Difference Between Native and Hybrid Android App Development

Native app development or hybrid app development? The debate between the two approaches is never-ending! Both the categories, native and hybrid have their pros and cons which make them attractive in one or the other scenarios. However, there is a big difference between the two mobile app development strategies. Native app development refers to the process of developing mobile apps using native programming languages such as Java in case of the Android operating system. On the other hand, hybrid app development relies on web technologies like HTML, CSS and JavaScript.

As the name suggests, a native app is developed for a specific platform or a device and its operating system. Native apps are capable of utilizing software and hardware of the devices such as the camera, the GPS, contact list, address book, and others for seamless integration. They can be installed from the dedicated application store, like Google Play in case of Android users.

Hybrid apps, again justify their name because they are a partly native app and partially hybrid apps. They are native because they are found in the app store and access many features of the device. However, at the same time, they are also web apps they are run in a browser which is embedded in an app. They can be explained as website packed in a native wrapper or container that loads information on the page as the user navigates through the application.

Coming back to the debate, the choice between the native app development and the hybrid app development depends upon the various factors such as development speed, the purpose of building the app, budgetary limitations and essential features.

Native app development can be expensive because of the specialized resources and takes more time. Under native app development, language, API, and development process vary according to the complexity of applications. Native apps require higher maintenance but provide high speed also.

Hybrid app development is faster as well as a cheaper process because it involves maintaining one code for all platforms. However, due to the universality of hybrid apps, the user experience of hybrid apps is not as good as that of native apps. This is the main reason why free apps are developed as hybrid apps whereas paid apps are designed as native apps.

Nevertheless, hybrid and native apps have their capabilities and shortcomings. One should choose between them after considering the requirements of the business. It is recommended to explain your need to app development team and select an optimal app development strategy. Vist Us.