Xamarin is a cross-platform implementation of the Common Language Specifications (also called Microsoft.Net) and Common Language Infrastructure (CLI). This platform gets its name from a Microsoft company based in California. Through Xamarin cross-platform platform, you can build and design mobile apps employing a single language. Along with iOS and Android apps, Xamarin can be used to churn out Windows Phone apps as well.

You name the domain and you have Xamarin apps that comes up with advantages and functionalities. Be in the field of healthcare, manufacturing, gaming, technology or hospitality, the list of multi-domain functionalities of Xamarin apps is endless and so are their capabilities.

For all those who are inquisitive to know about all such popular Xamarin apps that have been and will make their strong presence felt in 2021, here they are.

CincinnatiAlaska AirlinesMicrosoft Azure
Microsoft newsOutbackTaxfyle
UPS MobileInsightlyStoryo
Thermo Fisher ScientificCaptioCA Mobile
BBC GoodfoodMRW AppFreshDirect
Novarum ReaderPictureXVanderlande

1. Cincinnati Children’s Caren

cincinnati - apps using xamarin

Cincinnati is a nonprofit academic medical center dedicated to children. It is one of the distinguished pediatric center for kids with top-quality treatment procedures and pieces of equipment. This app assists you in every visit to Cincinnati children.

Caren reminds you about the current status of your health and schedule appointments in advance. Besides, it can give solutions to your queries and provide services in emergency times.

App Features

  • Digital parking pass & spot reminder.
  • Perfect Wayfinder in your pockets.
  • Easy-to-use interface
  • Wide variety of resources.

Ratings: 4.8/5

Installs: 5,000+

Download: Android, iOS

2. Alaska Airlines

alaska airlines - apps using xamarin

This app is a complete air travel partner that lets you solve all your dilemma regarding the flight information right from booking the tickets, check-in, select a seat, change a seat, order your favourite food etc.

You can even use this app to get your boarding pass and use it at the security checkpoints also. Users also have the option to integrate their calendar details so that all your travel information is lined up within the app.

App Features

  • Detailed information on reservations.
  • Timely push notifications.
  • Responsive feedback systems
  • 24/7 technical support team

Ratings: 4.7/5

Installs: 1,000,000+

Download: Android, iOS

3. Microsoft Azure

microsoft azure - apps using xamarin

Apps created by Microsoft is always a godsend for netizens. Microsoft azure is such an app molded by top-notch Xamarin tools. This app is an amazing solution to manage and monitor your services and give the best outcomes on Microsoft products.

You can control your resources on the go and resolve any issues instantly. It offers a graphical representation of critical metrics of the cloud and gets updates on its status.

App Features

  • Generate corrective actions on resources
  • Alerts on important health issues.
  • Always stay connected with your Cloud
  • Safe and end-to-end encrypted.

Ratings: 4.5/5

Installs: 500,000+

Download: Android, iOS

4. Microsoft news

microsoft news - apps using xamarin

People always desire credible and timely news stories. Microsoft news assures this feature at your fingertips. Users can know affairs that are happening now and those happened earlier with clear figures.

Microsoft news gives in-depth news reports & breaking news from the world’s best journalists. Users can sync their preferences and topics they are interested to read about.

The app curates news stories from reputed dailies like Washington Post, USA TODAY, CBS News, CNN, The New York Times, etc. Users can view blog posts, videos editorials, etc about the raging issues worldwide.

App Features

  • Get top news of all categories.
  • Dark mode for night reading.
  • Limitless & free download app.
  • Good user interface.

Ratings: 4.4/5

Installs: 1,000,000+

Download: Android, iOS

5. Outback

outback - apps using xamarin

The app acts as a bridge between you and the restaurant. This app avoids queries or confusions on orders as you can directly order your favorite steaks from Outback Steakhouse.

You can pre-fill the order details along with the checkout address for making your orders easily at your doorsteps. Users can track each stage till delivery and real-time confirmation of the orders straight from the restaurant doubles the assurance of the right delivery.

App Features

  • Optimized mobile-friendly Interface.
  • Manage multiple addresses.
  • Reliable & no over promises.
  • Easiest and fastest way for food delivery.

Ratings: 4.2/5

Installs: 1,000,000+

Download: Android, iOS

Read Also: A Tutorial on Xamarin 2021

6. Taxfyle

taxtyle - apps using xamarin

Taxfyle is a devoted app made using Xamarin that helps you monitor your taxes on the go. You can now file taxes in real-time and connect in minutes. Users can file both their personal and business tax easily with Taxfyle at fingertips.

The app helps you calculate an upfront cost and assess the taxes, above all connect with the best tax professional to engage without any complications.

After the whole process, you can rate and review the person who helped you with easy tax services. Users can share their confidential information via Taxfyle as its systems are highly encrypted and secure.

App Features

  • 24/7 tax advice via email.
  • Tracking through best accounting software
  • Get qualified for tax credits.
  • Easy data sharing & messaging.

Ratings: 4.1/5

Installs: 10,000+

Download: Android, iOS

7. UPS Mobile

ups mobile - apps using xamarin

One of the best apps is made using Xamarin with Five million plus installs. UPS mobile helps you track your deliveries from its shipment till reaching your hands. It is active on both Android and Ios platforms.

You can easily identify your packages and manage them by knowing their journey and exact locations. UPS has an in-app measurement tool where you can take package dimensions on the go.

App Features

  • Estimate shipping costs and time.
  • Get shipping labels.
  • Find the nearest UPS locations.
  • User-friendly app.

Ratings: 4.1/5

Installs: 5,000,000+

Download: Android, iOS

8. Insightly

insightly - apps using xamarin

This is a one-stop solution for various businesses operating in different verticals. It was created for businesses to monetize their strategies through updated information.

Powered by Xamarin, this business-centric mobile app which is compatible with iOS and Android devices shares pertinent information to its users.

App Features

  • Manage & monitor customer relationships
  • Add Voice memo with leads.
  • Effective team & project management.
  • Easy address book on the device.

Ratings: 4/5

Installs: 100,000+

Download: Android, iOS

9. Storyo

storyo

Storyo is a Xamarin-based app that helps you come up with interesting videos from photographs. You can also tag your video with details like time and place along with other contextual information that will mirror your story telling abilities.

This narrative interface featuring captivating videos is compatible with multiple platforms along with a feature that allows users across 170 countries to access your videos; in a jiffy!

App Features

  • Exciting slideshow creator
  • Users from 170+ Countries
  • Location & timeframe feature
  • Awesome filters and transitions

Ratings: 4/5

Installs: 100,000+

Download: Android, iOS

10. Thermo Fisher Scientific

thermo fisher

If you are on the lookout for a techno-scientific mobile app that seamlessly blends life sciences with IoT (Internet of Things), then Thermo Fisher Scientific is the perfect bet.

Predominantly hand holding genetic scientists to come up with multiple copies of DNA in a short time span, this research and development (R&D) mobile app teams with PCR Essentials App.

This combination of xamarin apps facilitates the monitoring of progress from anywhere. Another star attraction of this app is that it cuts down the number of manual machine checks.

All thanks to Xamarin, a significant 75% reduction in development time was possible along with providing another user-friendly platform to conduct R&D activities through mobiles.

App Features

  • Real-time followups and schedules
  • Exact geolocation tracking
  • Autogeneration of service reports
  • Easy-to-use Interface

Ratings: 3.8/5

Installs: 1,000+

Download: Android, iOS

app cost calculator

11. Captio

captio

With this app, you can forget all the paper works regarding your expenses. Because this app transforms your smartphone into a customized tool that can help you calculate all your travel expenses.

This digital partner of your travel and expense provides information for business account management details, VAT details, credit card payments, supervises the accounts and even helps in business accounting.

App Features

  • Automatically generate expense reports.
  • A perfect tool for corporate management.
  • Automatic data extraction facility.
  • Reconcile multiple payments

Ratings: 3.6/5

Installs: 100,000+

Download: Android, iOS

12. CA Mobile

ca mobile

This app was created to provide a safe and native mobile experience for the customers of famous Portugal based bank, Credito Agricola.

The CA Mobile app lets you access your bank account anytime and anywhere from various devices. You can get details regarding your account summary, transactions, card details, recharges and other value-added services.

App Features

  • Biometric authentication facility
  • Purchase via virtual cards
  • Monitor CA agencies
  • Completely free membership.

Ratings: 3.3/5

Installs: 100,000+

Download: Android

13. BBC Goodfood

bbc good food

This is the latest version of the BBC Goodfood app offering an extensive recipe database for its users. New dishes and recipes are added all time and users can try it without any trouble. Users can create their collections and rate their favorite recipes.

The newest feature is that you can share the new recipes with your family and friends anywhere anytime. BBC Good food offers a free trial period where users can fully use the app and decide its future use.

App Features

  • 24/7 customer email support
  • Various subscription packages
  • Browse & search for trending recipes.
  • Filter junk/promotion folders.

Ratings: 2.9/5

Installs: 500,000+

Download: Android, iOS

14. MRW App

mrw transport

This app helps you track your company shipments and know their status anytime and anywhere. Being a pioneer to e-commerce and logistics it’s been a necessity to have a mobile app that works across cross-platforms.

Using this app you can locate the other offices of MRW and also get in touch with us through various communication channels like customer service, website or through the social media.

App Features

  • Track & know the status of your products.
  • Locate nearest MRW offices
  • Active on multiple devices.
  • In-app chat functionality

Rating: 2.5/5

Installs: 10,000+

Download : Android

15. FreshDirect

freshdirect

Featuring a huge catalog of more than 15,000 products, FreshDirect is a Xamarin offering that allows you to source your groceries from the comfort of your homes.

With a Stock Keeping Unit (SKU) that helps marketers track their inventory through an identification code, FreshDirect is the product of multiple technologies.

Along with Xamarin Test Cloud, this online grocery app makes use of the concepts of Visual Studio and HockeyApp that makes it compatible with iOS and Android platforms.

App Features

  • Track & know the status of your products.
  • Locate nearest MRW offices
  • Active on multiple devices.
  • In-app chat functionality.

Ratings: 2.2/5

Installs: 100.000+

Download: Android, iOS

Read Also: What Makes Xamarin Unique in 2021

16. Novarum Reader

Novarum DX is a test platform for both diagnostics and pharmaceutical market. Avoiding the traditional method of lateral flow test, the company wanted users to be provided with the option of analyzing results via a smartphone camera.

For this, the Novorum reader app was created which was the first ever diagnostic software that worked without hardware. According to your need, the app can be customized in case of reading and the reporting system.

App Features

  • Highly customizable interface
  • Perform easy testing by scanning codes.
  • Immediate pass/fail result.
  • Connect & transfer reports.

Visit Website

17. PictureX

This is a free, fun-to-use, easy app made with Xamarin that lets you collect and arrange all your favourite photos with friends’ or family in the same folder.

The company aims at providing their customers the option of exchanging pictures with other users. Permission to access the photo, share and download it is only given by the user.

App Features

  • Elegant and intuitive design.
  • Secure and encrypted accounts.
  • User-friendly platform.
  • Easily arrange & access photos.

Visit Website

18. Vanderlande

vanderlande

This app lets the employees trace the parcels automatically using the scan bar or the QR codes. By integrating the Xamarin platform, the app was found to showcase a better user interface and it also becomes easier for employees who don’t know English.

This, in turn, helps in improving their operational activities and expanding logistics with greater services.

App Features

  • Real-time Tracking of consignments
  • Multi-language support
  • Effective logistics management.
  • Excellent UI/UX.

Visit Website

Read Also: Pros & Cons of Xamarin App Development in 2021

The Last Word

With multidisciplinary options that Xamarin apps have to offer, you can welcome 2021 with a high level of confidence and preparedness.

app cost calculator

Making the most of Xamarin’s cross-platform app development technology, you will be poised to expand your customer base with the inclusion of various mobile platforms.

If it is your prime aim to deliver web apps without having to write server-side programming code, you have an excellent option coming in the form of Firebase database. This is a technology that ensures a swift and easy development of web and mobile apps which can run on platforms like OS X, web, iOS and Android.

When you have Firebase by your side, you need not get bogged down by over-provisioning servers alongside building REST APIs. You can get away with these two requirements with some basic configuration.

