Mobile App Development with Ionic: Some Advantages
Introduction
When the world is easily available at your fingertips, it is very important to have a robust app that relates to the needs of the customers. It is also beneficial to have a game-changer app that can keep the customer interested, and their needs met. Native app development can be quite complicated and complex for app developers and businesses, because, not only would it be time-consuming to get the app developed separately for different platforms, but it might also delay the initial launch. This is where cross-platform app development plays a very important and crucial role. There are so many highly rated cross-platform app development frameworks that would help you develop such apps. In this blog, we will discuss one of the top mobile app development frameworks and its advantages – Ionic. Read on further to know how the Ionic framework can make all the difference for your next app development project.
Ionic framework – all about the famous open-source toolkit
Ionic, the open-source toolkit was created by Max Lynch, Ben Sperry, and Adam Bradley of Drifty Co., with the beta version being launched in March 2014. The framework works as a standalone one and integrates with other libraries and frameworks if required. It lets you create mobile-based applications for all platforms with a single codebase, making it one of the best cross-platform tools for mobile development. Ionic can integrated with Angular and provides support for React.js and Vue.js. With its library of UI components, developers can make use of the reusable elements that serve as the building blocks for an application, and create highly functional mobile apps. Ionic has an excellent command-line interface for developers to develop applications and save coding time and effort. There are so many versions of the framework like – Ionic 1, Ionic 2, Ionic 3, Ionic 5 and Ionic 5, and so on.
Need for Ionic app development
The need for Ionic is that it can develop fast performance on all kinds of mobile devices. It addresses the key requirements of mobile app development in the following manner:
Faster time to market
Since Ionic makes it possible for developers to release a single codebase for both Android and iOS, it accelerates project development and enables faster market release. The development costs will also be lower because the projects will be completed faster, even if it is built from scratch.
A gap-filler
Using Ionic will help developers fill the gap between hybrid mobile applications and AngularJS web applications. They can work on developing highly interactive applications and use AngularJS features and the Cordova library together. The framework lets them build multi-platform applications with native UI components and ensure they run seamlessly on any operating system.
When the need is for one codebase
When you want to develop native applications for both the major platforms, iOS and Android, you can use Ionic because it lets the developers make use of reusable components and high-end user interfaces and save a lot of rewriting time. Also, there is a wide community of developers using the framework, so they can discuss with each other and solve whatever problems they face. Work moves faster.
When the testing has to be quick
Ionic makes it easier for applications to be tested quickly for all operating systems. The developer can test on the browser or take a stimulator test, whichever is convenient. They can also do remote bugging, and test apps on real platforms to get a feel of how the application will be functioning.
Advantages of Ionic
Ionic app development is a compelling solution for developers because it lets you come up with a creative solution that functions excellently on both platforms. Apart from Ionic being a very flexible and cost-effective solution, other advantages make it the best.
Easy app maintenance because of one codebase
It is quite logically a logistic nightmare to maintain different codebases for both iOS and Android apps because you need to do the updates and bug fixes separately. The advantage of one codebase is that it allows for one set of updates and fixes, and the changes will be reflected on both platforms seamlessly, thereby saving time and resources.
Reduces onboarding time for developers
Since Ionic uses developer-friendly web technologies like HTML, Javascript, and CSS, the framework is accessible to a large pool of developers. You don’t have to look for developers specialized in native languages like Swift for iOS or Java for Android (this is much easier, though).
Users can access apps even with spotty internet connections
For many apps, internet connectivity is a must, and if the user goes offline, they cannot make use of many of the functionalities. With Ionic, users can use many features without worrying about internet connectivity.
Offers Progressive Web App Capabilities
Sometimes, users may not want to download the apps from the app stores to use them, and this restricts their access to them. They might prefer to use the ‘apps’ on their web browsers and then close them when they finish using them. With Ionic apps, you can make that happen, so the users can install them on their home screen and access them offline. Progressive Web Apps or PWAs allow you to ship your app not just to the app stores, but to the mobile web as well. This makes the app connectivity independent, responsive, app-like, and fresh (with updates and all!).
Allows for platform-specific customization
Ionic offers a single codebase, but that doesn’t mean you don’t get platform-specific customization. Developers can easily bring in native UI components and functionalities to make the iOS and Android apps look and feel native-like.
Has an extensive plugin ecosystem
Ionic makes it easy for developers to integrate GPS, social media channels, and camera functionalities into the app and extend its capabilities. This will make your app super efficient and provide a rich experience to users. Ionic addresses the native device feature challenges through its integration with Cordova and Capacitor, because they have plugins that let the developers integrate these functionalities.
The framework is future-proof and evolving
Developers can keep pace with the changes in the app development world with Ionic because the framework is constantly updated and is continuously evolving with the needs of the users. Your app stays relevant and future-proof, ensuring that it stays competitive, thereby saving your time and resources in the long run.
Conclusion
With its myriad of advantages, Ionic makes a compelling debate when you are considering different frameworks for cross-platform app development. The rich set of pre-built components the framework has, coupled with its added advantage of seamless integration with commonly used tools make it much loved among the developer community. And businesses love it because of the amazing security features with which you can build the apps. If you are looking to build high-quality, secure and scalable apps, Ionic will remain loyal to your requirements. Partnering with a software development company that gives you skilled Ionic developers will help you bring your vision to life.
Interesting Links:
Ionic app development: Pros and Cons
Pictures: Canva
The author: Sascha Thattil works at Software-Developer-India.com which is a part of the YUHIRO Group. YUHIRO is a German-Indian enterprise which provides programmers to IT companies, agencies and IT departments.
