The mobile application market has been elevated – increasing by 58 percent since 2015 with mobile users spending at least 100 percent more time with their handset. The development of a mobile app is an ongoing process. Due to the ever-changing nature of the mobile device industry where different mobile phones are often launched with new features, mobile app developers need to ensure that their app works on the maximum number of devices. It is definitely not practical for developers to make different apps for the different systems mobile devices run on. Developers now develop cross-platform mobile apps – allowing them to not only save time but costs too!

This article by Thunderquote aims to show you the top five cross-platform development tools that will help you ship your app across all platforms. Or in this case, help your desired professional app developer to do so!

The Top 5 Cross-Platform App Development tools

1. PhoneGap

Phonegap is undoubtedly the most popular cross-platform development brand within the development community. It is now an Adobe-owned tool and it is based on the open source Apache Cordova project. The best part of this tool is that it is completely free to use! Who doesn’t love free stuff right?!  It helps first time app developers to translate their codes from HTML5, JavaScript and CSS.

They also maintain software development kits for each of the platform created by app developers. This makes it easier for app developers to keep track of the development of the different apps. The kits lessen the burden on the app developer’s shoulders. It allows for developers to use their time and energy making the app rather than worrying about the logistics. Users of PhoneGap may also assign the kits to their team for checks or trial tests.

 

2. Sencha

Sencha’s cross platform app development programs like Sencha Architect, Sencha IDE Plugins and more. The most popular tool is – Sencha Ext JS 6 as it not only provides a single framework for creating applications but produce the best user experience while writing less codes. Can you imagine the amount of work taken off your app developer’s shoulder if they are able to write lesser codes?

Sencha allows the developer to develop the code in HTML5 format and allows apps to run across all the browsers and touch-based devices. Once a code is made or converted to HTML5 format it is very simple and quick to use them to both iOS and Android. The downside for this app is the cost –the platform is priced at $3,225 per year for up to five developers and then $12,495 per year for up to 20 developers.

It might be a lot of money to throw down at once but if you are an established company and you want to get this for your employees, it is a great investment!

3. Appcelerator

Appcelerator is an app development tool that focuses on providing high-quality app development platforms and providing it in the most efficient and effective way. The Titanium version of the tool uses JavaScript and creates iOS and Android apps.

The tool translates about 60 to 90 percent of the code very quickly thus saving time for the app developers. Additionally, the tool offers virtual private cloud option for its enterprise customers. This feature would be valuable to your business if you have a lot confidential company data that needs to be obtained. The cost for this app is different for every consumer. This is because the company has different kind of pricing policies. Therefore, you would need to seek the company for quotations.

Never be afraid to ask because at the end of the day it’ll only work towards your benefit!

4. SAP

SAP has been in the mobile app development market the longest. However, despite the long history, mobile app developers tend to be reluctant to use this platform because it is known for offering confusing solutions to its consumers. However, SAP acknowledged this issue and announced that they would release a new version to simplify things for the users. The latest version 3.0 helps the client develop cross platform application with a single HTML5 code. SAP has also partnered with Cordova to increase the benefits offered to the customers. The partnership allows SAP to control about hundreds of SAP Fiori app on both mobile devices and desktops.

 

5. Xamarin

Xamarin has slowly gained popularity among the app developers. This tool had a slow start but recently, it managed to achieve a record investment of $54 million dollar investment which allowed it to continue expanding. Xamarin 2 has been one of the leading tools in cross-platform development due to the speed they allow app developers to work at and the great features they offer.

Xamarin entered into a partnership with IBM, Xoriant and Microsoft, allowing developers to build iOS, Windows and Android apps using single shared C# codebase. The tool offers native API access, sharing code compatibility, ability to build WatchKit app, Calling existing Objective-C code from C# and many more…

It also has back-end integration with companies like Parse, SAP and Azure. Xamarin also offers online classes for its customers in order to support them to use the tool. Xamarin’s blog also offers an in depth analysis indicating what the tool offers. A free trial is available for all and business subscriptions start at 83 USD per month.

Note: This article does not include an extensive review of each tool. Additional research should be conducted to ensure that you choose the correct tools to use.

If you feel that you need to hire a professional app developer or get more advice from professionals that have been in the industry for years, head on over to ThunderQuote to get more information today! Let us help you!

ThunderQuote is the most comprehensive business services portal in Singapore, Australia and ASEAN , where hundreds of thousands of dollars of procurement contracts are sourced every month by major companies like Singapore Press Holdings, National Trade Union Congress and more.