Top 10 Best Cross-Platform Mobile Development Tools

May 31
10:41

2017

Harnil Oza

Harnil Oza

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Due to the untoward availability of users on varying platforms, app developers are continuously finding it hard to provide apps in consumable forms. The market for enterprise-ready mobile cross platform only began to experience a surge just last year. There is now an increase in a variety of mobile platforms.

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Apart from helping conserve time and effort,Top 10 Best Cross-Platform Mobile Development Tools Articles the main objective of going into cross-platform app development is to enhance the creation of multi-platform applications with the reuse of code. Here are 10 of the best cross-platform development tools (frameworks) that are currently being used to develop efficient cross-platform mobile apps that work on multiple platforms including BlackBerry OS, Windows Phone, iOS, Android, etc.

1. Sencha Touch

While making use of hardware acceleration techniques, Sencha Touch can be used to build workable applications that can run on any platform. This innovative cross-platform mobile application framework can also work with data sources, thanks to its ability to pack in an agnostic backend data package. Interestingly, some closely-integrated UI components and libraries that have already been well-analyzed can be used to build top quality apps.

Apart from its ability to enhance the development of large business apps, Sencha can also help to ensure easy maintenance of these apps. It supports a range of mobile platforms, including Windows Phone, BlackBerry, iOS, and Android. For every major platform, Sencha often tries to offer a built-in native-looking theme.

2. Xamarin

Xamarin is an efficient mobile development tool that offers a free starter option. In order to ensure that everything works and displays efficiently, just as it ought to, this cross-platform mobile development app has got the ability to carry out virtual test son over 1,000 mobile devices. Interestingly, it also includes an app store delivery feature.

With the use of a shared C# codebase, mobile developers can effectively use Xamarin to build native apps for multiple platforms. Contrary to general beliefs, anything that can be done in Java, Swift or Objective-C can be efficiently replicated in C# with Xamarin. It lets developers apply the same APIs, language, and IDE everywhere.

3. PhoneGap

PhoneGap is a free resource owned by Adobe. This cross-platform development tool is so user-friendly that it can even be used by first-time app developers to translate code from JavaScript, CSS, and HTML5. As a developer, you do not have to worry about software development kits for the various platforms you are developing the app for because on their own end, they try to develop SDKs for each of the platforms.

While leveraging on existing web technologies, this open-source framework is obviously an efficient option for app developers India who are looking to build cross-platform mobile applications. It is best suited for mobile apps with no substantial use of the device’s native features.

4. Appcelerator

While reusing anywhere from 60 percent to 90 percent of the same code for every app made, Appcelerator’s SDK uses JavaScript to create native Android and iOS apps which helps to save a significant amount of time and effort. In other words, Appcelerator deploys just a single JavaScript code base to build native apps.

Unlike few other solutions of its kind, Appcelerator often tries to ensure that the code isn’t wrapped around a web container while providing web content in a native application. As an open-source tool, many developers are constantly contributing to enhance the efficiency of the framework and support it with more functionality. If you are looking to assess user interaction with UI, you can build a prototype with lesser time and effort.

5. iFactr

Top app development companies use iFactr to design cross-platform apps for enterprises that want to develop apps for their mobile workers. According to the company’s website, developers need only 2 or 3 days of training to get to grips with the basics. According to them, the platform offers a very minimal low learning curve.

Additionally, enterprises can easily and quickly build prototypes for their employees to test out with this framework which is also good at promoting its robust prototyping features. While this tool has a built-in PhoneGap enhancement, it also uses Xamarin to compile native apps on Android and iOS.

6. Kony

Kony mobile platform offers a variety of exciting features ranging from API connections, app preview facility to automatic coding features. This is an integrated, cross-platform mobile application development platform that is commonly being used to create universal mobile apps.

This mobility platform is a great starter for developers as it comes very handy with various pre-built apps. Kony’s powerful multi-channel JavaScript APIs feature its visualize as their general frontend. As part of efforts to support backend systems, Kony offers a range of unified mobile infrastructure services.

7. Codename One

The objectives of this cross-device platform are aimed at providing developers with profound integration with native platforms with relative speeds, rapid application development, and simple usability. Codename One features test automation tools and simulator devices that can be used to test and verify applications coded in Java.

Codename One uses the official supported iOS toolchain – ParparVM – which enables it to guarantee compatibility with future iOS versions. Even without a Windows PC, it can build native Windows apps and without a Mac machine, its built-in servers can allow for the development of native iOS apps.

8. Convertigo

Even when the network is not accessible data can be locally made available with Convertigo. Thanks to its Full sync data replication technology. The open-source platform consists of a range of solutions, including Convertigo Mobilizer, Convertigo Cloud, Convertigo Server, and Convertigo Studio. It also features an efficient mobile enterprise application platform that allows for the connection of enterprise data with a range of connectors like web services and SQL databases.

9. Unity 3D

Unity 3D is an efficient cross-platform framework suitable for developers who specialize in creating mobile game apps. This game engine has been highly recommended for mobile game development due to its ability to create high-quality gaming apps with incredible graphics.

Developers can easily export their games to 17 different platforms after the code has been developed in Boo, C# or UnityScript. Some these platforms include Linux, Wii, Xbox, Playstation, Web, Windows, Android, and iOS. Unity can also be used to distribute finished apps to appropriate stores. No doubt, this cross-platform app development tool does more than just simple translation.

10. Corona

Due to the ease of use of its SDK, Corona has become a top developer’s favorite. After the download, there is no other protocol to observe than to just start coding. Optimized for 2D gaming graphics, Corona uses Lua as its programming language. Rather than making games from the start, this cross-platform mobile development tool can be used create games that can be 10 times faster.