6 Widely Used Cross-Platform App Development Frameworks

A single codebase implies that mobile app developers can finish the task quickly as they don’t have to write code for each OS. It boosts the application development process. The demand for this process is increasing rapidly, which has led to the wide presence of relevant and new frameworks. 

However, with a plethora of these available, there comes the challenge of choosing suitable ones. This blog will work like a guide to help you find the right cross-platform application development framework. Read on to know more. 

Popular Frameworks for Multi-Platform Development

• Flutter

It is a widely used framework through which a developer can utilize a single codebase to create mobile and web applications. For this purpose, one must use Dart, which is Google’s programming language. 

Flutter comes with its share of benefits. Mobile app developers can see the application modifications as soon as they modify the code. They don’t need to recompile it to serve their purpose. This is easily possible through the framework’s hot reload aspect. 

• React Native

It is an open-source UI software framework that was designed by Meta Platforms many years ago. This framework is based on Facebook’s JavaScript library React. Engineers can utilize React Native to create top-notch multiplatform mobile applications. 

Due to the Fast Refresh feature, app builders can witness the modifications in their React components quickly. Additionally, such mobile app development technologies facilitate the creation of a responsive and bespoke user interface. This is one of the top advantages of using React Native.

• Ionic

Introduced some years back, this open-source UI toolkit supports mobile app developers to create hybrid desktop and mobile products. This can be done through a combination of web and native technologies. It includes JavaScript, HTML, and CSS. 

This toolkit utilizes the Capacitor and Cordova plugins to offer you access to the default features of a device like the GPS, camera, audio recorder, etc. Additionally, cross-platform app development teams can access Ionic Studio, which is this toolkit’s own IDE. It was built for creating and prototyping applications with minimal coding. 

• Kotlin Multiplatform Mobile

JetBrains had built this SDK to develop for iOS and Android platforms. This SDK lets mobile app developers share common code between multiple platforms and engage in platform-specific coding. This is of course when it is necessary. Let us give an example for a better understanding. If you are operating with platform-specific APIs or have to create native UI components, you can write platform-specific code. 

Do you know what’s the best part about this app development framework? You can implement Multiplatform Mobile conveniently in existing projects. Kotlin Multiplatform Mobile provides you with total access to the user interface. 

You can then leverage the new user interface (UI) frameworks like Jetpack Compose and SwiftUI. Apart from these, mobile app developers can access iOS and Android SDKs hassle-free. You have to work with reputed mobile app engineers for the best outcome. Most of them also work in augmented Reality app development that can benefit you equally.

• Xamarin

Introduced way back in 2011, Microsoft now owns this cross-platform development framework. Xamarin uses the .NET framework and C# language to create mobile apps for platforms like Windows, Android, and iOS. 

So, what are some of the key features of Xamarin? For starters, mobile app developers can use Xamarin.Forms to leverage platform-specific UI attributes and make their applications appear consistent across varied operating systems

Also, you will get compiled bindings in Xamarin.Forms. It helps enhance data-binding outcomes. This highly interesting aspect allows mobile app developers to get fewer runtime errors. 

• NativeScript

It is a cross-platform application development framework that facilitates the creation of mobile applications for both iOS and Android. For this purpose, mobile app developers need to utilize JavaScript. They can also use languages that transpile to JavaScript. An example of this would be TypeScript. 

Using this framework, multi-platform development specialists can conveniently access iOS and Android APIs. NativeScript renders platform-native UIs. This implies that NativeScript-based applications run directly on a native device. They don’t need to depend on WebViews. 

If you are thinking about what is WebViews, let us tell you. This feature enables Android apps to display content from the internet. Apart from these, the highly useful mobile app development framework provides plugins and pre-developed application templates. One then does not have to rely on third-party solutions. 

Now, let’s check out some frequently asked questions related to this topic.

Some Common FAQs Regarding Cross-Platform App Development Frameworks

1. What is meant by a Mobile App Framework?

A mobile app development framework is an SDK, or as simply known as a software development kit. It offers engineers the foundational structure to carry out mobile app developments. 

2. What are the Types of Mobile App Development Frameworks

Native – These frameworks cater specifically to platforms like Windows, iOS, and Android. Native frameworks are just functional for the platform they’re built to serve.

Web –  They provide web pages for various digital platforms. Web frameworks do not cater to some particular platforms. They can serve a wide range of purposes.

Hybrid – They serve both web and native through a single codebase. Hybrid frameworks help develop applications that are usable for both iOS and Android platforms. Building hybrid mobile apps has its own advantages. 

3. Will I Benefit from Cross-Platform Mobile App Development?

Yes, you will. It ensures maximized reach on different platforms, economical and fast deployment, superb performance, attractive app design, and several other benefits.

4. What’s the Difference Between Native App Development and Multi-Platform Development?

Native apps are created for a specific OS, while cross-platform applications can be created by mobile app developers with a single code base for multiple devices or platforms. This is the basic difference between the two processes.

5. Is it Right to Opt for Cross-Platform Development?

It’s the right process if you want an app for several devices or platforms. This is a suitable process if you run a startup, are unsure about your app’s prospective users, and have a low budget. 

6. Which is the Most Used App Development Framework?

React Native is one of the most prevalent frameworks. Apart from this, Flutter and Xamarin are also widely used by a lot of mobile app developers. One needs to determine the application’s features and purpose as well as the right technology stack before embarking on mobile application creation.

7. How Can I Choose the Suitable Framework for Mobile App Development?

You have to consider certain factors for this. They’re mentioned below:

• Feature support
• Application performance
• Code-sharing and reusability of elements
• Compatibility with third-party APIs and plugins
• Speed of development
• Expertise in the Particular Framework
• Development Cost

8. Which Framework Can I Use for iOS App Development?

React Native, Xamarin, and Flutter are a few of the leading frameworks for mobile application development in iOS. You have to hire experienced app consultants first before proceeding with the project.

9. What are the Available Frameworks for Android App Development?

You can use Flutter, Ionic, and NativeScript for developing an Android application. There are several other frameworks, like Apache Cordova, Corona SDK, and Framework7. 

10. Can JavaScript be Used for Mobile App Development?

Yes, it can be used. You have to select the relevant framework for the purpose of using JavaScript for application creation. 

To build an effective cross-platform mobile application, work with prominent mobile app developers. It will ensure the best results.