A list of the top hybrid frameworks for developing a cross-platform mobile application from knowledgeable Atlanta mobile app developers
Given how usership has transitioned from primarily desktop to mobile, how important is it that UI/UX developers become familiar with various frameworks?
TL;DR version: Very.
The dramatic shift in the way people use the Internet—transitioning from stationary desktops to mobile web and applications—has been all too apparent in recent years. Now that consumers rely heavily on mobile web connectivity and mobile apps, numerous frameworks have been developed to help developers rollout custom apps to the public more effectively and easily.
Apps are big business. Currently, there are over 3 million apps available to Android and Apple users – two of the largest app stores. To ensure this huge demand for apps is met, developers must labor day and night to keep churning them out, and most developers use a handful of frameworks to get the job done.
Top Mobile App Development Frameworks
The following 7 hybrid UI/UX frameworks are highly popular for their user-friendly features and cross-platform compatibility:
1. Famo.us
Famo.us is a JavaScript-based, open source framework that allows developers to build complex and highly functional apps. Famo.us can also be used to develop desktop web apps. It uses JavaScript with open source 3D components (layout and physics animation) that can be deployed with Canvas, DOM and/or WebGL.
2. Ionic
For the modern mobile app developer to establish himself or herself as knowledgeable in the world of hybrid app development, they must be familiar with Ionic. Ionic is an industry leader when it comes to cross-platform mobile development. Moreover, Ionic’s developers are constantly upgrading the framework.
Those who want to develop applications and websites with mobile first and responsive design should consider jQuery Mobile. With its HTML-5 interface, jQuery Mobile can run basically any kind of app you desire (i.e. Android, iOS, Mac OS or Windows) as long as it supports HTML5.
4. Kendo UI
Kendo UI was designed to play nicely with modern HTML UI, and it’s a virtual workhorse. Kendo UI is compatible with CSS3, HTML5 and JavaScript. It also comes with jQuery, AngularJS and even supports Bootstrap. On top of all of this, Kendo UI has an open source version (Kendo UI Core) to go along with a paid commercial version (Kendo UI Professional) that has enterprise features.
Mobile Angular UI is easy to use, especially if you already have some familiarity with Angular JS and Bootstrap. In fact, if you choose to use Mobile Angular UI, you’ll have access to both Bootstrap 3 and Angular. However, you won’t be boxed in to using Bootstrap JS or jQuery.
6. Onsen UI
Onsen UI is quickly becoming a competitor for Ionic. As another open source framework, Onsen UI makes use of Angular directives and Topcoat framework to run its UI. For those familiar with jQuery, this is a great option as you have the option to use it over Angular if you’re planning to build a hybrid app.
7. Sencha Touch
When it comes to hybrid app development, Sencha Touch is among the most popular—especially when designing cross-platform apps that incorporate HTML5 and JavaScript. The main problem you’re likely to encounter using Sencha Touch is that while you’re afforded the option to use a multitude of products, they tend to come with a hefty price tag. If your business (or yourself if you freelance) has the cash to spend, Sencha Touch also uses Ext.JS (a big player in the game of JavaScript frameworks), which allows developers to create near native apps.
As the needs of the masses continue to shift from desktop to mobile, it’s increasingly important that UI/UX developers familiarize themselves with all the tools available to them. Not only will this familiarity make our jobs easier, it will also increase user satisfaction.
Of course, I’ve just scratched the surface of the innumerable app frameworks available to the modern app developer. Let’s hear from you!
What are some of your favorites? Drop a comment below or reach out if you have any questions.
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