Develop multi-platform apps from a single codebase

Cross-platform application development allows you to create apps that run on various devices and operating systems (including iOS, Android, desktop, and web) using just one codebase.

This approach streamlines – among others – mobile app development for iOS and Android, enabling developers to efficiently deliver apps across both major mobile platforms without needing separate native codebases.

Multi-platform app development is gaining popularity because it offers a quicker, more cost-efficient way to create high-quality apps that work across various devices and operating systems. Moreover, there’s a noticeable uptick in developers adopting these technologies, underscoring their growing appeal.

The leading cross-platform app development frameworks are Flutter, React Native, Ionic, and Kotlin Multiplatform.

Multi-platform app development offers significant benefits. With just one codebase, you can launch your app on iOS, Android, desktop, and web, reducing development and maintenance costs. A smaller, specialized team can manage the process, leading to quicker market releases and a consistent UX across different devices and operating systems.

In search of cross-platform developers, look for specialized companies that offer multiplatform services and make sure to:

1. Review the company’s portfolio to learn about its approach to creating multiplatform apps, the development process, and the outcomes they have achieved.
2. Read customer feedback to find out what they liked and what could be improved about working with the team. If there are no reviews available on your chosen cross-platform app development company’s website, you can check on Clutch to read clients’ feedback.
3. Check their area of expertise. No company is specialized in all available frameworks, so it’s important to verify their know-how before hiring them. If you plan to develop an app using Flutter, look for a company specializing in this technology.

Ask for a consultation. Speaking with your possible team will help confirm if it is the correct decision to fulfill your requirements.

Multiplatform apps are more cost-effective in both development and maintenance. With a cross-platform solution, a single codebase serves multiple platforms, allowing one team to oversee the entire project efficiently. In contrast, native app development often demands additional time and resources since each step must be tailored for every targeted platform. This can also require hiring separate teams for each platform, significantly increasing the cost of launching your app compared to cross-platform development.

Many leading companies, from start-ups to tech giants, use cross-platform app development services for their mobile solutions. Examples include Facebook, Instagram, Google Ads, myBMW, Xianyu by Alibaba, Nubank, and many more!

To decide whether a cross-platform solution is right for your project, it is best to evaluate it with experienced professionals who can guide you according to your project requirements and business objectives. In general, cross-platform development is beneficial for a wide range of apps targeting multiple platforms, regardless of a company’s size, industry, or stage of development.

How cross-platform applications handle platform-specific features depends on the framework. For example, Flutter uses highly customizable, pre-built widgets that allow developers to adjust their properties and styles to achieve the desired look and behavior on each platform. React Native, on the other hand, allows you to create UI native components for Android and iOS to suit your app’s unique needs.

While the performance of cross-platform apps can vary based on the project’s specific needs, advancements in technology have led most of these apps to achieve performance levels comparable to native apps, even in the realm of web applications. For most cases, iOS Android cross-platform development now delivers high performance that rivals native solutions, thanks to modern frameworks and optimized coding practices.

When choosing a cross-platform development company, look for one that offers:

• Discovery: Identifying user needs and challenges that your app must address.
• Design: Tailoring the design of your app to meet business goals.
• Development: Building from scratch or converting an existing native app using multiplatform frameworks such as Flutter.
• QA Testing: Identifying and fixing issues before the app launch.
• Launch & Ongoing Support: Releasing and continuously improving your product.

To pick the best cross-platform development app company for your needs, look for ones with a proven track record, client testimonials, and expertise in your desired cross-platform framework. Clutch is a great site where you can find these companies and see customer reviews.

The future of multiplatform app development is promising as evolving cross-platform tools enable the creation of high-quality apps across different platforms using a single codebase. The developer community expands quickly, especially around frameworks like Flutter. For businesses, this means lower development and maintenance costs without sacrificing the app’s quality, which explains the growing demand for such solutions.