The core difference between the two kinds of app development is that a hybrid app is made by packaging a webapp (sometimes only the mobile view of a website) into a native app environ using cross-compatible web technologies, operated over web view module accessible through the built-in web browser of the app.
Whereas a native app is a program specifically coded in specific programming languages for device specific operating system such as Android or iOS.
Both are distributed through the app stores such as Google Play & iTunes just like other apps.
The Budget – Hybrid Vs Native
Native app development is more costly than Hybrid app development and the cost doubles when you launch your app for more than one platform like Android, iOS and Windows.
The reason is – with native apps, the code cannot be reused. Hence takes more development time and thus costs more than a hybrid app.
In-case of hybrid apps, most of the code is reused but sometimes performance is slowed specially if heavy content is not coded well, data connection is slow, RAM is less and less or no data is hosted locally on the device.
So Hybrid apps are only for small budget projects?
Not at all. Time is changing, technology is becoming more advanced, devices are becoming faster and more intelligent than before so now the saying that hybrid apps do worse is a myth.
A big percentage of projects are deploying to cross-platform technologies because they are cheaper and takes less time to develop.
Many top brands are ditching native apps and going after the hybrid app development with the new hybrid frameworks like Ionic etc.
The Performance
With advanced development techniques and technologies, the hybrid apps are performing better. And the misconception that native apps are fast and do better than hybrid apps has also become a myth.
The Market
There are many popular apps like Twitter, Gmail, Uber and Instagram which most of you never knew are hybrid.
Some report says that in the next era of development, more developers will be using the hybrid method. Also the end-user ratings of hybrid apps are increasing better than the native apps.
Which one is best for you? Hybrid or Native
The lesson explains you the important points on hybrid and native app development but to make the perfect choice, it is important for you to understand the differences of each option. Native apps, web apps and the hybrid apps all have their own advantages and limitations, and your final decision depends entirely on your project’s needs.
For instance – a calculator is a native app so making it hybrid is not a good idea but if you are making a currency converter then making it completely native will bound you to code and send new updates each time the exchange rate of the currency changes. So here, the best thing you can do is go hybrid way with some native features as per the requirement of the project.