Multi-platform development, also known as cross-platform development, began gaining traction in the early 2010s, transforming how we approach application design and development.
Before this, native development was the standard. This meant writing unique code for each platform, requiring specialized knowledge for iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, or Linux systems.
In contrast, multiplatform development follows a “write once, run anywhere” philosophy. It allows developers to create applications that work seamlessly across mobile, web, and desktop devices, all from a single code base, while ensuring a smooth and consistent user experience.
This means companies no longer need to choose between the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. A multiplatform application ensures a presence on all major platforms, while also meeting tighter deadlines and budgets.
Has multiplatform development fully replaced native development? Not entirely. That’s why our experts have examined the topic more closely, so you can make informed decisions about your technological needs.
The Main Multiplatform Development Frameworks
Several multiplatform frameworks are available, each with its own advantages. Choosing the best tool depends on factors such as the type of application, the development team’s expertise, performance requirements, and licensing costs.
React Native
Launched by Meta in 2015, React Native is an open-source framework that uses JavaScript to develop mobile applications mainly for Android and iOS.
Easy to learn and supported by a large developer community, this multiplatform tool leverages React’s native features, making it particularly effective for building simple applications.
Flutter
Developed by Google in 2017, Flutter is a platform that uses the Dart programming language (also created by Google) to build applications compatible with Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, Windows, and Google Fuchsia, as well as web platforms.
Its smooth user experience, intuitive features, and rich set of widgets make it an appealing choice for more experienced developers. However, the requirement to learn Dart may present a barrier for some.
Cordova
Originally developed by Nitobi in 2009 as PhoneGap, and later renamed Apache Cordova after Adobe Systems acquired it, Cordova enables mobile app development for Android and iOS using standard web technologies like JavaScript, HTML, and CSS—favorites among many developers.
Though its popularity has declined, Cordova remains widely used by developers and companies, offering extensive documentation and a rich library of plugins and features.
Xamarin
Launched by Microsoft in 2011, Xamarin allows developers to build native applications for Android, iOS, and Windows using the C# and XAML programming languages.
Its key strengths include seamless integration with Visual Studio and its user interface capabilities. However, as of May 1st, 2024, Microsoft has discontinued support for Xamarin in favor of .NET MAUI. While applications developed with Xamarin will still function, they pose risks in terms of security, performance, and maintenance. Migrating to a new framework is therefore essential.
.NET MAUI
Also developed by Microsoft in 2021, .NET MAUI is designed as an evolution of Xamarin, offering developers a more cohesive, powerful, and simplified hybrid development solution.
This framework, favored by our team, allows for the development of multiplatform applications (web, mobile, and desktop) using the C# and XAML languages, while integrating the latest versions of .NET.
The Advantages of MultiPlatform Development
The multiplatform development approach offers numerous benefits thanks to its single source code. Here are the main ones:
Reduced Development Time
With a shared code base, the same lines of code only need to be written once, instead of being rewritten for each version of the application. This significantly accelerates the development process. Testing and deployment on app stores are also faster and more efficient, allowing you to bring your application to market sooner.
Lower Development Costs
Shorter development times result in cost savings. By avoiding the need to develop multiple versions of the app, which would require expertise in each operating system, fewer resources are needed. This directly impacts the overall project budget.
Consistent User Experience
Your application is likely to be used across multiple devices by the same users. Offering a consistent and seamless user interface is therefore crucial, and multiplatform development simplifies this process with its single code base.
Simplified Maintenance and Updates
Code updates are made in a single location and tested directly within the Integrated Development Environment (IDE). This allows for more efficient updates across all platforms simultaneously.
The Challenges of Multiplatform Development
While multiplatform development offers many benefits, it also presents certain challenges that should be considered.
Performance Limitations
Native applications typically offer better security, efficiency, and performance compared to multiplatform apps. They are easier to monitor and optimize for each platform, allowing for more effective bug fixes and performance improvements.
Limited Access to Advanced Features
Some advanced features and libraries may not be fully supported in multiplatform frameworks. To address these limitations, you might need to write platform-specific code.
Platform-Specific Configurations
Although a single code base is used to develop different versions of the application, some platform-specific configurations are still necessary. This means that you cannot entirely avoid aspects of native development.
Some Examples of Multiplatform Development Use Cases
In recent years, the Uzinakod development team has undertaken several multiplatform projects using various frameworks. Here are two examples:
AED-Québec Application Developed by Uzinakod
In 2022-2023, the Jacques-de Champlain Foundation mandated us to develop a mobile application for efficiently geolocating automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in the area as well as allowing users to easily add new AEDs.
Given that this was a mobile-only project (iOS and Android), we chose the React Native framework.
To learn more about this project, visit our Projects section.
Development of an Application for Managing Staff Replacements
Groupe Entre-Nou Remplacements chose Uzinakod to develop a mobile application that connects pharmacist-owners with a pool of replacements to meet their staffing needs.
The application needed to utilize native phone functionalities, such as push notifications and geolocation. Our team implemented an interactive map to help users find work opportunities within a specific area, along with a messaging system to streamline and secure communication between owners and replacements.
In addition to the mobile app, we developed a web platform for administrative purposes. This platform includes dashboards for managing costs, billing, and remuneration, among other functions.
To ensure seamless integration between the mobile and web platforms, we used the .NET MAUI framework, complemented by Blazor.
For more details, see our Projects section.
Conclusion
Multi-platform development is an appealing option for companies looking to launch an application quickly. By unifying the development process, it optimizes resources and budgets, ensuring consistency and maximizing investment.
If you have a project in mind but are unsure whether to choose native or multiplatform development, our experts can analyze your needs and recommend the best solution for your situation. Contact them today!
