CCS332 :: APP DEVELOPMENT

UNIT III - HYBRID APP DEVELOPMENT

Hybrid Web App, Benefits of Hybrid App, Criteria for creating Native
App, Tools for creating Hybrid App, Cons of Hybrid App, Popular Hybrid
App Development Frameworks, Ionic, Apache Cordova,
 HYBRID APP

What is a hybrid application?

• A hybrid application is a software app that combines elements of both native and web
applications.
• Hybrid apps are essentially web apps that have a native app shell.
• Once users download the app from an app store and install it locally, the shell connects to
whatever capabilities the mobile platform provides through a browser that's embedded in
the app.
• The browser and its plug-ins run on the back end and are invisible to the end user.
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Features of hybrid applications

• The ability to function whether the device is connected or not;
• Integration with the mobile device's file system;
• Integration with web-based services; and
• An embedded browser to improve access to dynamic online content
 HYBRID APP

How hybrid applications work

• Hybrid apps work in the same manner as web apps, but are downloaded to the device like
native apps.
• Similar to web apps, developers typically write hybrid apps in HTML5, CSS and JavaScript.
• Hybrid apps run code inside a container.
• The device's browser engine renders HTML, JavaScript and native APIs to access device-
specific hardware.
 HYBRID APP

Hybrid application pros and cons

Pros of hybrid apps include the following:
• will operate on different platforms;
• faster build time compared to native apps;
• cheaper to develop compared to building two versions of a native app for two
different platforms;
• easier to launch patches and updates; and
• can work online and offline.
 HYBRID APP

Examples of hybrid apps

While the first hybrid apps were pretty slow, advances in web technologies and
frameworks have shrunk the gap between hybrid and native performance. Examples of high-
performing hybrid apps include:
• Gmail
• Twitter
• Instagram
• Uber
• Untappd
 HYBRID APP

Benefits of Hybrid App Development:

1. Cost-efficient
2. Easy Integration
2. Easy Integration
4. Better UI/UX
5. Easy Maintenance
6. Faster Development
7. Enhanced Speed
8. Saves Time
9. Improved Offline Support
10. Faster Market Time
 STEPS FOR CREATING HYBRID APP
Simple Steps to Develop a Hybrid App:
• The ability to construct programs that can operate on different platforms simultaneously using web-based technologies and
native features is provided through the creation of hybrid apps. Following are a few easy steps that will help you
throughout the procedure of creating a hybrid app and guarantee a positive conclusion.

Step 1: Planning Your Hybrid App

1. Defining App Requirements and Objectives: Clarifying the needs and goals of the application is the initial stage in
building a hybrid app. This entails figuring out who the app’s intended audience is, as well as what features and functions
are most important to them.

2. Conducting Market Research and Competitor Analysis: The popularity of a hybrid app is greatly influenced by market
study and competitive analysis. This stage entails researching industry trends, spotting prospective business prospects,
and evaluating the positives and negatives of rival apps.

