#guideandtips Archives - Page 4 of 8

Native vs Progressive Web Apps (PWAs): Which is better?

Posted on 24/03/202015/06/2021 by Tushar

Year after year, the number of mobile users has been growing significantly. Infact, according to Statista, by 2020 the number of smartphone users worldwide will reach 2.87 billion. These days, people spend more time browsing the internet on their mobile phones. Users consume 2x the amount of content on their smartphones when compared to desktop. Website owners should be excited about this prospect as the potential to reach mobile users now is ever increasing. There are a few ways in which you can build a mobile presence and enable your users to access your content on their mobile devices. Of course, there is responsive web design, which enables users to interact via a website. Then comes native apps, which users can download from an app store or Google Play Store.

In recent years, interest for a new form of app – Progressive Web Apps (PWA) has been growing manifolds. It blends the features of a native app with the accessibility of a website.

Many eCommerce websites are not designed for mobile, so consumers are less likely to download a native app just to make a purchase. eCommerce companies need a digital store which is like the best of both worlds.

And that’s exactly where progressive web applications come into the picture. It is almost like taking a midway approach between mobile websites and mobile applications.

Since mobile apps have been the standard choice for at least about a decade, the looming question remains that Is PWA the future. In this article, we’ll cover all possible insights on progressive web apps vs native apps.

What Are PWAs

A progressive web app is a website that functions much like a native app. The key difference between progressive web apps and native apps is that a Progressive Web app runs in a browser, so there’s no need to download it from an app store.

PWAs can store data in the cache on a user’s device, thanks to service workers. This allows users to always stay up-to-date, regardless of the internet connectivity. Twitter, for instance, provides a progressive web application but they also have native mobile applications for iOS and Android.

PWAs are meant to remove a variety of problems ranging from weak networks to data restriction or total lack of connectivity. Google describes PWA’s as web experiences that are:

Reliable:

Immediately loads and never shows that a website is down, even under uncertain network terms.

Fast:

Quickly responds to user interactions with no janky scrolling and silky smooth animations.

Engaging:

Feels like a normal app, with an intuitive user experience.

PWA is an ultra-optimised mobile website that users can access from their browser – Chrome, Firefox, Safari or any other, and update their content as and when they browse.

PWAs have been receiving their fair share of interest from businesses ever since they were launched, and a lot more since brands like Twitter, NASA, Lyft, Medium, Flipkart, and Starbucks are associated with the platform. The features that PWAs come loaded with have made it ideal for businesses that are looking to attain mass visibility at a very low cost and developmental effort.

Ever since many businesses extended their App Portfolio, from what was earlier restricted to Native mobile apps to now PWAs, each of them witnessed a remarkable change in their revenue numbers:

Validating the various advantages that businesses have to gain by extending to PWAs, ReactJS has documented the support of Progressive Web App Development using its framework. A technology stack that is popularized as React PWA alongside React, it comes with the opportunity to add next level features to the mobile application.

React PWA is the new service that React has expanded into. The famous cross-platform framework has launched its new platform called Create React App that creates your project as a Progressive Web App by default.

The fact that React is now backing PWA is a sign of how strong the PWA ecosystem is going to be in the coming time – something that indicates that it might be the future of mobile apps.

What are Native mobile apps

A native app is a software application built in a specific programming language for a specific device platform, either iOS or Android.

Native iOS apps are written in Swift or Objective-C and native Android apps are written in Java.

They are specifically designed for one platform and can take full advantage of all device features, such as camera, GPS, accelerometer, compass, contact list, and so on.

Let’s discuss in detail the advantages of both progressive web app vs native app. In case you were wondering, it can also help you decide whether or not you should migrate your website to Progressive web app or invest in developing one.

With comprehensive insights we will help you put the debate of progressive web apps vs native to rest.

Benefits of PWA

1. Accessibility

When you compare native apps vs web apps, PWAs’ great advantage is their independence from app stores. Since 25% of smartphone users uninstall applications due to lack of storage space, this independence can be a major advantage. Customers don’t need to download PWAs and use space. All it requires is a web browser.

2. Global Compatibility

PWAs work on the capabilities of HTML5, which is what users need to access the web on modern browsers.

Imagine this, there are over 3.7 Billion users who access the Internet through their mobile device. Now even if half of them open your Progressive Web apps, your business will be in much higher profit than what you will reach when you restrict yourself to the 700 Million Android and iOS users.

3. Autonomous Features

A PWA can work in an offline mode, giving users access to the online store and keeping them up to date.

4. SEO optimization

The advantages of PWA over native apps is that PWAs have URLs that are indexed by Google, which implies customers can easily find a web app using a search engine. .

5. Low Development Cost

One of the biggest reasons why PWA is considered as the best option to drive businesses for SMEs is that since PWAs are based on the web, they don’t have to meet the standards set by Android and Apple Play Store and the development cost is much lower than their Native counterparts.

Also, because they are aimed at providing a very quick in and out option, technicality wise too, it is much more cost effective to create a Progressive web app using top development frameworks.

The cost of Progressive Web App Development is somewhere around $3,000 to $9,000 while Native App Development starts with $25,000.

6. Zero Interference from App Stores

PWAs are launched through a URL link and web browser, it doesn’t need to be uploaded on either Play Store or App Store, which saves the cost and time to market to a huge extent.

This lack of interference from the App Stores allows businesses to save a lot in terms of app development and launch.

7. Better Engagement

There is no doubt that PWAs contribute to increased customer engagement. PWAs caching and offline feature ensures that users can browse eCommerce stores anytime and won’t abandon the web app due to long loading times.

Features like push notifications and location tracking allows marketers to provide relevant content to mobile users anywhere. Such aspects make PWAs perfect for delivering enhanced user experiences.

Benefits of Native Apps

1. Faster

Both loading speed and performance of a Native app is much higher than Progressive Web Apps. And because of a fast loading speed, they don’t consume much battery life as opposed to PWAs.

2. Safer

Since they have to go through the various standards set by Apple Store and Play Store, users feel more confident while using Native Apps compared to when they use a PWA, using nothing but a url.

3. Greater interconnectivity with in-built Device features

Features like Camera, GPS, Wi-Fi makes the user experience more connected, convenient, and purposeful. And this connectivity with the device core features is only possible with Native apps and not with PWAs.

Now, although by the looks of it, PWA seems like a much better option as compared to Native, but there are still two areas which are keeping businesses from moving to Progressive Web Apps 100% – Fast Load Speed and Higher Performance.

The other reasons that are keeping Businesses from adapting PWAs 100%, include:

The load and run time is lower than Native. Also, PWAs consume a lot more battery than their Native counterpart.
Device features such as Bluetooth, NFC, and Proximity Sensor cannot be accessed by the PWAs apps.

There are two very different schools of thoughts when it comes to choosing one between Progressive web apps vs native apps, and much of it depends on the choice of application type. But, there are in fact different use cases which point towards the fact that there is no versus, instead, there are sets of individual cases where PWAs will be more beneficial for a business and another set where Native mobile apps would be more profitable.

This takes us to our next and final point of discussion –

When to use a PWA and When to Use a Native App

1. When you need easy distribution

When you need your app to reach more people in a shorter time period, PWAs are ideal, as they can be shared and run by nothing but a URL link, removing Native’s extra steps like finding your app from among hundreds of similar ones and then having users press two extra buttons for sharing it with friends.

2. When App Development Budget is a Constraint

When you do not have enough funds to invest in the whole suite of mobile app development process starting from ideation to coding to deployment and maintenance, it is ideal to go with PWAs. Progressive app development comes with a much lower price tag because of the low development hours and technical requirements.

3. When App Performance is more Important than App Development Cost

If you have money to invest for app development and what you want in return is high performance and faster load time, you should go with Native Apps. Since native apps are built and optimized for a specific platform, they offer a high level of performance. Since data is already stored on a device, the app loads several times faster.

4. When you are Unsure of Whether at All You Should go Mobile

When you are only going mobile because your competitors are, or when you are unsure, if at all your audience would like to interact over mobile and you don’t want to make any major investment in a phase of uncertainty, stick to PWAs.

