Mobile applications have become a fundamental part of our lives, facilitating access to information, services and entertainment anytime and anywhere from our smartphones or tablets.
When it comes to developing a mobile application, there are different approaches that can be taken, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages.
In this article, we'll explore the most common types of mobile apps and tell you which one is right for your business.
What are mobile applications?
A mobile application is software designed for use on mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets.
They are usually easy to use and intuitive, in order to provide the app user with the best possible experience.
What are the types of mobile applications?
There are three basic types of mobile applications that are categorized by the technology used to code them:
Native application
These are applications developed specifically for a particular operating system, such as iOS or Android.
So they are installed directly on the device and take full advantage of the features and functionality of the operating system.
Some of its most important features:
- They have full access to the device functionalities, such as the camera, GPS and sensors, allowing them to provide a more interactive experience.
- They usually offer optimal performance and a smooth user interface, as they are optimized to run on the operating system they are running on.
- As standalone applications, they can be distributed through the official app stores, such as the App Store or Google Play, which makes them easier for users to discover.
- Because a separate application is required to be developed for each operating system, the development process can be more time-consuming and costly compared to other types of applications.
- Native mobile applications only run on the operating system for which they were developed, limiting their reach to a specific audience.
Web application
One that runs through a browser on a mobile device. These applications are developed using standard web technologies such as HTML, CSS and JavaScript.
Some of the important features of web applications::
- They are accessible through a web browser, which means that nothing additional needs to be installed on the mobile device, regardless of the operating system.
- They can be accessed via a specific URL, which facilitates sharing and quick access.
- They depend on a stable Internet connection for operation, which can be a drawback in areas with limited coverage.
- They do not require constant updates, since changes made on the server are automatically reflected in the application.
- They have limited functionality compared to native applications.
- They do not require storage space on the device.
- Developing a web application can be less expensive compared to other types of mobile apps.
Hybrid application
Hybrid mobile applications combine elements of web and native applications, allowing for easier development and offering cross-platform compatibility.
While they may have performance limitations and dependency on plugins and APIs, they are an attractive option for those looking to balance ease of development and wide availability.
Some advantages of hybrid applications::
- They allow the development of a single code base that runs on multiple platforms, which speeds up the development process.
- Updates and bug fixes can be deployed centrally, making it easier to maintain the application across all platforms.
- Developing a hybrid application is more cost-effective than creating separate native applications for each platform.
Below is an infographic that summarizes the advantages and disadvantages of each type of mobile application:
How to choose the right one for your business
To decide what type of application you want to develop for your business you will have to consider several important factors. Here are some some key considerations to take into account::
- Objectives and audience: Understand the needs of your users and the objectives of your application to determine which will be the most appropriate.
- Required functionalities: If you require full access to device features and optimal performance, a native application may be the best choice. If the functionality is more basic and does not require full access to device features, a web or hybrid application will be sufficient.
- Budget and development time: Web and hybrid applications usually involve fewer resources compared to native apps, as they can be developed once and used on multiple platforms.
In short, there are different types of mobile applications. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice will depend on your specific needs, objectives, budget and available resources.
Tell us, did you know these types of mobile applications? If you are thinking of creating an app for your company, contact us.
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