With so much going in favor of Firebase, below are the top 15 alternatives of Firebase that can become your top choices.

Parse server Kinvey Gamesparks
Back4app PubNub Deployd
Kumulos Atmosphere Hood.ie
Kuzzle AWS Amplify Heroku
Cloudboost.io Firehose GUN

 

1. Parse server

parse - firebase alternatives

Parse is an open-source mobile & web application platform. It has a strong developer community making it one among the best firebase alternatives.

Parse provide a handfull of backend tools helping developers to store data, manage identity, run custom codes etc. Easy customization of your app’s foundation is another advantage of Parse server.

Key features

  • Offers a better user experience.
  • Easy view of analytics & push notifications.
  • Unlimited access to the software
  • Hosted in almost all environments.

Visit Website

2. Kinvey

kinvey - firebase alternatives

Kinvey provides the best cloud backend services on any app. It has higher flexibility for developers to setup & scale different mobile apps.

Kinvey can set up the majority of the cloud services and other backend elements. Kinvey’s business logic makes it popular among developers that they can easily host codes

Key features

  • Add amultiple users.
  • Choose from a variety of authentication systems
  • Limitless data storage.
  • Instant and secure syncing between apps & backend.

Visit Website

3. Gamesparks

gamesparks - firebase alternatives

Gamesparks is a dedicated gaming app development platform with a developer-friendly interface. This alternative is both highly scalable & flexible.

Other innovative features include latest messaging & social tools. Gamesparks is easier to optimize and build amazing server-side components.

Key features

  • Live gaming & meta-game options.
  • Social matchmaking & multiplayer.
  • Enable easy IT asset management.
  • Develop attractive game apps.

Visit Website

4. Back4app

back4app - firebase alternatives

Back4app is devoted to creating quality mobile and web applications. Whether it be single or cross-platform, back4app provides more ease to developers and focus them on another aspect of apps.

It helps to speed up the development process to about 80% along with efficiently hosting IoT, web, and mobile applications. Back4app has multiple solutions for rapid integration & convenient app development.

Key features

  • Open-source & has private cloud options.
  • Relational databases via GraphQL or REST APIs.
  • Automated backups with the real-time database.
  • Highly optimized storage methods.

Visit Website

5. PubNub

PubNub - firebase alternatives

PubNub is popular for its versatile streaming abilities. You can create promising web and mobile apps with PubNub.

The most attractive feature is that it can send instant mobile push notifications even the app is not running. If you are planning for a chat service app, PubNub is perfect for accompanying you in the whole backend services.

Key features

  • Integrate playback options.
  • Stream controllers with a single connection.
  • Transfer trillions of messages.
  • Scalable chat APIs.

Visit Website

Read Also : A Tutorial on Firebase Hosting 2020

6. Deployd

deployd - firebase alternatives

Deployd is one of the open-source firebase alternatives. It is an adaptive API design platform empowering developer to engage in trouble-free app development on both web and mobiles.

It’s quicker test API helps while developing user interface making it an amazing solution. Deployd has HTTP and REST APIs which can be hosted by cloud platforms.

Key features

  • Easier testing procedures
  • Javascript is used throughout
  • Intuitive web-based dashboard
  • Easy developer-friendly deployment.

Visit Website

7. Kumulos

kumulos - firebase alternatives

Kumulos is a driving solution for effective mobile app development business. Developers can rely on this multi-tenant solution to provide easy to use in-app messaging service to your clients.

Kumulos ensures a winning branded messaging app where your clients can conduct campaigns and gauge its effects.

Key features

  • Focused on Push notification platforms.
  • Closer client engagements.
  • Timely reports on app management.
  • Improve app’s commercial performance.

Visit Website

8. Atmosphere

atmosphere - firebase alternatives

Atmosphere is a perfect tool for designing both client & server-side frameworks. This technology is so popular that this is compatible on majority servers and browsers.

Atmosphere supports long-polling, HTTP Streaming, Web Sockets and Server Sent Events (SSE) along with JSONP.

Key features

  • Best asynchronous web applications.
  • Free to download.
  • Detailed API Documentation.
  • Easy to scale.

Visit Website

9. Hood.ie

Hoodie - firebase alternatives

Hood.ie is a self-hosted platform helping developers to manage multiple solutions. It is a highly supporting alternative with a small developer community. Hood.ie comprises offline resources that can productively utilize its amazing features in each app.

Key features

  • Local & hosted development.
  • Simple Javascript-based services.
  • Dream-code Driven API.
  • Simple & easy procedures.

Visit Website

app cost calculator

10. Kuzzle

kuzzle

Kuzzle is an amazing backend platform that is highly flexible and a boon for developers. This is best suitable for web, mobile, and IoT application development.

Kuzzle is designed with an emphasis on rapid market methods & enabling higher ROI for developers. These factors make it preferable than firebase or others include real-time functionality & multi-protocol API.

Key features

  • Advanced search options
  • Highly flexible backend services
  • Manage push notifications
  • Real-time geofencing & data sync.

Visit Website

11. AWS Amplify

aws amplify

AWS is a package of excellent backend tools making developers & organizations conduct easier app development.

The most striking feature is that it can create serverless apps that can integrate with Javascript-based front-end elements. It comprises a declarative API to handle multiple cloud operations.

Key features

  • Work with multiple vendors & buyers.
  • Real-time database
  • Instant push notifications.
  • Multiple cloud operations.

Visit Website

12. Heroku

heroku

Being one among the best firebase alternatives, Heroku is a service-based system with a powerful development ecosystem.

With an app-centric approach, Heroku serve as an all-in-one solution for developers. Heroku is rich with the latest backend developer tools and workflows.

Key features

  • Easy customization of app stacks.
  • Easy service add-ons.
  • Instant troubleshooting of issues.
  • Regular audits & high protection.

Visit Website

13. Cloudboost.io

cloudboost

Cloudboost.io is one of the reliable firebase alternatives with features like push notifications, user authentication, slack integration, cache, and more.

This is an open-source platform where developers can make easy backend operations without any troublesome vendor lock-ins. You can assure supreme UI & UX features in mobile and web applications you create.

Key features

  • Easy offline syncing.
  • Effortless real-time app development.
  • Unlimited storage.
  • Robust APIs with high connectivity

Visit Website

14. Firehose

firehose

Firehose is one of the best alternatives for firebase with comprising RESTful design principles. The elaborate rewriting procedure is absent here. Firehose never requires complex protocols.

You can use those subcodes that easily work with the client-side Javascript. Firehose enables in creating real-time web applications at ease.

Key features

  • Active web frontend Dashboard
  • Easy backup & restore.
  • Effective database service.
  • High data protection.

Visit Website

15. GUN

gun.eco

Gun helps in managing error-free backend services. Website app development is easier and the resources focus on the minute fragments of app development.

Gun is an open-source alternative that is best for managing small applications. The enterprise package for buying the platform is about $999.

Key features

  • Decentralized & specific databases.
  • Excellent database engine.
  • Real-time user & app management.
  • Secure app data.

Visit Website

Read Also : An Overview of Firebase Cloud Functions 2020

Closing Thoughts

Notwithstanding the fact that Firebase comes with a plethora of mobile app development features supporting you to scale your infrastructure requirements, it is time you check out the perfect substitutes that are now available.

app cost calculator

Each of the above alternatives of firebase showcases great features & complements each other in terms of the functionalities and tools they comprise.

Developers can lead an errorless backend process with these amazing solutions. You can decide & choose the best alternative to develop and deploy your apps with satisfaction.

What is React Native?

React Native is a JavaScript framework which is used for developing mobile applications for iOS and Android.  It uses the React framework and offers large amount of inbuilt components and APIs.

Discovery of React Native by Facebook was an intriguing phenomenon since Mark Zuckerberg announced how amazing this framework is for mobile app developers.

It is because of its potential to bring all the basic features of web development in mobile platform that captured a lot of attention among both app entrepreneurs and developers.

Ever since its introduction to mobility world, React Native as a complete cross-platform app development framework continued to drive a lot of interest and global adoption.

mobile app development

When a framework is believed to be beneficial for mobile app developers, its myriad benefits also automatically appeal to entrepreneurs with its ability to reduce cost and time.

However, to understand that the limelight React Native is getting is not too exaggerated and it is comparatively better than native app development, we are going to go through a tutorial of this framework in the following discussion.

This tutorial will help beginners in the space of React Native development broaden their perspective about the technology and know what all factors they should consider when opting for React Native for mobile app development through this tutorial.

Who Invented React Native?

This open-source mobile application framework was created by Jordan Walke, a software engineer at Facebook.   He released an early prototype of React called “FaxJS”.

React was first deployed on Facebook’s News Feed in 2011 and later on Instagram in 2012.  In May 2013, React was open-sourced at JSConf US.

In this tutorial, we shall have a broad view about react native and also have some topics  should go through before starting learning.

What is difference between React JS and react native?

react native tutorial

Due to obvious presence of React in React Native framework, entrepreneurs and beginners often get confused about their exact use and applications in the world of development.

It is therefore important to imbibe the fundamental difference between React and React Native technologies. React uses React DOM for rendering web development solutions while React Native stands as a custom solution for rendering React files for mobile equivalent.

React Native uses native components as building blocks for developing mobile apps unlike React that uses web components. As a first-time learner of React Native, it is inevitable that you must gather enough basic overview of the React concepts such as its class, components, JSX, state and more.

Even if you have know how about React, you will have to explore the Native components of React Native that makes React code work for Android and iOS.

Read Also: Difference Between React JS and React Native

With the deep confusion around React Native now clarified, it is time to focus on the business-oriented benefits of using React Native over other cross-platform frameworks and tools.

The upper hand of React Native over other frameworks

react native tutorial

  • Intuitive User Interface
  • Advantage of JavaScript
  • Ease of setup and configuration
  • Mature, impeccable structure
  • User-friendly development environment
  • Diversity of invaluable tools
  • Easy to learn and adopt
  • Impressive performance
  • Community Support
  • Efficient Testing
  • Proper Documentation
  • Affordability and economy
  • Better Lifecycle Management

React Native: Pros and Cons

Of course, like any framework, perfection and imperfection both co-exists in React Native framework although the cross-platform technology boasts of more pros than cons for active react native app developers.

Cultivating basic insight into all the benefits and limitations will help fuel the development process and make developers more proactive, vigilant and confident in their space.

Pros

Slim Coding: Write once run everywhere

The most exhilarating part about working with React Native app development is that it allows you to adopt single code base for all platforms (Android, iOS, Windows).

This goes to imply that the team of Native developers would not have to write separate codes for different target platforms. They can follow write-once-run-everywhere approach, having to code the app just once and make it live across available platforms.

Rapid App Development

react native tutorial

Another pro that is most likely to be the comforting answer to React Native conundrum is that the framework facilitates rapid app development, minimizing both the team size as well as time required to finish the project.

The mobile app development company does not need to involve too many developers especially to individually work for all platforms. As single team is enough to look after all the requirements efficiently and project doesn’t demand extensive timeline, the overall efforts for design, development and testing are too massive.

Read Also: React Native App Development Company in UK

Lean Learning Curve for Web Developers

React Native is based on JavaScript and existing web developers who possess good familiarity with this JS can easily get their hands on React Native app development.

Hence, it is not a massive struggle if you want to learn and eventually switch to mobile app development using React Native as a core technology in this tutorial.

Open Source

react native tutorial

At the start of any mobile app development project, developers emphatically seek open source nature of the technologies being used. React Native, being the open source, thus pleases developers by allowing them to freely inspect code.

Not only that, due to being open source, its library is generous and updated with components that even work for rare platforms like tvOS.

Comfortable team composition

The nature of React native development is such that it also comforts entrepreneurs who often brood over assembling great number of developers to create a huge team.

The framework allows you to dispense with a small size of development team which is composed with merely:

  • Tech consultant
  • Project Manager
  • React Native Developer
  • UI/UX Designers
  • Business Analyst
  • QA Specialist

In case of pure native app development, you may end up choosing almost double the number or more is depending on the project size.

How much does react native cost?

react nattive tutorial

The cost factor of mobile app development that drives major concern for businesses also works in their favor. React native app development brings down the spending which is another great benefit for both developers building the app and entrepreneurs worried about ROI.

