December 2021

Best Hybrid App Frameworks of 2021

What according to you is an organization’s ultimate goal? In all fairness, we reckon the organization hopes to grow and bounds, touch the lives of millions and make a wholesome living out of its products. When we come to the technical aspect of it, going with today’s trend, the organization wishes to develop the best cross-platform app for their business, and with that, they envision incorporating a stable functional application to the marketplace. It goes without saying that the number of mobile users is increasing per second. This gives the company more mileage to reach to them. Currently, hybrid mobile app development has taken the driver’s seat because of what it brings to the table. Finding the best framework not only makes the developer’s life easy but when used in the right way it also aids in amplifying the company’s growth. In this article, we provide you with the best Hybrid Mobile App Development Frameworks that will add value to your business.
1. React Native
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​Released by Facebook in 2015, React Native is one of the best hybrid application development frameworks. It combines the finest parts of native development of React and JavaScript libraries, making it a seamless cross-platform framework. Its native components like View, Text, and Images, comes in handy for the developers. And these components are mapped directly to the platform’s native UI building blocks. Some of the plus points of this framework are that it easily addresses the bug issues, it reuses code, compared to other frameworks it takes less time to develop the process. On the other hand, React isn’t advised to use while building apps with multiple screens. The cost of React Native app development can range from $25,000 to $2,50,000.
2. Ionic
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​Founded in 2012 by developer and designer duo, Max Lynch and Ben Sperry, Ionic is an open-source mobile toolkit, that runs best when paired with AngularJS. Ionic comes with one codebase and is used for building cross-platform apps for any device. Incorporating Ionic will result in up to 60FPS scrolling on mobile and desktop, interactive goes down by 1.8 seconds, up to twice as faster as previous versions, and consistent 100 per cent Lighthouse PWA performance score. Its UI components are simple and declarative – and are written in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. With a plethora of options available, one can choose from its rich library of over 120 native device plugins for accessing Camera, Geolocation, Bluetooth, and more, or dive into the full native SDK when you need it. Today, more than 5 million developers in over 200 countries around the world are using Ionic to power their app development.
3. Xamarin 
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Owned by Microsoft Corporation, Xamarin is touted as one of the smartest frameworks. It is an open-source framework and is used to develop hybrid apps for Andriod, iOS, and Windows. It builds the app using C# from backend code. As it also incorporates .NET, users can get their hands on a vast library and an endless ecosystem of features. To add to that, it enables users to author to curate their libraries on .NET. More than 1.4 million developers trust this framework. One of the striking drawbacks of Xamarin is that it is quite expensive compared to other frameworks. As per reports, Xamarin’s pricing comes in three variants: Business: $999/year (all the perks of Indie plus), Enterprise: $1899/year (all the perks of Business plus), and Indie $25/year.
4. Flutter

Flutter is Google’s UI toolkit that is free and open-source. It comes with a single codebase and can build amazing, native, multi-platform applications. As per AppBrain, the total number of apps designed using Flutter is over 18,000 and with over 8 billion downloads, this mobile app SDK gives developers leverage to create top-notch and beautiful UIs with flexible designs. Staying abreast with the latest trends, Flutter has upped its game, and that relates their services for building 2D mobile apps. To deploy basic features of Flutter, the company has to bear somewhere between $26,000 to $34,800. And as per Cleveroad, Flutter enables the developers to use its full features from $41,500 to $55,000.

5. Quasar

Launched in 2016, Quasar is an MIT licensed open-source Javascript framework built on Vue.js. It has increasingly gained fame because of its features and most importantly because it enables developers to create small yet amazing apps that require less coding and negligible dependence on third-party tools. Quasar’s motto is: write code once and simultaneously deploy it and comes with a tagline – beyond the framework. There are two pricing editions available for Quasar. The Community edition is free of charge and limits the capacity per node, could be developed anywhere, and comes with a few other perks. The Enterprise edition’s price will be provided by the company as per request. As per reports, its pricing starts at $1000 per feature. 

Pros:

  • Extensive collection of components.
  • Helpful community.
  • Excellent documentation.
  • Great performance.
  • Follows best industry practices.

