Native apps. Everything you need to know

Can you tell us how many mobile applications you have on your device? How many of them are native apps?

The world of mobile applications is becoming more and more popular. For this reason, we can talk about different types of apps and new programming languages that facilitate the development and work of programmers.

When starting a software development project, especially mobile applications, one of the most frequently asked questions is about the types of apps. Three different types of apps exist and clients need to know which would be the most suitable.

One of the most popular types of apps is native applications. So in today’s post, we will talk about them, the programming languages that are usually used, and the advantages of developing a native app.

Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about native apps and their development!

aplicaciones nativas / native apps

Our team creates mobile apps for global businesses through a careful process that allows you to get the best apps for your company.

What are native mobile apps?

To get started, you need to know what native applications are. These applications are those that are developed for a specific operating system, mainly Android or iOS. Both operating systems are the best known and used in mobile devices worldwide.

They are called native applications because they are developed for the native operating system of each device. These types of mobile applications are those that we download in the app stores such as the Play Store (Android) and the App Store (iOS).

The most common process is to create two applications, one for Android and one for iOS. However, the level of design, functionality, and user experience are the same.

In this way, it is possible to create native applications fully adapted to each operating system, thus offering a more complete and unique experience to users.

Although they are usually the applications to which more budget has to be dedicated due to the greater work involved, native applications are also the most developed thanks to their great performance.

What are the programming languages to create a native app?

As we have said before, the process of creating a native application is different depending on the operating system for which it is being programmed. As this is the case, the programming languages with which programmers work are different depending on whether you want to design a native application for the iOS or Android system.

This is so because both operating systems are from different manufacturers, the manufacturer of the first is Apple; while the second is Google. This is why the programming languages to be used for native mobile applications are different.

Java is the language used for developing a native Android app, while to create a native iOS app, the programming languages used are Objective-C and Swift.

desarrollo de aplicaciones nativas / native app development

We develop fast and reliable progressive web mobile apps (PWA) with native alike experience.

Advantages and disadvantages of native applications.

The development of native mobile applications has great advantages, this is the reason that more and more businesses decide to develop an app with these characteristics. Although like everything, there are also some disadvantages that we will name below.

The advantages of creating a native app:

Great level of customization

Thanks to the fact that native apps are developed specifically for each operating system, the level of customization and optimization is very high and this allows us to offer an optimal and appropriate user experience to the people who use an application.

With this level of customization, it is possible to develop more complete and complex apps with functionalities adapted to the needs of each project, being able to make any idea that you have in your mind come true.

In addition, the fact that an application adapts to each operating system reduces errors as they are made specifically for each system.

Offline use

Another great advantage of a native mobile application is that it can be used without an internet connection, which allows users to use it anytime, anywhere. Although, you have to take into account that will be some functionalities that will need that connection.

Security

Given the importance today of security in the digital and technological world and the possible cyberattacks, creating secure mobile applications is essential.

Native mobile applications are those that are downloaded from stores such as Play Store and App Store. In order to upload an application to some of these platforms, they must pass some security controls in order to be published. Due to these measures, the native apps that are published have to pass more exhaustive security controls than other types of applications.

As we have said before, not all are advantages in native applications, but there are some disadvantages such as price, time, and resources that must be invested in their development.

As they are customized tools made for each operating system, professionals who have knowledge and work experience in different programming languages and therefore more time and resources are needed, which is why their price is higher compared to other types of applications such as web apps or hybrids.

At ABAMobile, we have been developing mobile applications of all kinds, especially native ones, since 2012. On our website, you have available some of the success stories that we have carried out throughout all these years. From native applications for the tourism sector, events, logistics and transport or health and well-being.

Get in touch with our team to schedule our first meeting