This means having a dream about mobile app development does not necessarily mean you will bear enormous cost if it is done using React Native – another reason why the technology is so popular as an effective way to reduce the investment.

app development cost

React Native example

Here are a list of some popular apps built using React Native

  • Snapchat
  • Tinder
  • Instagram
  • AirBnB
  • Myntra

Read Also: 13 Famous Apps Built With React Native

Scalability for future

Even after hearing about its several incredible benefits, what developers and app entrepreneurs worry about is whether or not React Native is flexible and versatile enough to fulfill unpredictable scope of app scalability in future.

As business grows and marketplace evolves, the need to meet the loads of requirements of increased real-time users becomes inevitable. To their relief, this overwhelming expectation is fulfilled efficiently by the flexible capability of React Native cross-platform framework.

If developers are experienced and aware of how they can tune React Native structure to handle increased volume of customer activities, your app can be as successful as one of those big brands like Facebook, Instagram, Airbnb or Walmart. They are all powered by versatile React Native.

Hot Reload Option

Another technical aspect that developers ponder over while figuring out technologies is the amount of time consumed when actually writing and running application code. Thankfully enough, React Native affords hot reload solution which is a brilliant time-saving functionality.

With this capability in place, developers find it easy to view in real time how any change in code appears in target device. The action of checking the effect does not demand burdensome efforts, which lucidly proves that React Native has developer-friendly environment.

Cons

Poor connection with device’s Native environment

react native tutorial

A little unpleasant blow for React Native developers is that it does not directly interact with device’s native elements such as Camera, Voice recorder, etc. this is the kind of challenge that even its closest alternatives like Xamarin and Flutter don’t seem to solve completely.

Hence, in certain technical dilemma, native app development outweighs the cross-platform capability of React Native to an extent.

Limited Native APIs

In React Native, developers are restricted from using certain Native APIs as there isn’t much support for all Native APIs. However, the technology is working on providing support for those Native APIs. For now, this is one of the plights where Native app development seems to overshadow React Native power.

Insufficient Third-Party Libraries

third party

Another down point in React Native development is that it lacks third-party libraries. Developers have to depend on native modules to leverage libraries – which somewhat adds to development efforts in the long run.

Adoption rate of React Native

By mentioning all the pros and limitations associated with using React Native for cross-platform development, we could clearly see how React Native, when compared with other tools or app development methods, emerges stronger and more reliable.

The reason why React Native still holds its significance and is widely adopted is that it has all the functionalities developers need for cross-platform development process.

Pros the framework offers are too great to be overwhelmed by its limitations, or by native app development approach. This is why there is a steep rise and interest in adopting React Native for creating sophisticated, business-class mobile apps.

To understand the size of React Native’s adoption by global businesses, we must be driven to take a good look at those eminent big brand names that turned to RN to build the backbone of their applications.

Who are using react native?

Apart from the companies that are now starting to feel positive about React Native for mobile app development, here is the glance at globally recognized applications:

  • Facebook
  • Bloomberg
  • Tesla
  • Uber
  • Walmart
  • Instagram
  • SoundCloud
  • Townske
  • Gyroscope
  • Vogue

Why we use React Native?

The reasons to use React Native are that it is a popular framework that is used to build web applications. React popularized the use of a virtual DOM, this in turn greatly increased render performance for web apps.

This open-source mobile application framework maintains a virtual representation of the view hierarchy.  So, when changes are made, you no longer have to do expensive operations on the view hierarchy.

React uses an efficient diffing algorithm to compare the virtual hierarchy and then necessary changes are made to the actual view hierarchy.

Encapsulation of components is another fascinating principle of React. React encapsulates each single component into a single file.  With React Native, you can save a lot of compile time.

React Native helps build app that can work across multiple types of platforms including iOS and Android.   This cross-platform feature helps large or small company to save their time and money.

React Native has Rich Text Editor which helps increase the overall productivity.  The key benefits of Rich Text Editor are that it will not crash, hang and lose syntax highlighting.

React Native: Possibilities and Potential

While the world of developers and entrepreneurs are still hoping to use React Native for applications of any kind, in the moment the type of mobile apps that can be built with the framework are categorized as:

Simple and intuitive UI

ui ux

React Native helps develop mobile apps with simple, interactive and intuitive user interface. Since the technology offers unparalleled capabilities like hot reloading and slim coding, it is a viable solution for building a high-performance mobile app with best UI elements and features.

Strategic Prototypes

The mobile app industry deeply believes in first generating the app prototypes in order to validate the idea before plunging further in. App prototyping is another need addressed by React Native because of its ability to deliver the software model in less time.

Also, the cross-platform framework makes the entire process of prototype creation less costly than other frameworks in the app development market.

Basic functionalities

For an app built without deep complexities or any challenging functionalities, React Native could be the best option to look forward to. You can easily consider it suitable for mobile apps with not many heavy functionalities to go.

Industry-specific apps

Since React Native does not typically provide you with much ground to fiddle with native device elements, apps that don’t directly interact with native features can be perfect for React Native development.

Still, React Native has bred apps for huge brands as seen above – apps that don’t solely exist as an independent software. For instance, Facebook, Instagram and Uber are all using real-time features that require making connection with local device setup.

Hence, it is important to notice that React Native framework can be used as a versatile and adaptive structure to build industry-specific apps.

Read Also: Comparison Between Flutter Vs React Native

What is the future of react native?

A survey conducted by Stack Overflow Developer in 2018 reveals that React is the framework that every developers wants to work with and also  many developers are interested in React Native.  The future of React Native is fabric and it boils down to three major internal changes.

  • New threading model – A new threading model makes it possible to call synchronously into JavaScript on any thread, maintaining responsiveness while keeping low-priority work off the main thread.
  • Async rendering capabilities – Async rendering capabilities will be incorporated into React Native.
  • Simplified bridge – A new simplified bridge will make direct calls between native and JavaScript and make it easier to build various debugging tools.

Sophie Alpert, Engineering Manager on React at Facebook says that existing React Native apps will remain fully functional with no or just a few changes.

How do I become a React Native developer?

The following step by step procedure will help you become a good React Native developer.

  • Sharpen your basics from tutorial on react native app development
  • Learn to build static web pages such as Html, CSS
  • Learn Javascript-ES6/7/8
  • Learn basic Nodejs and npm
  • Learn basic React
  • Learn Redux
  • Dive in to React Native
  • Learn React Navigation

Words in nutshell

By ending the tutorial, we can firmly say that Facebook’s React Native equally benefits both front-end developers and web developers wanting to dip into the pool of opportunities pertaining to mobile app development.

Having in-depth knowledge about React, which is a declarative view library of Facebook for web development, can also lead to gaining mastery in native mobile app development with React Native.

hire mobile app developers

Given how React Native triumphs over other cross-platform tools when it comes to building diverse mobile apps for iOS and Android, it is crucial to learn this incredible framework and ensure a competitive advantage in the business.

The framework also offers simplicity and flexibility along with the power to create the imagined. Hope in this tutorial about react native app development, we cover all the basics that one should consider before learning it.

Exclusive Bonus: Download PDF

React.js was originally developed by Facebook team to create a highly responsive and dynamic UI with uncompromised performance.

The react.js library was released in 2011 with an intent to leverage JavaScript speed and ability to render pages and dynamic user input. Two years later, as React.js became quite recognized, the team open-sourced React.js.

React-Native was developed and launched by Facebook team in 2015 and became quite an interesting and popular framework among mobile app developers.

It can be used for building cross-platform mobile apps. The framework was later customized by contributors to use it for building desktop apps as well.

Though React-Native looks very similar to ReactJS, there are certain differences in their use and structure. In this post, we will see a few points that separate React Native from React.js technology.

Read Also: 13 Famous Apps Built with React Native

React.js

React.js is basically a JavaScript library built to create user-friendly and responsive UI components. Also known as React, the library is responsible for the rendering of UI components in a typical technical sense. It is leveraged to support both front-end and server-side operations.

React Native

React Native is a powerful JavaScript framework used to build native applications as it compiles to React Native components. Like React JS, React Native also has the base abstractions of React DOM.

This suggests that while components are different, their syntax and workflow remain similar.

1) Setup and running process

React.js is a JavaScript Library that you can use for the web development. While starting a new project and setting up ReactJS, you will need to choose Webpack which is actually a bundler. You will then decide which bundling modules will specifically suit your project.

setup react

In React Native, you have everything you need to set up and get started. It is so easy and fast to launch the framework. All it takes is to run one command line in terminal and you are ready to start coding your first ever React native app.

You will need Xcode (for iOS) or Android Studio (for Android) installed on your computer to run the app. Use an emulator of the target platform or test its performance on your own devices.

2) Animations

Unlike React JS where CSS helps bring alive animations, React Native makes you learn entirely new ways to use JavaScript and create animations for components of your app.

With React Native, developers can animate components in the app by using the Animated API. There is quite known JavaScript library Velocity.js that you can use and compare Animated API with it.

react animations

The famous Velocity.js allows developers to form assorted animations. They work based on time and velocity of gesture and can be used in many combinations. You also have LayoutAnimation in React Native that comes off cool for transitions especially on iOS platform.

Compared to React JS that allows you to play with creative animations, React Native offers you good freedom to do a lot more in animation space.

Read Also: React Native App Development Company in UK

3) Developer tools

Rapid app development seekers would be happy to use React in their native project since you already get a few great tools without actually installing anything.

This unique quality saves a lot of time and efforts for developers. In addition, hot reloading enabled by React JS comes handy when there is a need to make small changes to overall app styles.

You can leverage Live Reload if there are bigger changes to add to the app logic so that your app reloads upon changing the code.

React Native developers can use many developer tools present in React JS. You can use Chrome Dev Tools to inspect the network requests, handle logs and for debugging.

You also have Redux DevTools for further assistance in inspection. However, the native inspector is not much helpful since you can’t inspect DOM with React Native like you are able to do on the web.

4) Business benefits of React.js

  • React’s DOM (document object model) that manages data inputs and outputs is much faster than the conventional refresh model. Since it only partially refreshes certain parts of the page, Facebook never knew the process of refreshing would prove faster. By positively affecting the re-build time, the partial DOM refresh eventually boosts performance and speed while writing program.
  • The phenomenon of reusable code components in React JS further saves you a lot of time.
  • React.js also improves the debugging speed which highly favors developers’ work.
  • The possibility of rendering the pages from the server to the browser helps positively with SEO part of your app.
  • React quite easily comes to even beginners in the space. Because it is effortlessly readable, unlike other frameworks, React doesn’t require you to get thorough with an extensive list of concepts.
  • Since it is based on JavaScript, developers are free to reap the maximum benefits of all the progress and updates in the Java ecosystem.

5) Business benefits of React Native

  • React Native contains Native modules and components that help render certain code components directly with Native APIs to improve performance and speed. It does not depend on WebView for code rendering unlike other cross-platform frameworks.
  • Since React Native also lets developers reuse code and common logic layer across iOS and Android, the need for building the applications separately for both is avoided.
  • React Native offers all the mentioned benefits of React.js such as delivering a user-friendly UI.
  • The component-based development model of React Native framework creates an agile web-style approach for developers to build apps without actually relying on any web.
  • React Native is easy to learn if you are familiar with JavaScript. A front-end developer could turn into a mobile developer if they know enough about JavaScript and platform-specific APIs, native UI elements or other design essentials.
  • By delivering high performance, agility and responsiveness in app development, React Native gets rid of typical struggles involved in native app development such as inefficiency, slow deployment and unsatisfying developer productivity. It also results in best user experience of native apps.
  • Another React Native speed booster is its ability to add UI components directly into existing app’s code without aiming to rewrite. So you don’t have to overhaul the entire app when updating.

Read Also: A Comparison Between Flutter & React Native

Final remarks

The process of mobile app development using React Native framework is swimmingly fast. So you can quickly get an app ready in its mature shape. Building the complex UI design elements in React Native is also quick as it usually is with React JS across both iOS and Android.

For React Native learners who are especially keen on JavaScript programming, it is easy and agile to switch from React JS web to React-Native app development.

Developers also have a huge advantage of getting the best out of the big and benevolent React Native community. Thus, Facebook’s original framework React Native has a lot to offer and is a recommendable technology for any web developer who wants to build mobile apps.

