As the world becomes more digital, the need for software and apps that work across multiple devices has never been greater. In the world of software and app development, “cross-platform” usually refers to using the same codebase to build apps for multiple platforms, like iOS and Android.
Generally, apps for these platforms have to be built using different frameworks and languages. However, with cross-platform development, you can use one framework and language to build apps for both platforms. What if you could use the same codebase to build an app for both iOS and Android? That’s what cross-platform development is all about.
What Is Cross-Platform Development?
Cross-platform software development usually refers to the creation of software applications that can be run on multiple operating systems or platforms. Traditionally, the software has been written specifically for a particular operating system (OS) and hardware platform.
For example, you need to use the following languages to create software that can run on these devices:
- Apple devices: Objective-C or Swift
- Android devices: Java
- Windows Phone: C#
This is because each OS has its ownAPI (Application Programming Interface). The APl is like a set of instructions that tell the software how to interact with the OS.
In order to create software that can run on multiple platforms, you need to use a language that can work with multiple APls. This is where cross-platform development comes in.
With the advent of cross-platform development tools, it is now possible to write code that can run on multiple platforms with little or no modification.
Cross-platform development tools allow developers to write code once and deploy it to multiple platforms. This can save a lot of time and effort, as developers no longer need to create separate versions of the code for each platform.
Disadvantages of Using Separate Platform Languages
There are several disadvantages to maintaining separate platform languages. First, it can be difficult to keep track of changes and updates across multiple languages. This can lead to inconsistencies and errors in your code base. Second, developing in multiple languages can be time-consuming and costly.
You may need to hire multiple developers with expertise in different languages or train your existing team to work in multiple languages. This can increase your development costs and slow down your development process.
Finally, if you’re not careful, developing in multiple languages can lead to fragmentation in your code base, which can make it difficult to reuse code or share code between different platforms.
Cross-platform development offers the flexibility to build an app that can be used on multiple mobile operating systems using a universal language like JavaScript. This type of development can be especially useful for businesses that want to target the widest possible audience with their product or service.
With cross-platform development, one app can work on multiple operating systems, which can save time and money. In addition, cross-platform development can help to avoid code fragmentation and promote code reuse. This can be accomplished in multiple ways:
Hybrid app development: This involves using a framework like Cordova or lonic Xamarin, ReactNative or Ionic, which allows developers to build apps using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript a specific framework. These apps are then wrapped in a native container, which allows them to be published on multiple app stores.
Native app development: This involves using the native SDKs for each platform, such as Swift for iOS or Java for Android. While this requires more work upfront, it can result in better performance and a more native user experience.
What Are the Benefits of Cross-Platform Development?
A platform can be defined as a software or hardware environment in which a software program can execute. There are many benefits to developing software that is platform-independent.
The most obvious benefit is that it allows the software to be used on a variety of different platforms, which gives users more choices and increases the potential market for the software.
There are a number of additional benefits to developing cross-platform apps, including:
- Reaching a larger audience: By developing for multiple platforms, you can reach a larger audience with your app.
- Reduced development costs: Developing a single app that can be used on multiple platforms can save you time and money.
- Increased code reuse: Code reuse is increased with cross-platform development, as code can be reused across platforms.
- Improved user experience: Users can have a consistent experience across devices, which can improve the overall user experience
Cross-platform development is ideal for companies that want to target as many users as possible with their software or app. As for applications and software used by employees, cross-platform development can save considerable time and money by allowing for a single codebase that works on multiple devices and operating systems.
In workplaces that have BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) policies or a mix of Mac and PC users, cross-platform software can be a lifesaver. Not to mention, cross-platform software can be published to app stores and web pages simultaneously using a specific framework.
Why NEAR CONTACT Should Be Your Cross-Platform Development Provider
Now that you know what cross-platform development is, you might be wondering how it can be implemented. Cross-platform development can be achieved in a few different ways, and NEAR CONTACT has the experience and expertise to help you determine which approach is best for your project.
We understand that every business is different and has unique needs. This is why we take the time to get to know our clients and their goals before starting any project. We can explain the different cross-platform development options in detail and help you choose the right approach for your business.
Today’s employees and consumers are using an ever-growing variety of devices to access software and apps, which is why cross- platform development has become increasingly important.
Our team can help you save time and money by creating a single codebase that works on all of the devices your employees or customers are using. If you’re looking for a cross-platform development provider that can help you take your software or app to the next level, contact NEAR CONTACT today.
Choose Near Contact for Your App Developing Needs
Near Contact is a top-rated app development company with a reputation for resolving complicated business problems with cutting-edge IT services and products. We have helped multiple businesses become successful with our IT offers and services.
Near Contact specialize Multi-Platform App Development. We are a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner, with certified consultants, architects, and engineers in multiple technologies. Our team of experts and professionals will assist you with your business app development.
