Hybrid is actually a framework used to develop multiple platforms with one source. Hybrid Application is the combination of both native and mobile application elements. Hybrid apps are in the context of mobile computing
Here we discuss in detail about PhoneGap and Xamarin which are implemented using the Hybrid framework
PhoneGap
PhoneGap is an open source hybrid platform mobile application development framework that uses HTML, CSS, and Javascript for developing mobile apps. PhoneGap is now renamed as “Apache Callback”, as it is moving to Apache Incubator. Generally, the PhoneGap project is divided into several sub-projects where each subproject is represented as a separate platform. If we need to develop the project for iPhone or iPad, then we need to install Mac OSX and XCode. Likewise, if we take Android-based projects, then we need to install Google Android SDK, Eclipse ADT Plugin, Ant and also Eclipse IDE.
PhoneGap supports many mobile platforms, which allows you to use existing HTML/JS code and deploy to multiple platforms like:
- iOS
- Android
- Symbian
- Blackberry
- WebOS
- WP7
- Samsung Bada
Features of PhoneGap
- PhoneGap uses technologies like Javascript, HTML, and CSS3.
- It can be extended with native plugins and lets to add more functionalities.
- PhoneGap is the very flexible platform.
- It provides a robust backend system with high-speed development to reduce development efforts.
- Ability to develop the single application which works on multiple platforms
How to start using PhoneGap?
PhoneGap is a good sense to be consistent with platform UI. Here are some points how to start using PhoneGap for development.
- To get started first we need to choose the environment like iOS/Android.
- Later run the sample app that is in the PhoneGap SDK.
- We need to go through the API documentation.
- If you are well known about PhoneGap, try to create a sample app that uses multiple APIs that contains JQuery, HTML, CSS etc.
Now let us discuss another framework…
Xamarin
Xamarin is a Microsoft owned that has cross-platform implementations of common language Infrastructure(CLI) and Common Language Specification. Xamarin uses C# for developing mobile applications. Of course, there are many frameworks that provide cross-platform, but they use HTML and Javascript. Using these frameworks, mobile apps that are implemented will look like websites. There are many disadvantages using these frameworks like apps run slowly and don’t give the feel of the native app.
So in order to overcome this issues, Xamarin uses only single language i.e C#. These will run on any mobile platforms like Android, iOS, and Windows. Mobile apps that work on Xamarin will look and feel like the native with all the features available for native SDK.
Xamarin supports platforms like
- Android
- iOS
- Windows Phone
- Mac
How to start using Xamarin?
In order to use Xamarin we have to follow certain steps as follows:
- First, download the Xamarin installer. In order to download we need to fill out some information.
- Once done with download, run the installer.
- After installing there are certain steps to follow that has a section like the selection of SDK location, requirements, and thereby installing process completes.
- After installing, we need to configure the development by choosing the path.
- In order to configure SDK location, we need to select the tool->Options->SDK Location.
- In these we need to configure visual studio, for this, we need to go to tool-> Options->Xamarin. By this, we have completed the configuration part.
- The last step to work with Xamarin is to the activation part.
- For this we need to go to Xamarin studio, now click on the login for a free trial account to use the Xamarin.
Xamarin is the top hybrid mobile app development framework. It saves the time by reutilizing abilities, tools, and also code.
Features of Xamarin
- Xamarin has its own Integrated Development Environment(IDE)
- It has apps in the native form
- Xamarin library allows to write UI for once and these can be shared and converted to other platforms.
- Xamarin has a lot of resources that are open source.
- Only one common language is used i.e C#.
From the above all here to conclude that both PhoneGap and Xamarin are fastest and reliable frameworks that use the hybrid platform.
Krify is one of the best mobile app development company with the talented team of App developers who gained experience in developing apps with Xamarin and PhoneGap. Krify can proudly state that they can build any hybrid app with Xamarin and PhoneGap based on the requirements put forth by the Clients and Customers. Please contact our Sales Team if you have any interesting App plans to implement quick solutions.