3. Creating a Wireframe and App Architecture: Making an outline and establishing the app’s design is the following stage.
A wireframe is a graphic representation of the consumer interface and design of an application that shows where various
components should be placed and how they should connect.
 STEPS FOR CREATING HYBRID APP
Simple Steps to Develop a Hybrid App:
Step 2: Setting Up the Development Environment
1. Installing Necessary Software and Tools: The first step in developing a hybrid app involves
downloading the proper applications. Establishing a single development tool, such as Visual Studio
Code or IntelliJ IDEA, that makes it easier to create hybrid programs is often required.
2. Configuring the Development Environment (IDE, SDK, etc.): Once the technology needed is
successfully installed, the testing environment must be configured. To create apps, you must install
the Software Development Kit (SDK), which comes with several tools and emulators.
3. Setting Up a Virtual or Physical Android Device for Testing: Designers must configure a real or
digital Android smartphone for testing the application while it is being developed. Simulated
development on various Android versions and dimensions is possible due to the Android SDK’s
simulators.
 STEPS FOR CREATING HYBRID APP
Simple Steps to Develop a Hybrid App:
Step 3: Creating the App Structure
1. Creating the Project and Directory Structure: To do this, create a fresh project folder and add
folders to house the various app parts, like HTML code, CSS stylesheets, JavaScript scripts,
property, and more materials.
2. Setting Up the Main HTML, CSS, and JavaScript Files: The primary documents that serve as the
hybrid app’s building blocks are created in this stage by programmers. Though CSS files are
employed to style and design, the primary HTML document offers the framework for the app’s
graphical interface.
3. Integrating Essential Libraries and Frameworks (e.g., Cordova, React Native): The
programmers incorporate crucial tools and frameworks that allow hybrid functioning along with native
features. Incorporating Cordova, a popular structure that connects web technology with native device
capabilities, may be necessary based on the software framework used.
 STEPS FOR CREATING HYBRID APP
Simple Steps to Develop a Hybrid App:
Step 4: Designing the User Interface
1. Creating Visually Appealing UI/UX Elements: To improve the general look and feel of a hybrid
app, programmers put a lot of effort into designing the aesthetically attractive user interface (UI) and
user experience (UX) features. To achieve this, clear designs, suitable color plans, and aesthetically
appealing elements must be designed.
2. Implementing Responsive Design Principles: Designers utilize adaptable design techniques to
guarantee the best possible customer experience over a range of platforms and resolutions. This
method allows the user interface of the application to instinctively modify and adjust to various
formats, layouts, and dimensions.
3. Utilizing CSS Frameworks for Efficient Styling: Designers use CSS frameworks including
Bulma, Materialize, and Bootstrap to speed up the style processes and increase productivity. The
ready-made themes and elements offered by such structures may be simply modified to meet the
needs of the application’s appearance.
 STEPS FOR CREATING HYBRID APP
Step 5: Implementing App Functionality
1. Handling User Interactions with JavaScript: The mixed-platform app’s users communicate
with it via JavaScript, that the programmers have implemented. In order to provide users with
seamless and reactive expertise, this also involves managing icon clicking, submitting forms,
and navigating, among other interactive features.
2. Accessing Device Features and APIs Using Plugins: Extensions are incorporated within a
hybrid application by programmers to gain exposure to native gadget features and APIs that
may not be accessible through conventional web-based technologies. With the help of these
extensions, the app may access functions including contacts, location, and more.
3. Incorporating Native-like Features (Camera, Geolocation, Notifications, etc.): Designers
may add native-like functionality to a hybridized app by utilizing the skills offered by extensions
and native connections. This offers customers a smooth and vivid experience equivalent to that
of a completely native application, which includes features like capturing pictures with the
camera, obtaining location data, and delivering push messages.
 STEPS FOR CREATING HYBRID APP
Simple Steps to Develop a Hybrid App:
Step 6: Testing and Debugging
1. Conducting Functional and Usability Testing: In order to make sure the mixed app functions as
planned and offers a smooth user interface, functionality testing is crucial. All app operations,
interactions with users, and UI components must be verified during testing.
2. Debugging Common Issues and Errors: To create reliable and devoid of bugs software,
programmers must aggressively debug frequent problems and faults throughout creation and testing.
Providing a trustworthy and a strong program entails thoroughly evaluating the code, utilizing
debugging techniques, and swiftly correcting errors.
3. Optimizing App Performance and Responsiveness: For a satisfying client experience, efficiency
optimization of the app is essential. Script optimization, load-time reduction, and application size
reduction should be the developers’ main priorities. The application will adapt to various types of
