Ionic Hybrid Apps: What are They and Why You Should Develop Them?

When creating apps for multiple platforms, developers face two distinct challenges. Firstly, the build needs to be adapted for each platform, it essentially needs to speak the same language as the device it is operating on. Secondly, the problem of availability can be tough to deal with; that is, making sure that it can be accessed and downloaded from the device’s respective store. Of course, there is a lot more to worry about. Creating an efficient build, ensuring a pleasurable user experience and taking advantage of the device’s hardware and functionality are but a few more of the challenges that developers face. While neither native nor web-based apps offer complete solutions to these challenges, hybrid web-based apps developed through Ionic, can.

What is a Hybrid App?

Hybrid apps take advantage of HTML5 infrastructure to operate as a clean and efficient web-based app, while affording it the functionality of a native app. While they are essentially web-based apps wrapped in native functionality, they also make it much easier to develop software with cross-platform compatibility.

Enhancing Speed and User Experience

User-experience is generally one of the top reasons that developers choose to build hybrid apps. One of the main points behind it is a consistent design and style when being accessed from any platform, something which is undermined with both apps and websites. This can take a lot away from the user experience, which is why the consistency provided by hybrid apps is one of their top advantages.

Adapting to Different Platforms

As I have mentioned before, developing apps for both iOS and Android can be challenging, frustrating and time consuming for builders. When you go further and consider future maintenance on the app, the thought of having to do it on different builds can be daunting. Developers that specialise in one type of SDK might have to spend long hours familiarising themselves with the other, or might even have to outsource the task. Since Ionic web-based apps make use of native and web wraps, they can save a lot of time when developing on multiple platforms.

Native Functionality

One of the biggest disadvantages to web-based apps is that they don’t allow native functionality, such as using a phone’s camera, push notifications or location service. Web-based apps are also unable to integrate with other apps on the device, limiting their functionality. Hybrid apps, on the other hand allow for the same functionality as native apps, while providing all the advantages of web-based ones.

Ensuring Availability

Hybrid apps also make interaction with stores easier and faster. This means that you can deploy your app in shorter times while rolling out updates effortlessly. Hybrid apps also allow for offline functionality, with both the former and the latter adding to accessibility and therefor the user experience of your app.

Contact Applord to Learn More

If you would like more information on how our team of innovative app developers can assist you with building an Ionic web-based app, contact one of our representatives at Applord today or visit our website to learn more about our app and software development services for Android and iOS.