How to Build Cross-Platform Mobile Apps Using Python?

Python is a great choice for making mobile app that work on both iOS and Android. This guide will help you understand how to use Python to create apps that can be used on different devices.

We’ll make it simple for you to learn and give you examples to help you with each part of the process. Get ready to explore the world of making mobile apps that everyone can enjoy!

In this blog we demystify the process and empower you to create mobile applications that transcend boundaries and captivate users across diverse platforms.

Welcome to the realm where innovation meets accessibility—welcome to the world of building cross-platform mobile apps using Python!

Below we have explained the process of developing cross-platform mobile apps using Python, accompanied by practical code examples to guide you through each step.

Understanding Cross-Platform Development

Before we start making things, let’s quickly understand what cross-platform development means.

Cross-platform development lets developers write code just one time and use it on different platforms like iOS and Android.

This way, it saves a lot of time and resources because developers don’t have to make separate apps for each platform.

Top Python Frameworks for Cross-Platform Mobile App Development

As the demand for mobile applications continues to rise, developers seek efficient ways to build apps that run seamlessly across different platforms.

Python, known for its versatility and readability, has become a popular choice for cross-platform development.

Here is the list of various frameworks that empower developers to build cross-platform mobile apps using Python.

Kivy

Kivy stands out as a versatile open-source Python framework designed for rapid development of applications.

It supports multitouch events, making it ideal for interactive and responsive apps.

Kivy provides a natural user interface across multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.

Key Features:

  • Multi-touch support
  • GPU accelerated rendering
  • Support for various input devices
  • Extensible and customizable

Getting Started:

pip install kivy

BeeWare-Toga

BeeWare is not just a single framework but a collection of tools and libraries that allow developers to write native apps using Python.

Toga, a part of BeeWare, is specifically designed for building cross-platform applications.

Key Features:

  • Write once, run anywhere
  • Native look and feel
  • Supports iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Linux, and more
  • Access to native APIs

Getting Started:

pip install toga

Pyqtdeploy

Pyqtdeploy is a deployment tool that facilitates the packaging and distribution of PyQt applications.

While PyQt itself is primarily for desktop applications, pyqtdeploy extends its capabilities to cross-platform deployment.

Key Features:

  • Efficient packaging and distribution
  • Supports Windows, macOS, and Linux
  • Cross-compilation support
  • Easy integration with PyQt applications

Getting Started:

pip install pyqtdeploy

BeeWare – Briefcase

Briefcase is another component of the BeeWare suite that focuses on packaging Python projects into standalone applications.

It supports creating executables for various platforms, including mobile.

Key Features:

  • Simplifies the packaging process
  • Supports iOS and Android
  • Integration with other BeeWare tools

Getting Started:

pip install briefcase

Creating Your First Cross-Platform App

Let’s start by creating a simple “Hello World” app to get a feel for the development process.

# main.py

from kivy.app import App

from kivy.uix.button import Button

class HelloWorldApp(App):

def build(self):

return Button(text=’Hello, Cross-Platform World!’)

if _ _ name _ _ == ‘ _ _ main _ _ ‘:

HelloWorldApp().run()

Save the above code in a file named main.py and run it using the command:

python main.py

You should see a basic window with a button displaying the “Hello, Cross-Platform World!” text.

Building a Cross-Platform Calculator App

Let’s take things up a notch by creating a cross-platform calculator app.

# calculator.py

from kivy.app import App

from kivy.uix.boxlayout import BoxLayout

from kivy.uix.button import Button

class CalculatorApp(App):

def build(self):

layout = BoxLayout(orientation=’vertical’, spacing=10)

self.result = Button(text=’0′, font_size=32, size_hint=(1, 0.2))

layout.add_widget(self.result)

buttons = [

[‘7’, ‘8’, ‘9’, ‘/’],

[‘4’, ‘5’, ‘6’, ‘*’],

[‘1’, ‘2’, ‘3’, ‘-‘],

[‘0’, ‘.’, ‘=’, ‘+’]

]

for row in buttons:

h_layout = BoxLayout(spacing=10)

for label in row:

button = Button(text=label, pos_hint={‘center_x’: 0.5})

button.bind(on_press=self.on_button_press)

h_layout.add_widget(button)

layout.add_widget(h_layout)

return layout

def on_button_press(self, instance):

current_text = self.result.text

if instance.text == ‘=’:

try:

result = str(eval(current_text))

self.result.text = result

except Exception as e:

self.result.text = ‘Error’

else:

self.result.text += instance.text

if  _ _ name _ _ == ‘ _ _ main _ _ ‘:

CalculatorApp().run()

This calculator app demonstrates the potential of Python and Kivy for cross-platform app development.

Run it using the same python calculator.py command, and you’ll have a fully functional calculator on your screen.

The Python Advantage

  1. Simplicity and Readability:

Python’s clean and readable syntax makes it an ideal choice for developers. Its simplicity allows for faster development cycles, crucial in the ever-evolving landscape of mobile applications.

  1. Extensive Libraries and Frameworks:

Python boasts a rich ecosystem of libraries and frameworks, simplifying complex tasks and enhancing development speed.

This abundance of resources empowers developers to create feature-rich cross-platform apps with ease.