5. When What you Seek is Credibility

When you are looking to create an image of credibility and that of a brand that can be trusted, go with Native Apps. As the app store reviews and ratings come in very handy in creating the image of being a trustworthy brand.

6. When your App Doesn’t Work in Isolation

If you are looking to offer a quick in and out option to your users without having to interact much with the device’s inbuilt features, go with PWAs. But if you are looking to give your users a service that would require them to interact with a Camera to upload a photo or GPS to find direction from Point A to Point B, then Native should be your choice.

In the End – What is the Verdict? Is PWA Better than Native? Should Businesses follow the example of Twitter, Medium, Starbucks and tens of others and expand their App Portfolio to Progressive Web Apps?

There can be two scenarios –

When you already have a Native App

In case you already have a native app that is available to download from the App Store or the Google Play Store, but you are looking to extend your user base at minimal development effort, extend to PWA.

When you are developing an app from scratch

When you are launching a new app and are unsure of the market and how users would react to it, instead of creating a full-fledged Native app, go with PWA to test the waters.

Ultimately, when it comes to getting on mobile, you now have a series of platforms to base your app on – from React Native and Flutter to Core Android, iOS and PWAs. The direction that you should take should ultimately depend on your business needs and budget.

Frequently Asked Questions about PWA vs Native App

Q. Why are progressive Web apps better than native?

PWAs are better than native apps because:-

They offer global compatibility.
They are easy to launch.
They demand lower development cost.
They are Seo-optimised.
They lead to better user experiences, better engagement and can increase conversions.

Q. Will Progressive Web Apps replace native apps?

Yes, it will in the coming future. And the reason behind it is the benefits it comes loaded with such as easier installation, better performance, no updating issue, seamless offline operatibility, and lower development cost.

Q. How much does a progressive web app cost?

Generally, the cost of Progressive Web App Development lies between $3,000 and $9,000. But, the actual mobile app development cost depends heavily on the features and technologies involved, size and location of the team hired, the complexity of the concept and other such factors, so it is always better to consult with an expert to know the Progressive web app development cost.

Q. Why native apps are better than PWA?

Although PWA uses secure URLs in https, native applications remain a safer and more reliable way to access information. Native application works better than Progressive Web App as user access and navigation is easier, smoother and more enjoyable.

Q. Do progressive web apps work offline

Yes progressive web apps work offline. Once you download a PWA, you can consume content within the app without an Internet connection.

Q. Is react native a progressive web app

No react native is not a progressive web app . React Native is a JavaScript framework for writing real, natively rendering mobile applications but you can build a PWA using react native.

The Secret to App Stickiness: Embedded Analytics

Posted on 23/03/202015/06/2021 by Tushar

The sole difference between a successful app and the one that fails boils down to the amount of value that they offer to the users. Greater the value users derive from the app, greater is its stickiness. In the race of offering maximum value to the users, a number of brands have moved to integration of embedded analytics in their mobile application. A strategy that seems to be working for a number of businesses, across industries.

And the reason behind this success is the heavy inclusion and working around with data.

Data is the one element that is present and every user seeks in one way or the other, the second they connect their device or application to the internet. It is by giving users the power of data and analysis, brands are able to place themselves as high value offering businesses, those whose association would only benefit the users.

Let us look into this new wave of app stickiness called Embedded Analytics, in greater detail.

What is Embedded Analytics?

It is the merger of analytic capabilities and content in enterprise process applications. Through embedded analytics, brands provide analytical tools and relevant information that are designed for specific tasks at hand to help the users work smarter and with greater efficiency within the mobile applications they work around every day.

There are a number of benefits that come associated with the integration of Embedded Analytics, let us peruse them before moving to how they improve business strategy and drive revenue for your application.

Here are the benefits that Embedded Analytics offer to the world of both Enterprise apps and B2C apps:

Customer Benefits –

Embedding analytics in mobile application provides end users insights. Now-a-days, users want their apps to enable them to take better decisions and work smarter. When an app offers valuable analysis, users make them stickier, and a useful component of their everyday work life.

In B2B market: A task handling app help the end user analyze how they are spending their time in the office. With the help of embedded visualizations, the embedded analytics app offer understanding into how they can utilize their work time better. For example, through a simple chart inside the app, they can find out that they have been spending more than twice of their office time going through unproductive meetings.
In consumer market: A fitness app which inform someone of how many calories they have burned helps users plan their activities better. As the amount of collected data increases, the amount of app stickiness also increases. Users over time become less prone to switching to another fitness app as yours have information that is being collected for some time, an information that is useful for them.
In your business applications: The integrated dashboard which pulls in information from your CRM and ERP systems provides users with the information that they need to take quick decisions, without taking the efforts to indulge in multiple clicks. By providing teams with business intelligence analysis, you can help them informed, timely business decisions.

Business Benefits –

Today’s app businesses are continuously competing in a million similar category apps’ market. With this massive amount of availability, the end users end up having little to no patience for the apps that gives them zero value.

By giving the users real, lasting value through the embedded analytics, businesses are able to differentiate their app from rest of the many no value offering apps.

There are a number of ways Embedded Analytics Application help improve the business planning and operation workflow, when integrated right. Let us look at some of those ways –

Ways Embedded Analytics Improve Your Business Strategy

Secure environment, effective user experience – When we talk about analytics and data, a number of users have become habitual to relying on exclusive tools that are designed for concentrated business processes like the HR or CRM , or are dependent only on the applications, which just focus on analytics.

With the help of embedded analytics, the analysis and reporting functions happen in the known and trusted setup of primary business applications. Analytics, which can be seen as intimidating for the everyday users, when embedded in the ecosystem of an application help users understand them with greater ease, thus boosting their confidence in taking data driven decisions. Embedded analytics help create a seamless experience between the generation and the analysis of the crucial business data.

Greater Value of Invested time – It builds on the value that your current business application might be offering and brings a jump in the time that your users would be spending in your app.

Selecting the right application developers, who can seamlessly integrate embedded analytics in your app help promote a highly data-driven culture, while helping your team become more productive and efficient.

Makes BI omnipresent – For a number of organizations, BI is one platform or which is either managed by company’s IT department or is used by the management to plan and float business strategies. It is seen as that management-level function which seeps down through the company hierarchy a series of reports attached with actionable items.

Embedded analytics helps break down the walls to data, thus making BI omnipresent and getting the analysis and reporting parts of the business in the hand of everyone who uses that application. Instead of looking up to the IT team for a follow up on the view report request, users are able to get involved with the analysis process. Now that the analysis and data is accessible to everyone across the team, the decision making time reduces significantly.

Data-driven work culture – If there is one thing that organizations want, it is to make their employees capable of using data to then make critical decisions. Through embedded analytics, companies make data a crucial part of the processes and workflow teams are working around everyday.

Embedded analytics takes business intelligence to greater range of departments and business applications, while promoting commitment towards data and analysis, thus giving birth to a data-driven work culture.

Better Business Planning – It mixes analytics with business processes to power up users with informations that they need to handle the changing business environment. With your employees using the main business application boosted with analytics abilities, they will now react to opportunities and threats quicker while feeling confident in making informed business decisions.

Embedded analytics provides the ability to build reports and charts so that they can actively participate in business performance discussion, any time.

The various benefits that embedded analytics offer across businesses has led to an increase in its demand, to a huge extent.

[STATS ON NUMBER]

The rising demand for Embedded Analytics has prompted a number of mobile app development companies to build apps that bring the power of analytics into users’ hands. In a competitive scenario such as this, how do you ensure that your application’s analytics stand out, so much so that it earns revenue for you?

Here’s How –

How to drive revenue from your embedded analytics :

Here are the features that would make users spend money on your app’s embedded analytics:

Look into the complete user journey

The first step towards embedded analytics monetization starts with its seamless integration in the application. The integration should ensure that –

A. The reports and dashboards are a part of the app workflow and not in some separate tab and

B. They should follow the branding guidelines that the rest of the app is following.

Everything, straight from the color, icon, and the overlook and feel should be similar to what it is followed in the app.

