Cross Platform App Development Frameworks: Top 12 Picks for 2024

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Introduction

In recent years, the landscape of cross platform mobile development has been revolutionized by cross-platform methodologies. In 2024, this paradigm allows developers to create app development frameworks that operate seamlessly across various platforms, all from a singular codebase. This trend is propelled by the increasing demand for efficient and versatile app solutions. As a result, there is a vast array of cross-platform app development tools and frameworks available, making it overwhelming for developers.

To help you find the best cross-platform framework, we have compiled a list of top options, available for cross platform app development frameworks. Before reading the details of best cross platform development frameworks, have a quick overview of cross platform app development:

Basics of Cross-Platform App Development

Cross-platform app development empowers developers to build applications for multiple operating systems like iOS and Android with using a single codebase. In contrast to native app development, which requires distinct codebases for each platform, multi platform mobile app development provides time saving and cost savings. It is also simplified development processes, and a consistent user experience across different devices.

For example: Instagram, Skype, Google Ads, Amazon Prime are examples of cross-platform app development.

What is a Cross-Platform App Development Framework?

Cross-platform software run on multiple computing platforms like Android, iOS, Windows, and Blackberry without requiring separate coding for each. This method is popular in cross platform frameworks and is used by top mobile app development services companies. They use advanced mobile frameworks and tools like Flutter, React Native, and Ionic. Each of these frameworks offers unique advantages, which we will discuss in detail.

Why Cross-Platform Solutions are Important and Popular

Cross-platform frameworks are gaining popularity due to their alignment with modern app development strategic goals. Their advantages make them a practical and preferred choice in the rapidly evolving app marketplace. Lets see some benefits:

1. Cost Efficiency

Multi platform mobile application development is a modern technology. By utilizing a single codebase for multiple operating systems, it dramatically slashes development costs. This approach eliminates the need for distinct development teams for iOS and Android, channeling resources more effectively and economically.

2. Faster Time-to-Market

Cross-platform app development frameworks enable a swifter journey from conception to launch. A unified codebase accelerates not only the initial rollout but also subsequent updates and enhancements, allowing your app to hit the market rapidly and stay ahead of competitors.

3. Multiplatform Launch

Release your app across various platforms simultaneously with cross-platform app development. It ensures that your app reaches a diverse audience all at once, providing a cohesive and synchronized user experience that spans different devices and operating systems.

4. Broader Audience

Expand your app’s reach by catering to both iOS and Android users through a single development effort, you tap into a broader market. This inclusivity translates into greater user acquisition, engagement, and ultimately, success for your app.

5. Seamlessly Functioning App

Cross-platform app development frameworks come equipped with robust tools and libraries that guarantee a smooth, native-like performance. Users will enjoy a consistent experience, whether they’re on an iPhone or an Android device, as these frameworks adeptly handle the intricacies of different operating systems.

6. Simplified Maintenance

Maintenance includes, updates, bug fixes, and new features can be deployed across all platforms simultaneously. This unified approach not only simplifies the process but also ensures that all users benefit from the latest enhancements at the same time.

Best Frameworks for Cross-Platform Mobile App Development

When you are about to develop a mobile app, it is important to know the types of mobile app development, secondly you need to understand how each cross platform app development framework works and what is best for you. Each framework offers unique features and advantages, from reducing development time and costs to providing native-like performance and seamless user experiences across multiple platforms. This section will help you choose which to choose and why?

1. Ionic

Ionic is considered a leader in cross platform app development. It is based on AngularJS which allow developers to use a combination of HTML5, JavaScript, and CSS along with the Cordova wrapper to access native platform controllers. Moreover, this is an open-source cross platform app development framework that enable developers to create highly interactive and native-like user interfaces. It has the ability to offer extensive UI components and use Cordova plugins to access device features like the camera, GPS, and audio recorder makes it a strong contender in cross-platform development. Furthermore, Ionic’s use of web technologies allows developers to leverage their existing skills, thus reducing the learning curve and speeding up the development process.

2. React Native

React Native is built on JavaScript. It offers a native-like feel and a preferred choice for developing apps that work seamlessly on both Android and iOS. Its open-source nature and large community support enhance its appeal. This mobile app development framework allows the use of native modules and libraries, enabling developers to perform heavy operations like image editing and video processing. Its compatibility with third-party plugins and focus on a responsive UI further bolster its utility. The mobile development framework’s ability to deliver high-performance applications with a single codebase makes it ideal for companies looking to deploy apps quickly without compromising on quality.

3. Flutter

Flutter is an innovation of Google for the aim of building apps for any screen. This is a software development kit that supports the rapid development of Android and iOS apps. In a survey it was mentioned as the best cross platform development framework. It features a reactive framework that updates UI content automatically and promotes portable GPU rendering for high-performance interfaces. Flutter’s inbuilt graphic engine and ability to efficiently remake widget trees make it an ideal choice for creating dynamic applications. Additionally, Flutter’s hot reload feature allows developers to see the results of their code changes instantly, greatly enhancing the development workflow and reducing debugging time.

