Weighted Evaluation Framework for Cross-Platform App Development Approaches

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

“…What we propose again follows general suggestions from the specific literature (particularly [8]) in conjunction with the thoughts presented in this article:…”

“…They have also exemplarily applied it to several development approaches, including Webapps and native apps as benchmarks. An extension of this original idea has been presented in 2016 [8]. This work not only provides a more extensive catalogue of evaluation criteria but also tries to include weighted evaluation that cater for novel device categories such as wearables.…”

“…Moreover, a framework should have a steep learning curve, support major platforms, and provide timely results. As should be apparent from the discussion of PWAs, a sufficient long-term feasibility is a strict requirement [8].…”

“…Parallel, the basic requirements of developing mobile apps can be said to have become less complex and more complex at the same time. On the one hand, the number of platforms with relevant market share has shrunken [7], powerful cross-platform development frameworks have emerged [8], and progress has been made in many other regards. On the other hand, device fragmentation remains a problem [8], [9], apps need to support novel device categories such as wearables [8], [10], and the technological progress is still rapid.…”

“…Despite reduced learning effort, typically lower costs, and a quicker time-to-market [12], [13] cross-platform approaches do not prevail in all cases. While there are natural exceptions -such as graphic-intensive games, which ought to be programmed with the native SDKS [14], [15] -, the choice between native apps, cross-platform generated ones, and Webapps can remain tricky [16], [8]. Although many different attempts have been made with regard to how crossplatform development frameworks should work, no technology is considered absolutely superior.…”