Editor’s note: This is a guest post by Nola Arney who is a senior developer at HTMLPanda
Today developers around the world are putting their efforts into creating applications that can be used on major mobile platforms like iOS, Windows, and Android for multiple web purposes. Apart from the general mobile apps, there is another popularized category of apps available on smartphones these days called Hybrid apps.
But first, let’s understand what these hybrid apps actually do and what they mean before digging into the process of identifying the do’s and don’ts of hybrid apps development.
Understanding Hybrid Apps
Hybrid apps are a perfect blend of specialized web technologies like HTML,CSS and JavaScript. The hybrid app combines the elements of both native and web applications, allowing end users to access features like accelerometer, contacts, camera, etc. Such features are generally not accessible by mobile browsers. One of the typical features of hybrid mobile apps can function with native UI elements whenever required.
The Emerging Trends
In the beginning, only native codes were used to develop apps but with the advent of advanced frameworks like PhoneGap, AppGyver, and Appcelerator, developers tried using the hybrid codes for building new apps. These apps are then compiled in compliance with the native codes on mobile devices. Also, there are specific compliers available for converting hybrid codes in accordance with iOS, Android, and other smartphone specifications.
And to serve the needs of mobile users, app developers are demanded to provide speedy and profitable hybrid apps. Such a swift development needs some precautionary actions that should be followed by all developers during HTML5 hybrid app development.
The Do’s of HTML5 Hybrid App Development
1. Do minification of JavaScript, CSS and HTML
The smaller the size of your file, the better its performance will be! So it’s best to minify the HTML, CSS and JS during HTML app development. But also don’t forget to test the app after minification to know if it is working fine.
Here are some tools to minify your code:
- CodeKit ($32; HTML, CSS & JavaScript)
- Will Peavy minifier (Free; HTML, CSS and JavaScript)
- CSS Minifier (Free; CSS)
2. Do remember to crunch all the graphics of hybrid app
Use an efficient image optimizer like TinyPNG.com that helps in optimizing images of heavy graphics present within the hybrid apps. A professional optimizer like this crunches your the image’s PNG without compromising its quality and functions.
3. Do use JS-driven MVC frameworks
AngularJS is the best for hybrid apps as it does not contain heavy libraries like in jQuery. You can go for App.js which is a lightweight framework for hybrid apps.
4. Do add all needed features and functions during the Hybrid App Development
Evidently, the app market is full of platforms and frameworks available for development, so choose the one that best suits your need and requirements. Try something innovative using the latest conventions and development technologies.
Recommended: 10 Best Frameworks For Flexible Mobile App Development
5. Do test the app to know its performance
Use professional tools such as Appium and Sauce Labs to check and analyze your hybrid app to find issues that could or are coming up with your app. Afterwards, remove all conflicting factors that might limit the performance of your app.
The Don’ts OF HTML5 HYBRID APP DEVELOPMENT
1. Don’t expect hybrid app to effectively run both iOS and Android
Being an application developer, you definitely might have developed a hybrid app typically developed to run on iOS devices but sooner decided to release it for Android as well. Writing code once and using it again is definitely a good strategy but not that easy to follow. So give whatever time it takes for you to tweak CSS to make sure it functions with all major operating systems.
2. Don’t load all Views at once
Try loading text first instead of going for all downloading the whole Views all at once. This increases the performance and speed of your app, thus keeping users all engaged on your apps for a longer span of time.
3. Don’t use HTML5 technology for developing multi-purpose/advanced apps
Even if you are an app developer well-versed in HTML5, you still shouldn’t think of going for developing multi-purpose apps with lots of complexities. A lot of functionalities in a single app might not work effectively sometimes or could permanently fail sometimes.
4. Don’t integrate heavy plugins, libraries, and frameworks
Avoid using heavy libraries like jQuery and instead, go for lighter ones as these heavy libraries are more prone to add complexities within the hybrid app development process.
5. Don’t use them for graphic-oriented/ Animation apps
It is advised not to use hybrid apps for developing rich media animation/graphic apps such as video games.
Conclusion
The concept of hybrid apps has received a global appreciation and recognitions from all app developers worldwide. So an effective deployment could prove to be a boon for your online marketing strategy or can turn out as a bane if not checked. So with these pointers in mind, you can go ahead with your next project of hybrid app development.
Author Bio: Nola Arney is a senior developer at HTMLPanda who has significantly contributed to the development of various successful app development projects. She is keen for writing blogs and some informational blogs all related to his field of experience.
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