The difference between a hybrid app and a native app

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Blog / Digital

Native App
The term "native app" refers to applications that rely on a specific operating system. For example, applications developed for Android cannot run on iOS, and vice versa. Each operating system's programming languages ​​depend on specific languages. Android applications rely on Java or Kotlin. iOS operating systems rely on Swift or Objective-C, while Windows Phone applications are developed using C#.

Native App Advantages:
Performance-Powerful: Native apps are characterized by rapid response and smooth performance, especially for complex tasks that may require intensive processing. This is because a native app relies on the operating system of the device being used, which means taking full advantage of the device's capabilities.
Integrated User Experience: Since user experience is one of the most important factors in the success of any application, any native app provides the best user experience for your customers. This is due to its integration with the device's user interface, which provides the user with a sense of ease and comfort.
Integration with all device features: The Native app provides full and direct access to all device features, including the camera, fingerprint sensor, GPS, and many other features, without any restrictions.
Adherence to security standards: Native app development is carried out in accordance with the operating system's security standards, making it the preferred choice, especially for apps that handle important and sensitive data, such as banking apps.
Disadvantages of the Native app:
Cost and time: Because native apps rely on separate operating systems for development, building the same app on a different operating system increases costs and requires more time to rebuild from scratch.
Complex maintenance: Companies that rely on two different versions of operating systems may face complex maintenance and update processes due to the need to perform these processes separately for each version.
Hybrid App:
Hybrid app development relies on combining different operating systems, enabling a single version to run on both Android and iOS. This is unlike native apps, which rely on a specific app for each operating system. A hybrid app is built using programming languages ​​and technologies specific to web systems, such as CC, HTML, and JavaScript. Plugins are also used when customizing features related to the original operating system of the device being used.

Advantages of a Hybrid App:
Low cost: Unlike a native app, building a hybrid app requires only one version that runs on different operating systems. This significantly reduces the overall cost of app development.
Speed ​​of launch: Building a hybrid app doesn't require much time, which means faster launch and faster customer reach. This gives you a competitive advantage.
Maintenance and Updates Without Complexity: Maintenance and updates are automatically reflected in the app version on the Google Play Store and App Store, making the maintenance and update process easier and more flexible, saving a lot of time and effort.
Disadvantages of a Hybrid App:
Lower Performance: Hybrid apps are not as fast as native apps, especially for tasks that may require complex animations or data-intensive processing.
Limited Access to Hardware Features: Access to some hardware features, such as fingerprint sensors or the camera, requires the use of plugins, which may not always be available.
Less Smooth User Experience: Sometimes, hybrid apps may not integrate well with the device's user interface, negatively impacting the user experience.
How to Choose Between Building a Native or Hybrid App
Now that we know the difference between each type of app, the most important question remains: How do you determine which option is best for your business? This decision depends on several factors, including:

Budget and Time
If you want to develop and launch an app quickly and have a limited budget. In this case, you can choose to build a hybrid app. It doesn't require extensive development time, complex programming, or multiple versions.
If you want to develop a high-quality, high-performance app and have a large budget, investing in a native app is the ideal solution. It guarantees better performance and a smoother user experience.
Performance Requirements
If you need to build a simple app, such as an e-marketing app or a blog, building a hybrid app will suffice.
If you want to build and develop high-performance apps, such as gaming or augmented reality apps, building a native app is the only option, ensuring you deliver the required performance in terms of speed, efficiency, and robustness.
User Experience
If one of your goals when building your app is to provide the best user experience for your customers, relying on a native app is the only option that will enable you to achieve this.
If you want to build a basic app with a good user experience, you can rely on building a hybrid app.
In conclusion:
Developing an app, whether hybrid or native, depends on the business objectives you want to achieve and the budget you have allocated. In other words, there is no absolute best option. If you want to invest in an app where quality, performance, and user experience are top priorities, then building a native app is the way to go.



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Category: Digital

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