Have Actionable Items in Your Applications Workflow

The embedded analytics that you have in your app should allow users to take some actions, instead of simply the View option, as commonly seen in analytics apps. Majority of the apps work as a one-way street, they give out information to the users to view and analyze but they don’t give them the freedom to even share the analytics with their colleagues.

Sharing the analytics is not the only way to set your app apart, by giving your users the access to edit and update the analytics on the application you can help them take action without leaving the platform.

To set yourself apart, it is important that you include actionable items in the app workflow.

Reduce Multiple Security Points

There are a number of embedded analytics applications that ask for a different login credential every time users wish to use the coveted analytics section.

In your app, aim for reducing the number of login points by allowing one-time sign-in and multi-tenancy features.

It will not just make it less cumbersome for the users, but the developers would also not have to integrate security level multiple times in the app.

Allow Customization of Analytics

Either one of these two situations happens when your users come to you for including a new dashboard according to some process they have recently started following in their team – Either the developers would have to change the core app functionality or they could refuse leaving a whole group of users dissatisfied.

By allowing users to customize the app as per their needs, the total number of total ad hoc analytics requests that your technology team receives reduces to a huge extent. The self-service analysis also gives you valuable insight about your customers, giving you an insight into the kind of reports and dashboard you should move next to fulfill the next set of customer needs.

Now that you have the understanding of how embedded analytics application benefits business processes and how you can drive it for generating revenue for your business, it is time to look into ways you can implement it in your application, for getting maximum output, with the help of one of the Top Android and iOS App Development Companies.

Tips for Successful Implementation of Embedded Analytics in Mobile App

1. Build in Phases

When you plan on integrating analytical capabilities in your mobile app, it is very easy to get carried away and miss out on the core problem and the set of users you visioned to help. But, before you even think about building solutions for a range of different teams, stop.

Start small. Begin working on the solution for one user, one problem, and one report. Collect feedback and then move forward to the next user, their problem, and the report to solve that problem.

Also, soon you will realize that as one problem get solved, users would require something else, so it’s best to follow Agile methodology for embedding analytics in the mobile application.

2. Involve both External and Internal Stakeholders

Keep external and internal stakeholders in your Agile loop. Keep taking continuous feedback from them as you develop the specific analytics features in your mobile application. Employ screen mockups since the very start of the process and keep reviewing them with your current customers to get validation for your process. Ask your stakeholders what they liked in the application, what they disliked how would they use it, and if they have any suggestions to improve the product.

Doing it will keep you focused on resolving real problems with the help of embedded analytics, and would make the users, app’s advocates as the solution becomes available for mass use.

3. Identify Gaps with Usability Study

As the users work around your embedded analytics solution, sit with them to learn how they are using the application and what issues they are facing, to identify the gaps. Look out for the issues that are bothering your users while they are inside the application and then let them find a solution, irrespective of how much time it would take, to know the route users would follow when they hit a wall within your app.

At every stage, ask questions that would get you maximum feedback. Push your users to rate the application’s features so that you have the priority workable item list ready with you.

So here was everything that you need to get started with embedded analytics integration in your mobile application. To understand the concept in greater detail, contact our team of experts.

Learn Android Development: 10 amazing apps

Posted on 22/03/202015/06/2021 by Tushar

Becoming a Developer is easy. Staying a developer, on the other hand, is an altogether different ball game. The industry that is on an ever-growing spiral, keeps offering something new every second to not just keep tabs on, but also learn an advanced level. Apart from memorizing and haunting every article and discussion on StackOverflow, there seems to be no other way to get an understanding of the exact development process. Or is there? Is there a magic formula, which we can also call shortcut to learn the functioning of some of the most intriguing Android apps? That too right under our noses?

Yes. There is. One of the least used secret weapon to understand how Android apps work.

Let’s find out what it is.

The secret weapon that is a treasure of information that you need to improve your Android development learning skills is – Open Source Android Apps.

And with this article, the treasure is now yours. We have created a list of open source apps, divided among popular categories that sees maximum users attention, for you to peruse through and apply to become a top-rated android app developer.

How To Use This List of Open-Source Android Apps To Get the Development Skills that Would Make You Better Android Developers.

I have divided the list of some of the most used open source Android apps in categories below along with the links to their Play Store Page and their GitHub.

First look at the apps in the Play Store/ F-Droid or the APK and get an idea of its look and feel, flow and then visit their GitHub Page for the code. Now, use the code to either develop a similar app or just to gain insight on how the transition happens within the app, code wise.

Let’s Begin.

A. Education

Education is one of the most viewed categories of Play Store and the one that has been catching the attention of Android Developers for quite some time now. While, there are a number of ways you can transform the industry with your app in the near future, here are two Education Apps that will help you start.

1) HW-Manager

Available on Play store, HW-Manager focuses on managing homework. Every task that the students add in the app have title, due date, subject, and an additional information section to put in notes. While all the common subjects are already fed in the app, the students have the option to add the subject name manually in the app setting.

While there are a number of note making apps already present in the Android App Store, this HW-Manager is the one open source app that can teach you how to implement reminders and notifications in the app.

2) Slide

Another most used open source android app in the Education domain is Slide. The app allows students to create minimalistic design slides for presentation. The app makes a presentation with just plain text.

The app, which is available on the Android store, allows you to export the slides into PDF to make it easy to access by devices can read PDFs.

Using this app, you can learn how to export parts of an app to other platforms. Also, it will give you an idea of the transformation of how the words appear.

B. Time and Calendar

While already present in the smartphone devices in default mode, Android users continue to install them to track a whole range of different things such as events, birthdays, meetings, health checkup, etc.

Same is the case with Time based apps, there are a number of apps that help keep track of the time users spent in meditating, running, and even sleeping.

If you are looking to develop your next Android app in this category, here are two open source Android apps to help you out.

1) Simple Calendar

The app works exactly like its name suggests. It is a no-nonsense calendar app, which has been developed on Android’s official programming language, Kotlin.

While this app is not for learning the in-depth technicalities, but if you wish to brush up your Kotlin knowledge, Simple Calendar app is ideal for the purpose.

2) Standup Timer

The Android App has become a part of a number of meetings in the current time. The open source app is used as a stopwatch to inform when the time is up, while giving all the participants an equal opportunity to make their point.

Using the app, you can learn how to blend a simple functionality with other features.

C. File Manager

With smartphones now becoming a sea of data and information, every user is on a constant lookout for a File Manager app that can manage their data in separate files, wherever needed.

Here are the two apps to help you join the club of hundreds of brands offering file management services to Android users.

1) AnExplorer

The open source app works around management of data and files on Android Users’ smartphones and tablets.

You can learn a lot like loaders, custom views, file handling, and root management etc by studying source code of AnExplorer app.

2) Amaze File Manager

With a simple, easy on the eyes UI, Amaze File Manager is also one of the most used open source Android Apps presently in the store.

Using the app source code, you can get yourself an idea of how to implement features like root browsing and samba support.

D. Device Monitoring

With the number of apps now finding their place in the Android devices now growing, the need for apps that would keep a check on issues like device speed, battery usage, leaving heavy caches are continuously increasing.

If you too would like to develop an app that would help your users monitor the state of their devices, here are two apps that can help you out.

1) AnotherMonitor

The open source app helps its users in tracking the state of their devices in terms of usage. If you want to learn about how monitoring of Android processes happens, how to track memory and CPU usage and other things related to tracking and monitoring, then AnotherMonitor is the perfect Android app to begin with.

2) Call Meter 3G

The Android App is used by hundreds for monitoring their calls, texts, and data usage.

Using this, you can learn how to implement safety features in the app, while learning to track your users’ devices correctly and in real time.

E. Social

One of the most popular categories of Android Play Store, Social has the biggest scope of experimentation and innovativeness. Bringing with itself, a series of difficulties as well.

