A Comparative Study of Cross-platform Mobile Application Development
ASM Institute of Computer and Management Studies Thane-(W)
Suraj Prasad
Abstract
The rapid growth of mobile devices and platforms has led to an increased demand for mobile applications. However, developing mobile applications that run on multiple platforms poses a significant challenge for developers. Cross-platform mobile application development has emerged as a solution to this challenge by enabling the development of applications that can be deployed on multiple platforms using a single codebase.
This study aims to provide a comparative analysis of cross-platform mobile application development approaches and their effectiveness in terms of development time, cost, performance, and user experience. The study evaluates three popular cross-platform frameworks: React Native, Flutter, and Xamarin.
The research methodology involves the development of sample mobile applications using each framework and analyzing the key metrics mentioned above. Development time is assessed by measuring the time required to develop the applications using each framework. Cost analysis is conducted by considering factors such as licensing fees, developer resources, and maintenance expenses. Performance evaluation is carried out by comparing the application's speed, responsiveness, and resource utilization. User experience is assessed through user testing, feedback, and analysis of user ratings and reviews.
The findings of this study provide insights into the strengths and limitations of each cross-platform framework, aiding developers and organizations in selecting the most suitable approach for their mobile application development projects. The results reveal that React Native offers faster development time and cost-effectiveness, while Flutter provides excellent performance and a rich set of customizable UI components. Xamarin, on the other hand, offers seamless integration with existing .NET libraries and tools.
This comparative study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by presenting a comprehensive evaluation of the most widely used cross-platform mobile application development frameworks. It provides practical guidance for developers and organizations seeking to leverage cross-platform development to maximize efficiency and reach a broader audience with their mobile applications.