Conclusion
In this article, we have provided you with an analysis of the best frameworks that can be used for hybrid mobile application development. These frameworks will not only suit your business needs but will also take your product to the next level. App-Scoop understands that deciding on choosing the top-notch framework for your system can be tricky and time consuming. Still, wondering as to which framework to use? Our diligent team will make this process easy for you. To know more, contact: https://app-scoop.com/contact-us.html

References:

By App-Scoop, ago

Top 7 Backend Technologies for Web Development Application

‘Hey, so, your product seems interesting. Send me your website link, so that I can find out more about your product.’ The first statement sure puts a smile on your face. But, in case, if you live under a rock to not have a website, the second statement will indeed make you cry. In today’s world, a website has reached a pinnacle of importance. Regardless of your industry or product, these days, a user connects more with the website as it provides all the information under one roof. As per Hook Agency, with a global population of 7.8 billion, the number of active websites is 1.5 billion. This speaks volumes of web development. 
Now, the web page’s frontend is visible to the user, and it provides a platform for them to converse with the brand. A server connects the frontend with the backend. On the other hand, the backend code communicates with the server to provide the necessary data to the users. A lot depends on the functioning of the backend, the importance of which is growing day by day. In this blog, we talk about top 7 backend technologies that will help the business grow leaps and bounds. 

7 finest Backend Technologies at your disposal

Managing a website is a herculean task. And what happens behind the curtains often goes unnoticed. A strong backend offers leverage which when encashed on, the frontend runs seamlessly. Let’s get to know more about these backend technologies.

1. JavaScript

Over the past 25 years, JavaScript has significantly risen to the epitome of fame owing to its features. This programming language conforms to the ECMAScript specification. In 2009, Ryan Dahl, a famous engineer, took this language to the next level by taking the open-source JavaScript engine and embedding it in a C++ program – and that’s how Node.js came into existence. Owing to this feature, developers can use JavaScript to build backend for web and mobile applications. Today over 13 million developers use this programming language. 

2. Python

Python is an interpreted high-level general-purpose programming language. One of the fastest-growing and famous programming languages, Python helps you integrate your system efficiently and works at a faster rate. As per their official website, Python is developed under an OSI-approved open-source license, making it freely usable and distributable, even for commercial use. This language is pretty versatile, which is why it is used by people from all walks of the industry. Python is embraced by software engineers, data analysts, accountants, mathematicians, network engineers, kids, and others.

3. PHP

PHP is a general-purpose scripting language that performs better when used with MySQL and Linux Apache. It was originally developed by Rasmus Lerdorf, a Danish-Canadian programmer, however, the PHP reference implementation is now produced by The PHP Group. As per W3 Techs, 78.2 per cent of websites use PHP as their server-side technology, which means 8 out 10 websites used this language.

4. Java
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Java is a high-level, class-based, object-oriented programming language. Its syntax can be easily compared to that of C and C++. Java is popularly used in GUI, web, console, embedded systems, and mobile applications. It is also a free-to-use programming language and owing to its versatility, it can be distributed over multiple platforms.
5. Kotlin

Kotlin is a general-purpose programming language. This free, open-source, and statically-typed programming language completely interoperates with Java. It is popularly used for server-side, client-side web, and Android. They have recently released their latest version, that is, 1.6.0, published on November 16, 2021. Over the years, it has become one of the famous programming languages. 

6. C++

C++ is a general-purpose programming language. Some find it difficult to learn this language, but its charismatic features put the programmers on a driver’s seat to explore the endless opportunities and control over system resources and memory. It can be used to develop browsers, databases, word processing, CUI, spreadsheets, games, operating systems, and others. It is also used to create high-performance applications. Once you understand this language, there is no stopping you.

7. Ruby

It is a dynamic and open-source programming language. Ruby’s creator developed this language by blending parts of his favorite languages – Perl, Smalltalk, Eiffel, Ada, and Lisp. Yukihiro “Matz” Matsumoto, Ruby’s creator, said, “I am trying to make Ruby natural, not simple – in a way that mirrors my life. Ruby is simple in appearance, but is very complex inside, just like our human body.” This one-of-its-kind programming language operates on the Model-View-Controller (MVC) principle.

Conclusion

When you have an array of options to choose from, it becomes impossible to pick the right backend web development technology. The perks of selecting the right technology will surely amplify your business, on the other hand, you will have to face the wrath of a sloppy website, in case, you pick the wrong technology for web development.
 
