Mobile apps have now become an integral part of our daily life. We select the appropriate apps and get our desired objective, whether we need to buy tickets, transport, or order food on demand. We have everything at our fingertips, thanks to technologically savvy mobile apps.
For many businesses in various industries, mobile applications have become a need. These applications must run smoothly on multiple platforms such as iOS, Android, and Windows. You may swiftly and cost-effectively construct such products using the cross-platform mobile development approach.
Let’s start with the basics before moving on to the most popular cross-platform app development frameworks.
What Is a Cross-Platform Mobile App Development Framework?
A cross-platform mobile app development framework is a set of tools or software that allows you to create native-like apps for many platforms using a single codebase, such as iOS, Android, Windows, Blackberry, and Web. As a result, cross-platform app development allows you to access a broader, more targeted audience for less money and effort. As a result, most mobile app development businesses utilize it extensively because it is one of the most popular developments nowadays.
Is cross-platform development more advantageous than native development?
For many seasons, the argument between cross-platform and native development has divided the tech world. Both of these technologies are constantly evolving. However, as systems converge, cross-platform appears to be the way of the future.
What Are the Benefits of Cross-platform App Development Frameworks
There are several Cross-Platform Benefits of Mobile App Development Frameworks, including lower costs and shorter development times.
Let’s take a look at each of these Cross-Platform Benefits.
- Cost Savings
Since this strategy utilizes fewer resources, cross-platform app development frameworks lower your overall expenditures. This allows you to balance quality, money, and development time.
- Code Reusability
Reusability of code, sometimes known as “Write Once Run Anywhere” (WORA), is one of the most significant benefits of cross-platform frameworks. Developers write code once and then reuse it across various platforms, saving time, effort, and money.
- Deployment and Maintenance Ease
An app is easier and faster to deploy, maintain, and update when it has a single codebase for various platforms, saving time and effort.
- Design consistent
You may share a consistent UI/UX across several platforms while maintaining platform-specific standards with cross-platform frameworks.
- Expansion of the Market
You may distribute your software across numerous platforms; you can reach a larger audience.
Let’s take a look at,
Top 5 Cross-Platform Frameworks to Consider for Your Mobile Application Development, as well as the primary tools for creating cross-platform solutions.
Best 5 Cross-Platform App Development Frameworks in 2024
The table below outlines the most acceptable mobile cross-platform frameworks for app development. In addition, some open-source, cross-platform app development frameworks use the following programming languages:
| Framework | Programming Language |
| React Native | JavaScript |
| Corona SDK | C, C++, Java |
| Flutter | Dart |
| Xamarin | C# |
| Ionic | Typescript |
Continue reading to learn more about the most popular Cross-Platform App Development Frameworks.
1. React Native
React Native is a popular Java-based mobile cross-platform framework for creating natively rendered Android and iOS apps. You may construct specific applications for many platforms using this framework with the same code base.
First and foremost, this framework was released in 2015 as an open-source platform.
In just a few years, it has risen to become one of the most popular alternatives for mobile app development. However, for practical application development, an increasing number of developers are opting for the React Native framework.
React Native Benefits are listed below:
- React Native is built on the React framework and does not rely on WebView or HTML.
- It has polyfill-like platform components written in JSX and CSS.
- React Native focuses on the user interface and allows developers to design a responsive user interface.
- It doesn’t have a DOM API.
- It’s best for apps that need to run on Android and iOS.
- It may be appropriate for a mobile app that necessitates a unique look.
- It provides a more stable native-like experience.
- It’s used to make Android, iOS, tvOS, macOS, Android TV, Windows, Web, and Universal Windows Platform apps.
- It uses Objective-C, JavaScript, Java, C++, and Python.
- It is compatible with Android, iOS, Android TV, macOS, tvOS, and Microsoft Windows.
Developer’s tools
- Android Studio, SDK, and Emulator
- JS Editor
Companies using react-native:
- Microsoft
- Skype
- Facebook (Meta)
2. Corona SDK
Corona SDK is a cross-platform, open-source app development framework that speeds up the construction of apps and mobile games ten times. It is built on the Lua programming language, versatile and lightweight. Using the Corona SDK, you can create games on various devices, including iPads, desktops, linked TVs, and more.
Corona SDK benefits are listed below:
- It includes numerous media, analytics, in-app advertising, and other plugins.
- Corona SDK is based on the Lua programming language, making it a quick and robust framework.
- Physical integration built-in.
- Lua is a more straightforward language to learn.
- There are already some great applications; at the very least, we can demonstrate that this SDK can produce excellent applications.
- The cross-platform app framework responds to changes rapidly so that developers can see code changes in real-time.
Developer’s Tools
- Xcode
- Android Studio Project
The tools are used to access the benefits of the user and it can be withdrawn the benefits of the user and it can be used to access the users and the users can access it
Companies using Corona SDK:
- AMC Networks
- Blackfriars Group
3. Flutter
Google’s contribution to the open-source mobile app development platform is called Flutter. Flutter is an object-oriented programming language. Putting the source code into a Dart Virtual Machine accomplishes this (DVM). Flutter makes it simple to instantly rebuild a widget tree to understand the implications of your changes.