Getting Started with Cross-Platform Mobile App Development

  1. Choose the Right Framework:

Select a suitable cross-platform framework compatible with Python. Popular choices include Kivy, BeeWare, and PyQT.

  1. Setup Development Environment:

Install the necessary tools and set up your development environment. This may include installing Python, the chosen framework, and any additional dependencies.

  1. Understand UI/UX Design:

A crucial aspect of cross-platform development is creating a user interface (UI) that adapts seamlessly to various screen sizes and resolutions.

Prioritize a responsive design approach for optimal user experience.

The Development Process

  1. Code Logic:

Write the core logic of your application using Python. This code will be the backbone of your app, handling functionalities and interactions.

  1. UI Implementation:

Utilize the chosen framework to implement the user interface. Ensure that the design is flexible enough to accommodate variations in different platforms.

  1. Testing:

Rigorous testing is essential to identify and resolve any platform-specific issues. Emulators and real devices can be used to simulate diverse environments.

Deployment and Beyond

  1. Build and Package:

Once satisfied with the development and testing phases, build your app and package it for deployment.

  1. App Store Submission:

Follow the submission guidelines for respective app stores, ensuring compliance with platform-specific requirements.

  1. Continuous Improvement:

Embrace a mindset of continuous improvement. Monitor user feedback, address issues promptly, and consider updates to enhance your app’s features and performance.

Top Things to Consider When Hiring Python Cross-Platform Mobile App Developers

Python, with its versatility and cross-platform capabilities, has emerged as a powerful force in the creation of mobile applications.

However, the success of your venture heavily relies on the expertise and proficiency of the developers you choose to bring your vision to life.

Whether you’re launching a startup or enhancing an existing project, these insights will guide you in selecting the right professionals who can turn your ideas into exceptional, cross-platform mobile experiences.

  1. Technical Proficiency

When hiring Python cross-platform mobile app developers, technical proficiency is paramount.

Look for a development team with a strong foundation in Python, as well as experience with popular frameworks such as Kivy, BeeWare, or others.

  1. Cross-Platform Framework Expertise

Ensure that the development team is well-versed in cross-platform frameworks specific to Python.

Proficiency in these frameworks allows developers to create applications that maintain a native look and feel across different platforms, enhancing the user experience.

  1. Portfolio and Previous Projects

Examine the development team’s portfolios and assess their previous projects.

Look for examples of cross-platform mobile apps they have built using Python.

A robust portfolio not only showcases their technical skills but also provides insights into their creativity, problem-solving abilities, and adaptability to different project requirements.

  1. Communication and Collaboration Skills

Effective communication and collaboration are essential for successful project execution.

Ensure that the python development team can articulate their ideas, understand your project requirements, and work seamlessly within a team.

The ability to communicate complex technical concepts in a clear and understandable manner is a valuable skill.

  1. Problem-Solving Aptitude

Mobile app development often involves overcoming challenges and solving complex problems.

Assess the development team’s problem-solving aptitude by discussing past experiences where they successfully navigated obstacles.

A keen problem-solving mindset is crucial for handling issues that may arise during the development process.

  1. Adaptability to Emerging Technologies

The tech landscape is constantly evolving, and development teams need to stay abreast of emerging technologies.

Inquire about the candidates’ commitment to continuous learning and their ability to adapt to new tools, libraries, and trends in the Python cross-platform mobile app development space.

Conclusion

Cross-platform mobile app development with Python opens up exciting possibilities for developers.

With frameworks like Kivy, you can leverage the simplicity of Python to create powerful and interactive applications that run seamlessly on both iOS and Android devices.

Start exploring the world of cross-platform development with Python today and elevate your app development experience. Happy coding!

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is cross-platform mobile app development, and why is it important?

Cross-platform mobile app development refers to the process of creating mobile applications that can run on multiple operating systems, such as iOS and Android.

It is essential as it allows developers to write code once and deploy it across various platforms, saving time and resources compared to building separate native apps.

  1. Why choose Python for cross-platform mobile app development?

Python is chosen for cross-platform mobile app development due to its simplicity, readability, and versatility.

It offers frameworks like Kivy and BeeWare, which enable developers to create applications that work seamlessly on different platforms, making Python an attractive choice for cross-platform development.

  1. What is Kivy, and how does it facilitate cross-platform mobile app development?

Kivy is an open-source Python framework specifically designed for developing cross-platform applications.

It provides tools and libraries for multi-touch support, making it ideal for building interactive and responsive mobile apps.

Kivy allows developers to write code once and deploy it on various platforms, including iOS and Android.

  1. Can I use Python to build apps with a native look and feel on different platforms?

Yes, with frameworks like BeeWare (specifically Toga), you can achieve a native look and feel for your cross-platform mobile apps built with Python.

BeeWare’s tools enable developers to create applications that seamlessly integrate with the user interface conventions of each target platform.

  1. Are there any limitations to cross-platform mobile app development using Python?

While Python is a powerful language for cross-platform development, it’s essential to note that certain advanced features and optimizations available in native development might be limited.

Additionally, performance considerations should be taken into account for resource-intensive applications.

