The Benefits and Hazards of Cross Platform Designing

Dec 26
08:47

2012

YancyMarry

YancyMarry

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The year 2012 brought about a paradigm shift in the world of mobile technology. It is in this year that mobile strategies became a “must have” component for enterprises of all sizes. There are organizations that stick to one or a particular group of devices and OS platforms; but most organizations have to support multiple operating systems in order to generate maximum mobility of business.

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The year 2012 brought about a paradigm shift in the world of mobile technology. It is in this year that mobile strategies became a “must have” component for enterprises of all sizes. There are organizations that stick to one or a particular group of devices and OS platforms; but most organizations have to support multiple operating systems in order to generate maximum mobility of business. Developing mobile apps for the myriad devices and OS platforms has come across as one of the biggest challenges for application designers. Not only do they have to provide effective app solutions,The Benefits and Hazards of Cross Platform Designing Articles but also have to make sure that these solutions are cost effective so as to benefit enterprises with limited resources.

The cross platform designing framework ensures the building of apps that can be run on multiple operating systems; the tools used as part of this framework enables app designers to create software for all major contemporary platforms like Android, iOS, Windows, BlackBerry, and Symbian. But as with all other mobile strategies, the cross platform designing framework also comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Let us take a look at some:

Benefits of Cross Platform Designing

1. Reusable Code – A specific sequence or action has to be written only once while developing mobile apps using the cross platform frameworks. This means that app designers can write one code and use it for multiple app building projects on various operating systems.

2. Easily Deployable – The compilation and deployment of mobile apps built using cross platform frameworks is easier and faster. This is because of the use of cloud based tools that most cross platform frameworks come with.

3. Reduction of Development Costs – One of the biggest benefits of cross platform designing is that it is one of the most cost effective methods of app building. By adopting this process, an enterprise does not have to invest in developers or software designers who deal with a specific platform or ecosystem. Moreover, writing of one code means that the cost of code compilation for multiple platforms is saved.

4. Easy for Web Developers – The scripting languages used as part of cross platform frameworks are HTML5 and CSS3. They are easy for web developers to learn since they are more familiar with native app building functions.

Support for Plugins and Cloud Services – Cross platform frameworks such as PhoneGap and Appcelerator allow access to modules and plugins. They also allow integration with cloud based services like AWS, Box.net, and Salesforce.com.

Hazards of Cross Platform Designing

1. Code May Not Run Fast – The process of cross compiling apps is sometimes very slow because of the fact that the reusable codes run very slowly. Native tools are faster than cross compilation codes.

2. Curb on Creativity – Besides PhoneGap, all cross platform frameworks dictate the use of certain development suites and tools, which mean designers having to forgo their IDE preferences. Analysts are of the opinion that this may lead to curbing of the developer’s creativity.

3. Limited 3D and High End Graphic Support – This is the reason why gaming apps are not built on cross platform frameworks.

The cross platform framework may not appear as the most ideal solution that an app designer has access to while creating new mobile applications; but it is definitely an upcoming trend in the mobile market and the demand for cross platform apps will rise with time.