Surprisingly WhatsApp comes under native application. To utilize the features of mobile devices, they create a native app, a software program that is specifically made for smartphones. Thanks to the latest technological advancement like geolocation, NFC, augmented reality, and others, more and more  formidable apps are coming into the market every day.  A new profession called “application developer” came into view along with the invention of the sartphone. 

Mobile technologies unlock a new world of possibilities, providing the essential tools and technologies to the innovators for success. When creating an app, there are various influential factors you need to consider including the type of software to create and the native or hybrid- is a crucial decision. 

What exactly are native applications?

Experts designed the native applications to work on certain devices and web platforms. Generally, there are two main mobile platforms that you are targeting for development. 

  • iOS: It's an operating system for Apple. It uses Objective C or swift in coding apps. 
  • Android:  If you want Native app development for the web platforms of google, then you’ll be using Java. 

Applications created for certain devices greatly benefit from hardware. A perfect example of it would be a sketch pad application that makes use of a larger canvas that a tablet screen provides. An application created for certain devices and platforms will get access to that platform’s User Interface. Apps can incorporate the design, layouts, and controls that users are comfortable with. Native applications provide better reliability and top speed and that’s because they are able to maximize the functions of the particular platform or hardware. 

Examples of native applications. 

  • WhatsApp – It's a communication application  that has a different version for android and iOS.
  • Spotify –  It's a music application through which you can stream music over the internet. It also enables you to download songs to the particular device being used. 
  • Pokemon Go – It's a popular game that  incorporates GPS, and camera features. In this case, this native app also provides the best user experience. 

What do you understand about hybrid apps?

Instead of running the app through the browser, you can directly install the hybrid app on the device. However, it functions much like the web application. It is an intersection between the web and native application. Web browsers can give you access to web apps. A Hybrid business communication application that experts designed for multiple members of a team can turn out to be a good example for this. For a hybrid application to suit a business, they would likely use combinations of devices and platforms. 

Code languages like JavaScript, HTML, or CSS are used in Hybrid App Development. You can get access to mobile device’s features by using the application user interface (APIs.) When you go for Hybrid App Development, you may need access to the internet for complete functionality. They can still function offline but it's unable to offer full experience to the users. By developing apps this way, Hybrid App Developers can quickly get their apps onto both major platforms. 

Examples of hybrid applications

  • Evernote – This app enables users to sync their notes across devices due to its hybrid nature. 
  • Amazon Shopping – This app allows you to keep the shopping cart across the platforms. 
  • Instagram – HTML5 helps boost social media applications. 
  • Twitter – It's another famous social media brand that uses hybrid technology. 

What are the distinguishing factors of native and hybrid applications? 

Before deciding what kind of application suits your business , you need to have a strong understanding of both approaches. You don't need to acquire expert -level knowledge for this, but  having an understanding of differences between native and hybrid apps is the key to select the best build style  to help your application to succeed. Hybrid and native approaches have typically been pitted against each other in a pros-and-cons style. 

While the both sure has its advantages and disadvantages,  there isn't any crystal-clear segmentation between these types of application. There’s an upgradation in both the approaches, therefore, you need to compare the overall features of both to get a clear idea of which app will work the best for you, 

Drawbacks of Native app 

In an ideal world, you would have limitless time and resources. Yet, you should think about the drawbacks of the Native app development because the world is obviously not perfect. 

  • You need to do coding for both the iOS and Android to serve the people across the platforms. 
  • Multiple platform development requires a development schedule which is quite lengthier. 
  • You may likely need larger teams and would need to have a wider range of expertise.

Drawbacks of Hybrid app 

According to Hybrid App Developers, It is quite obvious that hybrid apps offer the unique solutions that you cannot have with native applications. You should consider its disadvantages. 

  • Hybrid apps need plugins and API to properly function. It may cause the security risks 
  • The user experience my get affected because of the improper functioning of platform interface of hybrid app
  • For optimal functionality, there must be good internet connectivity. It could be a result of the similarities between web applications
  • Making an inclusive design decision that takes note of off user;s different degrees of ability is difficult since we cannot completely utilize the hardware. 

Conclusion 

The above provided facts and information talks about native and Hybrid App Development and contemplates if whatsapp a native application or is it developed using hybrid app development tools. Both native and hybrid apps have their advantages and disadvantages,  there isn't any crystal-clear segmentation between these types of application.Stay updated for more information.