There is now widespread recognition of the importance of mobile applications, which has resulted in a huge increase in investment in apps by companies.

However, despite the growth in the number of companies dedicated to app development, the offer is so great that it can become confusing. It is not enough to want to develop a mobile application, it is also necessary to decide what type of mobile application you want to develop.

Today, we cover 4 types of mobile application, underline differences and affinities between each one and leave you with some suggestions on what type of mobile application you should invest in.

Web applications

Web applications are, at heart, websites optimized for mobile devices. They offer an experience similar to native applications, but are used through browsers. Within this typology of applications, we highlight two: Responsive Web Applications and Adaptive Web Applications.

The great advantages of Web Applications are:

• The user does not need to install the application on his mobile device;
• Updates may be automatically available;
• The development cost is lower because simpler programming languages ​​are used.

As a main disadvantage, we highlight the impossibility of using all the native features of the mobile device.

Native Applications

A Native App is the type of mobile application that we are most used to seeing on our mobile devices. In this case, the code is specific to these devices. They offer advantages such as:

The possibility of integrating functionalities of the smartphone or tablet, such as camera, contacts, calendar, etc;

• High performance;
• Some of these applications can be used offline;

However, as in the case of Web Apps, there are also some disadvantages, starting with higher development costs and times, given the need to use specific code for this type of app.

Hybrid Applications

A hybrid application has many similarities with Native Apps, since it can be installed in application stores. However, the development process differs. Hybrid applications are developed using programming languages ​​common to web applications, such as CSS, Javascript and HTML.

In terms of advantages, we emphasize:

• Development costs and times are lower than in native applications.
• They can be used on all types of devices.

In terms of disadvantages, Hybrid applications have:

• Degradation of the app's performance in the case of applications with high quality graphics needs;
• Need for a native plugin to access the device's features (camera, touch screen, GPS, etc.);
• Hybrid applications are dependent on open source frameworks and libraries.

Having a mobile application can be extremely beneficial for your company, especially at the identity level. Imagine your logo on users' screens every day: this will make the customer retain more of your brand. Carefully consider the need for your company to have a mobile application and make the best decision for your business strategy.

Zalox specializes in the development of mobile applications. If you want to embark on the world of mobile applications, contact us, we will be happy to help you achieve your goals.