Today more than ever, the need and demand for cross-platform applications is rising day by day. Cross-platform applications refer to the mobile applications that are made functional across multiple mobile platforms, for example, iOS and Android. In order to achieve this functionality, you will need to use the right set of tools and frameworks so that you ensure maximum accuracy.
Often full-stack developers hit a block when it comes to selecting the right technology that can help them address the cross-platform application requirements. We understand this struggle which is why we have narrowed down the information of the two most used tools for cross-platform application development.
Let’s start with Xamarian
Xamarian is one of the most popular UI tools specifically available for developing mobile applications. This open-source framework is powered by Microsoft which was launched on May 16, 2011. Xamarian allows you to build mobile applications that have the ability to share up to 90 percent of the code structure and native user interface for iOS, Android, Windows, and other operating systems using .NET and C#.
Xamarin apps are put together for native performance so that they can perform at their complete functionalities while ensuring cross-platform hardware acceleration.
Benefits of Xamarian Platform
- Support to Hardware
- Holistic app development environment
- High performance
- Single technological stack
- Code-sharing feature
- Saves time and cost
- Easy maintenance
- Better testing
- Technical support from Microsoft
- Native user experience
Next is the React Native
React Native is an open-source mobile application framework that allows you to build native apps while ensuring a satisfying user experience. It was created by Facebook in the year 2015. React Native offers native platform capabilities so that you can develop applications for Android, Android TV, iOS, macOS, Windows, and any other operating system.
React Native is a combination of the native features from React which is one of the best JavaScript libraries for developing user interfaces. Whether you are starting app development from scratch or have existing Android and iOS projects, you can simply bring React Native to the table.
When using React Native, you will need to use and have a good hold over React and JavaScript in order to develop mobile applications for cross-platforms.
Benefits of React Native Framework
- Saves time and cost
- Optimal performance
- Enhanced flexibility
- Transferable
- Faster app updates publishing
- Works with existing app
- Written in JavaScript
- Ability to reuse codes
- Live and Hot Reloading
- Modular architecture
Difference Between Xamarian and React Native
As you can see there are quite a few similarities between Xamarian and React Native which serve the purpose and can get your job done. However, there are also some key differences between the two that you must know so that your decision-making is wiser and beneficial to your projects.
Analyzing the Development Environment
Xamarian: You will need to work on Visual Studio when creating mobile apps in Xamarian. Visual Studio offers an Integrated Development Environment that helps app development easily across any platform & language.
React Native: When using React Native, you have the liberty of using any IDE or word processor such as Sublime Text, Nuclide, GNU Emacs Editor, Visual Studio Code, Deco IDE, and many more.
Comparing App Performance
Xamarian: If you are looking to create high-end web applications, Xamarian is your platform. It utilizes the layer-specific components to fast-track the application speed to create closer presentations.
React Native: You can develop applications faster with React Native using programming languages like Objective-C, Swift, and Java. React developers can use the local code structures to develop the applications and for the rest of the applications, you can use React Native.
Other Features Xamarian React Native
| Company | Microsoft | |
| Programming Language | C# with .Net | JavaScript, C++, Python, Java, and Objective-C |
| OS Features | Full Support | Multiple plugins, different features |
| Use Cases | Basic Applications | All Applications |
| Release Date | 2013 | 2015 |
Both Xamarian and React Native technologies have great advantages and have the potential to address your cross-platform application development. If you are a JavaScript coder then React Native can be your go to platform, and if you are a C# programmer, Xamarian can get the job done. However, choosing the right platform will be absolutely necessary for your project requirement. So check both platform features and compare the benefits to decide on the best option. You can start by analyzing the different aspects of both the platforms for example enhancement time, execution, structure, and so on. Don’t forget to consider your in-house team’s knowledge base and past project experience. Just keep in mind that the apps need to behave the way the users are expecting to ensure successful cross-platform execution.
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