React Native has evolved to be a fascinating lynchpin amid the most preferable and trending technologies today ever since Facebook developed it for its own internal apps projects in 2013.

Developers adopted this powerful framework for iOS and Android app development. The technology was made available on GitHub in 2015 as announced by Facebook in F8 conference and now it is vibrant with 1,408 contributors.

The future possibilities of what React Native development can produce add thrill to the anticipation around its potential among mobile app developers, which makes the technology quite popular across the globe.

The big brands including Fortune 500 companies have already leveraged the power of this incredible tool and created compelling apps.

We have put together a list of 20 famous apps built with React Native here.

Airbnb Pinterest Grasshopper SoundCloud
Instagram Myntra Townske Wix
Salesforce Skype Tesla Discord
Ubereats Bloomberg Walmart Shine
Delivery.com Facebook Ads Manager Facebook Analytics KFC

 

1. Airbnb

airbnb - react native apps

AirBnB is another remarkable examples of React Native success for mobile app development. the company uses RN to build its service booking app that demanded real-time performance. React Native worked miraculously and brought delight for software engineers at AirBnB.

The company has an extensive development team that involves as many as 60 individuals who are all dedicated to working on this JavaScript technology.

The technology helped them to build reusable code across iOS and Android platforms and refactor them, saving a lot on their development cycle.

App Features

  • Local experiences led by native experts
  • Holiday home rentals across 191+ countries
  • Ability to search by price, neighborhood and amenities
  • Add experiences and events to your itinerary

Ratings: 4.7

Installs: 50,000,000+

Downloads: Android, iOS

2. Pinterest

pinterest - react native apps

Pinterest runs on Pins, so that when you have interesting ideas for projects or have other fascinating stories, you can simply pin them on your personal boards. It is used as a photo sharing and visual bookmarking social media app where you can save posts and even upload your ideas.

You can promote a blog story under a post, share DIY tasks such as home improvement inspirations and cooking recipe or define travel plans and do much more using pins boards on Pinterest.

App Features

  • Find pins, people, brands and whatever you would love to see in feed
  • Discover more than 100 billion possibilities in life
  • Let’s invite and collaborate with friends

Rating s: 4.6

Installs : 100,000,000+

Downloads: Android, iOS

3. Grasshopper

grasshopper - react native apps

This app is the best way to start your coding experience with fun games and puzzles that teach you to develop or code JavaScript. You can go through different programming levels and expertise with fundamental skills as a coder or developer.

App Features

  • Develop your problem-solving skills
  • Use industry-standard JavaScript
  • Real-time feedbacks
  • Collect achievements as you learn

Ratings: 4.6

Installs: 1,000,000+

Downloads: Android, iOS

Read Also: Comparison Between Flutter & React Native

4. SoundCloud

soundcloud - react native apps

SoundCloud is a brilliant app for artistic creators where they can create and manage their accounts and keep their community alive. React came handy when the company struggled with the lack of enough developers to design the second set of react native apps.

Due to insufficient number of iOS developers, they faced the possibility of a large gap between iOS and Android release. The SoundCloud research team tested React Native prototypes for user experience and found a few challenges.

Even then, they found themselves positive about the technology since working with React Native application was easier than a pure native approach. To top it all, SoundCloud team was able to successfully build the complete app without much efforts from specialized developers.

App Features

  • Find and connect with your community
  • Connect directly with artists and fellow listeners
  • Create playlists for any occasion
  • Access the most diverse catalog of content

Ratings: 4.5

Installs: 100,000,000+

Downloads: Android, iOS

5. Instagram

instagram - react native apps

After Facebook, if there is any other social networking app that made sensation, it is Instagram. Instagram was thought to have a unique leverage due to its ability to allow users to share photos and videos.  Users relished the idea of capturing and sharing on the app the best and most important moments of their life.

Instagram lets you take a snap with your phone’s camera and turn it into a work of art using its various filters that you can apply. You can even post them on other popular media like Facebook and Twitter and use it as your investable marketing platform.

App Features

  • Let’s you post photos and videos
  • Browse feeds posted by other users
  • Go live in public or with your followers’ group
  • Let’s you add Hashtags, Filters, etc.

Ratings : 4.5

Installs: 1,000,000,000+

Downloads: Android, iOS

6. Myntra

myntra - react native apps

Myntra is one of the shopping apps that one must have to shop while on the go is built on react native. With 5 lakh of products and 2500 brands of clothing, footwear, accessories, etc. categories, customers can get 100 percent original products.

App Features

  • 30-day hassle free product returns
  • EMI option included in the payment gateway option
  • Get the best prices of products with Myntra coupon codes

Rating: 4.4

Installs: 50,000,000+

Downloads: Android, iOS

7. Townske

townske - react native apps

This social media publishing platform allows people to share and discover any city on earth. In other words, Townske is a community of thousands of local people blogging about the places they love.

You can look quickly through city guides and ‘like’ anything that you may like to visit later.

App Features

  • No need to create account
  • Allows you to create a list of the places that you may like to visit and share it with your friends
  • Helps you to discover nearby places

Ratings: 4.4

Installs: 5,000+

Downloads: Android

Read Also: React Native App Development Company in UK

8. Wix

wix - react native apps

Wix is a software company that provides web hosting and web designing. Users can design using HTML and CSS using drag and drop functionality.

App Features

  • Developers can create their own application
  • Create website without knowing codes
  • Share your latest content
  • Manage and edit past, present and future events

Ratings: 4.4

Installs: 5,000,000+

Downloads: Android, iOS

9. Salesforce

salesforce - react native apps

This app allows you to run your business faster and easier.  The Salesforce mobile app unlocks a whole new level of productivity, personalization, and speed.

App Features

  • Includes all your favorite Lightning Apps
  • Navigation bar makes easier to find your most used apps
  • Dynamic and rich mobile record pages

Ratings: 4.4

Installs: 1,000,000+

Downloads: Android, iOS

10. Skype

skype - react native apps

This telecommunications application is mainly used for video chats and voice calls over the internet, using devices like phones, PCs, and smartwatches.

It offers instant messaging services and allows users to transmit and receive multimedia messages. Currently, there are approximately 4.9 million active users.

App Features

  • Let users to make free or low-cost calls locally or internationally
  • Offers a large selection of emoticons and emojis to express yourself
  • Anyone who has Skype and a webcam or compatible smartphone can make free video calls
  • Anyone who has Skype on a mobile device or computer can make free group video calls with friends and family

Ratings: 4.3

Installs: 1,000,000,000+

Downloads: Android, iOS

react native app developer

11. Tesla

tesla - react native apps

The world’s most talked about creators of electric cars, Tesla has also signed up for React Native club. By leveraging Facebook’s powerful framework, Tesla developed the application for its electric car and Powerwall battery owners.

At the core of this app lies the function of diagnosing and locating vehicles. It also allows users to control certain parameters to an extent using smartphone. Though much of the effect of React Native is still undeclared, the customer feedback for the app is quite positive.

App Features

  • Check charging progress in real time
  • Lock or unlock from far
  • Lock or unlock from afar
  • Update your vehicle software from wherever you are

Ratings: 4.3

Installs: 500,000+

Downloads: Android, iOS

12. Discord

discord - react native apps

Discord sets another bright example of cross-platform app development by React Native. The app is intended for voice and chat app for gamers. So Discord enables users to chat among team members, check online availability and engage in conversations.

The great thing about Discord is that its iOS and Android apps have 98% of shared code. This indicates how react native helps build mobile apps even in tight deadlines.

App Features

  • Reliable, high quality communication wherever you go
  • Have fun with text, voice and voice
  • Assign specific roles to members

 Ratings: 4.3

Installs: 100,000,000+

Downloads: Android, iOS

Read Also : React Native Tutorials For Beginners

13. Ubereats

uber eats - react native apps

Find your local flavors anytime you want with Uber Eats. Customers can either search for all near or around restaurants, specific restaurant, dish, or cuisine or order it. This app is currently available in all metro cities across countries.

App Features

  • Pay easily with your existing Uber account
  • Track your order in real time
  • Nearest or farthest, order from anywhere

Ratings: 4.3

Installs:100,000,000+

 Downloads: Android, iOS

14. Bloomberg

bloomberg

Bloomberg has achieved a great milestone in global business and finance news space. Bloomberg went through the ordeal of individually developing both iOS and Android apps updated to the latest version before opting for Native for their mobile app development.

The prototype built with React native was thoroughly tested before they adopted RN for simultaneously updating the app for cross-platform performance.

App Features

  • Trending and featured news
  • Customized and personalized portfolio for your region
  • Easily track your portfolio

Ratings: 4.2

Installs: 10,000,000+

Downloads: Android, iOS

15. Walmart

walmart

While trading on a future path to becoming the global leader in online retail space, Walmart wanted to make a bold move that puts them on top of the competition. They turned to technology as it always does to redefine their customer experience and take it to the next level with innovative technologies.

After adding Node.js to their tech stack, Walmart decided to write the entire app in React Native. By doing so, it improved its performance on iOS and Android and finished the project in short time span. The greatest advantage for Walmart with RN is that the app had 95% of shared codebase across platforms.

App Features

  • Easily re-order favorite items purchased online
  • Order, transfer, and track prescriptions and refills.
  • Find, create, and manage a baby registry.
  • Free delivery on eligible order.

Ratings: 4.2

Installs: 50,000,000+

Downloads: Android, iOS

16. Shine

shine

Shine is quite a mature, content-rich and glorious mindfulness app packed with awesome motivational mottos and articles for users. It has relaxing meditation activities and inspiring recordings and guide by experts that help you deal with everyday stress of life. You can ‘check in’ for the day and get started.

The creators aimed to hit U.S. market with iOS app first since it provides maximum market share, and were planning to build Android app quickly after gaining enough traction on iOS.

React Native blessed their strategy and helped them launch Android app successfully in the App Store. In 2018, Shine was chosen as one of the best react native apps by Apple.

App Features

  • Upload your resume & create your profile for job
  • View jobs matching your profile
  • See the list of recruiters who viewed the profile

Ratings: 4.1

Installs: 5,000,000+

Downloads: Android, iOS

17. Delivery.com

delivery.com

An app that offers users the option to browse from 1000+ restaurants & food stores to get your favorite mean anytime. As the ordering is free you get to save time to tackle and does your work list at home or on the go.

App Features

  • Get access to all favorite local restaurants
  • Even beer, wine or spirits are delivered at your door via this app
  • Enables grocery and home essentials shopping
  • Other than food orders, they provide options like wash & fold, dry cleaning

Ratings: 4.0

Installs: 100,000+

Downloads: Android, iOS

18. Facebook Ads Manager

Facebook ad manager

Facebook has leveraged React Native framework to build its first ever cross platform app Facebook Ads manager. Based on JavaScript, React Native framework efficiently handles the different formats in ads, dates and currencies along with time zones.

App Features

  • Clutter-free interface
  • Easy navigation and intuitive UX
  • flawless, smooth and seamless transitions and animations

Ratings: 3.9

Installs: 5,000,000+

Downloads: Android, iOS

19. Facebook Analytics

facebook analytics

You can track your growth, monetization and engagement through this app. It is a robust tool that let marketers find the users interactions and goals.

App Features

  • Create funnels, cohorts, overlap charts, and other data visualizations.
  • Add charts to custom dashboards to track related metrics in one convenient place.
  • Get alerted when there are significant changes to your metrics.

Ratings: 3.5

Installs: 500,000+

Downloads: Android, iOS

20. KFC

KFC

Your fastest way to order KFC chicken online is possible with this official mobile app. Skip the queue with this app and customize your favorite KFC meals with very few steps.

App Features

  • Save your favorite orders
  • Exclusive deals & offers
  • Find nearest KFC outlets available
  • Pre-order and pre-pay options are available

Ratings: 3.2

Installs: 5,000,000+

Downloads: Android, iOS

Read Also : Difference Between React JS & React Native

Conclusion

With React Native gaining massive traction already in the most dynamic space of mobile app development, there is no wonder we will see more custom applications written using this framework.

app cost calculator

These big names are enough to explain what the technology is worth and what it can do for your future projects. Its wide community of active contributors presents as another strong reason to choose it.

But to make the most of its potential and trusted performance, you will need to collaborate with a technology partner versed in developing React Native apps.

