Do One Thing Well

I’m an Android user. I’m also a Windows user. I tried the iPhone, and I’ve used a MacBook for a few years. The latter two didn’t grow on me.

Different operating systems offer different experiences. Which works best for you is an individual preference. Once you get used to one, though, it’s hard to switch.

This is why most successful apps are developed natively per platform. Using the same app on a different platform will feel different. It would feel natural within its environment.

Despite those distinct differences, the dream of multi-platform solutions lives on. PhoneGap (later named Cordova), Titanium, React Native and Flutter are just a few examples.

And all of these attempts, in my experience, are doomed to fail.

You simply can’t maintain a high quality user-experience between platforms in one code-base. You can develop to the lowest common denominator. Or you can support every feature offered by every platform. Your framework will essentially be at least a step behind the native environment.

You also have to rely on fewer developers. Most developers would specialise in a native technology.

My suggestion? Don’t fall for the woos of cross-platform frameworks. Go native. Native solutions do one thing, and they do it well. You will save money in the long run. You will develop faster, and your user-experience will be better.