If you’re familiar with HTML5, you might be wondering if HTML5 app development is possible. HTML5 is one of the core technologies of the World Wide Web. Can it be used for mobile app development too? The simple answer is yes. HTML5 can be used to develop mobile apps. However, there are several considerations that you need to take into account before you decide to follow this path.
In this post, we will cover everything you need to know about HTML5 app development. We’ll also cover the pros and cons of this development choice so that your business can make the best choice for your mobile app development project.
HTML5 App Development: An Introduction
Mobile app development is dominated by two primary platforms, Apple and Android. Each platform has its specific programming language. For Apple, the preferred language for app development is Swift, and for Android, the preferred language is Kotlin. Mobile apps built with these languages are called native apps. A native app is considered to possess the best possible UI and UX because it is designed specifically for the platform it is being used on. It can take advantage of all the hardware unique and specific to each platform’s mobile devices.
However, there is a significant issue associated with native app development. What if you want a mobile app for both platforms? Do you have to create two native apps? Yes, you would have to create an app for each platform. However, the time and cost associated with developing two apps might be more than your business is able or ready to bear. This is where HTML5 app development comes into play.
Developing Apps with HTML5
It might be a little misleading to call it HTML5 app development. Of course, HTML5 will be used, but you will rely on CSS and JavaScript as well. Together, JavaScript, HTML5, and CSS form the core technologies of the World Wide Web. They are commonly associated with web development and web design, but they can also be used for mobile apps.
If you want to create an app for both platforms but creating two native apps is not possible for your business, using HTML5 to create a hybrid app or a cross-platform app is a great choice. Hybrid apps and cross-platform apps are similar. They both rely on HTML5, JavaScript, and CSS for their codebase, but they differ slightly in approach. Hybrid apps are built to be both web apps and mobile apps. Cross-platform apps are created just for mobile. However, both types of apps will run on Android and iOS mobile devices.
HTML5 app development simplifies many of the choices you will have to make for your mobile app. You might find that HTML5 offers your business the best approach for the app you have in mind, whether that is a hybrid app or a cross-platform app.
The Pros of HTML5 App Development
There are several advantages to HTML5 app development, including:
- Easy to learn
- Cost-effective
- Offline capabilities
- Fast to market
- Easy to maintain
Easy to Learn
HTML5 is easy to learn. Most developers learn HTML before they learn anything else. As a result, HTML is often the starting point for anyone interested in learning more about programming or computer science. The ubiquity of the language is a significant advantage for HTML. Additionally, since almost every developer knows HTML, finding development talent is easier for HTML than for a more niche or complex programming language.
Cost-Effective
HTML5 app development is one of the most cost-effective development options. This is true for several reasons. HTML is easy to learn and widely known in the development community is one big reason. Plus, finding talent is not always easy, and it can cost your business thousands of dollars to find and hire a specialized developer.
Another primary reason HTML5 is a cost-effective choice for developing mobile apps is that your business doesn’t have to create two native apps to reach both major platforms. In addition, many companies don’t have an unlimited budget when it comes to app development. As a result, HTML5 app development is easily the most cost-effective method of reaching the largest possible mobile audience.
Offline Capabilities
HTML5 offers local storage of web app code and content. This gives your mobile app the ability to provide offline users with an online reading experience. You can’t guarantee that your users will always be connected to the Internet. It is good to know that your mobile app will still function and engage users even when they are offline. Even though HTML5 is a web technology, it can still provide an offline experience.
Fast to Market
In the business world, timing is everything. Bringing your idea to market quickly could be the difference between success and failure. HTML5 can be run on all platforms. Your development team can write once and then run your app everywhere. This saves you a lot of time spent in development and gets your end product into the hands of your users sooner.
Easy to Maintain
Once an app is created and released, there is still work to be done. Typically, this work is done behind the scenes. However, while maintenance might not be as glamorous as development, it is essential. HTML5 is easy to maintain because the code is clean and simple. HTML code is also easy to update, and it doesn’t require users to manually download updates. This means you can push out updates to all of your users without waiting for them to install them.
The Cons of HTML5 App Development
There are a few cons associated with HTML5 app development that should be noted here; they include:
- Access to native features
- Storage space
Access to Native Features
Mobile apps that can access a device’s native features such as, the microphone, camera, etc., are popular with users. HTML5 can access some of a mobile device’s native features if you use an API, but you won’t be able to access all of a device’s features. This can limit the capabilities of your mobile app. Depending on the specific functions you want your app to perform, this fact might be enough to convince your business to choose native app development.
Storage Space
Another con associated with HTML5 app development is cache space. There is less cache space for retrieving elements both online and offline compared to native apps. Once again, this issue might not be a problem for your mobile app, depending on what specific ideas you have in mind. However, it is an issue to consider, and it could be enough of a disadvantage to encourage your business to change its strategy.
Final Thoughts
While HTML is typically associated with web development, HTML5 can be combined with CSS and JavaScript to create a great mobile app. If you are uncertain which development strategy best fits your business, reach out to an app development partner. A partner will help you decide whether HTML5 app development is suitable for your business goals and app ideas.
