Hey, are you going to create a native solution or cover several platforms at once? Actually, it depends on what you’ll use – a native language or a crossplatform framework. So, let’s consider the most popular of them.
Kotlin
Kotlin is a JetBrains brainchild, a statically typed, object-oriented, JVM-based language. Combining the best features of Java and Scala, it’s more concise, type-safe, easier to learn, and optimized from the point of view of compilation speed. At the same time, being backward compatible with Java, Kotlin can improve the existing Java-based apps for Android OS.
It’s officially supported by Google, so developers can benefit from the seamless integration with Android Studio and strong community support. As for the shortcomings, you‘ll hardly be able to find projects based on it outside the Android ecosystem.
Swift
As for native iOS development, you might choose multi-paradigm Swift developed by Apple. Being presented in 2014, it has been actively supported by its creators and community.
Along with Objective-C, it’s used in development for macOS, iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, tvOS, VisionOS, Windows, and Linux. Unlike its predecessor, it’s considered easier to learn, more high-performance, and more resistant to developer errors. You can use both of these languages in one project – this will not cause compatibility problems. The presence of safe programming patterns, modern syntax, and integration with Xcode makes Swift an excellent choice for developing native mobile software.
React Native
When it comes to crossplatform tools, you definitely can’t do without considering React Native, an opensource framework based on JavaScript and TypeScript. It was created by Facebook and now supports Android, Android TV, iOS, macOS, tvOS, Web, Windows, and UWP.
RN provides access to the platforms’ system APIs, has a hot reloading feature, supports a huge number of plugins and libraries, allows using existing code written in the native programming languages, and integrates into existing applications. Thanks to it, the development process is accelerated. In turn, its disadvantages include possible low performance for resource-intensive applications with complex business logic.
Flutter
Another crossplatform framework, Flutter, is open source and actively supported by the Google team since 2018. Flutter is an ideal solution for front-end and full-stack development for various platforms using a single code base. In addition to mobile development, Flutter supports development for web browsers, Windows, MacOS, and Linux.
Flutter uses an opensource Dart language, also developed by Google and optimized for creating rich UIs. Other Flutter advantages include an extended list of pre-designed widgets, fast development with hot reload, and high performance. Due to its “youth”, this framework sometimes has an insufficient number of compatible libraries, so your Flutter app development company will probably have to create some features within your project from scratch.
Conclusion
Having a general idea of what languages and frameworks can be used for custom mobile development, you can make an informed choice in favor of one or another to get the most out of your business idea.