Native or Hybrid? What’s the difference and does it really matter? Well if this sounds unfamiliar and more like a description for a type of orchid or rose breeding program, you’re not alone.
For those of you who are new to this field, we’re going to talk about what hybrid and native mobile applications are, and how you can decide which one is best for your business.
First, let’s cover some of the basics and go over what each type of application is.
Native Application
Native application is an application that’s designed forone specific platform. By platform we mean it can be for an iOS Android, or a Windows Phone or Blackberry, etc. A native application is written in the programmatic language that is specific to that platform therefore when you make a native iOS application, for example, you can’t just copy and paste that into Android phone and expect it to work.
Hybrid Application
Now hybrid, on the other hand, is actually more of a relatively new form of application. Hybrid is an application that can be deployed throughout every single platform and it uses common programming languages that are very similar to basic web programming languages.
With mobile, the system you should be familiar with if you want to go hybrid is Phonegap and Phonegap is considered the number one application that allows you to put in web programming languages and then deploy that across multiple mobile platforms.
Don’t Get Confused, We’re Not Talking Websites
Just as a side note:
Don’t get confused with what native and hybrid mobile application is and what mobile websites are. They are completely different.
A mobile website is a website that has a custom layout so that it can effectively display itself on a phone correctly.
That could happen in two different ways. You can either go to the website that is formatted towards your phone screen or you can launch a web application directly from the phone itself where it’s packaged like an application so you press it and it opens. This is not what we’re talking about when we discuss native and hybrid application.
Cost and Development Time
Generally, native application takes a little bit longer and it costs a little bit more than hybrid. Hybrid is faster and cheaper, but why?
This is because a native application needs customizing. It requires a specific and unique skill set to build it. And remember, because it is specific to a platform, it will have to be built with the tools each specific platform gives you.
For example, when you build a native application for Apple, you must use the tools and the SDK kits that Apple gives you. Same goes for Android and all other separate, different platforms. So it’s not the most efficient way of app development.
A hybrid is faster and cheaper because it uses web technologies and there only needs to be one version made. Then you can do smaller tweaks or customizations as you replicate that for each platform.
The decision to choose either native or hybrid mobile application development is based on what your business goals and priorities are as well as what the nature and environment of your company are. We can help you to take the right approach and decide the best application type for you. Visit us at bwired.ca and learn more.
About Bwired Technologies
Celebrating its 10th year, Bwired Technologies empowers digital leaders by creating competitive advantage through the design and development of robust web, mobile, and digital solutions. The company’s Rhyno Cloud™ also integrates high-speed hosting, cybersecurity, maintenance and support into one fully-managed solution. Visit Bwired.ca
About Dan Duran
At the dynamic cross-section of Digital Technology, you’ll find Dan. An experienced technology strategist with a strong understanding of business and agile software management. Dan founded Bwired in 2009. He holds an iMBA degree from the University of Illinois, a bachelor’s degree in Economics and Business Administration from Wilfrid Laurier University, and a Software Product Management Specialization from the University of Alberta.
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