  1. How do I test my cross-platform mobile app during development?

Cross-platform mobile apps developed with Python can be tested using platform-specific emulators or real devices.

Both Kivy and BeeWare provide documentation on testing strategies, and tools like Appium can be used for automated testing across multiple platforms.

  1. What resources are available for learning Python cross-platform mobile app development?

There are various online resources, tutorials, and documentation available for learning Python cross-platform mobile app development.

Websites like Kivy.org, BeeWare.org, and Python.org provide comprehensive guides, documentation, and community support to help developers get started.

  1. Can I integrate native features like GPS or camera functionality in my Python cross-platform app?

Yes, Python cross-platform frameworks often provide APIs and modules for accessing native features like GPS, camera, and sensors.

Developers can leverage these features to enhance the functionality of their apps and provide a seamless user experience.

  1. How does deployment work for cross-platform mobile apps built with Python?

Deployment for Python cross-platform apps involves packaging your application using tools like Kivy’s PyInstaller or BeeWare’s Briefcase.

These tools create standalone executables or packages that can be distributed and installed on the target platforms.

Top Popular Hybrid Mobile App Development Platforms

Businesses and developers alike are constantly seeking ways to create high-quality mobile applications that are not only efficient but also cost-effective. This quest for efficiency has led to the rise of hybrid mobile app development platforms.

These platforms combine the best of both native and web app development approaches. In this blog post, we’ll explore the top hybrid mobile app development platforms to watch in 2023.

The Evolution of Hybrid Mobile App Development

Before diving into the platforms, let’s take a moment to understand what hybrid app development is and why it has gained so much attention in recent years.

Hybrid mobile apps are applications that combine elements of both native and web apps.

Native apps are developed for a specific platform (e.g., iOS or Android) using platform-specific languages (Swift, Kotlin, Java),

Hybrid apps are built using web technologies such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. These apps can run on multiple platforms, making them highly versatile.

The key advantage of hybrid apps is their ability to share a single codebase across different platforms, reducing development time and costs.

This approach also simplifies maintenance since updates and bug fixes can be applied universally.

Top Hybrid Mobile App Development Platforms

As hybrid app development gains more traction, several platforms have emerged to facilitate the creation of powerful cross-platform apps. Here are some of the top hybrid mobile app development platforms to consider in 2023:

1. React Native

React Native, developed by Facebook, remains one of the most popular choices for hybrid app development. It enables developers to build mobile apps using JavaScript and React, a popular JavaScript library for building user interfaces.

Key Features:

  • React native development has strong community support and a vast ecosystem of libraries and plugins.
  • Near-native performance, thanks to its ability to compile to native code.
  • A “write once, run anywhere” philosophy, allowing developers to target multiple platforms with a single codebase.

2. Flutter

Flutter, backed by Google, is a relative newcomer that has gained rapid adoption in the development community. It uses Dart, a language developed by Google, and offers a unique approach to building user interfaces through its “widget” system.

Key Features:

3. Ionic

Ionic has been a popular choice for building hybrid apps for several years. It combines HTML5, CSS, and JavaScript to create visually appealing and performance apps.

Ionic development also provides a library of pre-designed UI components and a development framework known as Capacitor for native functionality integration.

Key Features:

  • A wide range of pre-built UI components for faster development.
  • Cross-platform compatibility with a single codebase.
  • Integration with popular frontend frameworks like Angular and React.

4. Vue Native

Vue Native development is an adaptation of the popular Vue.js framework for building hybrid mobile apps. It allows developers to leverage their existing Vue.js skills to create cross-platform applications.

Key Features:

  • Familiar Vue.js syntax and concepts for Vue developers.
  • A smaller learning curve for those already proficient in Vue.js.
  • A lightweight framework that focuses on simplicity and performance.

5. Xamarin

It is a Microsoft-owned platform, allows developers to build hybrid apps using C#. Xamarin development provides tools for sharing code across multiple platforms while offering deep integration with native APIs.

Key Features:

  • A robust development environment within Visual Studio.
  • Access to a wide range of libraries and components through NuGet.
  • Excellent support for Windows app development in addition to iOS and Android.

Considerations When Choosing a Hybrid Mobile App Development Platform

While these platforms offer unique features and advantages, choosing the right one for your project requires careful consideration of several factors:

  1. Project Requirements:
    Evaluate the specific needs of your project, including performance, scalability, and the need for native device features.
  2. Development Team Expertise:
    Consider the expertise of your development team. Some platforms may be a better fit based on their existing skills.
  3. Community and Support:
    A strong developer community and good documentation can significantly ease the development process.
  4. UI/UX Requirements:
    Different platforms may excel in different aspects of UI/UX design, so choose one that aligns with your app’s design goals.
  5. Cost and Licensing:
    Review the cost structure and licensing agreements associated with each platform to ensure they align with your budget.