4. Xamarin

Xamarin is used as a smart development strategy as it allows the development of apps for Android, Windows, and iOS with up to 90% code reuse. It provides native-level functionality through plugins and specific APIs and supports linking with native libraries, which makes it a top choice for developing applications with native aesthetics and functionality. Xamarin’s robust compile-time checking and reduced runtime errors ensure high-quality applications, while its seamless integration with Visual Studio offers a comprehensive development environment for developers.

5. NativeScript

NativeScript a free of cost cross platform app development framework based on JavaScript. It offers WORA (Write Once, Run Anywhere) functionality and allows the use of existing plugins from NPM. Its capability to access native APIs without WebViews and use Angular and TypeScript for programming makes it a versatile tool for cross-platform development. NativeScript’s ability to provide platform-native UIs without compromising on performance or user experience makes it a preferred choice for developers aiming to create high-quality apps across multiple platforms.

6. Node.js

Node.js is known for its high efficiency and responsiveness. Also, it is a JavaScript runtime built on the Chrome V8 engine. It supports the development of server-side and scalable networking apps with asynchronous APIs and a rich library of JavaScript modules. Node.js is particularly noted for its non-blocking nature and ability to handle numerous concurrent connections. This framework’s event-driven architecture makes it suitable for building real-time applications, such as chat applications or online gaming platforms, where performance and scalability are crucial.

7. Titanium SDK

Appcelerator Titanium SDK framework simplifies mobile app development with native components in JavaScript code. It offers tools for rapid application development, schema-less data stores, and pre-built connectors for various services, making it an excellent choice for creating cross-platform apps with minimal effort. Appcelerator’s ability to provide a native-like experience with a single codebase significantly reduces development time and costs, making it an attractive option for startups and small businesses.

8. PhoneGap

When you choose to leverage existing web technologies like CSS, JavaScript, and HTML5, PhoneGap supports the development of apps for multiple platforms from a single codebase. It enables access to device features and offers cloud solutions for feedback during the development process. PhoneGap’s plugin architecture allows developers to extend the functionality of their apps easily, ensuring that they can access native device capabilities without extensive native coding.

9. Sencha Touch

Sencha is ideal for developing web-based cross-platform app development framework as it provides built-in native-looking themes, a backend data package, Cordova integration, and a vast array of customizable UI widgets, making it a robust framework for creating efficient applications. Sencha Touch’s ability to deliver high-performance apps with a rich user experience makes it suitable for enterprise-level applications that require a sophisticated UI and seamless performance across devices.

10. Corona SDK

Corona SDK is a 2d game engine that works with a multi platform mobile application development framework. It focuses on 2D mobile application development and offers rapid development capabilities. It supports real-time testing, a rich API library, and relies on the Lua programming language for quick and powerful application development. Corona SDK’s emphasis on performance and ease of use makes it ideal for developing games and interactive applications that require fast, responsive graphics and smooth animations.

11. Kotlin Multiplatform

Kotlin is a mobile app framework by JetBrains that extends the Kotlin language to allow shared code across Android and iOS, while still supporting native UI components. It integrates seamlessly with existing projects, providing a genuine shared codebase experience. Kotlin Multi Platform’s ability to leverage platform-specific features while maintaining a shared business logic layer ensures that developers can build high-quality, performant applications without duplicating effort.

12. Framework 7

Framework 7 is a full featured, free and open-source framework for developing mobile, desktop, and web apps with a native look and feel. It provides a wide array of UI elements, does not depend on React or Angular, and offers control over app performance and behavior. Framework 7’s flexibility and ease of integration with various front-end technologies make it a versatile choice for developers looking to create cross-platform applications that are visually appealing and functionally robust.

Key Insights on Best Cross Platform Mobile Development Frameworks

Expert surveys and reports mentioned that there was a tough competition between Flutter and React native, however, Flutter indicated the best cross platform app development framework as of its unique strengths. Lets see insights:

React Native: Statista global trend 2019 to 2020 in the Flutter vs. React Native battle in a survey made with almost 20,000 respondents, Flutter was going head to head with React Native. It was a popular choice since its release in March 2015. The framework was later the second most popular after Flutter, as highlighted in the 2023 Stack Overflow Developer Survey.
Flutter: An open-source UI development framework, has rapidly become the leading multi-platform technology since its official release in December 2018. According to the A survey from 2022 indicated that 46% of developers opted for Flutter, making it the most popular cross-platform mobile framework. The year 2023 witnessed over 2 million developers embracing Flutter, a substantial increase in its developer community.

Need a Cross Platform Application?

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Conclusion

In conclusion, cross-platform app development is reshaping the mobile app industry, providing numerous benefits that align with the needs of contemporary developers. Whether it’s cost efficiency, rapid market entry, or broader audience reach, cross-platform solutions offer strategic advantages without sacrificing performance or user experience.

However, choosing the right framework depends on factors such as your app’s requirements and your team’s expertise. For instance, frameworks like Flutter and React Native are suitable for complex animations and user interactions. Understanding all the cross platform app development framework available, will help you choose what’s best for your business and thrive in the smartphone driven world.