Top 5 mobile app development frameworks in 2023

When it comes to making an app, One faces the classic dilemma of choosing from the three available options. Does one get two separate apps for both platforms using the native programming languages (Kotlin for Android and Swift for iOS) or a single cross-functional app using a hybrid framework?

The main benefit of choosing a native route is high performance.

A web app would be safer for a start-up or business with a smaller footprint. The native and hybrid apps would require more time and planning and higher costs.

The answer to the question will depend on many factors, such as business type, requirement complexity, budgetary considerations, and time to market. Typically large organizations go all out to widen their customer base and use all three or a mix.

Others may start with a web app to gauge customer response. Once a substantial customer base has been built, they are migrated to paid services on a native or hybrid app for a refined experience.

Native apps are the best fit in case of complex requirements—for example, a GIS-based or a fleet management app.

Hybrid apps are becoming popular. Some frameworks for hybrid app development can give a near-native experience.

Now that we have understood the classifications, the differences between them, and the points to consider when selecting one of them, it's ripe to talk about the frameworks.

What is an application development framework?

An application development framework consists of guidelines, tools, and libraries providing a foundational structure and a streamlined approach to application development. It also contains conventions and best practices. React native, Xamarin, and Flutter are the popular ones. In the later section, we will showcase the top five in 2023.

How does an app development framework work?

It addresses the app-building requirements of the developer. It acts as an adjustable template and can be modified as per specific requirements by adding codes. It has pre-built components, including compilers, debuggers, and tools. 

The framework uses shared resources such as libraries, image files, and documents. This readymade package helps the developer to write application source code as per unique requirements. The framework then renders or generates the application for Android and iOS. 

Advantages of using a development framework

The app development process consists of a series of steps. A framework makes the process easier by providing a bug-free environment and in-built options, saving developers time and effort. 

While the developer can direct his energies to the project's specifics, the framework handles mundane requirements and has to write fewer codes. Lesser codes mean fewer chances of bugs and short-circuiting development time. It dramatically reduces the app development project's complexity.

A framework easily handles user authentication, data storage, and managing requests. It also allows adding or replacing features to impart new functionality to the app. The app delivered is engaging and high on user experience (UE). As can be seen, a framework guarantees a straightforward, decluttered path from planning to launch.

Businesses used to have a website and social media presence to drive traffic and boost conversions. With the exponential rise in mobile phone users and the app market, they are adding an app to their kitty. Frameworks help to meet the growing requirement at affordable costs. 

Difference between a platform and a framework

It must be clear by now that a fundamental difference exists between a platform and a framework. In case the confusion persists, we will distill it down here.

Apps are designed keeping platforms in mind. Most smartphones/mobiles today run on Android OS or Apple Inc. iOS. Others may also include Microsoft'sMicrosoft's OS. So, this takes the number of popular platforms to three. An app may be designed using a popular framework but cannot run independently! Once past the development stage, finally, the app will run on a platform of a particular build, supported by the device's internal hardware and software components.

An app can be built using either a platform or a framework. It requires expertise, loads of coding, and longer shipment time and may look like an energy-sapping route time if you choose the first option. But this comes with an advantage too. The developer can utilize the complete suite of tools and hosting capabilities for enduring support.

As detailed earlier, platforms should be seen as the environment and framework as the template or as an enabler that can be customized readily to suit requirements.

Ideally, if a small number of apps need to be built, and time is not a constraint (*which is not often the case), development companies would utilize a platform to make apps. For bulk execution, a development framework is a right choice.

Before selecting the framework, obtain a decent idea about its potential advantages and weaknesses. Talk to your mobile app development company and ensure your requirements meet the choice of framework. 

The top five frameworks today

Until now, we have dealt with platforms, frameworks, types of apps, differences, and similarities, benefits. Now it’s time to put forward the list of popular mobile development frameworks developers and businesses are opting for. We have trimmed the list to include the top five frameworks to offer the required information without overwhelming it. So let’s get to the point.

1. React Native: 

If you approach a professional web or app development agency to get a cross-functional app build, they would most likely recommend you to go for this framework, which tops our list—no wonder it’s the ideal choice for startups and small businesses.  Born out of a necessity to address UI issues during development internally, in 2015, Javascript-based React Native was the brainchild of developers at Meta (previously Facebook). It soon has become the buzzword as the open-source framework of choice. Hybrid apps build using the framework work on iOS and Android devices, offering a near-native experience. Its repository in GitHub had the 2nd highest number of contributors in 2018. Contributions come from individuals and organizations like Expo, Infinite Red, Microsoft, and Software mansion.