Best cross platform mobile development tools

There is no rocket science involved in figuring out that to get more revenue, you must have more users. You should also be familiar with cross-platform application frameworks in today’s technology world. Developing a cross-platform app allows you to reach a wider audience by reducing the cost of developing and maintaining the app.

Modern developers have faced many challenges in competing in the digital sphere. They have had to start looking for new tools to build their apps to deliver the best results with the least amount of effort.

Particularly after the harrowing period last year, cross-platform development frameworks are gaining in popularity. As compared to native apps, cross-platform apps have a broader reach, which is why they are in such high demand. With their broader reach, cross-platform apps allow businesses to reach more people, making them a truly unique technology.

Because of the increased demand, cross-platform app development technology has also developed substantially. Developing cross-platform applications is easy thanks to a variety of good frameworks for making them.

To help you choose, we have compiled a list of the top cross-platform app frameworks for 2021 that will help you grow your business.

1. Flutter

Despite their youth, Flutter’s cross-platform app framework is making a distinct impression in today’s market. In May 2017, Google released an open-source cross-platform app framework called Google Android Studio.

Flutter differs from JavaScript in that it uses Dart as its programming language instead. Flutter developers can see modifications in code in real-time when the hot-reload feature is enabled. With Flutter, developers of Fuchsia OS applications can create interactive applications along with those of Android and iOS.

The Flutter framework resembles React and includes ready-to-use widgets and tools for two-dimensional rendering. You can design, build, test, and debug your apps with ease using all these features.

Hallmarks of Flutter:

  • As iOS and Android can be built from one codebase, developers can be more productive.
  • Material design provides a high level of customization.
  • Customize OEM widgets to create branded designs.

2. React Native

There is no question that React Native is one of the best app frameworks for cross-platform development. Cross-platform development is a well-known feature of React Native, which is widely used for iOS and Android. In 2015, Facebook brought it into existence and since then its developer community has grown tremendously.

Platforms such as Android and iOS feel native with the help of the framework. The framework is built on JavaScript. Using React Native, developers can create UI interfaces more easily since it is built on JavaScript.

Though it is built with JavaScript, React Native does not use HTML technologies like WebView, CSS, or HTML technology. As a replacement, the platform uses poly fills that resemble CSS and JSX. React Native does not have a DOM API either.

React.JS and JavaScript combine to form this cross-platform app framework’s main draw. In addition, developers have the option of using Java, Swift, or Objective-C for certain parts of the app.

Hallmarks of ReactNative:

  • Your app is more likely to reach the app store faster
  • Using modern web technologies, the architecture is modular and intuitive
  • Support that is community-based, therefore excellent

3. Ionic

The most remarkable Ionic app development framework is AngularJS-based, cross-platform. Adam Bradley, Max Lynch, and Ben Sperry first built it in 2013 as an open-source cross-platform app framework. Apache Cordova and AngularJS were Ionic’s main components.

Ionic applications created using the Apache Cordova framework are hybrid HTML apps according to the Apache Cordova principles. These apps can only be used on your smartphone devices because they run in a special shell. WebView runs the Android application and UIWebView runs the iOS application.

Developers can build user-centric apps with Ionic thanks to its user-friendly features and creative user interface. Users stay immersed in the app long after it is launched because the user interface is so pleasing to the eye. This cross-platform app framework is used in PWA development because its applications closely resemble native apps.

Latest Updates:

Stencil helps develop and compile web component designs that meet standard requirements
Capacitor cross-platform API that makes it possible for web applications to call native SDKs.
Lazy Loading Ionic 4’s new feature allows you to bundle your app to speed up performance and minimize loading time.

4. Node.JS

It is a cross-platform cross-sectional application framework based on V8. The most distinctive aspect of JavaScript is that it transforms it from a highly specialized language into a general-purpose one. A scalable and server-side network application can be built on top of this open-source environment.

Its fast performance is due to its compiling of JavaScript into machine code rather than executing it as byte code. Frameworks with JavaScript libraries can manage many concurrent connections with a rich library of different modules. Cross-platform app frameworks like this offer an extremely responsive mobile app experience.

