Modern-day businesses prefer developing Hybrid applications as they turn out to be highly profitable. One of the framework that is considered to be best suited for Hybrid app development is Ionic. This cutting edge technology has gained a lot of traction amongst the community of software professionals. Yet, the question that baffles entrepreneurs thriving hard to pick the appropriate technology stack for their next project is, “What framework to choose for Hybrid App Development?".

My write-up will answer this commonly asked question by providing insights on the advantages of one of the good frameworks. The good framework that we vouch on is the Ionic framework and here we provide the reasons why an Ionic App Development Company fares equally better for architecting Hybrid apps when compared to companies using other frameworks. But, before we embark on the journey to explore its potential, let me brief you about this cutting-edge technology.

Ionic: A brief overview

Ionic, an open-source SDK, was coined by Drifty Co. and underwent several rounds of enhancement ever since its launch in 2013. It amalgamates JavaScript, HTML, and CSS technologies and can be easily integrated with other libraries and frameworks whenever required.

Now let’s move on to explore its benefits

Top Benefits of picking Ionic App Development Services

Picking this outstanding framework for your next project will be a smart move indeed. The reasons are listed below.

Open-source and stable platform

Ionic has refuted the existing myth that open-sourced platforms are unstable. The robust Command Line Interface, availability of UI components, animations, layout, etc. and community support make it as stable as a paid framework. An Ionic Development Company can reap the benefits of this open-source platform and at the same time can be assured of its stability.

Compatible across multiple Operating Systems

App development is profitable only if you develop an app that is compatible across multiple operating systems like iOS, Android, Windows, etc. Ionic is one such framework that facilitates multiple platform compatibility. In other words, a single code can be reused through various platforms. The reason is the language used by Ionic enables the application to easily switch between different OS. Choosing a Hybrid language over a Native one eliminates the need of learning different platform-specific languages and so ensures a faster and budget-friendly development.

Creation of a captivating UI

Ionic provides an ideal eco-system for creating visually attractive user interfaces and imparts an enriching user experience which proves to be a winning strategy to retain customers. The JavaScript and CSS features of Angular enable developers to customize an application with various colors, menus, buttons, and schemes. These themes can be changed automatically as per the requirement of different platforms while being launched, by employing derivatives and UI components. Furthermore, it supports Right to Left languages like Urdu, Hebrew, Arabic, etc. The high-grade UI makes the app more responsive.

Presence of an Angular base

The Ionic framework is built on top of the ingenious framework Angular. Angular is well-known for its avant-garde features like two-way data binding, usage of directives, and the ability to extend to the syntax of HTML. Consequently, the integration of these two compatible frameworks works wonders in the realm of Hybrid app development. The developers combine the best of both worlds to create dynamic applications that impart a native-like feel. Also, these apps do not face any roadblock while being launched in app stores.

Integration with Cordova plugins

One of the most notable features of Ionic is its integration with Cordova plugins. These plugins enable Ionic to easily access and leverage device features such as speakers, geo-location, battery, logs, camera, etc. There are wrappers available from this plugin for many other native features too. This boosts the app’s performance without the need for complicated coding and also facilitates testing. Ionic app developers who are well versed in native can even create Cordova plugins as per the project requirement.

Stable API

Reliable technologies like HTML, JavaScript, CSS, and modern APIs like DOM and custom elements. Due to the stable APIs that the Ionic component provides, it facilitates running these apps on more than one platform.

Compatible Framework

Earlier releases of Ionic were coupled to Angular but the recent version was restructured to work as an independent web component library. The Latest frameworks can also be used in some of the frontend frameworks like Vue.js and React.js.

Simplified and speedy development

The availability of a plethora of default UI components like list views, navigation bars, filters, forms, action sheets, etc. helps Ionic app developers create the design in much lesser time. A personal touch can also be added by employing CSS classes. Furthermore, code reusability saves time and effort.

Final verdict

The aforesaid advantages lead to the creation of rich hybrid applications, in a budget-friendly manner. What more can businesses ask for? Hence, opting for Ionic development is a smart move to gain a competitive edge over peers.

If you are planning to hire an Ionic mobile app development company to develop rich enterprise apps; Biz4Solutions, a reliable mobile app development company is worth a try. We have 9+ years of experience in providing Ionic development services to our global clients.

The demand for mobile app development is steadily rising! However, developing mobile applications is not a cakewalk as it requires a considerable amount of time, skilled resources, selection of the right technologies, and a huge investment.