The fact that users would like to share their stories and moments with the world in real time makes it important to have the back of features that would help with just that.

To get around the functioning of the deemed difficult app category, here are two open source apps to get you on board.

1) Signal

The app allows users to have encrypted conversations within the platform. It gives the users the freedom to use encryption in both instant messaging and voice calls that happen over the app.

Signal is your app if you need to learn how to enable the end-to-end encryption feature in an application.

2) ElloShare

Still new in the Android Market, ElloShare is a photo sharing app, which integrates with the users’ phone gallery that makes it easy to upload images straight from your phone into the Ello app.

If you are looking to learn about the functioning of image upload and sharing on a platform over the internet, in real time, this open source app can be your guide.

So here was the list of the open source apps that can teach you how to develop Android apps that rank on top of the Play Store, in no time.

Let us know how your life changes at the back of this article.

Native App Development is a Better Solution- Why

Posted on 22/03/202015/06/2021 by Tushar

Since the advent of web apps, native apps have faced a lot of flak for being costly, sluggish, and platform-dependent. But the superior user experience, enhanced security, and amazing native capabilities of these apps can beat the lights out of any web app in the market. Backed by the goodwill of App Stores, native app development makes for an excellent investment.

This blog explains succinctly the advantages of native app development over web app development. Later, it elaborates how developers can create a wonderful concoction of native and web apps through React Native-based hybrid apps.

Let us Start with the Benefits of Investing in Native App Development…

1. Native apps run faster

Native apps are stored on the device so their processing speed is not dependent on internet connectivity or bandwidth. Moreover, these apps utilize a device’s native programming language and APIs to operate. So they run extra efficiently. In contrast, web apps are actually a bunch of web pages tied together with browser technologies. They just give the look and feel of apps but are HTML-powered user interfaces. For any action to be performed in a web app, calls are made to remote web pages. The speed at which processing occurs is dependent on internet connectivity in the vicinity.

2. They have the App Store advantage.

App stores only feature native mobile apps. And app stores are undeniable one of the most important marketing channels for any app. When a person is in need of a new app, the App store will probably be the first play they’ll look for it. If your app is listed there, its chances of being discovered are greater. There are ways your app can be made more prominent in App Stores. Since native apps are backed by App Stores, they are perceived as the hallmark of quality by most users.

Another big thumbs up for native apps is that their monetization (commission, revenue, etc.) are taken care of by the App Stores from where they are downloaded. For web apps, payment systems have to be integrated within the app.

3. More secure apps

Native apps can leverage the in-built security features of a device’s operating system. Plus, performance enhancement updates of the OS are also available for native apps. The mobile device management feature allows users to take remote control of their app and protect its data from encroachment or compromise.

Web apps, on the other hand, are more prone to security threats since they work on non-standard programming codes made using HTML, CSS and JavaScript.

4. Scalability and enhancement are non-issues

New features can be added to native apps easily and rapidly. The unlimited APIs available for native apps can render your app scalable and better. If need be, new APIs can be created for crafting features that aren’t provided by existing APIs. Conversely, web apps can work only within the limits of the web browser facilitating them. So they aren’t as flexible as native apps.

5. Good integration with mobile hardware

Mobile devices have super features such as camera, GPS, touch screens, integrated calling and microphone. Native apps can utilize these features with ease. Leveraging these capabilities within a web browser can be challenging and cumbersome.

6. Delights users with anticipated UI and UX

Native apps delight users with the kind of UI and UX they have come to expect from their handheld devices. Web apps give the look of inherent apps but not their feel. They cannot function as seamlessly as native apps. Web apps also give a monotonous user interface across all devices that rarely matches the spectacular user experience provided by native apps.

7. These apps run offline too

One of the biggest advantage of native apps is that, unlike web apps, they don’t need internet to run. Since they are stored within a device, native apps can be worked on the move, in a desert, forest or anywhere else. Web apps are hosted on web browsers that can be accessed only when online. So, if using web apps, you will be hindered by wavering internet speed, connectivity issues and hefty internet usage charges.

React Native Application Development- Best of Native and Web Apps

Native apps are secure, efficient and delightful. This is what makes native apps the preferred choice of most quality developers and vendors. This certainly doesn’t mean that the affordability and rapidity of web application development can be dismissed lightly. Most people find themselves at a veritable crossroad where they are compelled to compromise and settle for cheaper, quick-to-market web apps at the cost of native apps that offer better user experience.

But Facebook’s React Native has changed the rules of the game. React Native apps combine the performance factor of Native Apps with the ease of development of Web Apps. This JavaScript library helps build amazing user interfaces that render flawlessly on all devices and platforms consistently.

Benefits of React Native App Development

1. Reusable components

React Native has components corresponding to iOS and Android and these components can be used time and again to give native look and feel to your app, regardless of the device on which it resides. The speed and functionality of React Native apps is no less than of Native apps. Additionally, these apps can be built in agile frameworks that are speedy and efficient.

2. Reusability of app’s existing code

If you don’t wish to overhaul an app; instead you want to utilize its existing code- React Native Applications are the answer to your prayers. Your Cordova or Ionic code can be reused as a plugin in the React app. So, no coding!

3. Ease of adoption

React Native is easy to pick up for JavaScript programmers. It does away with the need for learning Swift or Java for Android. Essentially, front-end programmers can turn developers and coders by using React Native application development.

4. Platform independent

Whether your device is Android or iOS-based, React Native apps run equally well on both platforms. Initially, React Native apps could be built only for iOS devices. But owing to the popularity and mass appeal of Android devices, React Native’s scope was expanded.

Facebook has made React Native open-source, meaning there is a distinct possibility of compatibility with Windows and TvOS operating systems, in the near future. If that happens, React Native will have all bases covered and beat rival framework undisputedly.

5. Efficiency personified

Native apps are slower to develop and deploy than web apps. But React Native apps bring agility and speed into the system. ReactJS’s simple programming strategies and better performance enhance the efficiency of these apps.

6. Plugin compatibility

You don’t need a Web View for loading third-party plugins. They can be incorporated within a React app and they load fast and ensure a smooth ride, even for devices with older versions of operating systems.

So, as we have covered in this blog, Native mobile apps score over web apps in a multitude of ways. And with React Native-based hybrid apps, things are looking even brighter. But, if you want a detailed information about these technologies before choosing one, consider our mobile app development guide today.

Full Stack Application Developers-Top myths

Posted on 21/03/202015/06/2021 by Tushar

A full stack developer is a rare breed and good full stack developers are invaluable. They are the single most important entity that can seal the fate of your application. But when picking the right cstack developer for your dream project, it’s best to be realistic and reasonable in your expectations. The task list and skill set for full stack developers is non-exhaustive and demanding. It’s advisable to prioritize skills and look for a person who meets your top demands. It’s better to be specific about your requirements and weigh candidates based on relevant experience and exposure.

All said and done, getting a competent full stack developer is a dream come true. It beats the hassle and expense of hiring different professionals for different tasks and then making them work together efficiently. But many hirers get disillusioned by the vast repository of app developers in the market. Each developer tries to sell himself as a full stack developer to land a lucrative project. But selecting a genuine full stack developer is a tough task that requires foresight and clarity. Select a person who can balance your business needs with market trends. Full stack development requires a rich background of front end, back end, server management, user research, project management and other soft skills.

Since there exist many misconceptions about the roles and responsibilities of full stack app developers, we thought it best to use this blog to dispel some wrong notions. Here is a list of myths associated with full stack development and developers:

The developer is a master of all trades

Rather, a full stack developer is a jack of all trades. The skill set of a full-stack developer is never ending. He should be having a solid understanding of every layer of the stack (see image below). This enables developers to understand how different components of applications interact with each other. He can then explain interdependencies to the stakeholders in simple, understandable terms.

In plain words, a full-stack development demands a good grip over front end and back end systems in an application. He will be great at integrating the two and converting a visual design into an MVP. This doesn’t mean that he will understand ALL scripting languages or is skilled in using ALL database administration tools. But he will certainly have a holistic skill set that include front end development, back end development, project management and systems integration.