At App-Scoop, we value our customers, and at the same time, we are abreast to the latest technology that can help your business. Still, wondering which backend technology to pick for your web development? Kindly contact App-Scoop’s diligent team to know more. 
https://app-scoop.com/contact-us.html


​References

By App-Scoop, ago

Top 10 Mobile Application Testing Tools in 2021

“If you don’t like testing your product, most likely your customers won’t like to test it either.” -Anonymous

Before we begin to understand this saying, here are some hard-hitting facts. As per Statista, by 2025, the number of mobile users is predicted to reach 7.49 billion. This growing love for mobile has given the developers a chance to showcase their talent and develop unimaginable apps. It is said that by 2022, the number of mobile applications downloads will rise to 258 billion. The greater number of users means the greater number of feedbacks. And when these feedbacks are utilised positively, it is going to benefit the product in the longer run. It goes without saying, when the application performs well, the number of downloads and loyal customers will hit the sky. While more than half of the downloaded apps are unused, 71 per cent of apps are uninstalled because they crash often. Getting witnessed when your app gets downloaded is a quarter of the battle won. The game begins once the user starts using the app. In order to touch the hearts of the users, the apps that you develop must be flawless. If you don’t test your apps, it is impossible to reach the goal to provide the best user experience. Thus, the above saying enunciates the importance of mobile application testing. 

What is Mobile Application Testing?
Mobile application testing is a process through which the designed applications are tested for their performance, usability, functionality, compatibility, and other characteristics.

What are Mobile Testing Tools?
They are software tools that tests mobile applications. There are varied types of mobile testing tools – mobile performance testing tools, cloud-based, mobile phone emulators, app distribution tools, crash reporting tools, automated UI testers, A/B testing tools, and others. It enables developers to build applications that are multi-functional and accessible across various platforms.

Advantages of Mobile Application Testing

This process is essential to safeguard the organization’s reputation, spread the essence of the brand and product, earn brownie points, increase profit, etc., the benefits are endless. Businesses should leverage mobile application testing for various reasons. Incorporating it determines the applications to perform under various obstacles. This further adds value to the brand. When the brand is looking for loyal customers, they should focus on testing the usability as it provides a better user experience. It helps in catching the bugs at an early stage which reduces the total cost of the product. Crashing apps provokes the users to uninstall them. This process minimizes the risk of broken applications.

Top 10 Mobile Application Testing Tools 
When there is a plethora of options available, picking the right tool becomes a task. However, when the software takes care of the application’s functionality, performance, memory, interruption, installation, and stability, it becomes a piece of cake to pick the best tool. Here are our top picks:

1. TestComplete
It is an automated UI testing tool that offers users to run numerous tests over the application platform. This tool supports both Android and iOS app testing. The test scripts are available over seven different languages JavaScript, Python, VBScript, Jscript, DelphiScript, C#, and C+.
With native support for Behavioural Driven Development (BDD), TestComplete goes well when used with Artificial Intelligence (AI). 

  • TestComplete offers a free 30-day trial.
  • Its popular pricing module is the TestComplete Pro package that starts at $9,479. It includes desktop, mobile, and web testing. It also offers access to their parallel testing engine – TestExecute.
  • TestComplete Base is one of the other packages that it provides which starts at $6,095.

2. Robotium
An easy to use tool, Robotium, which is an open-source test framework, requires minimal knowledge to access it. Used for both native and hybrid applications, it carries the test execution fast and smooth. With Robotium, developers can accept test scenarios, scan multiple android activities, write functions and systems. It is an automatic grey box testing case for Android applications.

3. Appium
It is an open-source tool for automating native, mobile web, and hybrid applications. The script is compatible with languages such as Java, PHP, Python, Ruby, C#, Clojure, Objective-C, JavaScript (Node), or Perl with the Selenium WebDriver API and language-specific client libraries. As per GitHub, by using the WebDriver models, one can smoothly switch between native app automation and WebView automation.

  • As per 360 Quadrants, Appium is available free of cost for up to two users for the developer’s community.
  • Its Professional Plan which can be used on one machine for up to five users is charged at  $100/month.
  • Appium’s Enterprise Plan is $300/month, where an unlimited number of users can use it.

