When we hear terminologies like “cross-platform app development”, it essentially means building applications compatible with various platforms and operating systems. 

It enables the creation of apps for multiple platforms using a single codebase. Developers are working on these tools as they are economical, have a reach for a wider audience, and require minimal resources. In the debate of native vs cross-platform app development, native applications involve two teams, whereas, for cross-platform app development, only one development team is needed. 

In this guide, I have compiled a list of various top Cross-Platform App Development Frameworks that fit best for your application. 

What is a cross-platform app development framework?

You may have several questions in your mind like “what are the top cross-platform app development frameworks” or “which cross-platform framework is the best for mobile development?”

Before answering these questions, let’s understand what these frameworks are and what significance they possess. 

They are generally a type of software that can run on various platforms such as iOS, Android, Windows, and Blackberry. The code once created will work as the keystone for the app to run on all platforms. Hence, using these cross-platform app development frameworks allows code reusability and enables developers to release the app swiftly. According to Statista, 1/3rd of mobile app developers use cross-platform tools and frameworks. Besides, they eliminate the need to use native programming languages for OSs and devices. In fact, developers can use intermediate, programming languages like HTML, JavaScript, and CSS.

5 cross-platform app development frameworks and their unique features 

The cross-platform app development frameworks empower to target multiple platforms at once. Above all, the added advantage is you can align the user experience across all the platforms. 

Ionic

Ionic is one of the best cross-platform application development frameworks. You can design highly interactive and user-friendly interfaces with user-centric features with Ionic. 

Features

• Based on the SAAS UI framework and designed particularly for mobile OS. 
• Uses Cordova plugins and provides access to in-built features like GPS, a Camera, and an Audio Recorder. 
• AngularJS, hence easily offers extensions to HTML’s syntax. 

React Native

This framework is built on JavaScript and offers native touch to mobile applications that operate both on iOS and Android. Using React Native, developers can create code that runs on various OS platforms.

Features 

• Compatible with third-party plugins like Google Maps.
• Produces responsive interface, hence minimises the loading time.
• Create immaculate applications for Windows and UWP. 

Flutter 

It uses the Dart programming language to witness real-time modifications in code. It possesses an in-built graphic engine, hence eliminating the need for a separate interface for Android and iOS. 

Features

• It develops the Minimum Viable Product as it is cost-efficient and expedites the development process.  
• Has an in-built graphic engine. Additionally, eliminates the need to distinguish interfaces for iOS and Android. 
• It only needed developers to update variables and UI changes automatically. 

Node Js 

It is an open-source and one of the best mobile app development platforms that develop server-side applications. Applications developers are responsive and highly efficient. It can manage various concurrent connections entirely, as it possesses a library of various JS modules. 

Features

• Its V8 engine is a dynamic language interpreter and executes the code speedily. 
• Minimises response time, hence developers can execute database queries altogether.
• Implements a single-threaded pattern to deliver smooth functioning apps.  

PhoneGap

It is one of the exemplary cross-platform app development frameworks that uses HTML5, CSS, and JavaScript. It leverages the ongoing web technologies and provides cloud solutions to developers for app sharing during development. 

Features

• Use a single-code base for developing cross-platform apps.
• Has a robust backend system for better speed.
• It has a plugin-able architecture for extended API in a modular way. 

Leading cross-platform apps in the market

Nowadays, tech giants don’t rely on one ‌platform. In fact, they prefer applications that run efficiently on platforms from Windows to Mac to Linux. Here is the catalogue of the most usable and demanding cross-platform applications. 

1. Firefox

It is one of the prevalent cross-platform applications, hence functions similarly to Unix, Windows, and MacOS. It is a benchmark platform that offers a native web experience for Open Web Apps. Essentially, the cross-browser platforms are crucial as many services and apps are managed online. 

2. Adobe Reader

There are various PDF readers in the market, but the essence of Adobe Reader is irreplaceable. It is a standard application and works on all platforms. 

It has a cross-platform plug-in architecture, supported by all primary web browsers. It supports Linux, Windows, Mac, Android phones, and Windows phones. 

3. Chrome

The Linux version of Chrome is the fastest rendering cross-browser platform. It has a multi-processes architecture that offers stability and extensibility. It eases the pain of device drivers and requires them to write a unique application for device configuration. 

4. Apache

Apache Cordova is a web-based cross-platform framework. It is one of the oldest frameworks. Since developers are accustomed to HTML and JavaScript, it reduces the app development time. It is a great tool to build simple apps. 

5. Thunderbird

This open-source cross-platform application manages email, newsgroups, and chat. It comes with a remarkable set of features, and every new version comprises added capabilities and improvements. 

6. VLC

It is a cross-platform framework and multimedia player that plays VCDs, DVDs, Audio CDs, and other streaming protocols. It is quick, elementary, and powerful. And plays Webcams, Streams, devices, and discs. 

Bottom Line

I hope our research on top Cross-Platform App Development frameworks will help to determine the right framework for your application. I have piled up the best mobile app development platforms that promote the notion of compatibility and cost-efficiency. They are impeccable solutions for businesses to create reliable apps compatible with all devices. 

The question is which of these frameworks is convenient for your business? Apparently, there is no direct answer to this question. It entirely depends on your app requirements and business model. After knowing their descriptions and salient features, developers can choose the best cross-platform app development frameworks. 

FAQs

Which is the best cross-platform app development platform?

Ionic is one of the best cross-platform app frameworks for mobile app development. Other remarkable platforms are React Native, Flutter, Node, and Xamarin. 

Which is the best language for cross-platform app development?

Java is an effective and robust programming language for cross-platform app development. The other demanding programming languages are JavaScript, Dart, Kotlin, and Swift.

Guest post by Shivang Jain

You may also like,

• 8 Tips for New App Developers: Expert Advice
• Why You Should Hire App Developers in India?