Get Competitive Edge with the Right Web Application Development Approach

Posted by PriyankPanchal on May 4th, 2015

Web applications can go two routes—native or web-based. Both approaches have their pros and cons and if you want to gain competitive edge over your peers in the business, choosing the right approach is critical. One major difference between native and web-based apps is the way they are delivered. A native app is a type of software or application built for a specific platform (e.g. iPhone or Android). They are designed using the code libraries of the platforms they are being created for as well as to access their available hardware features, like GPS, camera, and microphone. On the other hand, web-based apps, are hosted on the web to be accessed from a browser on the user's mobile/computer device.

As earlier mentioned, both of these approaches have their pluses and downsides. Considering each is a good way to determine the right way to go for your Web Application development project:

•    Speed – Native apps tend to be more responsive and faster because codes that run the application are stored locally, instead of a server or the cloud. No time is wasted waiting for static content to be downloaded, although some dynamic content may still need to be accessed via the web.

•    Local storage – Native apps can also run asynchronously, which means dynamic information can also be stored temporarily on the device and then synced with the web-based server later.

•    More killer features – The native app approach allows you access to the specific platform's hardware features. It enables more interesting functionalities for your application, like accessing GPS information, taking photos, leveraging NFC (near field communication), making phone calls, etc. On the other hand, web-based apps, are agnostic, which means they are created to run on multiple platforms with varying hardware features that are simply impossible to leverage.

•    Separate code base – Probably the biggest drawback of native apps versus web-based ones is that they use a separate code base for each individual platform. This means a great deal of redevelopment and adaptation should they want to target users of other platforms and operating systems.

•    Single solution – Web-based apps offer a one-size fits all solution. Ironically, the biggest upside to a web-based approach is also the biggest downside to native apps, because web-based apps allow for a centralized solution for different devices. Once launched and ready, the app can be accessed and used by everyone, regardless of the platform immediately—no waiting for a certain platform's version to be released to enjoy it.

•    Real-time updates –Web-based apps also afford real-time updates as they can commence as they become available and even while you are using the application.

About the Author

This article is written by Priyank Panchal who is head of development at Schnell Solutions Limited. He leads several teams of multi-skilled software developers which work with Schnell's customer around the globe on their IT transformation and modernization initiatives including bespoke software development applications.  He is also responsible for various services offered by Schnell viz. Bespoke Software Development and Consulting, Web and Mobile App Development, IT Audit and Ebase Xi. Prior to working with Schnell, Priyank has worked for a large multi-national organization which specializes in Integration and Automation, and responsible for creating and delivering innovative web and service transformation projects across the globe.