A full stack developer should be an expert coder

Ideally, a full stack developer shouldn’t be coding at all. He should be like a systems architect who is able to communicate technical visions to upper and middle management. Information engineer is also an apt description for full stack developers. This is because their role covers identifying issues and discrepancies in integration before they actually occur.

So, anyone who thinks that a full stack developer will be an expert coder, is mistaken. No doubt, full stack developers have in-depth knowledge of coding but they might not be involved in coding applications at the grass root level.

All full stack developers are the same

When looking for a full stack developer, you need to define the term “stack”. Do you mean the web stack, or the mobile stack or native applications? Even then, you will need to realize that full stack development is not a single skill; rather it means a suite of skills.

Every year one or more new layers are added to the stack. To get a single person who is adept at all the layers is not only unreasonable but almost impossible. The most you can hope to get is a person who understand the architectural layers that go into building an application and is aware of how a change in one layer will impact other layers and the final product. This is one of the reasons why full stack developer has been called a mythical creature that exists only in perfect dreams.

The developer only needs technical knowledge

In fact, a full stack developer needs to have superior soft skills and management capabilities. He has to manage teams of creative intellectuals often motivated by divergent objectives. He has to be fluent communicator who is able to facilitate smooth conversation between the technical team, management and clients. He also should understand app market and current trends well. Only then, will he be able to manufacture relevant use cases and craft innovative workable solutions.

A full stack developer is a must for all projects

While a full stack developer will be a welcome addition to any app development team, it’s not absolutely essential to hire a full stack developer if your project needs can be fulfilled by hiring specialists. Needless to say, hiring separate specialists for front end, back end, data base management and project management will be a costly affair. But if the project complexity and size demands it, never hesitate to explore other options.

FSDs are an asset for any team. They are a single point of contact for all issues from the ideation to the app launch phase. They are well-versed in all layers of project management. They also serve as a go-between the client and the technical team. With so many roles to juggle, FSDs deserve the hefty remuneration they command.

iOS vs Android: Know the More Secure Platform in 2021

Posted on 17/03/202015/06/2021 by Tushar

While the Android vs iOS war is the one that continues to break the internet, the ultimate deal-breaking element for both the app users and the brands boils down to Mobile App Security.

How secure a mobile app is what determines its future in the present world where users are conscious of increasing data breach cases. But, is it something completely dependant on the quality assurance techniques that developers invest in?

Well, the answer is no.

Irrespective of how long it took to develop a mobile app or what methodology you followed in development, the ultimate result differs with various factors including, the operating system you choose.

Because of this, many developers are asking the question, “Android vs iOS: Who wins the title of higher security in 2021-22?”

When we talk about iOS vs Android security, the unprecedented winner has always been iOS, with its stringent security guidelines. But with Android Q, Google gave out an array of hope in 2021, that hinted towards it being on the verge of becoming a brand one can trust with their devices and personal information.

Will 2021-22 be the year when Google’s Android will emerge out as the secure one out of Android and iOS ecosystems?

Before we get into the Android vs iOS Security comparison 2021 lookout and let us first look at the prevalent security difference between iOS and Android.

Here are the comparative elements that cover both the Operating System Ecosystems, comprehensively.

The Security-inclined Points of Difference in Android and iOS

1. Boot up process

Android platform, as any Android app development company would tell you offers Linux Kernel and Inter-Process Communication facility, security level. Coded with Application Sandbox, the platform gives a verified boot guarantee in which every stage cryptographically verifies the integrity of the next stage before their verification.

Android verifies the boots with the help of the dm-verity kernel feature that makes it impossible for the compromised device to boot.

While this was about Android, iOS offers the security level with Low-Level Bootloader(LLB), iOS kernel, and iBoot. LLB is primarily verified by Apple Root CS Public Key using the Boot ROM program to make sure that the iBoot Bootloader has been signed by Apple. Next, iBoot then verifies and executes the iOS kernel.

2. Security Software Update

Android offers monthly updates in its Android Security Bulletin. Even though Android gives out updates once a month, they don’t force the users to update the devices. The option to ignore the update and operate the device, in the same way, gives an escape plan to the users thus opening the android app development services to a certain probability of security breach.

Apple rolls out several versions of security updates every once in a while in a month. Apple makes it a mandate for every user to download the most recent security upgrades. By giving out continuous notifications, the OS makes it difficult for its users to ignore the security upgradations. Something that brings everyone to the conclusion that the winner of Apple vs Android security efforts is the former one.

3. Touch Id

While Android has recently started partnering with manufacturers who are offering the Fingerprint Scan option, the number is still very limited.

This is not the case with Apple. Apple has always been very particular when it comes to biometric verification on their devices. It is not just for Touch ID, Technologies like Iris Scan and Face ID have also been coined by Apple first. The OS giant, keep investing millions in security-focused technologies.

4. Hardware Integration

Unlike Apple, Android app security related to hardware depends entirely on the manufacturers. While some are good at keeping a handle on the fact that all the Android’s built-in features related to security work well on their device, others might give it a lesser priority. Generally, the devices which belong to the prime categories in terms of cost come with greater security backing than ones that are low price point products.

On the other hand, Apple has full control over its hardware security. This makes it undeniable to think that ios app development services will win the iOS vs Android security 2021-22 comparison.

5. Device Fragmentation

The greater the fragmentation, the greater the chances of introducing loopholes that are a comfortable space for heightened hacking and data breach incidents. By keeping both its device and operating system version on a lower side, Apple reduces this probability of an ios app development company facing hacks issue, by manifold.

But the case is not the same with Android. Both – number of device variants and OS versions are on a very high side in the platform, giving an open ecosystem to hacks and breaches to breed in.

6. App Stores Story

Apple undoubtedly has greater control over the apps that come for approval and their updates. The brand takes its right to vet, reject, and remove every app that doesn’t meet its criteria, very seriously, the fact that has brought in demand for such iPhone app development companies, which can develop apps that don’t get rejected.

Google, for a long time, overlooked the necessity of following stringent rules while approving an Android app. But, now it has taken major steps.

Besides encouraging developers to focus on security in Android app development, Google employed Machine learning to detect and remove malicious applications from the Play Store in 2017. And now, it has announced that the approval time on Play Store will be high so that every piece of the application could be tested thoroughly before making it live.

However, since Android is an open ecosystem, which emerges out as bliss both users and hackers, the impact of these actions on security breach incidents is high. After all, apps can be downloaded from stores other than the Play Store.

While this is the picture that has always remained, what does android vs ios 2021 look like for the two OSs on the security front?

Let’s find out.

Android vs. iOS: Which OS is Safer in 2021-22

In an article concentrated on iOS vs Android security comparison, it is essential to look at the matter with all specificity especially with the latest OS versions in focus. Let us first look into the new privacy features coming with iOS 14 and Android 11 before moving to the four key deciding factors.

iOS 14 Privacy Features

iOS 14 has come with a series of privacy update changes reinstating it as a security-first platform for the users and businesses as well. Here are some of those updates –

Changes in IDFA – The iOS app developers will no longer have access to users’ data until they specify that they are permitting the applications to use their information for promotion and marketing purposes.
Changes in location sharing – Users will now have the ability to opt-out of offering precise location sharing. This way the apps and marketers will only get an approximate location of the users.
Privacy report – Apple will now send users a privacy report containing details of which apps are accessing their data and for how long.

Android 11 Privacy Features

Changes in permissions – The first time you open any new app you will be given three options in terms of permission – All the time, only when using the app, never.
Permission revoke – Android will keep a track of the applications you haven’t used in some time and it will revoke the permissions you had given it. This way when you open the app after a break, you will have to give it permission again.

Now that we have looked into the new additions of Android vs iOS privacy in the new updates, the next step will be to measure them against the other common factors and come to a conclusion.

Let us compare both the OS on the basis of four important factors –

Marketplace Security

The fact that the Play Store is so much wider than the App Store comes as both a blessing and an issue. While on the one hand, the wideness gives Android users a wide option to select from, it also gives the hackers a great opportunity to leave malware apps in the crowd of millions.

