Is Hybrid Apps the Future of App Development?

​The “application world” is a market that is constantly growing. Not only the app world but the technology in the app industry is growing at high speed. So, sometimes it becomes very confusing for the app developers to understand which app platform should be used – the native app or the hybrid app? Firstly, we need to determine the fact that a modern business can’t afford to not offer mobile apps that don’t offer the required software to its users. Hence, choosing between the hybrid and native platform is very challenging. Secondly, both these programming languages – native and hybrid – come with their own pros and cons. 

​But while weighing both these platforms, the popularity of the hybrid app has been growing. Do you know why? It’s because a hybrid app is able to provide features and performance with a nominal costing. It is also compatible on different platforms; and hence the hybrid app is becoming a new norm.

Advantages of a Hybrid App

Let’s quickly list the key advantages of the hybrid app:

• The developers are using different web technologies such as HTML and JavaScript as they are compatible with various mobile platforms.
• It can be written in a single code base instead of writing the native code in different languages such as Java, Swift, etc.  
• It reduces time and cost for developing the app; as the app can be developed in HTML and you don’t need to create two versions, i.e. for Android and iOS.
• It has access to a wide range of platform-specific functionalities such as GPS or camera.  
• It has a good appearance and user-interface.  
• It is portable and just requires a native harness to run it.  
• It can provide both online and offline access as the app can be packaged through a server or locally.  
• There is no update required and wait for approvals.

Relation between Java and Hybrid Mobile Apps

Java became popular because it got rid of the limitation of C and C++. Java has been upgraded several times since, and now it has become an object oriented programming language. It is an open source language and is freely available to the public. Similarly, hybrid mobile app is very cost effective and can be developed in HTML, for both – the Android and iOS users. Hence, the same logic applies to hybrid mobile apps.
The scope for hybrid apps becoming more popular is possible primarily because of the advantages it offers.

So, Will Hybrid Apps Replace Native Apps?

It is determined that hybrid apps will not replace native apps because former also has a few limitations when it comes to its functionality. For instance, native apps offer better user experience than hybrid apps. There are also high chances of the app not being a part of the App Store is they realize that it’s a hybrid app. Also, native apps are a preferred choice when it comes to running high performance apps and games.
We are at a stage of infancy when it comes to choosing between platforms (there are only four – Windows, HTML, iOs and Android). To conclude, hybrid apps are a much cost effective way for a company to port over their app. Their technical person does not need to learn a new language or even hire someone to do it.
But on the other side, the user experience in native apps is something that the company cannot ignore. For example, iOS users and developers know the apps inside out. Without customizing the UX for each platform, the apps won’t work the way they worked before, thus, the lack of functionality and eventually losing their app users.
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Hybrid apps will grow and shows promise for the future but native apps are here to stay too!