Top Things to Consider When Choosing a Hybrid Mobile App Development Company

Selecting the right hybrid mobile app development company is a critical step in turning your app idea into a reality. Here are the key factors to consider when evaluating potential development partners:

  1. Portfolio and Expertise

  • Previous Projects:
    Review the company’s portfolio to assess the quality and diversity of their previous work. Look for projects similar in scope and complexity to yours.
  • Industry Experience:
    Consider whether the company has experience in your industry or domain. Familiarity with your industry can be a significant advantage.
  • Technical Expertise:
    Evaluate the company’s proficiency with hybrid app development frameworks and technologies like React Native, Flutter, or others.
  1. Client References and Reviews

  • Client Testimonials:
    Request references or testimonials from past clients. Reach out to these clients to get insights into their experiences working with the company.
  • Online Reviews:
    Check online review platforms, such as Clutch or Upwork, for client feedback and ratings. This can provide additional perspective on the company’s reputation.
  1. Development Process and Methodology

  • Project Management:
    Inquire about the company’s project management methodology. Are they agile, waterfall, or follow a customized approach? Ensure it aligns with your project’s needs.
  • Communication:
    Assess how the company communicates and collaborates with clients. Clear and transparent communication is crucial for project success.
  • Timeline and Milestones:
    Discuss project timelines, milestones, and delivery schedules. Make sure they can meet your project’s deadlines.
  1. Development Team

  • Team Composition:
    Learn about the expertise and composition of the development team. Are there skilled developers, UI/UX designers, and quality assurance specialists on board?
  • In-House vs. Outsourcing:
    Ask whether the company relies on in-house talent or outsourced development. In-house teams often provide better control and quality.
  • Scalability:
    Ensure the company has the capacity to scale the team as your project grows or requires additional resources.
  1. Cost and Budget

  • Cost Structure:
    Understand the company’s pricing model. Is it fixed-price, hourly rates, or based on project milestones? Ensure it aligns with your budget constraints.
  • Hidden Costs:
    Clarify any potential hidden costs, such as licensing fees or ongoing maintenance charges, to avoid surprises later.
  1. Security and Data Protection

  • Data Handling:
    Discuss how the company handles data security and privacy. Ensure they follow industry best practices and compliance standards.
  • Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA):
    Consider signing an NDA to protect your app idea and sensitive information during the development process.
  1. Support and Maintenance

  • Post-launch Support:
    Inquire about the company’s post-launch support and maintenance services. Timely updates and bug fixes are essential for app longevity.
  • Service Level Agreements (SLAs):
    Define clear SLAs to ensure you receive the level of support you need after the app goes live.
  1. Legal and Contractual Aspects

  • Contract Terms:
    Carefully review the contract terms, including intellectual property rights, ownership of the source code, and termination clauses.
  • Payment Schedule:
    Agree on a payment schedule that aligns with project milestones and deliverables.
  1. Location and Time Zone

  • Geographical Proximity:
    Consider whether you prefer working with a local development company or if you are open to collaborating with a remote team.
  • Time Zone Compatibility:
    Ensure that the time zone of the development team aligns with your preferred communication and collaboration hours.
  1. Long-term Partnership

  • Scalability:
    Think about whether the company can support your app’s growth and future enhancements.
  • Innovation:
    Assess their willingness and capability to adopt new technologies and trends to keep your app competitive.

Choosing the right hybrid mobile app development company is a pivotal decision that can significantly impact the success of your project.

Take the time to thoroughly evaluate potential partners, ask the right questions, and consider these key factors to make an informed choice.

A strong development partner can help bring your app vision to life and contribute to its long-term success.

Conclusion

As we enter 2023, hybrid mobile app development continues to be an attractive option for businesses and developers looking to create cross-platform applications efficiently.

The platforms mentioned in this blog post are just a few of the top contenders in the hybrid app development space.

Each has its strengths and unique features, making them suitable for different types of projects and development teams.

When choosing a hybrid mobile app development platform for your next project, carefully assess your requirements, consider the platform’s strengths and weaknesses, and leverage the strengths of your development team.

With the right choice, you can create high-quality hybrid apps that deliver a seamless user experience across multiple platforms, all while streamlining development efforts and reducing costs.

What Is NodeJS and It’s Benefits for Business Applications

NodeJS is an open source, server-side script. JavaScript provides several engines and spider monkey which is known as the first JavaScript engine.

It was developed by Netscape. Later, several other engines were built. Internet explorer’s engine is chakra. After a few years chrome has developed the V8 engine that runs on the top of Google Open Source scripting engine V8. It’s very fast, lightweight and efficient.

With NodeJS the asynchronous mode of operation is performed, that provides event driven Output/Input. It uses the threads for every process and it is a cross-platform JavaScript that runs on time and executes the Javascript code used to run the server.

Many top organizations like Paypal, Microsoft, Yahoo, IBM and LinkedIn use this technology for their back-end. It is because of the four business beliefs- productivity, Cost-effective, scalability and innovation.

Also this framework boasts the largest package manager in the web application industry. It makes the module addition process much easier.

Why NodeJS?

Node.js uses JavaScript to develop server side applications or you can also use other languages to compile with Node js JavaScript (like typescript). JavaScript is written in the same way as we are using in any client-side application.

If you want to develop an application using Node, You need to set up the node development environment.

Node.js is the greatest tool to build real-time web applications and rest API’s.  By using the cross Platform Application you can easily run it on any web. So you don’t require anything extra to run the node application.

NodeJS-Microservice-pattern(Source: Procoders.tech)

The impressive benefits of Node.js will provide many benefits in developing the business applications.