Apple, on the other hand, keeps a close look at the App Store. The level of inspection that every app needs to go through reduces the available option for the users, lowers the chances of malware attacks to minimal.

This comes up as a reason why the iOS vs Android, which is better war is always won by the former.

Platform’s Popularity

Android, undoubtedly holds a massive share of the world smartphone market, a number that is practically impossible for Apple to ever cover.

Now greater the platform’s popularity, the greater is the number of users attached and thus greater are the chances of a security breach.

However, it is not sound to give Android app security lesser points just on the basis of its high popularity. Because of the growing number of users, the Android app developer community has started giving greater focus to introducing the best mobile app security practices and deliver a hack-proof app.

Device Manufacturers’ Count

If there is one reason why Android is 100% lying behind Apple in terms of ‘Android vs iOS security’ is the hacks caused because of high device manufacturer count.

Because different devices come with a different focus on Security protection features, it is impossible for Google with thousands of devices under its umbrella to lay out a common set of protocols for every single one of its partnered OEMs. A problem that Apple never has to face because of its concentrated control on the device manufactured.

Source Code Security

Both the operating systems make use of very similar security features for keeping their users safe but while Apple keeps a close watch on the source code and has functionality like SSL Pinning in iOS, the open-source nature of Android makes it difficult for the OS to do so.

To solve this gap, Google has not just employed hackers to identify the source of attack but is also increasing its bounty that the brand is willing to pay for those who report new vulnerabilities, year on year.

While on the Apps front, hoping to get a clearer sense of security in Android, Google has introduced ‘Google Play Protect’ in the Play Store. This element that entered the market with the advent of Android O behaves like a virus scanner for the Android apps, ensuring that harmful content does not get downloaded on your device, a move that has come as a major relief for Top Android App Development Companies that have been crumbling under the growing malware attack prevention pressure.

Even though Google is getting online with its Play Store Security, the story of its device update is rather on the downside in the android security vs ios security debate.

The brand will continue to push out its Android Security patches month by month. But while Pixel and Nexus users might get the updates on the spot, other phone manufacturers might continue to delay or even skip the updates completely. With thousands of Android devices running years old software, they will continue to be vulnerable to major hacks such as Stagefright and Heartbleed.

2021-22 will see speedy updates taking a prime position, with the past year witnessing some of the major security breaches,(remember what happened with Uber Data Breach?) placing security breaches on the forefront. If you don’t have a stock device, Android is already behind in the updated world.

Apple, on the other hand, has been working on continuously taking security to the next level in 2021, especially with its Touch ID and the FaceID. The stringent oversight that the brand has on its apps added to their ability to send out updates to their devices quickly has given the brand a sure-shot edge over its competitor. The brand even takes measures to encrypt all the data in the iMessage and Apple’s other apps.

While Android also encrypts some data, users’ privacy will continue to be protected to a very little extent. To make its marketing efforts better and to offer a superior AI experience, Google will continue to mine data for information in 2021.

In spite of the fact that Android will be introducing new features on its Security front in 2021, iOS will win the title of Android vs iOS app security comparison this year too.

However, at the crux of the Android vs iOS which platform is the most secure debate lies the fact that the security ultimately depends on the users. Here are some things that we ask all our clients to remind their end-users in the app –

Use native app stores
Don’t download an app without verifying safety
Update the OS versions as and when they come
Set up a remote wiping facility
Switch on multi factor authentication

Frequently Asked Questions about Android vs iOS Secure

Q. Which is better, iOS or android?

The answer to this question depends entirely on the factor you are focusing on. If you consider customization, Android is better than iOS. But, in the case of security, Android lags behind iOS despite putting the best effort into place.

Q. Is iPhone more secure than android?

Though both Apple and Google are coming up with the best privacy and security practices, Apple’s iOS is still leading the show. iOS has 20% less critical vulnerabilities than Android, according to mobile security statistics.

Q. Which is easier to hack: iPhone or android?

Since Android runs on the hardware designed by different manufacturers and is an open ecosystem, it is easily hackable when compared to iPhone.

Rapid Application Development in Business: Benefits

Posted on 16/03/202015/06/2021 by Tushar

Not every brand has a six month to year time frame for getting their application launched in the market. It might happen that the app idea you have come up with, has the potential to attract a lot of competition from the industry.

So what do you do? Do you compromise on quality and deploy an app that is a peek into your concept? Or do you extend your time and increase the probability of coming face to face with greater competition?

None of it.

We get a lot of queries from brands looking for strategic mobile app consultancy for finding ways to deploy apps in the least possible time, without compromising on the app quality or paying hefty amounts. The solution that we offer them is, – Rapid Mobile Application Development Platform.

This article is dedicated to the concept where we will be looking into the various phases and characteristics of rapid application development using the RMAD model.

What is RMAD Model?

Rapid Mobile Application Development (RMAD) means using code free tools to expedite the process of creating mobile applications.

RMAD can be seen as the mobile version of RAD model, which is based on a concept that high quality products development can be expedited by using processes such as reuse of software components, early prototyping, and lesser formality in team communication.

Phases of RAD

Business Modelling
Data Modelling
Process Modelling
Application Generation
Testing and Turnover

1. Business Model

The main business plans are decided and their need of achievement is determined. The sort and flow of information are settled between various business models. The questions regarding what information will be required to choose the kind of data structures and how the communication gap bridges between various business administrations be set up is resolved during this process.

2. Data Modeling

The next stage includes review and analysis of information objects as compared to the business model. The credits of these data collections are characterized and their relevance to the business is plainly mapped out.

3. Process Modeling

The data sets and business models are adjusted to create a flow of information for different business models. The process for development and change, both are determined. In this stage, the process structure for adding, erasing, changing or retrieving a data set are set up at one place.

4. Application Generation

In this model, automated tools are utilized for the construction of the software, that is to convert the processed and data models into prototypes

5. Testing and Turnover

RAD is famous mostly because of its focus on the testing and turnover. Each prototype is tested by the user and every feedback is used to optimize the current structure and integrate changes as per the feedback.

For a brand that is looking for a smaller launch time and has a low feature mobile app, Rapid Application Development (RAD), with its USP of delivering quality apps in the least possible time, comes in very handy. There are a number of reasons that come attached with this that has brought in a demand for RMAD among the businesses.

Let us look at some of the pros and cons of rapid application or low code no code app development that is turning brands into the direction of the in-trend approach.

Benefits of Rapid Application Development

1. Quick Delivery

Under the Rapid Mobile Application Development Process, the whole project is segregated in modules, which are treated as an individual prototype. Each of these prototypes are tested instantly, before being winded together. This helps in faster delivery of an app which is tested to ensure lesser bugs.

The primary benefits of RAD is a faster development life cycle, and a better turnaround time of the software product. This is achieved by rapid prototyping, and by using automated tools like Computer Aided Software Engineering or CASE tools, that enable the developers to re-use previously generated codes, thus saving the time needed for manual coding. The CASE software tools are a major contributing factor in reducing the delivery time in the RAD methodology.

2. Fast Action on Market Analysis

Since every module is treated as a separate prototype, brands can easily get it reviewed by the end users, without having to wait for the final product to be launched. Also, since changes are to be made on one module out of the supposed 5, the maximum portion of the app remains unchanged.

3. Reduced Waste Time

When developing mobile apps, it is found that the elements like wait times, task switching, handoffs, and defect solving contribute to extension of the app development cycle time.

The RAD process comes with rapid app development tools that help with visual development, on the spot testing and deployment. All these processes and supporting tools together bring substantial reduction in waste time.

4. Better Quality and Low Production Cost

Even though the Rapid Application Development Process comes with compromises related to range of features in the app and its scalability, the overall quality of the app is better when compared to their counterparts.

Since they provide greater reduction in error by using prototyping and automation tools, there is a reduction in errors and bugs.

