A guide to rapid iterative cross-platform efficiency for startups
It’s essential for startups to build and iterate quickly, resolve issues, and push bug fixes and improvements to end users more often.
Imagine a scenario where you can build applications for iOS, Android, and the web using a single codebase and have the ability to push updates to your users without having to go through the cumbersome approval processes of Apple and Google.
This paradigm shift is not a dream but a reality; in this, is the most efficient way to build apps for startups. Let’s explore what allows for rapid iteration and empowers one developer to take care of everything.
The power of cross-platform development
Traditionally, developing applications for multiple platforms required specific codebases, necessitating the hiring of Android, iOS, Web, and Backend developers. This often resulted in redundancy, increased development time, and challenges to maintain consistency across platforms. Doing this as a startup is really costly, especially when you want to try out your ideas and most likely are not going to get things right in the beginning, which is normal. Shipping cross-platform apps using frameworks like React Native and Flutter is like a superpower. This allows developers to write code once and deploy it across platforms, reducing development effort and encouraging code reuse.
Expo / React Native: unleashes cross-platform capabilities
Among cross-platform frameworks, React Native has emerged as a favorite due to its simplicity, functionality, and strong developer community. React Native allows developers to use a single codebase written in JavaScript or TypeScript to create applications for iOS, Android, and even the web. This not only simplifies the development process but opens the door to a wider talent pool since JavaScript is a widely recognized language. Startups thrive on speed, agility, and the ability to quickly adapt to user needs. Traditional app development cycles constrained by app store approval processes can hinder this agility.
Expo and EAS (Expo Application Services) are an ecosystem of tools that help developers create universal native apps with React Native, running on Android, iOS, and the web.
Gone are the days of waiting for your app update to go live on the App Store or Google Play. Expo OTA updates allow developers to push changes directly to users’ devices in minutes. This not only speeds up the feedback loop but also increases user satisfaction as they get the latest improvements without any delay.
One developer, multiple roles
The beauty of this approach is its ability to empower a single developer to control the entire app development lifecycle. From concept to deployment, a developer skilled in React Native can navigate the challenges of developing both iOS and Android. This not only reduces reliance on a large development team, but also optimizes costs for startups operating on tight budgets.
Challenges and considerations
While the benefits are obvious, it is important to acknowledge the potential challenges. There are nuances to every plan, and decisions must be made based on the specific requirements of the project. Additionally, not all features may be equally supported in assembly, and careful consideration will need to be given during the development phase.
Conclusion: another era in app development
The era of cross-platform development and real-time updates has brought a new wave of possibilities for startups. With React Native leading the charge, developers can build high-quality applications and respond to user needs with unprecedented speed. Ability to iterate quickly, resolve issues seamlessly, and provide updates in real-time environments on a startups trajectory of continuous growth, innovation, and, ultimately, success in a competitive application market. It’s time for startups to embrace this paradigm shift and harness the true potential of cross-platform development.