Comprehensive Analysis of Innovative Cross-Platform App Development Frameworks

Abstract

Mobile apps are increasingly realized by using a crossplatform development framework. Using such frameworks, code is written once but the app can be deployed to multiple platforms. Despite progress in research on cross-platform techniques, results (i.e. apps) are not always satisfactory. They are subject to tedious tailoring and the development effort tends to be notable. In these cases, either pure web apps (realized through web browsers) or native apps (realized for each platform separately) are chosen. Recent activities have led to new approaches. In this paper, we have a closer look at three of these, namely React Native, the Ionic Framework, and Fuse. We present a comprehensive analysis of the three approaches. Our work is based on a real-world use case, which allows us to provide generalizable advice. Our findings suggest that there is no clear winner; the frameworks incorporate notable ideas and general progress in the field can be asserted.

Progressive Web Apps: the Definite Approach to Cross-Platform Development?

“…Moreover, they had no or little access to device-specific functionality [36], [27] and relied on a generic Web appearance. While Webapps are still developed with the same basic Web technology, the actual programming is enriched by a huge variety of frameworks [37], [3]. Moreover, possibilities and performance have been improved.…”

“…Frameworks -in particular for GUI and for JavaScript -offer many additional features, e.g. Webapps that mimic a native look & feel [3]. Consequently, Webapps are popular [34], [29], [24].…”

“…Third, papers combine work with several frameworks, usually including a comparison (e.g. [3], [14], [49]), focusing on giving advice (e.g. [50]), or looking at particularities (e.g.…”

“…Although many different attempts have been made with regard to how crossplatform development frameworks should work, no technology is considered absolutely superior. Unsurprisingly, still new frameworks arise [3] despite PhoneGap [17] (previously a.k.a. Apache Cordova [18]) is widespread in industry.…”

“…In this time, the development methods have matured (cf. [2], [3], [4], [5], [6]). Parallel, the basic requirements of developing mobile apps can be said to have become less complex and more complex at the same time.…”