One of the advantages of RAD model involves the use of reusable software components, which ultimately leads to lowering the cost range that goes into the programming of the mobile app.

5. Aligned IT and Business Teams

IT professionals across the globe admit to spending half of their time on rework. The occurrence of rework happened because of the change in views between the IT and Business Team. Rapid Mobile Application Development eases the process by bringing both the IT and business together, in all the processes – Requirement Analysis, Development, QA, and Production (As shown on the right side of the image above). Since the method works on bringing development and validation to operate side by side, rework is immensely reduced and cost overrun is protected.

6. Faster Release of Product Versions

Rapid Mobile App Development makes use of a method known as timeboxing, which controls the features that are to be deployed in the present, and the next-level versions of software products.

The method helps with releasing product versions in the least possible time, by keeping the next version features added in the app development process.

7. The Innovation Pyramid

As of recently, businesses have observed the advantages of RAD just at the application level. However, RAD benefits are significantly more noteworthy at the enterprise level. To get that, you need to look at enterprise applications from the point of their rate of change, as clarified by Gartner in their Pace-Layered Application Strategy. Gartner has characterized three application categories, or “layers,” to recognize application types based on their rate of change. A close examination uncovers that these layers likewise indicate the extent of focus and financial plan traditionally accorded by undertakings.

Parting Words

So, here were the seven benefits that have brought Rapid Mobile Application Development in the business decision of brands looking to develop quality apps in the least possible time.

Want help with expediting your Mobile App Development Process? Contact our Team of Experts today, or Hire a well-known mobile app development company, who knows the ins and outs of the development process.

If you are looking to develop an app with an up to date and all the latest technologies of the current time, you should partner with known mobile app development services that are well-adapted with the changing market needs. You can also opt for remote companies like mobile application development company USA. But make sure you choose the best to get quality results.

Have you launched and deployed an app following the RMAD process? Let us know in the comment below.

ASP.NET vs PHP: Make a choice for Your App Needs?

Posted on 10/03/202015/06/2021 by Tushar

Both PHP and ASP.NET has broad bases. They are used by huge number of developers and this makes it difficult for the new developers to choose either one of them. In one hand, PHP is a general scripting language on which developers rely to a great extent and on the other hand, ASP.NET has a brand like Microsoft attached to its name.

ASP.NET vs PHP is an argument that doesn’t seem to have an end any time soon. Since both are quite popular languages in the programming world. You must have seen a ton of articles on differences between ASP.NET and PHP by now but in reality most of those articles are biased.

However, in this article we will talk about both the programming languages, breakdown the terms in for better understanding and discuss which is better ASP.NET or PHP.

PHP

PHP is a recursive acronym for Hypertext Preprocessor. It is an open source programming language that is used for web development and can be embedded into HTML. The best thing about PHP framework is that it is great for beginners since it allows simple and easy coding techniques. On the other hand PHP is great for professional programmers as well because of all the advanced features it offers. PHP framework is said to be adopted by many businesses in the near future and you can look at the upcoming best php frameworks here.

Pros and Cons of PHP framework

Pros:

One of the biggest advantage that PHP has is the rapid development. The market demands faster app development process and PHP gives the benefit to any mobile app development company that does multiple productions in one day. The framework is not only fast but ensures the security of the application. But the PHP developers have to make sure to use the framework as it is meant to be used to ensure application’s security. PHP is easier to maintain and has a huge community of developers that provides help whenever needed.

Cons:

PHP is prefered by developers for all the advantages it provides but they can’t ignore the disadvantages that comes with it. Slower execution, lack of ability to solve specific problems and time taking to master are some of the cons of this framework.

ASP.NET

ASP.NET is an open-source server side web development tool developed by Microsoft. The framework provides web development tools to produce dynamic web pages, web applications and web solutions. ASP.NET frameworks are written in .NET language and support Visual Basic.NET, JavaScript.NET and languages like Python and Perl. The framework also compatible with the previous version ASP.NET MVC.

Pros and Cons of ASP.NET frameworks

Pros

The pros of using ASP.NET include the flexibility to add and remove features as and when needed, the ease of setting up, an open-source and cross-platform framework and compatibility with other .NET frameworks. Microsoft has claimed it to be a highly popular framework soon just like Ruby and Node.js.

Cons

However, ASP.NET does have a few cons that may make its popularity a slow process. The framework does have problems when it comes to ease of making changes, documentation gaps, lack of supporting tools and lack of basic features since its too raw. These issues can be solved by ASP.NET developers, of course, by using external tools and methods.

ASP.NET vs PHP: The comparison

There is no doubt that both ASP.NET and PHP frameworks are great frameworks to work with but one may have few advantages more than the other. For professional developers this debate has already been settled based on their experience with each of the frameworks. But any budding developer might want to take a look at this comparison to decide which platform to start with.

Both PHP and ASP.NET provide multiple advantages and at the same time has some disadvantages. To decide which one is better than the other, we shall compare each of these two carefully. In this section we will discuss ASP.NET vs PHP: Which is better?

Performance

When it comes to the performance of a framework there is a misconception that the language of the framework determines its performance. However, this is not completely true. The performance of any framework depends on the way the coding was done.

The performance of ASP.NET is comparatively better than that of PHP. This statement may not be believed by PHP developers for the fact that many great websites have been built using PHP.

While that may be true but it does not dismiss the fact that ASP.NET allows parallel programming which lets chunks of code to run all at the same time whereas PHP does not support threading at all.

Market Share

The biggest difference between ASP.NET and PHP is the usage and market share. The chart below clearly shows that PHP has more usage popularity than ASP.NET. The websites built with PHP has been ranked among the Top 10k sites, Top 100k sites and Top 1M sites. Whereas ASP.NET hasn’t been awarded any titles that can beat PHP’s.

Security

Another huge difference between ASP.NET and PHP is the security options they both provide. Both the platforms provide security features to the developers however ASP.NET has built-in security features such as SQL injection. In other words, ASP.NET automatically does the work for you whereas PHP only provides you with the tools.

So to settle which is better ASP.NET or PHP security-wise, ASP.NET would be the right choice. The PHP developers are provided with the tool and if they wish they can structure their apps securely. Sadly, many PHP developers don’t care about it and that results in vulnerable apps.

Websites

Since it has been said earlier in the article that websites that used PHP has been ranked top as compared to ASP.NET built websites here are two lists to compare ASP.NET vs PHP websites:

Websites built using PHP

Facebook
Wikipedia
WordPress.com
Flickr
Yahoo!
iStockPhoto
Tumblr
Mailchimp

Websites built using ASP.NET

StackOverflow
Microsoft
GoDaddy
DELL
Visual Studio
Wild Tangent
Diply.com
TacoBell.com

Among these, some websites are extremely popular in both the lists but the majority of famous websites are PHP developed.

Cost-wise which is better, ASP.NET or PHP?

In this area, PHP is a clear winner for the reason that PHP is an open source development framework whereas ASP.NET charges some fee for hosting. The fee charged by Microsoft owned ASP.NET is not high but when compared to PHP’s free usage, it can make developers skeptical towards ASP.NET.

The cost does not however stop ASP.NET developers from building websites using the framework. Another great way is to outsource the ASP.NET mobile app development services.

Community Support: ASP.NET vs PHP

It’s a given that PHP has a larger community than ASP.NET because it’s free. But that is not the only thing to say about a good community. ASP.NET community consists of highly dedicated developers who are supportive of their community even though the numbers is not as high as PHP. Of course the PHP community regularly comes up with the solutions to the challenges faced during PHP web apps development process.

However, advantage of ASP.NET over PHP is that the ASP.NET developers have a community that is rather dedicated towards programming that having a large support.

Advantages of ASP.NET over PHP

All the comparisons in the previous section point towards choosing PHP over ASP.NET. But this may seem unfair to those who are looking for reasons to choose ASP.NET over PHP. So what is the use of ASP.NET?

