There are mobile apps for everything, whether you want to order pizza or book a movie ticket online.
Have you ever wondered what are the things used in making these mobile applications? Besides the brilliant minds of mobile app developers, there are hundreds of mobile app development frameworks which are used to make these mobile apps work seamlessly.
A framework for Mobile App Development can be termed as a library that provides the basic structure needed to develop an application. To put it in simple terms, it serves as a layout that can help app developers develop robust applications.
If you have also considered developing a mobile application, but are confused about the best framework for mobile app development, then this blog post will be of great assistance to you.
Here we are going to mention the top 5 mobile app development frameworks, so you can compare them and make an assortment of the best ones.
So, let’s get started.
Best Mobile App Development Frameworks in 2022
1. React Native
When we think about a cross-platform mobile app development framework, the very first name that comes to mind is React Native App Development.
It is an open-source Javascript framework that helps developers to develop mobile applications for both Android and iOS platforms simultaneously.
React Native is developed by Facebook and emerging as the best framework for app development by enabling developers to develop reliable, powerful, and quality applications in the least time possible.
Features
- Low-code
- Easy to maintain
- Live reload
- Supports both Android and iOS
- Easy compatibility with 3rd party libraries
- Code reusability
When You Should Use React Native
- When you want to develop mobile apps for both Android and iOS in the shortest time frame possible.
- When your application has a high dependence on third-party APIs.
- Ideally, you want a cross-platform app that needs the least maintenance.
Mobile Apps Built Using React Native
- Skype
- Walmart
- Airbnb
- Uber Eats
- Wix
2. Flutter
Flutter is an open-source framework introduced by Google to develop cross-platform mobile applications that are compatible with both Android and iOS from a single codebase.
Unlike other hybrid mobile app development platforms, flutter uses the Dart programming language instead of JavaScript.
Flutter offers different UI widgets like scrolling, navigation, icons, fonts, and material design which helps the developers to achieve a native-like experience.
Features
- Hot Reload
- Support from Google
- Native-like app performance
- Wide collection widget library
When You Should use Flutter:
- An ideal choice for low-cost app development
- When you want to develop both Android and iOS mobile applications with the similar codebase
Mobile Apps Built Using Flutter
- Google Ads
- KlasterMe
- Postmuse
- Hamilton
3. Xamarin
Xamarin is yet another free and open-source framework owned by Microsoft used for building mobile applications with a native-like feel across platforms such as Android, iOS, WatchOS, macOS, and Windows.
Xamarin framework makes use of the C# and .NET programming language to create mobile apps with a native-like feeling across multiple platforms with a similar codebase.
Apart from mobile application development, the Xamarin framework can also be used to develop apps for both Android and Apple wearable devices.
By offering the platform-specific UI elements, Xamarin takes the initiative to deliver a native user experience across multiple operating systems.
Features
- Native user experience
- Integrates back end with the Microsoft Azure, Parse, and SAP
- Platform-specific plugins
- XAML hot reload
When You Should Use Xamarin
- When you want to develop cross-platform apps with flawless native user experience.
- If security is your prime concern.
- If your mobile application needs to work offline without losing its performance
Mobile Apps Built Using Xamarin
- Just Giving
- Storyo
- The World Bank
- FreshDirect
- Insightly
- MRW Courier
- Alaska Airlines
4. IONIC
IONIC is another highly popular framework for mobile application development. It utilizes the programming languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to develop native, hybrid, and web apps.
Moreover, IONIC can be integrated with most of the front-end app development frameworks like Angular, React, Vue, and even Vanilla JavaScript.
The IONIC App Development platform offers a vast array of predesigned UI components that provide a responsive user look and feel on all mobile devices and platforms.
Features
- Cross-platform support
- Web-standards based
- Beautiful design
- Simplicity
- Cordova plugin
When You Should Use IONIC
- If you are planning on creating a mobile app using AngularJS and Cordova.
- When you want a similar codebase for different operating systems like Android and iOS.
- If you hold proficiency in web technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
Mobile Apps Built Using IONIC
- Sworkit
- JustWatch
- Honeyfi
- Marketwatch
- ChefSteps
5. Intel XDK
Intel XDK is a hybrid mobile app development framework that allows developers to create apps for smartphones, tablets, and computers simultaneously using common programming languages like JavaScript and HTML5.
The major highlight of the Intel XDK is its impeccable capabilities to create, test, debug, and deploy hybrid apps at a very low cost.
Moreover, Intel XDK is employed with the features like code hinting or code completion which ease the developer’s efforts to write codes.
Features
- Automatic code completion
- Easy device testing
- Offers support for Cordova
- Easy integration with third-party plugins
When You Should Use Intel XDK
- If you are familiar with technologies like JavaScript and HTML5.
- When your application dependency on third-party APIs is high.
Since Intel XDK doesn’t reveal the name of the companies using this framework, there is no information about the apps built using Intel XDK.
Final Takeaway
Now you have the name of the 5 best mobile app development frameworks, you can make a selection of the best framework to meet your app idea with reality.
The selection of the framework will be the subject of the type of application you want to build and how much time & money you are willing to spend. So carefully evaluate your needs and make the selection of the framework that works best for you. You can also ask your Mobile App Development Company to help you make the selection of the right framework for you. They will analyze your app needs and guide you through the selection, so you can get the best possible results for your mobile application.
