Did you know that some of the world’s top apps, such as Instagram and Netflix, are developed using hybrid app development?

So, what makes it so popular?

If we have to say it in three words, it would be – fast, easy, and cost-effective.

However, despite the advantages it offers developers and companies, it might not be suitable for all kinds of app development projects.

Companies Must Choose Hybrid App Development If…

Cost-effectiveness is the goal

If you are looking to control costs and need cost-effective options for developing apps, hybrid app development could be a perfect solution. According to research by Forrester, Hybrid apps can save up to 80% of costs in support and porting as compared to native apps. Hybrid apps are also easy to maintain as it is similar to maintaining a web page and can be done multiple times without any hassles. Considering that maintaining an app costs four times higher than creating one, this solution by the hybrid app could compel companies to consider it for developing their apps.

Going to market fast is the priority

Change is the only constant. A crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic has further shown that companies have to be nimble-footed and respond to customer needs quickly if they want to stay ahead of their competition. On average, developing an app can take three to nine months to develop. If the aim of developing an app is to serve customers quickly or to stay ahead of the curve, then using hybrid app development will be an ideal option. The next point will delve further into how it can save time for companies.

Reusing codes is acceptable

In continuation with the point above, companies can go fast to market using hybrid app development because of its ability to reuse codes. Unlike native apps that require the developer to develop separate codes for iOS and Android, hybrid apps can be created using HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript. They have to be just uploaded to the respective app stores. They can provide all the functionalities of a native app. Developers can reuse the code and be compliant with the OS without making any changes to the app. Another advantage is that the central codebase also saves the developer from the headache of maintaining separate multiple codebases. If companies are comfortable with reusing codes, hybrid app development can be a good fit for developing apps.

Offline capabilities are not a necessity

According to McKinsey, over 1.1 to 2.8 billion individuals worldwide have difficulty using the internet because of the limited mobile network coverage. If a company wants its user to use the app despite weak connectivity, then hybrid apps may have limited capabilities. However, it can still be used and made to work offline if the application does not require database support.

Resources are limited

A shortage of resources is inevitable (especially more during a crisis). Companies are showing reluctant to hire or train new developers. That’s where hybrid app development comes to rescue. Hybrid apps are written using HTML, CSSS, and JavaScript. So, if the existing team is well-versed in developing web applications, they can learn and develop hybrid apps quickly. The learning curve is not very steep.

Convenience scores above experience

Hybrid app development is platform-agnostic and reuses codes. It is a benefit for companies that desire to build a basic app with a simple UI. Companies must use it if they are not obsessed about creating an ‘out-of-the-world’ experience for the user, and are more concerned about creating an app that provides basic convenience – quickly.

Conclusion

Companies understandably have a tough time choosing between native and hybrid app development for building their app. To determine the right option, we recommend the developers to ask themselves the following questions:

• What is the objective of developing the app? Is it to offer convenience to the user or to demonstrate their designing capabilities? If the company’s focus is to build a unique experience for each OS, then native app development might be the right choice.
• Does the company have enough time to build an app? If there is an urgency to go-to-market first, then a hybrid app will be the right solution.
• Does the app want to leverage all the functionalities offered by the device? In such a case, a native app might be more useful.
• Is the company willing to leverage existing resources with limited app development capabilities to build apps? If the answer to it is yes, then hybrid app development will be the apt solution.

Answering questions related to budget, capabilities, and business needs will help the developers and companies to zero in on the right platform for their app.