According to a survey done on the Node.js users 43% of this Node.js architecture has claimed to use Node.js for enterprise apps. Because they are easy, scalable, light and an open-source language platform. This makes it very easy to develop the apps even at the enterprise level.

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How does NodeJS work?

While Talking about NodeJS, We can run applications everywhere not only in browsers. When JavaScript came it was only for web browser. But now we want to run JavaScript on websites, web browser, desktop, mobile application and on a server also.

To know how NodeJS works we have to know how a web server works.

When talking about web servers, whenever you receive a request from the client for data (the client might be for a web or mobile application), the server might process the data from a database, or through another server or through any file system as per the client request and get back with the data set for the client.

Server

Now we know how Web servers work. Let’s know how other languages work for Web servers. Like Java, PHP etc.

Java is defined as the programming languages that are used to create web applications. If you want to run java as a Web Server, then it uses the Tomcat server. With Tomcat you can manage multiple threads. By Default Tomcat servers provide 200 threads. When a client sends a request, tomcat will identify it and assign a thread to it.

Tomcat Server

But for NodeJS we don’t have multiple threads as we are using JavaScript. To achieve that NodeJS uses two concepts.

1. Non-blocking I/O

2. Asynchronous

Let’s discuss about what is Non-blocking I/O

In the Non- blocking I/O, a single thread helps to assign the task with another service. The same will be available for another task.

NodeJS uses a library called libuv which is built for NodeJS. It provides the concept of non-blocking I/O. It is built in C language which uses the system kernel and kernel has multiple threads.

Using the NodeJS features, our developer doesn’t use multi thread but at the back libuv does implement multiple threads.

NPM (Node Package Manager)

NodeJS is pretty much popular for the Non-blocking I/O and its packages (NPM). Being a developer when you build an application it needs some extra libraries and dependencies.

In order to avoid writing the same code blocks and features millions of developers are developing the packages, you need to install these packages in your application.

Web Vitals NPM consists of these packages and we can simply install these packages into our applications.

Node Modules

Node module is a block of code which can be used again in any NodeJS component without impacting any other NodeJS component. The modules in NodeJS work independently without impacting the existence of any other functions.

According To stack overflow Developer survey

Node module is a block of code which can be used again in any node.js component without impacting any other node.js component.  The modules that are used in the node.js will work very independently, without putting any impact on the other function.

According To stack overflow Developer survey,

The measurement of the user’s capacity to write code in a particular framework or language is the learning curve. It explains web app developers’ fluency in tools and syntax.

When a developer is acquainted with JavaScript, it becomes very easy to learn Node.JS. It has held its position in the list of the most popular frameworks with a score of 49%.

Frameworks of NodeJS

NodeJS introduces a number of frameworks. Some popular frameworks are: –

  • Express.js – Express for Everyone
  • Koa.js – Next Generation Node.js Framework
  • Meteor.js – One Application , One Language
  • Nest.js – A Nestling of Code
  • Sails.js – Modernizes Data-Oriented MVC Framework
  • Total.js – A Complete Framework
  • Hapi.js – Secure than Ever
  • Feather.js – F for Flexible
  • Loopback.js – Better Connectivity
  • Adonis.js – The Dependable Framework
  • Derby.js – The Racer

Let’s Start with NodeJS

Usually, every NodeJS project needs a package.json file. This describes that all the packages need to be included in the project along with the project name, author and description.

To create a package.json file the command is:-

[code language=”css”]
npm init # This will trigger the initialization

npm init –yes # This will trigger automatically populated initialization.
[/code]

After providing this command it will ask for some detail project’s name, initial version, descriptions,  entry point (meaning the project’s main file) etc.

To install a package or module to our project

[code language=”css”]
npm install <module>
[/code]

The module can include any package that are required for the project, such as

[code language=”css”]
npm install express
[/code]

To install the module globally

[code language=”css”]
npm install <module> –save-dev # Where <module> is the name of the module you want to install
[/code]

When we think of any programming language, we think of how we can run Hello World!

Let’s try this:-

The entry point defined on the package.json file will create the same file inside our project. Like: – index.js

[code language=”css”]
const express = require(‘express’)

const app = express()

const port = 3000

app.get(‘/’, (req, res) => {

res.send(‘Hello World!’)

})

app.listen(port, () => {

console.log(`Example app listening at http://localhost:${port}`)

})
[/code]

Run the app with the following command:

[code language=”css”]
$ node app.js
[/code]

Then, load http://localhost:3000/ in a browser to see the output.

Nodejs

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Conclusion:

NodeJS plays an important role in developing scalable & high performing web applications. Lots of benefits and use cases provide much effectiveness in developing the application.

NodeJS is effective to develop an application that utilities the ability to run JavaScript both on the client and from the server side. Node.js is the most versatile JavaScript run-time environment which executes the JavaScript code outside of the browser.

At Andolasoft our nodejs developers love exploiting NodeJS regularly and that’s helps us to work with companies over the globes. We’d love to talk with you about your project plan whether it is a good fit for your next mobile development project.

Happy coding 🙂

FAQ:

1. What is NodeJS and how does it work?

Node JS means the server side Java Scripting that is based on Google’s V8 script. It is mostly for the event driven and non-blocking servers.

