U2A1:
“Introduction to digital business”
TECNICO SUPERIOR UNIVERSITARIO EN
TECNOLOGÍAS DE LA INFORMACIÓN
ÁREA DESARROLLO DE SOFTWARE Y
MULTIPLATAFORMA
PRESENTA:
ANGEL GUSTAVO ORTEGA GARCIA
CD. REYNOSA, TAMAULIPAS JANUARY 2025.
Table of Content.
TOPIC PAGE
Table of Content. ................................................................................... I
Table of Figure ...................................................................................... II
Introduction ........................................................................................... 1
Types of applications ........................................................................... 2
Native Apps ............................................................................................... 2
Non-native apps ......................................................................................... 3
Cross-platform App .................................................................................... 4
Differences ................................................................................................ 5
Conclusión ............................................................................................... 6
I
Table of Figure
FIGURE PAGE
Figure 1 Native App ....................................................................................... 2
Figure 2 Non-native app or web app. .............................................................. 3
Figure 3 Cross-platform app. .......................................................................... 4
II
Introduction
In this document we will discuss how mobile applications have become essential
tools for both personal and business use. The development of these apps varies
depending on the platform for which they are created, and the main categories
include native, non-native and cross-platform apps. Each type offers unique
advantages and challenges, affecting both the user experience and the
development process. In this article we will look at the differences, advantages
and disadvantages of native, non-native and cross-platform apps to better
understand their role in mobile applications.
1
Types of applications
Native Apps
Native Apps are apps developed for a specific mobile operating system (usually
iOS or Android), in the specific programming language of each platform. This
means that a native app created for Android cannot be used on an iOS device and
vice versa.
Figure 1 Native App
This is the most popular type of mobile application. For it to work, we must
download it from the app markets, such as the App Store or Google Play and
install it on our phone.
Advantages
2
• Better performance and speed
• Full access to device functionalities (GPS, camera, sensors)
• Better user experience
Disadvantages
• Higher cost and development time (different code needed for each
platform).
• More costly maintenance.
Non-native apps
Non-native applications are applications that can run on multiple platforms. Unlike
native apps, they are not designed for a specific operating system.
Figure 2 Non-native app or web app.
Non-native apps can be progressive web apps or hybrid apps.
Advantages
• No installation required (run in browser)
• Easier to update
3
• Faster and cheaper development
Disadvantages
• Poorer performance compared to native apps
• Limited access to device functionality
• Less smooth user experience
Cross-platform App
Cross-platform applications are those that are developed to run on different
operating systems and devices. They are created with a single programming
language, which allows them to be exported and viewed on any device.
Figure 3 Cross-platform app.
Some examples of cross-platform applications are: WhatsApp, Spotify, Facebook,
Airbnb, Uber, Microsoft Office, Netflix, Hangouts.
Advantages
• Reduced development costs and time (one code for several platforms)
4
• Better performance than PWA (although lower than native)
• Access to device functionalities with certain limits
Disadvantages
• Lower performance than native applications
• Dependence on external tools (frameworks)
Differences
Native apps
Are applications development for an operative system (iOS or Android) used
programming language like: Kotlin. Java, or Swift and Objective-.
Non-Native Apps
Aren´t designed specifically for a operating system and it can function in any
services with web technology like HTML,CSS,JavaScript (React, Vue, Angular).
Cross-Platform Apps
Are application can execute in IOS and Android from an unique base code, using
specific frameworks like Flitter, React Native and Xamarin.
5
Conclusión
In conclusion, the choice of mobile application development - native, non-native
or cross-platform - depends largely on the specific needs of the project, including
performance requirements, development budget and target audience. Native
applications offer the best performance and user experience, but come with
higher costs and development time. Non-native applications are more cost-
effective and easier to update, but lack the performance and device functionality
of native applications. Cross-platform applications offer a balanced approach, as
they allow developers to reach multiple platforms with a single code base,
although they may be limited by performance compared to native applications.
Ultimately, understanding the strengths and limitations of each type of application
helps developers choose the most appropriate approach for their goals.
