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There was a time when HTML5 apps and native apps ruled the mobile app ecosystem. Although they are still very much relevant, another kind of app has increased tremendously in popularity. We are talking about the Hybrid apps that are actually the blend of HTML5 and native app rolled into one. In case of a Developing HTML5 Hybrid Apps, the HTML5 source code is wrapped inside a native container and exhibits most of the virtues of the native apps.
The best part of having a hybrid app developed is the ease of development that comes along with HTML5 as compared to native apps where complex programming languages like Objective-C, Java, Swift, etc. are used. Frameworks like PhoneGap/Cordova use wrapper technologies to compile the HTML5, JavaScript and CSS code to native operating systems like iOS, Android, Windows and others. These frameworks also let the Hybrid apps access the device’s hardware and software functionalities through APIs.
Although HTML5 Hybrid apps are a great choice for having the business register an eventful mobile presence, there are some precautions that are needed to be exercised while developing them.
Some of the do’s and don’ts have been discussed here in detail.
Do’s
- For apps that rely on data, you must use a JavaScript MVC framework that does use a heavy library. Frameworks that are best suited for the purpose are Angular JS, App.js and Backbone.js as they all rely on lighter libraries like Thorax.
- To make the app lighter, you are required to decrease the file size but not at the cost of efficiency and performance. For compressing the CSS and JS files, there are tools like cssminifier.com and jscompress.com that work the best. However, after you have compressed the files, you must test the app to ensure that it works fine.
- Just like the HTML, CSS and JavaScript, the graphics used in the app also need to be optimized. Tools like tinypng.com let you compress the images that you use in the app without losing the quality and sharpness and thus, contribute in making the app lighter for the users.
- Make sure to use the local storage for the app to facilitate offline access, re-render the screens and also reduce the service calls from the users. When it comes to hybrid apps, speed becomes a crucial issue and local storage helps in enhancing the performance and efficiency of the hybrid apps.
- Use of a UI library is also recommended as it syncs well with Angular JS and provides native like transition abilities to the hybrid app.
Don’ts
- Do not consider going for the Hybrid way for apps that have a lot of functionalities and can be described as complex at best. If you are thinking of cramming complex logic and expect a whole lot of data-handling, Hybrid apps are not suitable. It is better to assess the features of the app before choosing the app type.
- Never use heavy libraries like jQuery for Hybrid app development. These libraries including jQuery Mobile have an adverse impact on the performance of the Hybrid apps. Likewise heavy plugins and frameworks must also be avoided.
- All the views that make the screen of your app must not be loaded at once. If the screen is a combination of both texts and images, the text needs to be loaded first and the images later through separate data call in a sequential manner. This leads to faster app loading and hence, contributes to a better user experience.
- Although Hybrid apps are touted to be “right once run every where”, the reality is quite different. You must not publish the app on all operating systems without adjusting the CSS code and other factors like image optimization.
- You must not go for Hybrid app development if you are trying to build an app that is high on graphics and animation. Such apps require different engines like Unity and such others that are not compatible with Hybrid app development.
Closing Remark
Hybrid apps can surely take your business to new heights provided the app is build with care. The do’s and don’ts of developing hybrid apps discussed here must be kept in mind while you get your hybrid app developed from an offshore agency or do it yourself.
