Responsive, hybrid, and native apps for Android and iOS

What are responsive, hybrid, and native applications?

Responsive apps

Responsive web design emerged as a new way of building websites and web apps that adapt their UI to the size of the current browser window. This became possible with fluid grid layouts, flexible images, and media queries. While responsive web design is highly suitable for websites, data-oriented apps may not find it very suitable. The app needs to be opened through a browser URL and not the typical fashion of a mobile installed app. More importantly, the apps cannot leverage device capabilities resulting in a less engaging experience.

Hybrid Apps

Hybrid Apps are built using HTML5, just the way a Responsive Web App would be developed and then packaged into a thin native container and libraries that provide access to native features of the device. That way, Hybrid Apps combine the best of Native and Responsive Web Apps. They are built using familiar web technologies, but run like a typical Mobile App and use device capabilities. Not only does Hybrid App development offer better use of available skills and people, but also the ability to build Apps that follow UI guidelines of the device platform.

Native Apps

Native apps provide the best experience on mobile devices, as they are specially built to the platform/OS. Each mobile platform has its own development tool and SDKs, which enables professional developers to build native apps leveraging device or platform-specific features. The problem with native apps is that you need to develop individually for each platform (iOS or Android or Windows), using different technologies (Objective-C or Swift for iOS, or Java for Android) making it an expensive proposition. Hence, native apps are suitable for consumer-facing apps or games.

Why go hybrid?

Companies looking to build intuitive UIs; along with lowering the development efforts, opt for the hybrid model of app development

• For serious apps: Best for enterprises looking to build simple or complex business apps
• To save cost of development: No compromise on cost control across the development cycle
• To reduce development effort: Highest level of efficiency for your developers, giving them room to innovate
• To leverage multi-channel capabilities: Utilize web or mobile platforms based on the application of your applications

Why go hybrid with WaveMaker?

Hybrid apps built on our platform give a near-native experience on all mobile operating systems

• For easier development: Inbuilt layouts, themes, prefabs, and templates that conform to the OS guidelines
• For higher security: Comprehensive security solutions that adhere to best practices and compliance standards across industries
• For continuous deployment and testing: Instant preview, edit, and testing of applications on the fly in any stage of development iterations
• For seamless access to device features: Simplification access and use of device features like camera, location, network, battery, contacts, local storage, and more