2. What are some of the features of NodeJS?

Node JS is most scalable, it uses Java as the scripting language. This enables a single thread access rather than different and diverse threads.

3. What sort of applications can be built with NodeJS application?

All types of application can be develop with NodeJS

Below applications can develop with NodeJS

  • Social Media applications
  • Project management applications
  • Discussion platforms
  • Live stream video applications
  • Gaming applications
  • IoT applications and devices

4. Which database to use for NodeJS?

Database like MySQL, MongoDB can be used for NodeJS application development.

5. What are the benefits of using NodeJS?

Here are some benefits of NodeJS

  • It is really fast
  • It usually doesn’t block
  • It has a unified programming language and data type
  • Asynchronous makes it easy
  • Code sharing and reuse
  • Availability of many free tools
  • It has great concurrency

Top Reasons Why Flutter Become A Trend In Application Development

Flutter is one of the most dynamic and popular product that was developed by Google in the year of 2017. In the year of 2018 Flutter was introduced to mobile app developers and from there it received huge response and popularity for its ability to develop feature-rich app interfaces. It also manages to gather huge community in a very short period of time.

Flutter is a great tool from Google for creating cross-platform applications which – starting from the newest stable version – can be deployed to the web, desktop, and mobile.

Google is encouraging the Flutter as a better and easy to learn framework that allows developers to create quality maintainable solutions.  Easy, it is just the next cross-platform framework.

History of Flutter

Flutter is basically an open source UI development kit to develop cross platforms apps from a single code base. The earlier version of Flutter was known as codename “Sky” and first ran on the Android operating system. It used Dart language and at the 2015. Dart developer summit with the stated intent of being able to render consistently at 120 frames per second. Google announced Flutter Release Preview 2, which is the last big release before Flutter 1.0. On December 4, 2018. Flutter 1.0 was released at the Flutter Live event, denoting the first “stable” version of the Framework. On December 11, 2019, Flutter 1.12 was released at the Flutter Interactive event.

History of Flutter(Source – medium.com)

Lifecycle of Flutter

Lifecycle of Flutter(Source – dev.to)

Why is Flutter the best Cross-Platform Technology?

We all know Flutter is developed by Google and used Dart programming language for its development work. Because of Dart language developers love Flutter. Dart has ahead of Time Complied to fast, predictable, native code, which allows Flutter to be written in Dart.

Flutter’s Dart language is strictly types and object oriented in nature. In Flutter, the programming style is declarative and reactive.

Also Flutter has enough to showcase its reliance and efficiency. Apps like Google Ads, Reflectly, Alibaba, Hamilton, which we discussed, are the simple portrayal of Flutter’s ridiculous efficiency. These apps with millions of download and daily users, generating millions of queries per second, show the reason why these technology giants trusted Flutter with their apps.

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Some Amazing Apps Made With Flutter

Flutter has many of a plethora of applications that are increasing in multiple folds each day with large enterprises trusting flutter for their large user base apps shows the amount of trust that Flutter offers.

  • Google Ads (utility)
  • Xianyu by Alibaba (eCommerce)
  • Reflectly (Lifestyle)
  • Birch Finance (Finance)
  • Hamilton Music (Entertainment)

Why Flutter Has Become A Trend in Application Development

Today most of the prominent platforms look forward towards considering the use of development packs that are reliable as well as successful in a viable and novel way. The flutter new version itself is quite a promising framework that aids in the development of cross-platform applications. Recent stats show that Flutter is preferred by over 2 million users along with half a billion developers.

1. Proper utilization of widgets:

Apps that are using Flutter framework make use of all available features that are offered by framework concerning all of its libraries and components. Such a precise plan using restriction can be easily manipulated to develop any robust UI interface design.

2. Dynamic approach of development:

The main point of focus for using Flutter framework because of its flawless features that allow the developers to view the significant progressions made within a shorter time frame. Developers can also see the progressions of test systems, equipment, and emulators.

3. Specific Use for Cross Development Platform

Flutter app development services also allow the developers to develop flutter app that can be easily created, accumulated, coded and used on various platforms. A system like this could potentially come up with a single codebase that could cater to both IOS as well as Android development.

4. Expressive and Flexible UI:

Quickly ship features with a focus on native end-user experiences. Layered architecture allows for full customization, which results in incredibly fast rendering and expressive and flexible designs.

5. Approach for Efficient Marketing

Flutter is considered to be on the position of Hot Loading that helps in the efficient revival of the cycle of development. Also, the time that is required for keeping things under control while developing an application can be effectively utilized by the developers. It offers a significant boost to the cycle of development.

6. High Performing Applications

Flutter App development typically makes use a popular programming language called Dart, which simplifies the work of app developers, particularly while building transitions and animations.

7. Native Performance

Flutter’s widgets incorporate all critical platform differences such as scrolling, navigation, icons and fonts, and your Flutter code is compiled to native ARM machine code using Dart’s native compilers.

8. Growing Flutter Community

Flutter is continuing to see fast growth in its usage with over more than 2 million developers in the last 3 years from its release. Despite of unprecedented circumstances, in March there was 10% month-over-month growth, with nearly half a million developers now using Flutter each month.