ASP.NET provides the freedom to choose from multiple languages such as C#, Visual Basic.NET, C++, etc.
The SQL security feature that ASP.NET provides is automatically applied to the applications and has unlimited data storage.
With ASP.NET you get multiple .NET libraries which is not the case in PHP development.
ASP.NET allows threading of codes which allows multiple codes to run at the same time.
ASP.NET developers are paid much better than any PHP developer because of there are less ASP.NET developers in the market.

As this debate of ASP.NET vs PHP comes to an end its time to decide which one is better than the other. Both the development frameworks are exceptionally great in the work they do and developers freely choose between them as per the need of the development process.

In many cases PHP has proved to be a stronger framework but has also had some weaknesses that can affect the development process to a great extent. We have also seen a completely separate section for the advantages in ASP.NET development which consisted of strong points of benefits for the developers.

PHP has a huge community and is a free framework to work with. On the other hand ASP.NET is likely to have more scope in the future since it has a huge company name Microsoft behind it.

But if you still can’t decide between the two, contact our team at Anteelo and we will help you out. We engage in both ASP.NET web app development and PHP mobile app development services which will help us give you the best solution for your problems. Take a look at our mobile app development guide for more information.

MVP App Guide- Mobile App Development for Startups

Posted on 09/03/202015/06/2021 by Tushar

Mobile applications are, undoubtedly, the buzz in the entire business world. Today, every business is getting on mobile. But, is it wise to develop a mobile application? Is it a profitable deal, especially when you are a startup struggling to establish itself in the market? The answer to this question is quite difficult to say. You can’t deny the importance of having your own mobile app, as well as can not invest an exorbitant amount of money in a single idea itself. And this situation becomes more complicated when there is a risk of app failure even after pouring all your money and efforts into mobile app development. Remember, there are endless mobile applications in the market- you can’t expect the users to get entice with your app idea & choose it over others. Then what to do? The simplest way to tackle this situation, as per our experts, is to go for MVP – a concept that is bringing down the cost of mobile app development to a great extent.

MVP (Minimal Viable Product) App

An MVP (Minimal Viable Product) is the product (or we can say app) with the least, vital features that target a particular problem using the minimum resources. It enables the start-ups to engage the first users, understand the audience’s needs, and make their application better using the feedbacks gained.

In other words, it is the smallest, quickest yet functional version of your app idea that can be taken into consideration to understand the viability of your app idea.

Talk about Uber, Airbnb, or Foursquare- almost every top-grossing app that is ruling the market today has undergone this phase. In fact, we recommend all of our clients to have a thought on developing an MVP, particularly in case of a complex app idea. Wondering, why? Check out the following points.

Benefits of MVP for Startups

MVP application is the ultimate investment for start-ups, due to the following reasons:

1.Testing the Main Idea at the Earliest

There’s no denying the fact that we all find our ideas good enough to set the market on fire. But, are they really so? Will the users really find them fantastic? The best way to analyze this is to launch an MVP app in the market. Develop an application with just the sufficient features that define your main purpose and launch it in the market. If it offers impressive outcomes, take it to the next step. In the flip side, gather user feedbacks, do market research, and improve your applications so as to launch it in the future. This way, an MVP application can help you to understand the market validity of your idea and can save a lot of money on developing a ‘less-effective’ app.

2.Reaching Investors

It is always better to visit investors with a functional model than a diagrammatical representation or an idea in your head. When you present an MVP to the investor with your future plan, the investor can more likely link to your idea and get interested in it. He need not visualize the main idea- he can see the demand for your app in the market, and hence, can easily agree to your request and contribute to further app development process.

3.Making an Impact on the Market

When talking about mobile application development, you hit the market at once. You have to make extra efforts to immediately attract users. However, in the case of MVP, you can keep on attracting a group of people throughout. With the introduction of every new feature, you can attract more users, as well as entice the existing users. This way, you continue to make an impact on the market.

4.Minimum Development Cost

We all know that the more features & functionalities you include in your app, the more you have to pay for it. If you build a complete mobile application, it might cost you enough to make a hole in your pocket. But, here in MVP, you can test your idea in less than half of the mobile app development cost. Moreover, you need not make a one-time investment; you can invest in different sessions related to the integration of different features into the app.

5.Prevents Losing Interest

It usually happens that the development process takes so much time that you completely feel detached to the idea. In such a scenario, an MVP app is a great investment. It gets developed in lesser time, reaches the market, and keeps you interested in updating it with what the users want.

6.Saves Efforts Time

MVP development not just saves the cost, but also the effort and time. It allows you to determine if your efforts are getting a required response or not. Wherever you find that the efforts are not bringing fruitful results, you can put it on end. This way, it allows the startups to use their potential in the right way!

Wrapping Up!

MVP, as you might have learnt by now, is a crucial element to consider for both startups and established brands. It can help you develop a mobile app successfully. But in case, you are looking forward for understanding various other elements that should be considered for launching an app successfully, have a look at this mobile app development guide.

Better using AIRO in security operations-For Analysts

Posted on 08/03/202015/06/2021 by Tushar

The traditional security operations model is rapidly succumbing to the challenges and dynamics inherent in today’s cybersecurity market. Over the last few years, organizations have deployed a myriad of security technologies to combat specific threats, and as a result have inherited a collection of point product solutions with very little interoperability. This has made it difficult for operation teams to leverage these technologies as a common fabric for threat identification, correlation, detection and remediation activities.

This has also increased the amount of time it takes to detect and remediate a security breach. On average, it takes organizations nearly 6 months to detect a breach and another 2 months to remediate it. While organizations continue to operate in a reactive mode to security threats, the goal is to move to a model that is much more proactive and predictive in nature.

Compromising this goal is the lack of skilled security expertise needed to perform identification, detection and remediation activities. The talent shortage is most pronounced for Level 1 analysts in the security operations center (SOC), the “first responders” that must sift through volumes of data and determine which alerts require immediate action.

Attackers are using sophisticated approaches to exploit vulnerabilities, and the volume and velocity of known and unknown attacks continue to rise. Organizations still demand “eyes on glass” to detect and respond to security threats, but the volume of attacks originating from multiple threat vectors, and the skills challenge they face has created a scale issue where level 1 SOC analysts are overwhelmed with the amount of data that must be analyzed. In some cases, SOC analysts are dealing with petabytes of data. In addition to the scale problem, the incoming data lacks context, which makes the task of prioritizing suspicious behavior for further investigation another challenge for SOC analysts.

The Business Benefits of AIRO

To effectively address these challenges, organizations must adopt a new approach for SOC operations that addresses the need to handle the volume of data and alerts more effectively. A move toward an intelligent SOC that utilizes AI, Automation, Incident Response and Orchestration (AIRO) to increase productivity and efficiency of SOC analysts and accelerate the time to detect and contain a security breach is directionally where the market is headed. AIRO consists of the following components:

Analytics: Driving contextual insight into threat dynamics
Intelligence: Collecting and indexing sources of information
Response: Initiating the proper response based on the nature of the security threat
Orchestration: Coordinating multiple toolsets to mitigate a threat and harden the network

Using AIRO tools, organizations can better leverage existing investments in security technologies by utilizing APIs to interconnect various platforms and correlate data from firewalls, IDS sensors, endpoint devices, and external threat intelligence feeds. AIRO tools complement an existing security information and event management (SIEM) tool by acting as middleware to integrate with existing tools and provide greater visibility into indicators of compromise. This becomes increasingly important as corporate data moves from endpoint devices to on-premise infrastructure and multi-cloud environments.

AIRO tools ingest alerts from the SIEM and automate the responses to repetitive alerts, freeing up security analysts for the more challenging alerts that require human intervention. The tool should also provide valuable contextual information — such as asset information and threat enrichment data — to effectively improve the security analyst’s decision-making ability by prioritizing threats that represent the most risk to the organization.

In today’s complex environment AIRO tools can make security analysts’ work more efficient, less burdensome and more accurate by leveraging automation, analytics and orchestration. By ensuring proper integration and interoperability with existing security technologies and centralizing visibility on a security platform, security operations teams can gain greater insight and move from a reactive security posture to a more predictive and preventative approach.