Comparing Web-Based Vs. Native Mobile App Development
Written By: Shane Clark on August 14, 2020
With the increasing number of people who are using their smartphones for everything from online shopping to picking the next place to eat, it is essential to understand the difference between a web-based solution vs. a mobile application. I will cover considerations, such as costs, current technologies, and overall strategies.
Understanding the Difference Between a Web-Based / Application-Based Solution
The first step in choosing between a web-based and application-based solution is understanding how the technologies are implemented. A web-based solution relies upon a web server to provide the functionality. A host/server provides the functional code to a browser application such as Google Chrome or Safari to the mobile device.
An application-based solution is an “app” that you install on your Android/iPhone. The app residing on your phone could pull data from a server, but the data being requested is processed within the application. In some cases, the app can function without an active internet connection, but there is a requirement to have active connectivity to a server in most cases.
Understanding the Costs of a Web-Based Solution versus an Application-Based Solution
In almost all cases, the cost of developing an app will be considerably more than a web-based solution. Developing an app that will be sold in the App Store will require a more expensive Mac-based computer and a membership to the Apple Developer Program.
A web-based mobile solution is possible with limited/free software. A $400 laptop/desktop with a free version of Notepad++ is enough to develop almost any application.
Choosing Between a Web-Based/App-Based Solution
Deciding between what technology is the right fit will depend on several factors. Typically cost, and available resources drive the decision on what platform to pick. The planning required for either technology is similar and, in most cases, will guide the decision-making process. Once you have scope, designs, and wireframes in place, it will be easier to decide what path to choose.
Engineering/Development Cost Considerations
One of the most significant considerations between developing an app vs. a web-based solution will be labor costs. A professional IOS developer could cost 2-3 times the price of a web-based programmer. The other consideration will be the available engineering resources. The skill-sets required to manage/engineer a web-based project are not the same as an app-based solution.
Planning in the Early Stages
As you take your raw concept into development, it is useful to map what functionality the app will provide to potential users. Here is a good list of considerations during the app planning stages:
Determining Public/Internal Use for Your App
The audience that will be using the developed app will be a determining factor in choosing the technology that is being used. We recently built a web-based app for a large HVAC company out of Colorado that was only used by the internal staff using a particular model of Android Phone. The same app built with an intended public audience would have required a completely different strategy.
Does the app provide useful functionality?
The first step in an app development project is to determine what functionality is provided to the user. I find that it is best to run any ideas past other mobile users. Getting feedback from a co-worker, friend, or family member can help in the early development stages.
Does the app already exist?
With hundreds of millions of available apps, making sure you do not build functionality that already exists is critical. A starting point is to search both the Google Play store as well as Apple’s App Store. Even if the app already exists, there may be more that can be done to enhance/modify the functionality enough to create a viable opportunity.
What is the budget for the development of the app?
The most significant consideration to make sure you have a viable finished app is to make sure there is the available budget for the development of the application. Even the best idea for an app will not progress if there is not a budget. The cost of a basic web app can start at $10,000. An Android/iOS app will cost significantly more.
What is the budget for the marketing of the app?
Even the most fantastic idea could get lost in the “weeds” without a well-planned marketing effort. What you put into marketing will pay dividends in the amount of exposure the app will get. The right budget will depend on the type of app and its intended audience.
What resources are available for app development?
Planning for a successful mobile app development project will be dependent on available resources. A well-staffed web/software development agency should be able to provide the necessary support for an app development project.
Starting Development with an Approved Design
Regardless of whether you go with a web-based or app-based solution, it is better to begin development after all designs are approved. The approved designs can be used to create the necessary wireframes. Changes requested within the “design phase” will be easier to manage than changes done once development has started. The approved designs should allow for visualization for all aspects of the project.
iPhone/IOS App Development
There are nearly 1.85 million available downloadable apps for iOS available on Apple’s App Store. This makes Apple the second most popular app repository in the world. The iOS is developed with the Swift programming language. Apple Inc. developed Swift for iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS, and Linux. As with any app, it is essential to offer value/functionality that the user will find useful.
Android App Development
Android apps are available for download on the Google Play Store. Android is the most popular platform in the world, with nearly 3 million available apps. Java is the official language for Android development. Due to the lower cost of Android phones, there is a more significant international market share.
Hybrid Mobile App Development
A hybrid mobile app uses HTML/CSS/Javascript encapsulated in a native application using platforms like Cordova or Phone Gap. The advantage of a hybrid mobile app is the ease of development. The disadvantage of a hybrid mobile app includes a limited user interface, limitations in fully accessing native phone functionality, and slower performance.
Summary:
As the number of smartphone users continues to increase, web and app-based programs will continue to be more of a viable solution. Understanding the differences between the technologies can help in deciding on the best solution. Feel free to contact me with any questions you may have.
