Mobile Development

Device Considerations

Platform

Will you be developing for multiple platforms?

• Android
• iOS
• Windows 10 Mobile
• Blackberry 10
• Firefox OS
• Sailfish OS
• Tizen
• Ubuntu Touch
• CynaogenOS

Hardware

• Depending on the device, the specifications of hardware can be very different
• Some devices may not have certain components
• Vintage of components, such as processors and busses will make a difference to the chosen route

Language

• What programming languages are supported natively by the device?
• What language suits what you want to do best?
• Do you need a combination of languages for collaborative tasks?

Form factor

• Most platforms/OSes run on multiple devices, some more than others
• Can your application be utilised on all form factors regardless of screen/size?

Frameworks

Native Application Frameworks

Native application frameworks allow developers to access the native platform/OS API directly through code and develop their applications directly to the platform standards and practices

Pros

• Without other intermediate layers, this provides the best application per device in terms of performance
• There is no third-party dependence on access to updates and bug fixes

Cons

• As a native application is written and compiled for a specific platform/OS, deployment on another platform typically requires the maintenance of a totally separate project for each of the supported platforms.
• How the application is distributed can be different for each platform, requiring the maintenance of a separate distribution channel per platform

Hybrid Frameworks

Native vs Hybrid Applications