hybrid apps are constructed using HTML, CSS and JavaScript making it ideally a webpage disguised into an app using the native container. Hybrid Apps are heavily dependent on web views and flexible frameworks like Apache Cordova for mobile app functionalities. This configuration paves the way for the compatibility issues in different devices. React Native eliminates this problem since it is designed with JavaScript and React and it does not use Web view for the functioning of the app. It can be launched directly in the native environment which increases the productivity of the app.
Platform
Though both apps are multi-platform functional in their ways, few bugs/issues cannot be overlooked. For instance, Hybrid Apps find it challenging to identify the different operating systems and devices which results in an overall clumsier performance of the app.
React Native, built with JS has the leverage of incorporating a UI containing the codes for platform compatibility using prescribed guidelines.
Functionality
Since Web view lies as the core for Hybrid App, they are bound to have compatibility issues with different devices. It typically faces all the problems faced by the webpage in the machine. The app is known to encounter multiple different bugs/issues for various devices. The developers spend a lot of time troubleshooting the app which can be utilised productively.
React Native Apps do not have compatibility issues because of the specific UI in their codes. This saves a great deal of time and also improves the overall performance of the app.
User Interface
The first impression always determines the success of an app. A great deal of thought and process goes into the development of a particular product, and the companies to create the best design of the app. Hybrid App, designed like a webpage does not offer a consistent interface. This stands as the primary reason for the app failure. The solution to this problem is being provided by React Native, which interacts better with the mobile devices
Performance
Hybrid App has been inundated with a list of problems which seems unsolvable. App Crashes and Performance issues lead the list of enigmas. In its defence, developers have always combated to solve the bugs/issues.
React Native apps does not face these issues as there is a refined and high-end version of the native apps. This technique enhances performances and quality of the mobile app. Bugs like Animation issues, Keyboard malfunctions are avoided in the react native apps.
App Standards
Most apps are uninstalled within minutes of installation. The significant reasons stated for his shocking user behavior is Graphics, User Interface, Performance, etc. These problems do not mean that Hybrid apps are no good. In fact, there are some notable apps in this technique which has performed exceptionally well in high-end mobiles. However, consistent performance in all types of devices is mandatory to be the best mobile app on the market.
The Verdict
There is no denying that there are a few great apps in the hybrid. However, the consistency with performance and functionality in all devices is never the same. Given the options available and the competition for a single product, the ideal customer is no longer resistant to bugs/issues. We are no longer afford the trial and error mode. This demand calls for the need of perfection and uniqueness in the industry. The digital sector depends on efficient and time-saving techniques for development and implementation of its products. React Native will hopefully be ideal in contending the issues faced by Hybrid Apps and pave the way for a more pioneering trend. It would be a wise choice to be open to considering the recent developments in the industry.
