With mobile applications becoming the primary entry point for business’s. Your company needs to stay ahead of the competition to meet the ever-changing landscape. We at Netrix wanted to ensure that the mobile technologies we focused on were the most efficient and well-rounded for our clients.
When creating a mobile application, be it an in-house, b2c or b2b application there are 3 possible approaches. Let’s quickly run through these and choose an area that we can focus on.
For many reasons including fast iteration, a single code base and well-supported native features we choose to use the Cross Platform methodology. Within this methodology there are several programing frameworks. Each with pros and cons.
Now how to choose the best framework, not only for us as developers but for our clients as well? To answer that question, a group of our Netrix developers from our MADI dept held a Netrix Lab. What Netrix Labs offer us is a way to experiment, learn, debug and code with some of the most relevant and cutting-edge technologies. It is a way for us to get our hands dirty and truly provide and recommend the best services and technologies.
For our Netrix Labs we choose two of the standout options within the Cross Platform methodology
To evaluate both frameworks, we needed a prototype application to build.
A mobile application with some basic features, each testing the capabilities of both frameworks.
Netrix has worked with several school districts in several capacities. Being familiar with their wants and needs, we felt this was a perfect area to focus on. So, the prototype mobile application is a basic white labeled application with standard requirements in most school districts. It would allow students to log in. View their term courses and important notifications from their teachers.
We divided into two groups of 2-3 developers. Both groups had cursory knowledge of the frame work they were to be working on. We wanted our opinions of the framework to be as non-bias as possible. We took note of a few key areas when working within our given framework.
After an intensive, fun and enlightening weeks long lab, these are our findings.
React Native
With a small learning curve and simple development setup, most developers will not struggle with getting a basic application up and running. We do suggest using Expo tooling to make devel opment much more efficient. We noticed some small layout variations between the devices (iOS, Android). Although it is still technically in beta, we believe that the framework is fully fleshed out and ready for a production app.
Flutter
The initial setup was very user-friendly and easy to set up. The programming language (Dart) is very similar to Typescript which is a well-known superscript language that most front-end devel opers have worked with. What took us some time to get familiar with, was the multiple widgets used for laying out the application. When we did run into roadblocks, we found it difficult to get the correct answers from the community.
Although we are excited to see how the Flutter framework grows, currently it is not the best option.
React Native
We feel that React Native is the best option in most cases. It is a well-rounded, feature rich frame work that should will meet of our clients’ needs while still allowing us to quickly iterated versions for testing and deployment. Since the Netrix lab, we have continued to work with the language and have recommended it as a viable mobile solution to our clients.
That we leave in your court. If you are thinking of taking your business to the next level and transitioning into the mobile application world but are unsure how to start.
Contact us for more information on mobile applications or custom app development.
Luis is a passionate Web and UI Full Stack developer with over 15 years of experience, dedicated to turning ideas into exceptional digital experiences. Whether he’s working on the intricate details of a UI design or diving into the depths of development, my goal is always the same: to deliver a product that my clients can truly be proud of.
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