A mobile app developed for a specific mobile operating system or platform is called a native app. These apps can be accessed and downloaded from the dedicated app marketplaces of the mobile platform such as Apple App Store, Google Play, etc. The key to this approach is building an app for a single mobile platform, either iOS or Android. For building native apps for Android, programming languages such as Java or Kotlin are used, and Android app development guidelines are followed.
Just like this for developing iOS apps, programming languages such as Swift or Objective-C are required, and Apple’s iOS development guidelines need to be followed. For each specific platform developers also get access to a particular set of development tools, SDK and UI elements provided by the platform. For Android developers, Google offers a set of tools, SDK, and UI elements while for iOS app development; the same is provided by Apple.
In complete contrast to this native development approach, we also have a cross-platform development approach that allows building a single app that can be run on both Android and iOS platforms. In the case of cross-platform development, the entire app code remains the same for both platforms except only a few UI elements specific to each platform.
Since building mobile apps has become the top priority for most companies, they look for the best options to stay competitive. We have several development approaches for building apps. Every approach has its pros and cons. But the native mobile app development approach stands as the most preferred among enterprises thanks to an array of superior benefits.
Here are the key benefits of native mobile app development.
1. Unmatched speed and performance
The most important benefit of a native mobile app is the fast running code and resulting in superior performance. Most users look for fluid and fast-paced mobile experience that takes care of most tasks intuitively or effortlessly. This is where native apps excel. With native mobile apps, superb loading speed, ease of use, and efficiency remain key advantages that ensure excellent user experience.
Since these apps are designed specifically for the platform, and all lines of code are devoted to platform-specific actions, native mobile apps happen to be more responsive and fast loading. The use of core programming language specific to the platform and the platform-specific APIs further helps in the native mobile app development process. Since, native mobile apps store data locally on the device, the processing speed of the device functions better due to this.
2. Interactive and intuitive user experience
As for allowing user input and responding to user actions, native mobile apps offer a much smoother experience. Just by utilizing the UI elements of the operating system, the apps deliver a look and feel seemingly as an integral part of the platform and device. The more natural interaction and effortless as well as intuitive ways to get things done by ensuring superior user experience for native apps. Native apps by merely sticking to the platform-specific guidelines helping to enhance and align the user experience with a particular operating system meet user expectations better than any other type of app.
3. Least security loopholes and bug issues
Two of the most important advantages for native apps are superior security and reliability. These are truly important factors to consider for any app. There are several crucial reasons for a native mobile app to be more secure. Just because the tools are provided by the device platform, the security of data is less compromised with native apps. Here are the key reasons for native apps to be more secure.
- As for tracking and evaluating risk exposure and data security loopholes, native mobile apps are ideal.
- When it comes to native mobile app development, businesses can opt for the embedded certification that does away with any room for an intermediate attack.
- Native apps allow more comfortable utilization of multi-factor authentication within an app that besides boosting the user experience helps strengthen the data security.
Native apps work very specifically for any operating system platform, and so unlike hybrid apps, developers don’t need to work with two different base codes. This helps in making less scope for bug issues in code. This comes as a tremendous benefit just because bugs often lead to severe performance issues and crashing of apps and systems. Moreover, hybrid apps need to rely on third-party tools. These tools making the app working as a bridge between different device systems slow down the performance.
4. Native apps allow optimum utilisation of device features
Native apps are built to utilize specific features of the flagship devices belonging to any platform. From device camera to GPS to microphone or fingerprint scanner or face recognition system, native apps are built to utilize all these features of particular platforms and devices. This helps in delivering better user experience.
Conclusion
Building native apps for each platform at a time can be expensive, but this offers unmatched benefits to an app project in the long run. It’s always advisable to opt for native development, even if you need to build an app for one platform at a time.