screens and gadgets thanks to the usage of adaptive layout concepts, resulting in seamless and
reliable user interaction.
 STEPS FOR CREATING HYBRID APP
Step 7: Building and Packaging the App
1. Configuring App Settings and Preferences: Designers put up options and variables in this
stage to alter the behaviour and look of the program. This entails specifying customer
preferences, language selections, style choices, and other adjustable features that improve the
application’s usefulness and user customization.
2. Generating Platform-specific App Packages (APK): Designers create platform-specific
application bundles for a hybrid app to be distributed, usually in the format of APK documents.
Since they are designed specifically for the Android operating system, the APK files are simple
for installing on Android gadgets to evaluate or distribute via app marketplaces or additional
channels.
3. Testing the Packaged App on Multiple Devices: The packed APK must be rigorously tested
on a variety of Android-powered gadgets when the software is made available to consumers.
Assessment guarantees that the app performs as anticipated, is interoperable with a range of
device setups, and provides a constant customer experience across numerous resolutions and
Android generations.
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Step 8: Deploying and Publishing the App
1.Preparing the App for Release: The program is thoroughly tested, any lingering problems
or flaws are addressed, and its efficiency is optimized by programmers prior to publication.
This entails assessing the features of the application, making sure it complies with Google
Play Store guidelines, and finalizing all required assets and information.
2.Registering for a Developer Account on Google Play Store: Programmers must
establish an account in order to place their software on the Google Play Store. Giving the
required information, accepting the regulations and conditions, and submitting the one-time
enrollment charge are requirements for this.
3.Publishing the App and Managing Updates: Designers can release their software on the
Google Play Store after setting up a developer profile. In order to ensure an excellent user
experience, developers may handle revisions, making sure the app is updated with fresh
capabilities, bug fixes, and enhancements.
 STEPS FOR CREATING HYBRID APP
Step 9: Monitoring and Maintenance
1.Implementing Analytics to Track User Behavior: The mixed-platform app’s designers
employ analytics applications to monitor user conversations, behavior, and usage trends.
This information offers helpful knowledge about how customers interact with the
application, the most used attributes, and potential development areas.
2.Collecting User Feedback and Addressing Bug Reports: Continuous advancement
depends on motivating people to give input and disclose issues. To quickly find and fix
problems, developers constantly solicit consumer input and respond to bug complaints.
This assists in enhancing the application’s operation, identifying customer pain spots, and
prioritizing fresh capabilities or enhancements.
3.Performing Regular App Updates and Improvements: Designers regularly update and
enhance the software to maintain its competitive edge. On the basis of user input and
market developments, this entails adding novel capabilities, improving current functionality,
and boosting efficiency.
 CRITERIA FOR CREATING HYBRID APP
Creating a hybrid app involves combining elements of both native and web applications. The decision
to create a hybrid app depends on several criteria:
1. Target Platforms: Hybrid apps use web technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, making it
easier to target multiple platforms (iOS, Android, web) with a single codebase.
2. Development Speed: Hybrid apps often have faster development cycles since developers can
reuse code across platforms.
3. Cost Efficiency: Building a single app for multiple platforms can be more cost effective than
creating separate native apps.
4. Access to Device Features: Hybrid apps can access native device features through plugins or
libraries, but certain complex features might require more effort to integrate.
5. UI/UX Complexity: For apps with simple UI and basic user interactions, a hybrid approach may
work well. Complex animations and intricate UI might perform better in native apps.
6. Performance: Native apps generally offer better performance, especially for graphics intensive
applications, games, or apps requiring real-time updates
 CRITERIA FOR CREATING HYBRID APP
7. Offline Functionality: Hybrid apps can be designed to work offline, leveraging technologies like
Service Workers and local storage.
8. Maintenance: Hybrid apps often require less maintenance since changes are applied to a single
codebase.
9. App Store Approval: Both Apple App Store and Google Play Store have specific guidelines for app
approval. Hybrid apps might face challenges meeting these guidelines.
10. Development Team Skills: If your development team is more experienced in web technologies,
creating a hybrid app might align well with their skill set.
11. User Experience: Users have come to expect certain native experiences. Hybrid apps may
struggle to match these experiences seamlessly.
12. Security: Depending on the security requirements of your app, native development might offer
better control and security measures.
13. Long-Term Vision: Consider your app's long-term growth and scalability. Native apps might be
better suited for scaling and handling future complexities