Some interesting statistics:

  • There are approximately 90,000 Flutter apps published in the Play Store, with nearly 10,000 uploaded in the last month alone.
  • The top five territories for Flutter are India, China, the United States, the EU, and Brazil.
  • 78% of Flutter developers use the stable channel, 11% use beta, and 11% use either dev or master.

The Future of Flutter

The increasing popularity of Flutter framework telling that more and more mobile app developers are showing their interests towards Flutter. Also Flutter community is working hard to polish the framework which is already putting flutter ahead in the race. Over 2 million developers have used Flutter in the last 2 years of its release and it’s constantly growing. In these unprecedented conditions, Google saw 10% month over month growth in March, making it nearly a half a million developers using Flutter every month.

Flutter

New Features And Improvements

Flutter 2.2 is the best version of Flutter yet, with updates that make it easier than ever for developers to monetize their apps through in-app purchases, payments and ads.  Flutter API and cloud services extend apps to support new capabilities. With tooling language features Flutter allows developers to eliminate the whole class of errors, increase app performance and reduce package size.

Google continues to be the primary contributor to the Flutter project; we’re delighted to see the growth of the broader ecosystem around Flutter.

I’ve worked with the team at AndolaSoft on multiple websites. They are professional, responsive, & easy to work with. I’ve had great experiences & would recommend their services to anyone.

Ruthie Miller, Sr. Mktg. Specialist

Salesforce, Houston, Texas

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FAQs

Who will use Flutter?

Both developer and designers can use Flutter to give life to the apps.  For Flutter developers, it simplifies the development life cycle, speed up the development and reduces the cost. For Flutter designers, it provide canvas for high end user experience

What kinds of apps can develop with Flutter?

Flutter is designed to provide support for mobile apps on Android and IOS devices. It used single code base and generate build for Android and IOS in one click.

Apps that need high end user experience are well suited for Flutter. Its ecosystem provide wide variety of hardware support

What makes Flutter unique?

Flutter is different from other framework because of its UI widget. It used its own high rendering performance engine to draw the widgets. Its uses Dart language which is easy to learn and implement. This gives developers tremendous control over the system

Is Flutter back-end or front-end?

Flutter is basically designed for front-end development

Conclusion:

Flutter is basically the quickest framework to develop cross-platform mobile application. Flutter has bright future and huge opportunities for developers. The risk factor is also very less here compared to other cross-platform.

App development made faster with enormous UI customization potential and separate rendering engine. It is also suitable for any target platforms.  So, if you are inspired with Flutter, you can choose this as your next development framework and we are here to help you. Let’s discuss

Best Android Frameworks To Succeed In Mobile App Development

Mobile application development using web technologies has revolutionized the mobile development market. This is because this type of technology allows you to take advantage of the best features of native development, in addition to all the power and facilities that web technology offers.

Choosing the right IDE to develop an Android application can not only make the difference between obtaining a quality product or an inferior one but also a developer may find that his life is made easier depending on the choice he makes, having a frustrating or fluid and agile experience according to the option he opts for.

Without much ado, let’s take a rundown at some of the recommended Android Frameworks to build enterprise-grade mobile applications.

Best Android Frameworks Succeeding In Developing Robust Mobile Apps

1. PHONEGAP

PhoneGap belongs to Adobe Systems and is an open-source distribution of Cordova and as its entirely open-source, its one of the most trending Android all development frameworks feasible to build hybrid applications.

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The platform facilitates multi-platform applications to be developed using HTML5, CSS3 and JavaScript web technology and makes use of an API that allows access to system hardware elements such as the camera, storage, accelerometer, etc.

It allows integration with other frameworks such as jQuery Mobile, etc. one of the best parts is that it provides ease to developers while programming as it offers no more complex and tough text commands to understand and interpret.

Unlike other frameworks mentioned below that deal with the interface part, PhoneGap / Apache Cordova is in charge of integrating into the mobile operating system and giving access to its services.

So you’ll probably use it alongside one of these frameworks, which in many cases only offers the HTML, CSS, and JavaScript part of the user interface.

Next, when it comes to alignment and working in sync, the desktop apps built run smooth and parallel likewise PhoneGap’s mobile apps. Undoubtedly, it’s a ‘wrapper and packer’ framework as it incorporates a multiplicity of other distinct frameworks.

[Cordova vs PhoneGap:

The primary difference between these two frameworks is that PhoneGap has access to the Adobe Creative Cloud compilation service allowing the application to be compiled for the desired operating system and independent of the operating system where it is developed.]

2. IONIC

Licensed under MIT, Ionic is one of the most famous frameworks for developing cross-platform applications. In the beginning, Ionic used the AngularJS framework and PhoneGap for the integration part with mobile platforms.

However, in its latest versions, it has been incorporating new Front-End frameworks to develop enterprise-grade mobile applications. Currently, it allows its development with the most famous platforms of Angular, React, Vue.JS.

Ionic integrates a design layer with CSS styles and resources such as icons, etc. These styles can be adapted to the design standards of the Android and iOS platforms. Another of its many advantages is that Ionic has its own development IDE that will facilitate the design and programming of applications.

