Cross-platform mobile development is high in trend today, given the fact that iOS and Android are widely used mobile platforms across the globe. These highly versatile frameworks are most favored by businesses as well as developers.
With cross-platform app development tools, one can create apps that will run across various platforms and devices like iOS, Android, Windows, etc.
As per SensorTower reports, Apple’s App store is estimated to hit nearly 5 million apps by 2020. In December 2018, Google Play Store was known to have 2.6 million apps, according to Statista. This alone shows how important it is for businesses to mark their presence on these platforms.
Cross-platform app development is an excellent solution for those facing difficulties in developing native apps due to restrained budget.
In order to build a good app, one needs to pick up the right app development tools.
So, here are the top 10 best cross-platform tools for mobile application development in 2019:
- Adobe PhoneGap
Adobe PhoneGap is one of the most popular cross-platform development tools today. Built upon Apache Cordova, this open source framework provides access to a variety of native device functions across different platforms.
With Cordova’s APIs, one can build apps with the help of Java, HTML5 and CSS3 web languages. These languages are locally hosted in the app itself, but run across multiple device platforms. Developers only need to use a single codebase to build an app, no need to use multiple native SDKs (Software Development Kits) like Windows SDK, Android SDK or Xcode for iOS.
PhoneGap includes different testing tools such as compiler, debugger, etc. It is an excellent option for expert developers who have immense knowledge in front-end technologies. Yet it also has good backend support for beginners.
- Xamarin
With Xamarin, developers can build native Windows, Android and iOS apps using single shared C# codebase. Plus, developers can test it across hundreds of devices via mobile app development company’s cloud service.
Xamarin’s open source framework has innovative set of features such as native API access, integration with backends (Parse, SAP and Microsoft Azure), code sharing through interfaces, etc.
- Appcelerator
Appcelerator tool is popularly known for its speed regarding TTM (time-to-market) for cross-platform apps. Appcelerator uses single JavaScript codebase to build mobile apps and native-like apps that deliver cloud-like performance. It also offers real-time mobile analytics.
Appcelerator has open and extensible framework, letting you build apps for BlackBerry, Android, iOS as well as hybrid and HTML5 apps. Featuring an open-source SDK, it can support over 5000 OS APIs and devices. Developers can use cloud services to design, develop, test and deploy apps efficiently.
- iFactr
iFactr is also renowned for its faster deployment of apps. It is extremely easy to use and lets you instantly create prototypes to gather employee feedback. iFactr makes use of Xamarin to build Android and iOS apps.
- Kony
Kony is based on Kony Quantum- a low-code platform that lets you deploy apps quickly with high security and best UX. It allows for easy scalability with chatbots, AR and biometrics integrations.
Analytics and testing tools are embedded in this platform, along with other features like Kony Visualizer, Kony Studio and Kony Management. All these features streamline the entire app development process.
Kony is a perfect solution for organizations that have to deal with huge number of diverse devices, as this platform can build apps that integrate with Oracle and SAP backends.
- SAP
With the latest version of SAP, cross-platform apps can be created using single HTML5 codebase. It also supports Cordova, so that users can leverage myriads of SAP Fiori apps on desktop as well as mobile.
- Alpha
With Alpha Anywhere, you can create cross-platform apps for PCs, Macs as well as major mobile OS. It utilizes HTML5 and JavaScript as a universal codebase. Recent update allows you to develop apps for offline use as well.
- 5app
With 5app, not only you can create cross-platform apps (using JavaScript and HTML5), but also utilize its enterprise app store service. With this service, IT departments can run curated app stores, deliberately for employees.
- FeedHenry
With FeedHenry, users can benefit from cross-platform app development as well as mobile-as-a-backend service. Designers can create apps for iOS and Android platforms and offer them on-site or via cloud. FeedHenry also lets you create network apps at scale using MongoDB and Node.js.
- Corona
Corona is an ideal platform to create cross-platform apps and games for desktops, mobile devices and TV devices via one codebase.
It uses lightweight Lua script, with which you can optimize the apps for best performance.
Final Thoughts
Businesses need to reap maximum benefits from cross-platform app development tools, as they are advanced, scalable, cost-effective and deliver exceptional user experience.
Because there are so many tools available in the market, hope this list of top cross-platform app development tools helps you pick your ideal solution, which will take care of all your mobile development needs.