To create a successful and contemporary style mobile application that works on all available target platforms, you need equally sophisticated and advanced tools that enable fast, efficient and user-friendly mobile app development.

At present developers are struck by two major options in mobile application development: React Native and Google’s Flutter.

mobile app development

While React Native is around since 2015 and powers famous mainstream apps (Facebook, Skype, Instagram, Bloomberg), Flutter is still a newcomer in the market.

After Google launched Flutter, there have been many discussions raging around which one from React Native and Flutter leads as the best framework for building cross-platform apps.

In this blog, we are going to make an honest comparison between Flutter and React Native.

Introduction To Flutter vs. React Native

flutter vs react

React Native open source cross-platform framework was first released in 2015 on GitHub. It unites both Android and iOS native APIs to deliver unquestionable native-like environment and experience for mobile app users.

React Native offers time-tested tools to developers and there is little chance that they choose the newcomer over the established rockstar.

Flutter is another unusual framework developed by Google. It allows Google developers to build high-quality native apps for both iOS and Android simultaneously without changing the code.

For this reason, Flutter seems tremendously promising, productive and fast, and deserves to stand in line with React Native in future.

1) UI Elements

When it comes to defining the UI elements, both platforms have little in common. To form the building blocks for UI, React Native relies on native iOS and Android components or on custom and third-party components. On the other hand, Flutter has proprietary widgets like:

  • Material widgets
  • iOS-style Cupertino widgets
  • Platform-agnostic widgets

Unlike React Native, Flutter’s approach includes fully custom UIs, promising interoperability along with native components and UI screens.

However, the downside to Flutter framework is that its Cupertino library lacks essential elements and components.

React Native clearly emerges as a winner in this as it allows you to easily tap into native OS components to provide admirable user experience.

2) Native Look and Feel

React Native is already an established name for cross-platform mobile app development and has more mature and stable version than Flutter. It is evident that React Native lives to its promise of delivering impeccable native look and feel in its apps.

However, Flutter apps have still not received potentially positive responses on their performance and user experience.

The limited capability of Flutter framework somehow reflects from the fact that Hamilton is the only success story for a renowned mobile app built using Flutter.

android app development

Flutter is obviously the new tool and will take some time before the developer community carves unanimous practices needed to deliver undeniable native experience across different platforms.

3) Performance

What gives Flutter a competitive edge over cross platform champion React Native is its agility. From technical perspective, Flutter is comparatively faster because it uses Dart, and unlike React Native, it doesn’t have a JavaScript medium to enable interaction with native components. But even the speed difference does not overshadow the dignified performance of React Native.

According to React Native community of developers, React Native based app development does not experience any performance issues.

On the contrary, RN fans claim that the framework offers smooth operations, dynamic user interactions and reliable solutions to challenges down the road of development.

4) JavaScript & Dart: Face off

JavaScript and Dart are two different programming languages used for React Native and Flutter frameworks respectively.

As for JavaScript, its popularity on GitHub in 2018 is unquestionable. It works seamlessly across the browsers, server and mobile devices and is widely adopted among developers. Web or Node.js developers find it easy to start off with React Native development.

On the other hand, Google’s Dart has unique personality unknown to many in the domain. Due to still-obscure presence, it would be a big gamble for developers to be confident about fully adopting Dart-based Flutter.

It is undeniable, though, that Flutter users did enjoy the perks. Developers who took the leap of faith for Dart admired its potential features. For once, Dart is expressive, type-safe, accurate and involves a brief learning curve for native developers.

Read Also: React Native App Development Company in UK

5) Real-time Apps

Since React Native is an old unforgettable legacy in the world of famous programming languages, it is used to build numerous mainstream applications so far. Some of them are conspicuous brands such as Airbnb, include Airbnb, Skype, Instagram, Walmart, and Tesla.

When it comes to real-time mainstream applications built with Flutter, Hamilton is the only name that graces framework’s success story.

With Hamilton being the only example, the industry adoption of Flutter for now is not significant except perhaps in the coming future as we all expect.

6) Productivity

Mobile app development productivity is an area where both frameworks seem to have found similar strengths. Both allow developers to write for two platforms simultaneously and unshackle them from recompiling the code.

A few great features where Flutter and React Native compete fiercely are:

A) Fast Reloading

Both frameworks enable hot reloading which is furiously fast compared to the way native apps recompile in XCode and Android Studio. Upon reloading the app, you also find yourself on the same screen with forms maintaining the previous input.

B) Tools

React Native obviously contains a huge range of IDEs and tools which gives good enough competition to Flutter. But still Flutter can pride itself on the compatibility with Intellij Idea, Android Studio and Visual Studio. Dart also boasts positive reviews for its linter, debugger, and code analyzer and auto format.

C) Hardware-specific APIs

React Native has built-in APIs for WiFi, Geo sensing and allows for essential third-party API solutions for camera, sensors, Bluetooth, etc. However, the framework lacks API for custom graphics due to which custom graphics in React Native apps will cause unwanted friction with native code.

With Flutter, the situation is different. Many hardware APIs are either in developing stage or readily available. As soon as all hardware-specific APIs are ready for app development, Flutter may beat React Native to an extent.

D) Coding style and experience

In Dart file, you will see no separation between templates, styles or data, which results in an unappealing styling of code. This is not an issue in React Native’s JavaScript programming. This drawback affects Flutter developer’s overall experience and performance.

7) Documentation maintenance

When it comes to comparing both frameworks based on providing clarity and simplicity of online documentation, Flutter seems to intimidate React Native.

React Native has Github blog with monthly updates whereas Flutter maintains a dedicated page in a way expected of a new framework.

Flutter has got an impressive edge over React Native since Flutter documentation is typically how it is supposed to be. React Native documentation appears a little more unkempt and chaotic due to being a large open-source project.

Read also : All You Need To Know About Google Flutter

So who ultimately is the winner?

Despite being emergent, Flutter has everything that makes it a considerable mobile app development tool in future. The framework closely follows UI development model practiced by React Native to deliver rapid, expressive, frictionless and type-safe language.

mobile app development

As discussed above, Flutter also has well-documented resources online and features that are advantageously compatible to the functioning of developers.

In our opinion, Flutter is great but still progressing while React Native is a triumphant champion in 2018!

From comparison, it is evident that both frameworks have unique potential to make vital difference to development process and deliver smooth performance and native look & feel.

The world may not be ready for Flutter because:

  • Unfortunately, Flutter is not offering on your plate anything React Native is incapable of
  • Hamilton is the only real-time success Flutter carries in its portfolio of mainstream applications
  • Since Flutter is so new, it needs to build more traction and trust in the community
  • Compared to the massive influence of React Native, it’s too soon to judge what Flutter has in store for future
  • Developers who are highly obsessed with React Native don’t ponder over Flutter with seriousness

Only if Flutter gains momentum with more mainstream brands, the framework will be as adored as React Native among app developers.

Looking at the pace at which Flutter is forging ahead, we can just hope that it will also be recognized as a renowned mobile app development tool.

Read also : React Native vs Xamarin – Which is Better?

Xamarin is a cross-platform development software that makes the creation of mobile applications a breeze. Given the growing patronage of mobile-only strategies by big and small enterprises, it was long before that desktops were replaced by mobiles through innovative and convenient mobile apps. A host of Xamarin app development services can be availed by you after signing up with a xamarin mobile app development company.

All set to enable mobile app developers to come up with user-friendly Android apps, let us look at the positives of xamarin application development.

1. The Dire Need for Cross-Platform Mobile App Development

In the past, mobile app development focused on churning out apps that were compatible with the three popular platforms including Windows, iOS and Android. However, this situation posed a problem to enterprises looking to develop their indigenous mobile apps.

Business fell short of addressing issues concerning budgeting and operations through their native mobile apps. It was not the “one app fits all” case. Since their native apps had to look into various specifications that came with different platforms, it was not easy to develop an omnipotent mobile app.

As a ray of hope, emerged the concept of cross-platform mobile app development supported by Xamarin. That means, a Xamarin app can work seamlessly across various platforms, allowing developers to churn out cost-effective apps whose code can be reused to come up with Android apps.

2. Enjoy The Real Experience of a Native App

With Xamarin as your chosen mobile app development software, you will be in a favorable position to offer similar functionalities to apps developed on various platforms. For instance, an Android app presents a unique user experience when compared to an iOS app, although both of them meet the same objective. Through Xamarin, you can conveniently build apps with a single code that effectively blends with different platforms. Through this cross-platform software, you can enable the end users to enjoy the real experience of a native app.

3. Financial Viability

It is indeed a futile attempt to write multiple codes for native apps so that they can work on various platforms. This is not only a time-consuming exercise but also puts a big hole in the pockets of a mobile app development company. However, with Xamarin, you can bring down the cost of building Android apps that will work their best on other platforms and brands as well.

That means, Xamarin helps you to reuse the same code that will deliver the same results across multiple functions and platforms. Guaranteeing you a performance-centric Android app, Xamarin helps companies keep their mobile developments costs to the bare minimum.

4. The Inclusion of The Advantages of C#

Xamarin, the cross-platform mobile app development software employs C# as its coding language. C#, identified as a modern and simple object-oriented programming language comes a host of benefits including: flexibility and ease of learning. It is also an all-in-one utility with which you can build Android apps which are pure and type-safe. When you use Xamarin to build Android apps, you will be at the receiving end of all the benefits of Microsoft’s C#.

5. A Provision to Tap Into the Expanding Knowledge Pool

Given the ever-increasing patronage of C#, you as a mobile app development company need not sweat over identifying niche coding talent. You can make the most of C# which has, since its introduction gained recognition as an easy to learn language.

C# developers who exhibit a certain level of learnability will be able to put their skills and knowledge to the best use. They will be able to come up with some extraordinary Android apps that will attract the attention of several end users.

So, if you are looking to develop a cost-effective Android app, you can simply rely on Xamarin.

6. Enjoy Native API Access

Having picked up Xamarin as your mobile app development software, you will be in a position to come up with an Android app that will enable developers to access the native APIs in iOS and other platforms.


When you have a complete access to the APIs, you will be able to save a great deal of effort and time, so that you can launch your Android app quickly into the market. This feature lends a helping hand to all those who are looking to build various apps so that they can support multiple brands launched on different platforms.

7. The Best Advantage of “Write Once, Run Everywhere”

In today’s times, you will find everyone looking for apps that work on a single code which is compatible on multiple platforms. Enterprises are constantly on the lookout for Android apps which promise a single codebase coupled with a superior user interface and native performance.

Xamarin Forms is a platform that enables you to live the dream of “Write Once, Run Everywhere”. With Xamarin Forms, you will be able to share all the apps across multiple operating systems including Android, iOS and UWP (Phone 10 and Windows 10).

Key Takeaways

The markets are flooded with umpteen choices of software to build mobile apps for various brands and purposes. However, the key here is to make the right choice so that you come up with an Android app that is high on end-user experience, cost-efficiency and productivity. In view of these two prime requirements, Xamarin can become your top choice that virtually shortens the learning curve.

Sign up with a xamarin mobile app development company so that you can derive the best of xamarin app development services that will come to you as part of the numerous benefits of xamarin application development. This way, your Android app powered by Xamarin will be able to speak for itself, demonstrating superior user-interface coupled with a classic user experience that every mobile end user looks forward to.

The Emergence of cross platform ecosystem in mobile app development

Until recently, mobile app development specialists had to follow a stringent slot of either iOS, Android or Windows. Due to differing ecosystem, language constraints and style, the process of software development on each platform was entirely different. It was therefore extremely challenging for developers to build separate mobile apps for these platforms.

However, Xamarin came to transform the process and altered the course of the situation through enabling unique facility known as cross platform development. Xamarin allows developers to build application for iOS and Android with C# and .NET libraries. To establish the performance and feel of native apps, Xamarin mobile development enables developers to leverage full range of native APIs and UI controls available from the OS and hardware of the respective devices.

What is Xamarin?

Xamarin offers unique ability to iOS and Android developers to work their way towards writing mobile applications in C# and then run them on any desired mobile platform or OS.

