Top 4 Cross-Platform Mobile App Development Tools
Cross-platform mobile development refers to a technique of developing mobile applications that can be used on multiple mobile platforms. As there are numerous platforms, device fragmentation was one of the main challenges that made it difficult for developers to create apps that would run on all mobile devices. Cross-platform mobile development tools were developed to solve this problem, ensuring consistency by offering common device functionality features.
As today’s mobile app developers try to be agile, they use the best tools to develop a mobile app. Listed below are the 4 best cross-platform mobile app development tools.
1. PhoneGap / Apache Cordova
2. Titanium Accelerator
3.Adobe air
4. Touch Sencha
1. PhoneGap/Apache Cordova:
It’s an open source framework that lets you build mobile apps using a standardized web interface for the platforms you care about.
advantages:
* Does not require knowledge of dense programming languages as it follows basic development languages such as JavaScript, HTML and CSS.
* Allows you to easily develop applications without large investments.
* The installation of the PhoneGap application is similar to the installation of a native application.
Disadvantages:
* The mobile app developer himself has to write the plugin if it is not available.
* Performance will suffer if the developer uses a lot of graphics.
2. Appcelerator Titanium:
It is an open and extensible development environment used to create beautiful native apps on different mobile devices.
advantages:
* It allows you to develop an application in a flexible way with its rapid prototyping.
* It uses JavaScript, HTML and CSS to create the application.
* Uses standard user interface elements like tables, buttons, etc.
* Allows you to store data locally.
* Support Asynchronous Module Definition (AMD) and common JS.
Disadvantages:
* Access is restricted for certain components of a mobile operating system.
* Offers limited access to device resources such as the camera.
3. Adobe Air:
It is a next generation technology that allows you to easily develop applications using HTML, JavaScript, Ajax, Adobe Flash and Adobe Flex.
advantages:
* Ensures a rich user experience.
* Allows you to create applications with rich media content that require flash.
* Easy to install.
* Plays high quality HD videos with industry standard codecs.
Disadvantages:
* Access to the database is limited to SQLite or web services.
* The developer must have a good understanding of complex languages to use Adobe Air.
4. Touch Sencha:
It is a mobile application framework that allows you to create powerful applications that work on iOS, Android, Windows, and other platforms.
advantages:
* Offers a rich experience as expected by users.
* Provides a rich set of documentation and screenshots that make you more productive.
* Guarantees pixel perfection with its advanced layout engine.
Disadvantages:
* Chances of vendor getting locked up are high as it is not open source.
* Only works in JavaScript, which can create problems when building mobile apps.
Fortune Innovation Brisbane’s expert designers help you build smarter mobile apps while deciding which cross-platform framework is right for you. Contact us for any requirement in the development of mobile applications.