Necessary Tools For Cross-Platform Mobile App Development

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Smart devices dominate almost every facet of our lives and this fact has resulted in the need for mobile applications for all our requirements. A challenge facing an entrepreneur or a developer is to build solutions that can be ported onto any platform without much economic investment. This led to the rise of app development tools made specifically to fashion applications that can be executed whatever be the device or operating environment. Here is a list of a few mechanisms that have made a name for themselves in this arena.

1.Phonegap

This Adobe owned product started out as Apache Cordova and is one of the most popular names in this category because of its open source nature. A basic understanding of web technologies like HTML5, JavaScript and CSS3 is enough for designing apps compatible with all major platforms while using a machine’s native resources like camera or accelerometer through APIs (Application Program Interfaces) for better functionality. Easy to use and backed by a vibrant global support community, it helps in rapid deployment of the product in market conditions as the complete procedure including testing takes less time.

2.Xamarin

It uses the object- oriented, type-safe C# language for writing the code to create apps with native User Interface (UI) feel as it converts basic UI components into specific interface elements allowing for its effortless customization. Acquired by Microsoft in 2016, it is fully homogenized with Visual Studio 2017-a versatile integrated development environment, enabling efficient multi -process debugging and giving the advantage of the Xamarin Test Cloud for seamless testing. Code sharing across platforms is made possible through a number of ways like .NET Standard, NuGet projects, Portable Class Libraries and Shared Projects. The Xamarin University feature helps developers learn the basics of this tool along with providing support and guidance on any issues.

3.Appcelerator

Loved by iOS and Android application development services alike, this tool owned by Axway feature the Titanium Software Development Kit (SDK) using JavaScript as the basic language for building apps that can run across all platforms which accesses native APIs directly with the company’s Hyperloop technology. The dashboard has drag and drop and real time analytics characteristics, which make it very convenient to operate and identify problems as and when they emerge. A data store in the form of ArrowDB enabling deployment of data models in addition to pre-loaded connection to MS Azure, MS SQL,  MongoDB and SalesForce are some of its other notable attributes. It provides specialist support for its paid customers while free customers have to rely on its global patrons for any assistance.

4.Sencha Ext JS 

A well known entity in the domain of app development tools, one has to pay to avail the services of this JavaScript powered framework which has a visual application builder using HTML5. One of the most extensive pre- tested components library among its peers and a strong data package with the capability of accessing data from any back-end source make it a dependable product. An adaptable layout manager which makes for problem- free display on any gadget, screen or browser along with responsive config system for orientation compatibility help formulate modules without any viewing hazards. The Integrated Development Environment (IDE) and code editor plugins, inspector tool for debugging and themer which helps in code-free designing of themes are some of the other traits which make it useful. Customers have to pay in order to access the support plans being offered by the company.

5.Monocross

Another open source cross platform tool that uses, C#, .NET and the Mono framework for development purposes that supports fabrication of utilities that retain their functional capabilities irrespective of updates. Based on a Model- View- Controller model, the single code written is shared to handle the data access, navigation and initialization aspects of the model and platform- centric views manage the rendering. As integrating a range of APIs is possible it makes for full optimization of a device’s capability. This ITR Mobility offering comes with a large community support with regular events where one can meet other Monocross users besides accessing them through online forums and chats.

6.NativeScript

This product recommends AngularJS to programmers for their work but has also built a JavaScript framework with TypeScript support allowing total access to third- party API libraries. It is equipped with a number of themes so designed that a person would not feel the difference irrespective of the device being used. Telerik are the owners of this useful tool which features a stepwise checking of documentation browser compatibility version synchronization and code review by their team along with a plugin store for those looking for additional functionalities. Support is available via related forum and enterprises looking for more extensive help can avail professional services by paying for them.

7.React Native

Facebook’s free to use amenity is based on React, a JavaScript library that lets creation of interactive UIs by picking the provided modules for different functionalities. Knowledge of Objective-C, Swift or java is required as there is no access to APIs and instead a code which is called bridge has to be written in order to define the interface of objects that are needed though mostly these bridges are found in this community supported project. A vibrant developer and user network with a dedicated Facebook community page, helps  in getting access to a variety of plugins while also providing support on any problematic issues.

8.RhoMobile Suite

This app creating mechanism maintained by Tau Technologies also does not charge anything for the basic version and provides solutions using the Rhodes framework using technologies like CSS3, HTML5, JavaScript and Ruby, which can be deployed on all major mobile platforms. Full access to device’s features and availability of a variety of plugins eases modification and its auto data encryption facility makes it convenient for enterprise use as security is assured. A beneficial facility in the form of RhoSync helps in local synchronization of data making it available to user in case of no internet connectivity. A thriving user base can be tapped for getting help with problems.

9.Ionic

One of the newest entrant in the field, AngularJS is the base on which this tool’s structure rests while HTML5, CSS and JavaScript are used for coding purposes and it requires Apache Cordova for accessing native platform controllers. Instead of using native components it uses web technologies to imitate their functioning and this affects the module’s performance. Pre- loaded components and very fast browser based testing feature somewhat make up for this shortcoming though while the support for resolving issues is limited to a fraternity of programmers that is growing everyday.

Conclusion

Mobile solutions have become indispensable for everyone, whether individual or an enterprise and the search for answers to their problems led to the emergence of applications that can be used on multiple target platforms and machines. The app development tools are also evolving with ever- changing market dynamics and technological advancements and the ones listed here are a few examples of this trend.

Author Bio

Patrick Mosteller is a seasoned app developer working for custom android app development with Mintlogix. A master at dealing with different app development issues, he likes to find about  best mobile app design tools and discover new ideas about mobile marketing. He has extensive knowledge about all aspects of app designing.

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