Earlier, native languages like Objective-C, Swift and Java were the only limited choices for creating iOS and Android applications. In a past few years, Xamarin has bred novel ecosystem of platforms for cross platform mobile application development. It offers single language (C#) and runtime that seamlessly functions across iOS, Android and Windows and compiles native apps.

Why to choose Xamarin?

Each platform has its own discipline of features and methods of writing native applications where native code interoperates and interacts smoothly with underlying Java base. Some platforms support apps written in HTML and JavaScript whereas some allow C/C++ code. In such traditional setting, there should be separate codebases for each device or your app run via web browser, which imposes major concerns of maintenance and cost.


In Xamarin mobile development, developers eliminate typical issues as faced in native app development. For instance, web browser apps do not run natively as its UI is not familiar to device ecosystem and its performance is also compromised due to the absence of native code.

Xamarin’s cross platform capability is superior because:

  • It consists of native features: UI, API access and performance
  • Native UI of each device makes your app user-friendly
  • You can perform the same coding results as achieved using Objective-C, Java and Swift
  • Due to access to device’s individual APIs, you can experience native performance
  • Enjoy shared codebase across all devices
  • Cross platform apps offer same-day support for each new OS releases

Xamarin products

Xamarin offers:

  • iOS
  • Xamarin Android
  • forms

Specialities of Xamarin.iOS and Xamarin.Android

Developers can leverage the power of UI toolkits Xamarin.iOS and Xamarin.Android in order to create an app using each platform’s APIs .NET framework. While developing apps with these two products, you can relish customizations for UI for each platform.

In both UI toolkits, you will have the benefit of separate UI approach. Xamarin.iOS and Xamarin.Android comes with shared code base in C# which is shared across platforms with separate UI for each.

Xamarin mobile development with Xamarin.iOS and Xamarin.Android seems suitable for:

  • Apps where native-like behaviour and interactions are expected
  • Development of apps with platform-specific native APIs
  • Mobile apps with UI customization scope

Specialities of Xamarin.forms

The best part about using Xamarin.forms is that while building an app with this UI kit, developers will need to write code only once. At the moment of runtime, this written code is translated to platform’s native environment.

Another speciality of Xamarin.forms is that you can enjoy the benefit of the maximum code sharing which is as much as 90% with this UI kit.

Hence, Xamarin.Forms is suitable when:

  • You don’t require platform-specific functionality for apps
  • Code sharing is more crucial than custom UI

Xamarin components

With the launch of Xamarin 2.0 in March 2013, the Component Store was introduced to help developers save time and accelerate Xamarin application development process and enjoy potential features. The store contains the stunning catalog of UI controls, charts, themes, cloud services and other great features that you can integrate in your app in matter of a few clicks.

To speed up the process of adding Xamarin components to your app, the Store is integrated into both Xamarin Studio and Visual Studio. To get detailed insight into how exactly you can create, bundle, test and submit your components to the Xamarin Store, refer to the full Xamarin Component Store Guide.

Here is the quick overview to Xamarin components and submission.

Submission Overview

After component creation and packaging and testing, you will need to submit your components and Xamarin plugins to Xamarin component store. Before you proceed, it is believed that you have some experience with yaml and building a component. If you are not aware of how to produce a component, start going through its insightful Xamarin Component Store guide.

Once you have finished building a component and are happy with it, you can submit your creation to Xamarin Store where it will be reviewed and approved.

You will need to set up your own Xamarin Account in case you don’t have one. To proceed for creating the Xamarin account, visit Xamarin Home page and click “Sign In” at the top right corner. Follow the instructions there after clicking on “Create a new account”.

If you are not willing to keep it open source, you can place the specific charge for the use of any of Xamarin components submit by you on the Store. To officially set up the charge for each component and Xamarin plug-ins you create, you will need to provide your account details. The sales will be credited to your account provided that 30% of the revenue is deducted as commission towards Xamarin Store.

To understand the process of updating the existing component – which is different from creating a new one – you should study the guide on Xamarin store website.

Approval Process

After you have submitted the new or updated component, you wait for Xamarin Store to review it on the basis of Component Review Guidelines. If they discover any issues or errors, you will be contacted with the details of needed fixes and improvements.

If there is not issue found in your component or Xamarin plug-ins, it will receive the final approval and be made available officially on the component store where people can explore and download when required.

Major Xamarin components

Major Xamarin components

Some of the most powerful Xamarin components you may find on its online library for Xamarin application development are:

  • SNMP library: Solid easy to use, open source SNMP library for iOS and Android
  • AchartEngine: Charting library for Android applications
  • ActionTray: A dockable customizable slide-out, tray view controller for iOS and Android
  • Advance Colour Picker: An open-source colour picker component for Xamarin.iOS
  • Alliance Calendar: Beautiful Android calendar control with elegant features
  • BubbleTree: Represent tree structures in mobile apps. Search an element in bug tree structure in an easy and intuitive way.
  • Built.io: Mobile and web back-end and app development platform by raw engineering
  • Card.io for Android and iOS: Credit card scanning for mobile apps for both platforms
  • Dolby Audio Component: Leverage the power of Dolby audio in your Android and Games
  • Download Manager: Handles the downloading of files from the internet using either HTTP or FTP protocols
  • Eggs-To-Go: Cross-platform mobile library for implementing Easter Egg gestures
  • Google App indexing for iOS: Get your app found in Google Search
  • Google Cardboard: It enables VR on your smartphone for experiencing virtual reality in simple, fun and affordable way

Features of Xamarin

Features of Xamarin

Xamarin’s unique quality is that it combines most quintessential power of native platforms with its own set of comprehensive features to enable Xamarin application development. Some of its great features include:

1. Leverage the full potential with the underlying SDKs

For iOS and Android developers, Xamarin binds the whole underlying platform’s SDK to establish native experience in its full capacity. In both the platforms, these bindings work effectively and are strongly-typed. They are easy to use and navigate and offer robust compile-time type checking during the development process, which translates into minimum runtime errors and high-quality mobile apps.

2. Integration of Objective-C, Java, C, and C++ libraries

Xamarin application development allows you to directly take advantage of existing iOS and Android libraries written in Objective-C, Java or C/C++. This facility gives you the freedom and power to integrate a wide variety of 3rd party code already created in this library. Also, using declarative syntax, developers can easily bind native Objective-C and Java libraries.

3. Sophisticated Language Constructs

Xamarin applications are all written in C# which is much more sophisticated and improved language than its previous predecessors Objective-C and Java. Its potential improvements are Dynamic language features, Functional Constructs (Lambdas), LINQ, Parallel programming features, modern Generics, etc.

4. Massively feature-rich Base Class Library (BCL)

Xamarin applications benefit greatly from .NET BCL, which is a massive collections classes that contain comprehensive and much powerful features such as Database, XML, Serialization, IO, Networking support, String and much more. Moreover, by compiling existing C# code in an application, you can gain access to enormous number of libraries that allow you to perform more actions that BCL basically offers.

5. Modern (IDE)

The inimitable quality of Xamarin is that it uses Visual Studio on Mac OS X and on Windows. The Visual Studio for both platforms have modern IDEs with features such as a sophisticated Project and Solution management system, code auto completion, integrated source control, a comprehensive project template library, and more.

6. Mobile Cross Platform Support

To facilitate frictionless Xamarin application development for leading mobile platforms (iOS, Android and Windows), Xamarin offers sophisticated cross-platform support. Xamarin. Mobile library has a unified API to avail common resources across these platforms. You can write Applications with up to 90% of shared code. Xamarin’s cross-platform support saves substantial amount of cost and time needed to market products for three popular platforms.

These are some of Xamarin’s incredibly powerful and compelling features that contributing to enhancing the Xamarin application development.  It is due to this powerful feature set that application developers can now fill the void experienced during the development process. They can finally capitalize on the strength of modern language and comprehensive platform to develop cross-platform mobile applications.

Xamarin App Development Tools

Xamarin App Development Tools

Xamarin is one of unstoppable buzzwords among developers who avidly gravitate towards cross-platform frameworks to build cross-platform applications across major platforms (Android, Windows, iOS, OS X) with native UI, experience and performance. Hence, if you are looking for highly productive tools to ease your Xamarin development process, this section will walk you through all the essential development tools used for creating Xamarin apps.

1) Visual Studio

Visual Studio is Microsoft’s advanced and widely used sophisticated IDE. Known best for its features for mobile, desktop and web application creation, it supports mobile development of:

  • .NET (Android, iOS, tvOS, watchOS)
  • Mac desktop apps
  • .NET Core applications
  • NET Core Web application
  • Cross-platform Unity games

Some if its significant features include debugger, rich editor, integrated source control and native platform integration with iOS, Mac and Android. The latest Visual Studio for Mac incorporates a range of features including cloud, web development and potential improvements in cross-platform mobile development.

2) Xcode

Dedicated to Apple’s various OS platforms, Xcode IDE facilitates the entire Apple development ecosystem. It creates immensely productive environment for developers to build apps for Mac, iPad, iPhone, Watch OS and Apple TV. Even though you can use Xamarin to develop iOS apps on Visual Studio running in a Window system, you can’t deny the role of Mac computer because you will also require an access to Mac system to perform the remote actions of compilation and debugging.

3) NuGet

NuGet is another essential tool that enables mechanism for modern developers to create, share and consume reusable code. NuGet is a main repository of over 100,000 code packages produced by .NET developers. You can also host packages in the private cloud or network or on your local storage system. This way, code bundles will be accessible to developers who have permission to the host, maintaining in place the limited, user-specific availability.

4) Xamarin Inspector

When it is time to run and test apps for bugs, Xamarin Workbooks and Inspector offers an interactive C# console. The Xamarin Inspector integrates with the app debugger of your IDE so that users can capitalize on its tools to diagnose, inspect and debug the app elements smoothly.

5) Prism:

Prism is a framework used to build testable XAML applications in WPF, Windows 10 and Xamarin Forms. Basically Prism offers implementation of design patterns for writing well-structured and maintainable XAML apps. It includes MVVM, commands, dependency injection, EventAggregator, etc. Prism provides shared code base in a Portable Class Library which targets these core platforms while enabling integration of these design patterns with the target platform.

6) MFractor

In order to make Xamarin application development easier and more simplified, MFractor offers XAML IntelliSense, 100+ XAML inspections and re-factorings, image tooling and more. It also contains an enhanced XAML editor that boosts your Xamarin. Forms development by increasing the speed of discovering code issues and ultimately fixing them in a few clicks.

MFractor also helps you with missing essentials such as:

  • Image importing wizard
  • Localization assistance
  • Handy mobile navigation short-cuts
  • Code snippet support
  • Configuration engine
  • Project-specific customization options

7) MVVM Frameworks

MVVM, which is also known as Model-View-View-Model, is a reliable technique tailored for XAML-based environments in order to architect an application. It does so by separating UI from the underlying code used to integrate business logic. You can use MVVM frameworks in your Xamarin Forms while opting for Xamarin application development. Some of them are:

  • MvvmCross:https://github.com/MvvmCross/MvvmCross
  • Mvvm Light:http://www.mvvmlight.net/
  • Fresh MVVM:https://github.com/rid00z/FreshMvvm

8) ReSharper

If you are looking for an accurate on-the-fly code quality analysis in different languages, ReSharper is a Visual Studio extension you may consider. Designed for .NET developers, ReSharper supports .NET MVC, C#, ASP.NET, VB.NET, XAML, JavaScript, HTML, CSS and XML. Based on its analytical capability, developers can determine whether or not their code needs further improvement.

  • You can be warned of any problem in your code
  • You can take advantage of hundreds of quick fixes to automatically resolve the issue
  • Leverage variety of quick fix options to pick and choose the best from

It is also equipped with many code editing helpers such as:

  • Extended IntelliSense
  • Instant code transformations
  • Auto-importing namespaces
  • Code rearrangement
  • Documentation display

9) Sketch

Sketch is a vector-based, powerful design tool for Mac and its focus is mainly on screen design. Developers and designers can leverage Sketch for creating website structures, icons, and UI for both desktop and mobile devices. Sketch is handy and powerful to both beginners and established professionals who wish to specialize in one domain – which is design.

Thick with lots of pros, Sketch is tailored to address the needs of digital artists who expect to build spectacular applications. Due to its alluring feature set, Sketch as a design tool has become a widely popular choice among dedicated design companies and start-ups today.