Advantages:

  • Developers have a large presence on it
  • A powerfully fast dynamic language interpreter is the V8 engine in Node.JS. Because of this, it is always pushing the envelope.
  • App developers can execute all database queries simultaneously when building Node.JS apps, which minimizes the time it takes for slow requests to respond.
  • Node.JS utilizes a single-threaded approach to deliver a smoothly functioning application

5. Xamarin

Microsoft acquired Xamarin in 2011 after which the platform became an independent platform. While it is an open-source framework for building cross-platform apps, it is also unique.

Mono is the platform that Xamarin uses to implement the .NET platform. Furthermore, C# and .NET libraries, as well as a compiler and runtime, are also included during the implementation process. By using Xamarin, developers can build applications across platforms using 90% of the code.

Primary attributes are:

  • The new version has a smaller disk impact, resulting in a more rapid installation
  • The mobile app offers a fantastic visual experience
  • Automated installation of Android SDK based on requirements

6. Native

NativeScript is a cross-platform, open-source, Java-based framework for developing apps. JavaScript is not a requirement when developing applications using NativeScript. Vue.js and AngularJS are supported by NativeScript, and along with JavaScript, TypeScript is also used to build the apps.

NativeScript is one of the main advantages over other frameworks because developers do not need to install new plugins for additional features. Additionally, the platform is designed to operate as a Write Once, Run Anytime (WORA) platform. NativeScript is your best choice. Additionally, NativeScript has all the native APIs that developers can use.

NativeScript is upon the following major components:

  • Run times
  • Core Modules
  • CLI
  • Plugins

Developers can use JavaScript code to access iOS and Android APIs. A module works as an abstraction, providing the abstraction needed to access native APIs. In NativeScript, the CLI commands facilitate the creation, running, and building of apps.

This application development framework is built on plugins. It contains some functionality, like the plugins that make mobile apps, and it helps developers build apps more quickly.

Core Features:

  • Provides access to the complete cross-platform API stack
  • Supports new native frameworks with a “zero days” period
  • Apps that are reachable, reusable, and quickly developed.

7. PhoneGap (Apache Cordova)

Among the free cross-platform app development tools, Apache Cordova is the best since it enables most of the build process. Developed by the team behind Apache Cordova, PhoneGap offers a FOSS environment for creating cross-platform mobile applications.

An integrated development environment includes a compiler, debugger, and various testing tools. HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript are the critical web technologies. A variety of plugins are available for Phone Gap, including the Image Capture plugin, the Media Recorder plugin, and the Push plugin, among others. In Phone Gap, some of the smartphone’s key capabilities, such as GPS, accelerometer, camera, sound, and others, may be triggered.

You can also make in-app purchases from the iOS App Store and the Google Play Store when you use PhoneGap. Designers with a strong understanding of front-end technology will find it invaluable. Applications can run faster with the assistance of third-party caches and graphics accelerators.

Singular Features:

  • Mobile application frameworks like PhoneGap allow users to integrate platforms like Google Play Store and App Store into embedded payment systems.
  • PhoneGap-developed apps run consistently across all leading mobile platforms, with little or no difference.
  • It is possible to manage in-app interactions using JavaScript or other libraries like Sencha Touch or MooTools in PhoneGap.
  • The APIs can be extended in a modular manner because their architecture is plugin able.

8. Corona SDK

The Corona SDK will enable you to develop impeccable two-dimensional mobile applications across all platforms. Mobile game and application development can be ten times faster with this open-source cross-platform development framework.

Lua, a multi-faceted and lightweight programming language, powers Corona SDK. Games can be created for different platforms such as iPads, desktops, connected TVs, and so on via Corona SDK.

Advantages:

  • It has many plugins that allow you to do things with media, analytics, in-app advertising, and more.
  • Corona SDK relies on the Lua programming language for its speed and flexibility, making it a powerful and efficient framework.
  • As the cross-platform app framework responds instantly to changes in code, developers can observe code changes in real-time.

9. Appcelerator Titanium

The application developer tool Appcelerator can be used to develop, deploy, and test the functionality of mobile applications. JavaScript is used as a mechanism for code generation for mobile applications.