The two prevalent approaches of Mobile app development are Native and Hybrid. It is tempting to create Native applications, owing to their amazing performance and elite features. But, it would cost a fortune if the native app is intended for more than one platform as separate developmental cycles are needed for each. Most enterprise apps these days target Android, iOS as well as the web to expand their customer base and desire a budget-friendly development. Hence hybrid applications are trending as they use technologies that are compatible with all platforms. One of the frameworks which befits hybrid app development is Ionic. Like most other frameworks, Ionic has its share of strengths and shortcomings.

This article is going to acquaint you with this outstanding framework, as well as the advantages and obstacles encountered by an Ionic App Development Company.

Key Attributes of Ionic

Ionic, an open-source SDK, was launched in 2013 and has undergone several stages of evolution since then. It is built using JavaScript, HTML, Angular, and CSS technologies. Apache Cordova plugins impart a Native-like functionality and the usage of web technologies helps Ionic to build cross-platform apps using a single codebase.

Ionic app development services: The major gains

Easy adaptability

Ionic provides an easy learning curve for frontend developers acquainted with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, without the need for platform-specific skills. App creators also have the option of selecting from popular web frameworks supported by Ionic.

Smart plugins and customizable components

Ionic provides a plethora of standard components such as buttons, cards, toggles, modals, segments, etc. which impart a native look to the application and also can be customized to suit specific requirements.

It offers a wide range of native device plugins like Apache Cordova, Capacitor plugins, etc which easily integrate with the smartphone’s hardware and allow access to features like GPS, Bluetooth, gyrophone, camera, fingerprint scanners, etc.

Faster prototyping and a rich UI library

A rich library comprising of UI elements, front-end building blocks, and numerous app icons are available and helps in shaping up the Graphic User Interface. Ionic is capable of building prototypes of future apps quite faster, aided by ready-to-use UI components, the most popular being the free tool, Ionic Creator.

Ease of testing and maintenance

The smartphone’s browser instead of an external testing tool can be employed to test an Ionic app as long as it functions through a Web View. An emulator or testing tool is required to test native functionalities only. Maintenance becomes easier owing to the presence of debugging tools and inbuilt browser implements.

Well-equipped documentation

The Ionic website provides a set of concise documents that provide panoramic insights on its elements, interrelation, and usage. These guidelines prove fruitful to Ionic App Developers.

Good Community Support

Ionic framework, being open-source offers guidance and support from a strong community of developers maintained by its creators. If the Ionic developers are stuck or face any issues, they can approach the community for help. Furthermore, this forum is quite active and answers all queries related to Ionic development.

Cost-effectiveness

Ionic proves to be cost-effective for business owners due to:

• Faster project execution as it involves the creation of a single code that runs on multiple platforms and uses simple and popular web technologies.
• No investment is required on training developers on the latest technologies or hiring experts for different platforms.

The roadblocks encountered by Ionic

Low performance for complex apps

Ionic exhibits low performance if used to create heavy applications with loads of graphics based on gaming or 3D models, complex apps such as Snapchat that employs augmented reality through the device camera, and the applications that involve complicated navigation. This is because Ionic does the rendering of graphics via the browser.

Non-availability of Hot Reloading feature

The Hot Reloading feature that enables to execute changes while the app is functioning is not available in Ionic. So, whenever the developers need to implement any change, the Ionic app needs to be restarted, thereby affecting the speed.

Plugin-dependent structure

Usage of plugins is unavoidable for accessing the native features. However, some plugins are chargeable and some of them are unavailable for certain platforms and specific functionalities. In such cases, Native developers need to be hired to create the required plugins.

Probable security concerns

Hybrid applications are a soft target of hackers. Therefore, security concerns may crop up if necessary measures like manual code uglification are not adopted. Furthermore, builds may crash without any apparent reason.

Key takeaway

Ionic Mobile App Development Services is the most preferred choice for architecting Hybrid applications and is a perfect pick choice for start-ups. Like all other frameworks, Ionic has its advantages and shortcomings, too. Hence, the decision to choose Ionic greatly depends on the objectives, priorities, the business model, and the investment plan of an enterprise.

Looking for an Ionic Mobile App Development Company to architect hybrid apps for your business? Well then, try Biz4Solutions, a renowned mobile app development company! We have excelled in providing outstanding services to our global clients, for more than 9 years.