Using a single codebase, it offers high performance and optimization and is well-liked for its diversity in providing distinct features and functionalities while building Android mobile apps.

[Prefer Reading: “How Business Android Apps are beneficial for Entrepreneurs?”]

3. CORONA SDK

Corona SDK was created at Corona Labs Inc., by Walter Luh. The software helps create applications for devices such as iPhone, iPad, Android, etc.

It is said to be very easy to use software where it consumes comparatively less time and effort. Corona SDK integrates Lua layered over C ++ / OpenGL. The software runs on major operating systems like; Mac OS, Windows, Nook, Kindle Fire and Android.

It empowers quick mobile app development with its dynamic APIs and real-time quality checks/testing and makes it a perfect fit for all-purpose development and gaming.

Let’s check out some of the main features of Corona SDK which make it capable to be added in this list of top frameworks for mobile app development.

  • The patented OpenGL-ES rendering engine enables full acceleration of graphics hardware, including sprites that animate at full GPU speed.
  • The transition library allows the interpolation of the position, rotation, alpha, or any other property of Corona sprites.
  • Compatible with native iPhone and Android user interface. Developers can access iPhone native text features, including all fonts, multi-line fields, and keyboard input.
  • Corona-built applications start smaller than 400 KB.
  • The subscription-based purchase model allows users to have new updates as soon as they are rolled out.

Corona SDK is 100% free to use, simple to set up, and actionable to perform, offering recreation to your customized Android mobile apps.

4. REACT NATIVE

React Native is a framework for creating hybrid applications that are based on JavaScript and a set of components of the ReactJS framework.

Currently, it is also one of the most famous mobile app development frameworks and has a large development community. It is part of very powerful and well-known applications, such as Facebook, Pinterest, Skype, or Instagram.

With the power of code re-usability, React Native enhances the swiftness of app development and saves resource costs where only a team of adept developers can handle a React Native project saving many times efforts of development and maintenance.

Your Android app ventures to develop successful mobile applications seem effortless when done with ReactNative. With rendering to local stage UI, the platform aids your app to use similar local stage APIs without much preparation.

Ignoring a few of its drawbacks, it is one of the robust frameworks adopted by maximum developers as a feasible choice in mobile app development. Its server-side rendering makes it a good fit to be well integrated with other platforms with its view in layers feature.

Indeed, it’s a perfect choice to build a secure, scalable, and performant app that derives customer and user satisfaction both with the virtual DOM that offers great user-experience and productivity along.

[Prefer Reading: “Top 6 Reasons for Native Mobile App for your Business”]

5. XAMARIN

Xamarin as a product is a set of multiplatform development tools that allow the development of native applications with the same language.

It is a tool that allows cross-platform app development to go seamlessly. This is how it solves problems that many developers encounter when developing applications, such as different forms of language depending on the platform to which the application is directed.

With Xamarin this is resolved since it allows you to design for all 3 platforms (iOS, Android, and Universal Windows) using the shared code commonly known as C #. Xamarin allows application logic to be shared between different operating systems, duplicating only the user interface.

Xamarin gives us the possibility to have a shared codebase that contains business entities, business logic, access to services, etc., and simply have different code for the user interface details for the client layer on each platform. Basically, it’s like developing at the same time for all platforms, so we minimize development times.

Xamarin we can reuse the code by 75-85% according to official sources.

A notable advantage of Xamarin is that the applications we develop with this tool will be 100% native, which means that we will have all the libraries and features that characterize each of the platforms individually.

One can learn more about Xamarin from XamarinUniversity via updated information and videos that allow you to always be up-to-date, as well as share experiences and learn from colleagues and experts.

6. NATIVESCRIPT

NativeScript enables the development of native applications using JavaScript and TypeScript.

It also allows development through the Angular Framework, and in its latest version the possibility of developing through the Vue.js Framework has also been incorporated.

NativeScript generates truly native applications, using the same APIS that you would have available from Android Studio (native development environment for Android) and XCode (Apple IDE for native development in iOS).

I’ve worked with the team at Andolasoft on multiple websites. They are professional, responsive, & easy to work with. I’ve had great experiences & would recommend their services to anyone.

Ruthie Miller, Sr. Mktg. Specialist

Salesforce, Houston, Texas

LEARN MORE

It even allows access to third-party native libraries, thus providing greater capabilities regarding the performance and capabilities of applications. Its biggest drawback is that the development of user interfaces is more complex (it is XML, not HTML), as well as the necessary abstractions to access the native code independently of the system.

7. JQUERY MOBILE

JQuery mobile has a long experience in the world of creating hybrid applications. It only integrates the jQuery framework based on JavaScript; however, it enables you to concrete and structure a highly responsive and intuitive site or application to take a shot at a tablet or a cellphone.

Your learning curve is very low, especially if you already have knowledge of jQuery and JavaScript. It has been left a little behind in terms of power and design when compared to the rest of the new frameworks introduced in the market, but also jQuery Mobile can be used in parallel with other design frameworks such as Bootstrap, Materialize, etc.

It is always a good option for a hybrid application interface development, but it will surely be necessary to use another series of libraries or plugins to improve its design or functionalities since it does not contain a design thought in the design standards of current mobile platforms.