Several platforms such as iOS, Android, and Blackberry can be developed using the same code. A JavaScript developer with experience is your best choice for implementing an app quickly and efficiently.

Using Appcelerator, you can deploy data models easily and with no setup effort using a schema-less database in conjunction with Arrow DB. Additionally Salesforce, MS Azure, MongoDB, MS SQL, and Box, even have pre-built integrations. As such, the newer version fixes the speed and lag problems in the earlier versions.

Remarkable Features:

  • Cost-effectiveness is achieved through the Titanium framework
  • Provides cloud-based services for storing, distributing, and examining the content
  • A user always has access to the fundamental source code always

10. Sencha Touch

Sencha Touch accelerates hardware techniques as its most basic application. Additionally, if you want cross-platform app frameworks that support Cordova, Sencha Touch is an excellent option.

Sencha Touch offers a more straightforward development process for developing large business applications. Furthermore, it is very popular among app developers because it allows them to create themes that look like native apps.

Advantages:

  • Furthermore, it comes with a comprehensive collection of UI widgets, including more than fifty customizable ones
  • The backend data package provided by Sencha Touch is excellent
  • With Cordova integration, the native APIs, as well as packaging, become easier to access

11. Felgo

Felgo is an easy-to-use cross-platform SDK based on the Qt framework for developing cross-platform applications. It is one of the most popular C++ structures. We enhanced this Qt core with elements for applications and games. These included analytics tools, buy-in-app features, etc. Establish the platform as a standalone application.

It is one of those cross-platform development tools for mobile apps that is escalating. Developers of the new generation use it heavily these days. This service is attractive because they will not charge you for your services if you do not make money.

The reason modern developers are interested in Felgo is that it allows them to save 90% of coding over Xamarin and ReactNative. This website is gaining popularity for being secure, timesaving, beginner-friendly, and with adequate support for beginners.

What makes it unique?

  • Apps that are faster and have better UIs that are native and cross-platform
  • C++ and JavaScript are used to create powerful embedded systems applications
  • Felgo Cloud Services include an in-game level editor, multiplayer, and cloud integration to help you develop games faster
  • Using Windows, Linux, and Mac, you can reload code in real-time at one reload per second

12. Rho Mobile

The Rhodes framework, a Ruby-based open-source framework, offers support for Android, Windows Mobile, Symbian, iPhone, and BlackBerry. Rubies have become wildly popular programming languages.

RhoMobile provides developer tools, such as RhoHub, which allows developers to develop the application, and RhoSync, which serves as an independent server, storing data to be updated on mobile devices.

Native-like applications, which use a single code base, can be created for multiple platforms. Native applications use the hardware to its fullest potential. Consequently, the job gets done more efficiently, faster, and with greater accuracy.

Advantages:

  • Ruby is a simple, productive, and simple language
  • A Ruby app can run on a Java container with JRuby
  • Because of DRY development, there is no repeating code, resulting in faster development

13. Kony Mobile Platform

Developing universal apps is made easy with the Kony Mobile Platform’s essential functionalities. Third-party libraries drawing upon FFI (Foreign Function Interface) and channel-specific APIs. These are its specialties.

Also, offline sync and security, the Kony One Server application server offers mobile-optimized content for SMS and push notifications, as well as the detection of mobile devices.

By performing multiple channels of JS APIs, the Kony Visualizer powers the front end. This helps designers and developers design and build applications that target smartphones, tablets, and desktops running iOS, Android, Windows, and Blackberry phones.

Essential Qualities:

  • Visualizer supports importing native APIs from any platform
  • This web application allows you to use the JQuery, Bootstrap, and Angular open-source frameworks
  • Packaging web content in the app and displaying it natively on the web

Final Thoughts

You can take advantage of the above-mentioned cross-platform app frameworks to transform the way you develop apps. You can make a more informed decision about choosing the best platform after reading about their descriptions and their salient features.

A new turn is occurring in mobile app development with the advent of cross-platform apps. Online presence has become a necessity for your business in the digital age. A growing number of entrepreneurs are switching to online platforms.

You must choose the right cross-platform app framework for your product since this will directly impact the number of users. To help you with your next project, you should look for a cross-platform app development company with numerous experiences.