4. Test IO
It allows mobile testing in the real world, with professional testers on real devices. The reviews suggest that it makes the software teams faster and flexible. And the reviews on G2 say that Test IO enables fast-moving software development teams with a platform for on-demand QA testing throughout the entire development cycle. It tracks bugs and integrates with the project management seamlessly. Test IO offers three packages – Starter, Professional, and Elite. The package price differs with added new features and benefits. Test IO shares prices on demand.

5. Katalon Studio
A fairly new tool, Katalon Studio has become famous amongst the masses in no time. It is a well-rounded automated solution that requires no additional extensions to run the tests. It is integrated with CI/DevOps workflow and other tools. Trusted by 100,000 companies, it offers a codeless experience for beginners and infinite testing extension for experts. There are three available packages. Users can save up to eight per cent if they opt for an annual package. 

  1. Free: Allows to quickly create low-code and execute it across platforms and maintain tests. The Free Package allows:
  • Desktop testing
  • API Testing
  • Web Testing
  • Mobile Testing

2. Studio Enterprise: Provides powerful solutions that help your business. With that, it also provides Node-locked and Floating licenses. The benefits are:

  • Price: $839/license/year
  • Helpdesk support
  • Extended features
  • All studio functions
  • Private plugins

3. Runtime Engine: It completes tests through either command-line interface or CI/CD pipeline.

  • Price: $599/license/year
  • Allows CI/CD integration
  • Runs and schedules test simultaneously
  • Supports all execution environment

6. Espresso
Developed by Google, Espresso is an open-source android user interface that is simple and efficient. It has three essential components – viewMatchers, viewActions and viewAssertations which makes it a lightweight API. This tool makes the process of testing pretty straightforward and fast as the test recorder allows recording of the test rather than writing detailed codes. It does automatic synchronization of UI elements and test actions: the framework detects when an element is available for testing and runs test commands accordingly.

7. Eggplant
Designed and developed by TestPlant, Eggplant is a commercial GUI Automation testing product. This tool ensures faster and efficient testing and on-time delivery. This reduces the IT cost while improving the quality. One script can be used for all the devices and platforms. And it is useful for image-based, mobile, network, and cross-browser testing. Eggplant’s pricing depends on the business needs and requirements. Its basic subscription license starts at $3400 for one test stream. 

  • Second test stream: $1700
  • Third test stream: $850
  • Comprehensive package: $595 for one system with three different test streams.
  • 4+ test stream: $425 each.

8. Avo Assure
It is a heterogeneous test automation solution. Avo Assure is rather intuitive and ensures flawless testing. As per them, users can automatically create and deploy test cases without paying any extra penny. The highlight of this tool is that it achieves up to 90 per cent automation coverage. And this further saves almost 30 per cent of the automation effort.

9. LambdaTest
Users can perform live testing on mobile and desktop simultaneously. It performs online cross-browser testing that enables both manual and automated compatibility testing. While performing the test, this tool can directly mark the bug to any management tool like JIRA, Asana, Trello or move it to Github, Gitlab or also communicate over Slack. LambdaTest’s most popular package is the Web and Mobile Browser Automation which is for $99/month. And their annual subscription will save up to 20 per cent. This package includes:

  • Unlimited Realtime Browser Testing
  • Unlimited Responsive Testing
  • 24×7 Support
  • 3rd Party App Integrations
  • Unlimited Screenshot Testing

Their other packages are Lite which is lifetime free, Live that goes for $15/ month, and Web Automation for $158.

10. Xamarin.UITest
It is an open-source, cross-platform UI testing framework. The tests are written by С# and NUnit. Although it is expensive, studies suggest that this tool is rather useful. A good choice for apps to build with Xamarin.Forms, Xamarin.UITest easily integrates with other Microsoft Visual Studio products. As per Fortuitas, this testing tool has four levels:

  • Stater: Free
  • Indie: $25/month
  • Business: $999
  • Enterprise: $1899


Final Thoughts
Mobile Application Testing, although is a tedious job, the rewards are highly advanced and fruitful. Integrating this process ensures that the product delivered is of high quality, and it further reduces complexities that would arise during its use. Not to forget, automated testing improves the business results by providing greater testing effectiveness and efficiency, and a short time to market. We agree mobile application testing is taxing, but our able testers and developers know their job. To know more about this, kindly contact the App-Scoop mobile app developers: https://www.app-scoop.com/contact-us.html

By App-Scoop, ago