It is constructed on two primary aspects, according to a leading Flutter app development company:
- An SDK and a set of reusable UI components.
- A collection of necessary application development tools.
Flutter Benefits are mentioned below:
- It’s written in C++, Dart, and C.
- It is under the new BSD license.
- The primary components are the foundation library, Dart platform, Flutter engine, and design-specific widgets.
- Dart enables you to develop more complicated hierarchical structures and applications by writing more structured computer code considerably.
- It’s used to create Android, iOS, Google Fuchsia, the Web platform, Linux, macOS, and Windows.
- MVP is the best fit for it.
- Flutter is equipped with its own graphics engine (it is unnecessary to create the interface separately for Android and iOS).
- Flutter-based mobile apps are lightning-quick and incredibly efficient. Compared to other cross-platform application frameworks, Flutter provides more visible speed advantages.
Developer’s tools
- Emacs
- Android Studio
- VS Code
Companies using flutter:
- BMW
- Betterment
- Realtor.com
4. Xamarin
Xamarin was founded in 2011 as an independent platform before being acquired by Microsoft. It’s an open-source, cross-platform software framework with characteristics that distinguish it from its competitors.
The Xamarin platform is based on the Mono.NET platform implementation. Therefore, its own is included in the development process. NET libraries, C# compiler, and run-time. As a result, Xamarin allows developers to reuse 90% of their code when creating apps for many platforms.
The advantages of Xamarin are listed below:
- Xamarin is based on the .NET framework and uses the C# programming language.
- It is compatible with both Android and Apple wearables.
- Creating intuitive and engaging mobile apps shares 90% of the code with other platforms.
- The native-level app capability is available to developers.
- The use of plugins and particular APIs can eliminate hardware compatibility issues to some level.
- It allows you to include Java, Objective-C, and C++ libraries directly.
- It supports WORA (Write Once, Run Anywhere) and offers an extensive library of class libraries; Xamarin minimizes the time and mobile app development cost.
- Compile-time checking is robust in Xamarin. Developers report fewer run-time problems and better-functioning apps due to this feature.
- Xamarin features a fantastic native user experience and controls that help and enable developers to create native-like apps.
Developer’s Tools
- Visual code studio
- Xamarin Studio
Companies using Xamarin:
- World Bank
- Rumble
Also, Check: Top Mobile App Development Companies
5. Ionic
Ionic is an open-source SDK for creating hybrid apps. The first version of this platform, based on Apache Cordova and AngularJS, was released in 2013. It’s a cross-platform app framework based on AngularJS, one of the most notable and famous. It enables developers to access native platform controllers using a combination of languages, including HTML5, JavaScript, CSS, and a Cordova wrapper.
Developers may use Ionic to create a stunning user interface while still incorporating user-friendly functionality in their app. Because the apps built with this framework are dynamic and native-like, Ionic is an excellent choice for PWA development.
Ionic Benefits are listed below:
- It employs front-end technologies such as CSS, HTML, JavaScript, and Angular for app development.
- It’s primarily used to create PWAs and native apps.
- It works well on both the web and on mobile devices.
- Apache Cordova and AngularJS are used to create it.
- Any web technology, such as Angular.JS, React.JS, Vue.JS, or HTML, can be used to create mobile apps.
- It delivers programs a native-like experience, making developers a favorite.
- It enables cross-platform apps to run smoothly across multiple platforms.
- Another of its most well-liked qualities is that it is built on AngularJS, making it simple to add HTML syntax extensions, essential functionality, and valuable yet appealing features and components to the program.
- One of the critical advantages of cross-platform development tools is the usage of Cordova plugins, which give access to device in-built functions such as Camera, GPS, and Audio Recorder.
- Ionic’s popularity among developers stems from its giving apps a native-like experience. In addition, it aids in the development of cross-platform programs and ensures that they run smoothly across multiple platforms.
Developer’s Tools
- Ionic app flow
- Visual studio code
- Firebase
Companies using ionic:
- Mclaren Automotive
- Sworkit
- MarketWatch
We hope you enjoyed the list of the top cross-platform application development frameworks, as well as their explanations and advantages. This article will help you choose the top 5 Cross-Platform Frameworks to Consider for Your Mobile App in 2024 that best meets your needs based on your project’s attributes and requirements.
Final Words
Choosing the appropriate cross-platform app framework is critical since it will help you expand your product’s user base. As a result, look for a cross-platform application development company with the experience to help you with your next project.
However, if you have a demanding app development project that requires the most up-to-date technical capabilities and complex animations, we recommend hiring us. Quytech is the most reputable and dependable mobile app development company in India. We have extensive experience developing world-class apps and have created several apps that have set new standards.