10) Balsamiq

Balsamiq is another design aid that helps designers get faster, better and smarter in their design building experience. For once, it uses computer to reproduce the experience of sketching on a whiteboard and making wireframes faster. This ultimately helps creative designers generate more ideas and think of the best solutions possible. Here in Balsamiq, one can just drag and drop to elements for resizing, make fast changes and bring clarity to their work.

11) Adobe XD

Providing all-in-one UX/UI solutions for website and mobile apps designs, Adobe XD enables faster concept-to-prototype journey. Adobe XD offers the following major benefits:

  • Helps designers achieve maximum precision, performance and task efficiency
  • Best complements the effortlessness of UX/UI designers
  • Its intuitive tools are built to suit exact needs of designers
  • It is equipped with speed boosting features such as Repeat Grid and flexible artboards
  • Developers can create fully interactive prototypes in shortest of time
  • Switch from static layouts to interactive prototypes in a single click
  • Edit your design, view prototype updates automatically without syncing
  • One can review and share prototypes with transitions on iOS and Android devices

12) Visual studio Unit Testing Framework

The Visual Studio Unit Testing Framework is Microsoft’s unit testing tools suite that comes integrated into Visual Studio versions. Developers and QA testers familiar with Visual Studio can easily apply their experience in testing apps with the unit tests created in the framework and execute the same in Visual Studio. It is defined in Microsoft.VisualStudio.QualityTools.UnitTestFramework.dll.

13) xUnit.net

Written by the creator of NUnit v2, xUnit.net is the latest technology in testing tools. It is an open-source and community-focused unit testing tool working in the .NET framework. It supports unit testing for multiple languages including C#, F#, VB.NET, and other languages of .NET family. xUnit.net complies with the code of conduct of .NET foundation and works well with ReSharper, CodeRush, TestDriven.NET, and Xamarin.

Xamarin.iOS and Xamarin.Android

Xamarin.iOS and Xamarin.Android

Apps built using Xamarin cross-platform development framework are unique for individual device platforms (Android and iOS) as Xamarin understands features for each platform quite well. Here is what Xamarin.iOS and Xamarin. Android offers to cross-platform mobile application developers:

100% API access for each platform

It enables developers to create an app using independent APIs that belong to each underlying device platform. Xamarin.Android and Xamarin.iOS offer 100% API access with all the merits of .NET APIs, which implies that you have sheer power to do anything you wish in Android or iOS with Xamarin in C#.

This is an added advantage of building apps using Xamarin cross-platform technology, which means it is easy to deliver exceptional native experience for mobile applications built with Xamarin.

Smart separate UI approach

Developers can leverage the approach of having separate UI design toolkits known as Xamarin.iOS and Xamarin.Android. This indicates that you can capitalize on the power of shared code base in C# with Xamarin.iOS and Xamarin.Android, resulting in a controlled structure where common business logic is conveniently shared across multiple platforms with separate UIs. Thus the two products help Xamarin developers tailor-build UI designs for each platform involved.

Xamarin.Android and Xamarin.iOS unleashes the complete potential of Android SDK to .NET developers in order to craft perfectly native Android apps in C# in Visual Studio.

Suitability

While developing cross-platform mobile application using Xamarin technology, if you are confused as to where Xamarin.iOS and Xamarin.Android are most suitable, here is where both the tools come handy:

  • Building apps with native-like behaviour and interactions
  • Developing apps with platform-specific native APIs
  • Mobile apps with custom UI development

Windows

As long as Windows applications go, the Windows is already built in C# and supports C# for development along with native APIs.

Xamarin.Forms

Xamarin.forms is another UI toolkit that allows cross-platform developers to write code only once and then share application UI across all platforms. At the time of running the mobile application, the written code blends into platform’s native structure.

Xamarin.Forms also sets free a complete UI toolkit for .NET developers to build fully native Android, iOS, and Windows apps in Visual Studio.

Another pro of using Xamarin.forms is that developers can relish the luxury of sharing maximum code (which is up to 90%) with this UI kit.

With Xamarin.forms, all it takes is the strength of single team of Xamarin developers to build apps for multiple platforms.

Xamarin.Forms is equipped with:

  • UI building blocks (pages, layouts, and controls)
  • Complete set of UI controls defined in XAML
  • Data binding
  • Custom renderers
  • Navigation
  • Animation API
  • Dependency Service
  • Messaging Centre

Advantages of Xamarin.Forms

  • Native app feel
  • Shared Business Logic
  • Shared UI
  • More efficiency & less development time

Suitability

During cross-platform mobile app development, Xamarin.Forms seems suitable in situations like:

  • Building apps where platform-specific functionality is not compulsory
  • Cross-platform projects where code sharing is more emphasized than custom UI

Steps to Create a Mobile App Using Xamarin

Steps to Create a Mobile App Using Xamarin

Xamarin is one of unstoppable buzzwords among developers who avidly gravitate towards cross-platform frameworks to build cross-platform applications across major platforms (Android, Windows, iOS, OS X) with native UI, experience and performance.  Hence, if you are looking for highly productive tools to ease your Xamarin development process, this post will walk you through all the essential development tools used for creating Xamarin apps.

Visual Studio

Visual Studio is Microsoft’s advanced and widely used sophisticated IDE. Known best for its features for mobile, desktop and web application creation, it supports mobile development of:

  • .NET (Android, iOS, tvOS, watchOS)
  • Mac desktop apps
  • .NET Core applications
  • NET Core Web application
  • Cross-platform Unity games

Some if its significant features include debugger, rich editor, integrated source control and native platform integration with iOS, Mac and Android. The latest Visual Studio for Mac incorporates a range of features including cloud, web development and potential improvements in cross-platform mobile development.

XCode

Dedicated to Apple’s various OS platforms, XCode IDE facilitates the entire Apple development ecosystem. It creates immensely productive environment for developers to build apps for Mac, iPad, iPhone, Watch OS and Apple TV. Even though you can use Xamarin to develop iOS apps on Visual Studio running in a Window system, you can’t deny the role of Mac computer because you will also require an access to Mac system to perform the remote actions of compilation and debugging.

NuGet

NuGet is another essential tool that enables mechanism for modern developers to create, share and consume reusable code. NuGet is a main repository of over 100,000 code packages produced by .NET developers. You can also host packages in the private cloud or network or on your local storage system. This way, code bundles will be accessible to developers who have permission to the host, maintaining in place the limited, user-specific availability.

Xamarin Inspector

When it is time to run and test apps for bugs, Xamarin Workbooks and Inspector offers an interactive C# console. The Xamarin Inspector integrates with the app debugger of your IDE so that users can capitalize on its tools to diagnose, inspect and debug the app elements smoothly.

Prism

Prism is a framework used to build testable XAML applications in WPF, Windows 10 and Xamarin Forms. Basically Prism offers implementation of design patterns for writing well-structured and maintainable XAML apps. It includes MVVM, commands, dependency injection, EventAggregator, etc. Prism provides shared code base in a Portable Class Library which targets these core platforms while enabling integration of these design patterns with the target platform.

MFractor

In order to make Xamarin application development easier and more simplified, MFractor offers XAML IntelliSense, 100+ XAML inspections and refactorings, image tooling and more. It also contains an enhanced XAML editor that boosts your Xamarin.Forms development by increasing the speed of discovering code issues and ultimately fixing them in a few clicks.

MFractor also helps you with missing essentials such as:

  • Image importing wizard
  • Localization assistance
  • Handy mobile navigation shortcuts
  • Code snippet support
  • Configuration engine
  • Project-specific customization options

MVVM Frameworks

MVVM, which is also known as Model-View-View-Model, is a reliable technique tailored for XAML-based environments in order to architect an application. It does so by separating UI from the underlying code used to integrate business logic. You can use MVVM frameworks in your Xamarin Forms while opting for Xamarin application development. Some of them are:

  • MvvmCross : https://github.com/MvvmCross/MvvmCross
  • Mvvm Light : http://www.mvvmlight.net/
  • Fresh MVVM : https://github.com/rid00z/FreshMvvm

ReSharper

If you are looking for an accurate on-the-fly code quality analysis in different languages, ReSharper is a Visual Studio extension you may consider. Designed for .NET developers, ReSharper supports .NET MVC, C#, ASP.NET, VB.NET, XAML, JavaScript, HTML, CSS and XML. Based on its analytical capability, developers can determine whether or not their code needs further improvement.

  • You can be warned of any problem in your code
  • You can take advantage of hundreds of quick fixes to automatically resolve the issue
  • Leverage variety of quick fix options to pick and choose the best from

It is also equipped with many code editing helpers such as:

  • Extended IntelliSense
  • Instant code transformations
  • Auto-importing namespaces
  • Code rearrangement
  • Documentation display

Sketch

Sketch is a vector-based, powerful design tool for Mac and its focus is mainly on screen design. Developers and designers can leverage Sketch for creating website structures, icons, and UI for both desktop and mobile devices. Sketch is handy and powerful to both beginners and established professionals who wish to specialize in one domain – which is design.

Thick with lots of pros, Sketch is tailored to address the needs of digital artists who expect to build spectacular applications. Due to its alluring feature set, Sketch as a design tool has become a widely popular choice among dedicated design companies and start-ups today.

Balsamiq

Balsamiq is another design aid that helps designers get faster, better and smarter in their design building experience. For once, it uses computer to reproduce the experience of sketching on a whiteboard and making wireframes faster. This ultimately helps creative designers generate more ideas and think of the best solutions possible. Here in Balsamiq, one can just drag and drop to elements for resizing, make fast changes and bring clarity to their work.

Adobe XD

Providing all-in-one UX/UI solutions for website and mobile apps designs, Adobe XD enables faster concept-to-prototype journey. Adobe XD offers the following major benefits:

  • Helps designers achieve maximum precision, performance and task efficiency
  • Best complements the effortlessness of UX/UI designers
  • Its intuitive tools are built to suit exact needs of designers
  • It is equipped with speed boosting features such as Repeat Grid and flexible artboards
  • Developers can create fully interactive prototypes in shortest of time
  • Switch from static layouts to interactive prototypes in a single click
  • Edit your design, view prototype updates automatically without syncing
  • One can review and share prototypes with transitions on iOS and Android devices

Visual studio Unit Testing Framework

The Visual Studio Unit Testing Framework is Microsoft’s unit testing tools suite that comes integrated into Visual Studio versions. Developers and QA testers familiar with Visual Studio can easily apply their experience in testing apps with the unit tests created in the framework and execute the same in Visual Studio. It is defined in Microsoft.VisualStudio.QualityTools.UnitTestFramework.dll.

xUnit.net

Written by the creator of NUnit v2, xUnit.net is the latest technology in testing tools. It is an open-source and community-focused unit testing tool working in the .NET framework. It supports unit testing for multiple languages including C#, F#, VB.NET, and other languages of .NET family. xUnit.net complies with the code of conduct of .NET foundation and works well with ReSharper, CodeRush, TestDriven.NET, and Xamarin.

How Xamarin Benefits Cross-platform App Development

How Xamarin Benefits Cross-platform App Development

As Microsoft resolutely states, “Apps built using Xamarin look and feel native, because they are native indeed!” Let’s start with this one as we go to describe all the incredible benefits delivered by Xamarin for cross-platform app development.

All things Native

With Xamarin application development, you are confident that any app built using this platform will reflect native-like qualities, such as:

1) Native UI: Xamarin cross-platform IDE is built with high priority shown to app performance and UI quality. Hence, Xamarin-built apps have native UI controls and look and behaviour that end users truly expect.

2) Native API Access: Since Xamarin application development provides access to device-specific functionalities and platform-specific capabilities (ARKit and Android Multi-Window mode), developers can foster unique ability to emulate native app technologies used universally.

3) Native Performance: Apps built using Xamarin technology is enriched with platform-specific speed and are designed to generate organic native performance. This is because during runtime UI components are converted into device-specific elements, avoiding the code interpretation, eventually producing native experience.

4) Fast pace of development cycle : One of the main attractions of Xamarin for cross-platform app development is that its code can be reused and recycled. As up to 90% portion of code can be reused across different platforms, developers find it easy to economize on both time and vigour which they can invest later in other innovations. Thus the simplified code sharing significantly impacts the pace of development cycle.

