Top 8 Best Cross-Platform App Development Frameworks in 2021

There is no doubt about the fact that the battle between iOS and Android has segmented the crowd. Furthermore, the division itself happens to be a see-saw where the inclination is towards Android at present. This compels the companies to split their focus for accumulating a broad audience. Besides discrete planning, companies need to go for extra teams of developers too.

Nevertheless, it is a fact that every single situation has got a solution. In this particular case, it happens to be cross-platform app development. Before mentioning the most effective cross-platform app development frameworks, first all know here about cross-platform app development framework.

What exactly is a cross-platform app development framework?

A cross-platform application development framework happens to be a platform where it will be possible for the developers to develop mobile apps irrespective of the operating system. You simply need to analyze your app’s basic structure, which will remain the same in both operating systems. After preparing the basic structure, you will be able to work on other setups as and when required. Statistically, a minimum of one application development business works with a cross-platform application development framework out of 10.

This framework is going to get rid of all the limitations which have been mentioned above and will offer you an advantage over your rivals. Nonetheless, how can you select a cross-platform application development framework? In the subsequent paragraphs, we have mentioned the top 8 frameworks along with their advantages and drawbacks.

Top 8 most popular cross-platform mobile application development frameworks

1. React Native

2. Flutter

3. Ionic

4. Xamarin

5. Codename One

6. Adobe PhoneGap

7. NativeScript

8. Appcelerator Titanium

1. React Native

React Native happens to be the best choice for basic websites with JavaScript as a programming language. Simply speaking, React Native will be serving you much better as compared to other platforms in case there is a connection between the operating systems. Big companies such as Walmart and Facebook think in the same manner.

Pros:

• Your job will become easy because of inbuilt APIs and components

• UI will be highly reactive

• Any modification made while coding will be reflected immediately

Cons:

• Dependent largely on third-party libraries

• Complicated apps will take some time to become ready

Must Read: Why is React Native Best for Mobile App Development in 2021?

2. Flutter

When companies such as Google, BMW, and eBay use any framework, it is natural that the framework holds some value. Flutter happens to be a versatile framework because of the Dart programming language. Even an app development company that is small in size will feel comfy while working with this framework. It might be the reason why the users of Flutter have stacked in the last several years.

Pros:

• Widgets are available on an extensive scale for iOS and Android

• Simple application development procedure

• The changes made by you can be witnessed within seconds only

• The community is highly reactive with ever-increasing numbers

Cons:

• Applications happen to be quite big

• The framework will experience problems while running on a 32-bit device

Must Read: Is Flutter the Future of Hybrid App Development?

3. Ionic

This one is a developer-friendly framework that uses Angular, JavaScript, HTML, and React for development. The application can gain different accesses from these two operating systems thanks to the presence of the SaaS User Interface. Enterprises that make use of this framework include Panera, Airbus, and EA Games.

Pros:

• The possibility of going wrong is very less given that the programming languages used are quite trustworthy

• There are lots of UI components, tools, as well as plug-ins to select from

• Cordova plugins enable an easy connection between operating systems

Cons:

• It is imperative to know different programming languages, which can prove to be quite difficult

• You might be frustrated by the in-app navigation on some occasions

Must Read:6 Top Reasons To Choose Ionic Framework for Hybrid App Development

4. Xamarin

This one is amongst the most in-demand app development frameworks right now. The main reason for this happens to be the usage of the C# language. Microsoft acquired Xamarin in the year 2016, and it was turned into an open-source framework. Among the major companies that are using this framework, mention may be made of Microsoft News, BBC Good Food, and Alaska Airlines.

Pros:

• There is 90% sharing of code in both platforms, which implies that there is no need for you to code once again

• Native features are available on a wide scale

• Large number of contributors

• Eliminates any runtime error with remarkable testing options

Cons:

• Chargeable license for the companies

• Restrictions in terms of accessibility for opening source libraries

Must Read: Why is Xamarin the Great Pick for Your Cross-Platform App Development in 2021?

5. Codename One

This one is quite popular for its speed of website development and easy access. It enables independent writing of native codes from Java and Kotlin. CIPC, Hyundai Smart Care, and HBZ are several of the apps based on this framework.

Pros:

• 100% code is reusable

• 100% portable

• No dedicated hardware is required

Cons:

• It is not possible to create elaborate games

6. Adobe PhoneGap

Adobe PhoneGap, which uses simple languages such as JavaScript, HTML, and CSS, happens to be a well-known mobile app development platform. However, Adobe PhoneGap is now referred to as Cordova after Adobe discontinued its service in 2020. Adobe PhoneGap is used by applications such as Pacifica, FanReact, and JustWatch for their development.

Pros:

• Third-party, as well as custom plug-ins, are available

• Simple to develop websites with uncomplicated syntax

• Makes use of well-known programming languages, and therefore, it will be easy to recruit quality developers on-board

• Cloud solution will be available

Cons:

• Plug-ins are difficult to come across

• As compared to native apps, applications are slower

7. NativeScript

By using programming languages such as JavaScript, Angular, Vue.js, and TypeScript, NativeScript enables the user to generate native codes. It makes use of plug-ins which helps to accelerate development speed. Some well-known companies that use this framework happen to be Workbox, Traverse LLC, and GeekyAnts.

Pros:

• Native Android and iOS access

• App templates and plug-ins are already built

• 100% open for Android as well as iOS

Cons:

• The codes are not 100% usable

• Slower applications because of single thread usage

8. Appcelerator Titanium

This is one of the perfect mobile application development frameworks intended for heavy applications. Appcelerator Titanium provides almost every essential feature and pre-built MongoDB, MS SQL, Salesforce, and MS Azure. Its JavaScript coding has been responsible for developing apps such as Body Shop, CBC Media, Pulse, and so forth.

Pros:

• It is possible to access native apps with the help of Hyperloop

• Service provided by an incorporated mobile backend

Cons:

• Limited code reusability

• The creation of apps can prove to be expensive depending on the complexity

Conclusion

It is a fact that every single cross-platform application development framework comes with its pros and cons. Nevertheless, you must choose the most appropriate one depending on the requirements of your company. Although it is not possible for you to control the battle between the different operating systems, you can surely persuade your companies amongst a wider audience.