A hybrid app is a mobile application that combines features from both native and web applications. It is developed using web technologies such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript but is wrapped in a container that allows it to run on mobile devices like a native app.
Key features of hybrid apps include:
Cross-platform compatibility: Hybrid apps can be deployed across multiple platforms using a single codebase, saving development time and effort and reaching a broader audience.
Offline functionality: Hybrid apps can store data locally, enabling users to access certain features even when offline.
App store distribution: Hybrid apps can be submitted to app stores and installed on user devices like native apps.
While hybrid apps offer advantages, they also have drawbacks:
Performance: Hybrid apps may not perform as well as native apps, especially for resource-intensive tasks, due to the additional layer of the webview.
Limitations in accessing native features: Advanced platform-specific features might be challenging to implement due to limitations in the bridge between web-based code and native APIs.
User experience: Relying on web technologies can result in a less seamless experience compared to fully native apps.
The choice between developmental approaches depends on various factors, such as available resources, specific app requirements, and the desired level of platform integration.