5) Extract great value from C#: Having spent much of time in mobile application development, developers might be familiar enough to use programming languages from the  C family. C# which is  a much sophisticated, general-purpose language that offers type-friendly comfort for Windows platform. It has object-oriented coding and contains all the improvements and advancements of C++.

6) Shared app code: With Xamarin cross-platform app development, it is possible for developers to share app code across multiple mobile platforms and OS. Xamarin has unique edge since its major UI logics such as input validation, database interactions, web service calls, back-end API integrations are written in one language only which is C#. So you can use the same APIs for 75+% of app code across all mobile development platforms.

7) Outstanding flexibility: Xamarin gifts you outstanding flexibility when it comes to using the same APIs and UI controls as used for development of Android, iOS and Mac applications. You can develop apps easily across these platforms without changing much since Xamarin supports platform-specific programming languages viz Java, Objective-C, and Swift. Due to this allowance, users can have new features installed as soon as they are launched for the respective device.

8) Agility and economy: This particular benefit appeals to both enterprise-grade businesses and developers equally. The reason why Xamarin cross-platform mobile application development contributes to business growth is its Rapid Mobile App Development (RMAD) capability. All credit goes to Xamarin UI form libraries that enable simplified, swift and frictionless development. It provides developers with an added advantage of agility they need to expedite the process, and businesses, too, benefit from Xamarin’s low-cost development model.

9) Great hardware compatibility: Since Xamarin cross-platform development gives you full access to its powerful components and APIs, your app will conduct native interactions with the device OS. This ultimately lowers any compatibility issues you face earlier in the app development. Xamarin gives developers an opportunity to capitalize on and connect with applications’ common device functionalities for various platforms on a larger scale.

10) Enhanced accuracy: Xamarin contains quintessential type-safety feature which is beneficial to developers who want to spend minimum time correcting the errors they face while writing the applications. This rich feature in Xamarin application development allows you to avoid possible type-specific syntax errors and inaccuracies. Developers can simply avoid the involvement of boilerplate or verbose type annotations, thus augmenting convenience and speed, and eliminating occurrences of flaws.

11) Incredible customization: It is advantageous for any mobile app developers to be able to tweak and add custom feature to applications. Xamarin cross-platform app development tool enables facility for you to use and work on native libraries so that you can create applications with incredible customization.

From above discussion, it is crystal-clear that Xamarin is super-beneficial to both developers and businesses bodies. Not only Xamarin mobile applications offer competitive advantage to enterprise structures, but it also equip developers who wish to work on intuitive, sophisticated and time-tested cross-platform development tools.

Summary

Xamarin mobile application development is a considerable cross-platform solution that offers simplified coding and native user experience across multiple device platforms. The robust cross-platform tool helps developers build a single app, reuse code for common business logic and optimize the speed of app development cycle.

Due to rapid app development capability, hardware compatibility and API flexibility, Xamarin is a platform of choice for modern developers who seek real-time value while building, testing and deploying apps with just one tool. Finally, we can firmly say that a wide community of talented Xamarin professionals and the use of advanced C# definitely make Xamarin a comprehensive application development platform for both business enterprises and developers.

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Are you looking to set up your first ever Angular 5 application? Getting such a project up and running is a lot easier than you think. Angular version 5 is quite new in the industry with amazing features and this version was rolled just a few months ago. Ahead of Time compiler, optimization with boosted speed and smaller bundles, and lighter and faster Http Client module are among the notable updates with the new version. Setting up an Angular 5 project has become the dream of many programming enthusiasts now. Adding the other technological advancements of the time, Bootstrap 4 and Firebase to the project can really make a difference in the final outcome.

Here you can see an overview of how to set up an Angular 5 Project with Bootstrap 4 and Firebase.

Set up Angular 5 Project

First let us see how to set up an Angular 5 project without much hassles:

  • The very first step is to setup an Angular project which is performed using Angular CLI. See that the installation of command line interface is done in case Angular CLI is not available in your system.
  • Now you can use the ‘ng’ command to commence a new Angular project. An application that works already will be created then. A single command generates components, services, routes and pipes.
  • The command line parameter ‘new’ has to be used and the new project’s name should be specified.
  • The development web server can be launched by executing the command ‘ng serve’ in the project folder.
  • Following this, the server will get started and you can now access the application. You can see a ‘welcome to app’ screen with some support links to help you with the journey.

Set up Firebase Project

Once you set up the Angular 5 project, you can move to the phase of setting up the Firebase project.

  • In the Firebase back-end, you are supposed to create a new Firebase project. After that the related project settings need to be transferred inside the Angular application.
  • Followed by that, the Angular project and Firebase libraries need to be linked to the project
  • Now you can visit the Firebase website in order to set up a new Firebase project
  • There you can easily set up a new account and use your Google credentials to sign in.
  • Once you have logged in, the link ‘Go To Console’ has to be clicked for getting the Firebase back-end.
  • In this place, the ‘Add project’ has to be clicked to link a new Firebase project or simply choose from your existing projects.
  • Now you can see the project console. There the link ‘Add Firebase to your web app’ can be clicked.
  • Now you will see the JavaScript code that guides you to the initialization of the Firebase project for the particular website.
  • However, for making this Firebase configuration a part of your Angular project, only a section of that code snippet is required. The key-value pairs within the config object has to be copied at first and those pairs has to be inserted within the file.

How to Add Bootstrap 4?

Finally, you can add the Bootstrap 4 to the already set up Angular 5 project. See the steps:

  • Use the NPM command for the installation of Bootstrap 4 into the project folder
  • Include the Bootstrap CSS file also in the project folder in order to access Bootstrap CSS classes for the project components
  • Use the Bootstrap Starter Template to include a Bootstrap user interface in the project application.
  • A starter template website gets opened in another browser window when you click on Starter template.
  • While opening the source code view of the browser, the starter template’s HTML markup code can be accessed.
  • The necessary code parts can be copied and then paste into your project application.
  • Use the Angular CLI again for including a new component to the project as you need to add the starter template’s navigation bar now.
  • Use Bootstrap 4 Angular directives in order to give Angular framework the complete control for updating DOM elements.

This is just a rough idea for building an Angular 5 project from scratch and adding Bootstrap 4 and Firebase to it. However, for a comprehensive project that has an unparalleled performance, you have to bring in advance features and customize it to your actual requirements. A dedicated effort from an enthusiast with a sound knowledge about the technical whereabouts is needed to set up a final project that is error free and that meets the specific requirements.

In fact, Angular 5 was designed with people’s need in mind and so utilizing its possibilities in the right way is the key. Unlike conventional options, offline experience and push notifications are far better with this latest version. By avoiding unnecessary run time code, the application has now become faster and lighter. With Angular 6 and 7 expected to get released in the upcoming years, the technology world have a lot to hope for. This amazing JavaScript framework was built with the aim to satisfy both users as well as developers.

If you are looking to host your NextGen web app safely, Firebase from Google can put you at ease by providing fast, reliable and secure static hosting for your web app. Offering production-grade web content hosting, Google Firebase enables you to effortlessly deploy web apps and static web page content and connect to CDN (content-delivery network) with single command.

Furthermore, with all-in-one Firebase hosting solution, you are exempted from sizing up various available cloud based hosting service providers.

The prerequisite you need to do to get started with Firebase hosting is:

  • Install the latest version of nodejs
  • Secure an uninterrupted Data connection
  • Create a Google Firebase account

A Tutorial on Firebase Hosting-ad banner

Here is the brief tutorial on Firebase hosting for you.

Features That Make Firebase a Reliable Choice:

Before opting for Google Firebase, you may wish to clear your doubts about whether or not it is a great choice. Hence, here are all the features of Firebase hosting from Google for you to learn.

1) Content security

Firebase hosting is served over a secure connection using modern web. It has a built-in SSL which requires no further configuration, ensuring that the content is always delivered with un-compromised security standard at any point of time.

2) Speedy content delivery

Since each file you upload is on SSDs as cached at CDN edges, you can be sure your web app content is delivered fast to users around the world.

3) Quick deployment

Firebase comes with CLI which deploys your app in a few seconds. Due to CLI, you can easily upload your files from local directory to hosting server and add deployment targets into your build process.

4) One-click roll backs

Any mistakes or error made during the hosting process is undoable as Firebase Hosting enables you to manage the full version and release with one-click rollbacks.

How Does it Work?

Built with the idea of modern web development, Firebase console makes deploying the simple landing page or scalable and complex web app quite simple. The successful hosting gives your app the feel-good features, defined infrastructure and incredible tools designed to manage static websites.

WithFirebase CLI, you are able to deploy files from local directory to hosting server that has SSL configuration on global CDN. The project is given a sub-domain of firebaseapp.com. Its lightweight configuration options enable you to build sophisticated progressive web apps. Developers can easily rewrite URLs or set-up custom headers.

When site is ready for production, you can connect your own domain name to Google Firebase Hosting and also get SSL certificate for enhanced content security.

Why to leverage Google Firebase hosting?

For business-grade apps, it is important to choose a robust, scalable, and flexible framework for web application development. Google’s Firebase promises the most integrated platform for dynamic mobile apps. Some of its pros are:

1. Competitive analytics

Google Firebase comes with a free analytics dashboard that has innovative qualities and capacity to report up to as many as 500 event types. Due to its ability to provide you with crystal clear insight for understanding user behaviour, it is easy to optimize your application for better performance, scalability and personalization. Some of the crucial features of Firebase analytics are:

  • Streamlined segmentation of users
  • Unlimited reporting
  • Integration with other essential services.

2. High-quality and interactive applications

With Firebase, developers can enjoy ample space to create unique, interactive and high-quality apps using its incredible features and functions. Some of the remarkable, innovative features of Google Firebase are:

  • Authentication
  • Crash reporting
  • Storage and data syncing
  • Remote configuring
  • Real-time database
  • Cloud messaging
  • Test Lab

With these features, you can store, sync, add and integrate important data in real-time, which in turn makes user experience even more gratifying.

3. App Marketing Feature: Invites

After developing your business-focused app, you can walk an extra mile to compel users to consider and install your app. Firebase contains a feature called ‘invites’ which enables word-of-mouth advertising. Invites empowers your marketing efforts such as sending personalized invitations messages and email to prospects and existing clients, thereby advertising your app.

4. Better User engagement

You definitely want your app to do well and impress users with its scalable features and secure usage. Some of the built-in features of Google Firebase that satisfy this purpose for you are:

  • App indexing
  • Dynamic Links
  • Integrating Adwords
  • Real-time Notifications

How to get started with Hosting?

With Firebase, app development process gets simple as your app’s static assets (HTML, CSS, JavaScript, etc.) can be easily deployed and hosted with Google Firebase over HTTPS and backed by a global CDN.

Step-1 Install the Firebase CLI

To install Firebase hosting, the CLI requires you to first install Node.js(version 5.10.0 or greater) and npm. To install them both, follow the instructions given on.

After getting Node.js and npm installed, you can go ahead and install the Firebase CLI via npm:

npm install -g firebase-tools

And then, you can re-run the above command in order to update to the latest version.

Step-2 Initialize your app

If you have your Firebase app ready to deploy, you can go inside the project directory to run the command:

$ firebase init

This action creates a firebase.json settings file in the root of your project directory.

Step-3 Add a file

After following step 2, upon initializing your app, you will be asked to use the directory as the public root by default. This is helpful when you don’t have a valid index.html file in your public root directory.

Step-4 Deploy your website

At this stage, you are able to deploy your website, which you can do by running:

$ firebase deploy

In the end, you will see your app deployed at the domain<YOUR-FIREBASE-APP>.firebaseapp.com

Step-5 Manage and rollback deploys

From the Hostingpanel in the Firebase Console you can see a full history of your deploys. To roll back to a previous deploy, hover over its entry in the list, click the overflow menu icon, then click “Rollback”.

Now your app is ready to share with the world! Next up, check out how to customize hosting behavior, connect a custom domain, or take a look at the full documentation for the Firebase CLI.

Conclusion:

With these many benefits and easy-to-install process, Google Firebase console incontrovertibly emerges as the most viable option especially for business apps. Equally appealing to start-ups and big brands, Firebase is a great choice for business app development. Everybody wants their business to grow exponentially, which is where Firebase framework can be leveraged to gain optimal results.