Native App
Overview
A native app is a software application built in a specific programming language, for the specific device platform, either iOS or Android. Native apps are installed directly onto devices and developers create a separate app version for each mobile device. The term "native" refers to this fact that the apps are built for specific platforms.
Development of Native Apps
Native apps are developed using the software development kits (SDK) provided by the platform vendors. For example, Objective-C or Swift is used for iOS, and Java or Kotlin for Android. The development tools, interface elements, and the standardized SDK make it easier for the developer to build the app. The SDK includes libraries of code, which provide features such as connecting to the internet, using the device’s hardware, and more.
Advantages of Native Apps
Native apps offer the fastest, most reliable and most responsive experience to users. They can tap into the wider functionality of the device including the camera, the accelerometer, the compass, and the list of contacts. They can also incorporate gestures (either standard operating-system gestures or new, app-defined gestures). And native apps can use the device’s notification system and can work offline.
Performance
Native apps provide the best performance of all the mobile app types available. They are compiled into machine code, which gives the best performance you can get from the mobile phone.
User Experience
Native apps are more intuitive than their hybrid counterparts. They get full support from relevant app stores and the overall app operating system, which makes them look and feel like an integrated part of the device.
Capabilities
Native apps can directly access the hardware of the device such as the GPS, camera, microphone, etc. This is not possible in web or hybrid apps.
Disadvantages of Native Apps
While there are many advantages to native apps, there are also some downsides, such as the cost. Because they are platform-specific, separate apps must be developed for each platform.
Cost
Native apps are expensive to develop. They require skilled expertise in the native language, which can be costly. Also, separate apps must be developed for each platform, which can significantly increase the cost.
Maintenance
Maintaining and updating native apps is a challenge. Any update or bug fix that you make needs to be packaged into a new version and then uploaded to the app store.
Conclusion
In conclusion, native apps provide the best user experience because they are specifically designed for a single app store, with which they are fully compatible. However, the cost of developing a native app can be higher due to the need to create app duplicates for other platforms.