Software for mobile devices like smartphones, smartwatches and tablets is created through mobile development. As technology has shifted from desktop websites to mobile websites, there is a demand for software that can run efficiently on mobile devices. Majority of businesses are shifting to mobile websites as it is a quicker way to connect with their target audience. This explains why there is a growing need for mobile application development services.

What Is a Mobile App Development Framework?

A well-structured mobile app boosts your digital engagement and generates long-term benefits such as customer loyalty and recurring sales. Mobile app developers use a set of tools and resources called a framework to build apps. It helps in developing software, debugging tools and programming interfaces. A powerful mobile app allows you to establish yourself from your rivals. You can create excellent apps that are compatible with Android, iOS and Windows using mobile app development frameworks.

Four main categories of mobile apps:

1. Native applications

They are coded for each OS separately and are downloaded from an app market to the internal device storage.

2. Web applications

The applications run in the browser of a smartphone.

3. Hybrid applications

These applications are downloadable but use a shared code base.

4. Progressive web applications

These are advanced browser-run web apps that can be found through URLs.

Factors to consider while choosing your mobile development framework are:

• Look for a framework that uses less of your time
• Use a developer-friendly framework as complex frameworks can delay your product release
• Select a framework that is fast and suits your requirements
• Look for cost-effective frameworks and ensure you only add essential features to your app
• Select a platform that assures security and adequate speed

Six Mobile App Development Frameworks of 2022

Some of the well-known frameworks for building mobile applications that will be essential tools for developers by 2022 are:

1. React Native

React Native is a mobile app framework in JavaScript that is created for iOS and Android. React Native offers app developers the benefit of creating and reusing native components, which allows simultaneous design for iOS and Android. It helps developers to create strong mobile applications and provides speedy mobile development.

Bloomberg, Walmart, Airbnb, etc. are apps created using React Native. Due to its reusable code, high portability, focused user interface, compatibility with third-party apps and capacity to increase productivity, React Native is a popular choice for developing hybrid apps.  

2. Flutter

Flutter is an open-source mobile app launched by Google. It is written in the Dart language and is a cross-platform app development. With the help of perfect tools and techniques, Flutter provides a strong framework for mobile app development. The tech world is not limited to two operating systems, thus it requires a framework that serves many platforms.

Flutter is simple to understand and incurs lower costs. Developers work on the predesigned tools and codes which makes designing more effective and efficient. The applications developed by Flutter require less time and help the application reach the market faster. Flutter app development successfully fills the gap between native app and cross-platform. 

3. Ionic

Ionic is an open-source framework that is available to use for free. It allows you to use a combination of programming languages like CSS, HTML5 and Javascript. It is a very stable platform and by using the combination of three strong languages you can create the best user interface and easily convert from one operating system to another. Ionic helps you customize your app with different buttons, colors, menus, etc., as it knows that a user is attracted to a great-looking app.

Ionic is compatible with strong software development kits like Angular, PhoneGap and Cordova. The Ionic framework features a large and dynamic community that assists every programmer with any concerns relating to development. While selecting an Ionic development company, you must consider factors like app development methodology, experience, feedback from past clients, the company’s strength, etc.

4. Xamarin

Xamarin is another free, open-source framework for developing mobile apps launched by Microsoft. It is a cross-platform framework that uses the .Net and C# programming language. Xamarin can create apps for many operating systems such as iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, watchOS and tvOS. Xamarin connects apps to platform APIs and supports full interaction with complex mobile device sensors like cameras, GPS, etc.

Xamarin enables developers to design every level of the business logic and user interface in addition to providing connectivity with a server without compromising the performance of the application. The efficiency of Xamarin is comparable to native Java on Android and Swift on iOS. It includes its own set of tools which reduces the use of third-party solutions. 

5. NativeScript

NativeScript is an open-source framework that is used to create native mobile applications for iOS and Android devices. Nativescript is built with JavaScript or Typescript. For a native-like experience, it creates UIs using JavaScript and CSS and supports frameworks like Angular. It is a cross-platform application development and can run everywhere once it is written. NativeScript constantly updates its features and versions to support current and upcoming OS versions. 

6. Corona SDK

Corona SDK is a cross-platform open-source programming framework. It is a high performing development tool to design 2D games and applications. It has more than 1000 plugins making it easy for developers to transform their ideas into exciting games and apps. As it is a cross-platform program, the codebase written by the developer is applicable across platforms, thus saving time. Lua is the scripting language for Corona SDK.