A mobile version of most business software is also available that runs on a tablet or smartphone. In many cases, these standard apps meet the needs of a business. But if the app does not fit in well with the business process, for example, the choice to develop your own application is obvious. According to app service provider WebSenor, the most important applications for which companies will develop their own applications in 2021 are:
- Process automation (forms, routing)
- Reporting and analysis
- Management dashboards
- CRM
- Supporting collaboration
Which form do you choose if you are going to build or have an app built yourself? What do the different architectures entail? And what are the pros and cons of these strains? An overview, compiled with the help of React developer of web applications and mobile apps.
1. Web app
A web app is a mobile version of a website that only shows the most important parts of the desktop version. If desired, you can add extra functionalities to this mobile version. The design of the website automatically adapts to the screen size of the mobile device.
Advantages of a web app:
- All mobile functionalities available
- Faster and not dependent on the internet.
2. Native app
A native app can be downloaded from the app store and is (partly) installed on their tablet or smartphone. With the native app, you don’t have to take into account different web browsers, web standards, and device types. That sounds ideal, so your app works on any device. But keep in mind that every operating system has its own store: the App Store for Apple iOS, Google Play for Android, Windows Phone Store for Windows Mobile, and BlackBerry App World for BlackBerry OS (RIM). That means extra work for your company because each operating system has different conditions and design requirements, which means that you have to develop a different app for each operating system.
Advantages of a web app:
- Little bureaucracy and always up-to-date.
- The development costs are relatively low.
3. Hybrid app
The hybrid app is a combination of a web app and a native app and aims to get the best of both worlds. You download the hybrid app from the app store. And also in terms of design, the app is comparable to the native app. The difference, however, is in the back: after starting up you actually arrive at a browser screen (also called a WebView). This allows you to develop one hybrid app for multiple platforms at the same time.
Advantages of a web app:
- It offers all the benefits that the web app and native app also offer.
- The costs for a hybrid app are usually between the costs of a web app and a native app.
