There are plenty of mobile app development tools that can be used to build an app. One cannot ignore Xamarin when we talk about mobile app development. It is a great tool for building cross platform applications.
Pros of Using Xamarin for Development
Flexibility of C#
Xamarin uses C# as its main programming language for mobile app development. Being natively compiled, Xamarin is known for developing high-performance apps with native look and feel. As more than 70% of the code can be reused, it is a cost effective mobile app development solution for startups and small enterprises.
Shorter development cycles
One major benefit with Xamarin app development is that 90% of the code can be reused or recycled for developing applications for different mobile platforms. Bing based on C# and native .Net libraries, Xamarin app development helps to save a lot of time and efforts. It speeds up the development cycles while creating apps for various platforms.
Native app-like performance
Applications that are created on Xamarin platform can be considered to work just like native apps. The end users would not be able to make the difference between your app and a native app, because there isn’t one. Visual Studio offers a comprehensive solution for developing and testing the app performance. Before the app is published, the developers should run automated UI tests using the Test Recorder tool to identify and fix issues, if any.
Full Hardware Support
As one gets native-level app functionality with Xamarin, it eliminates the hardware compatibility issues, plugins and APIs. It also supports linking with native libraries. Developers can build apps with common device functionalities and those apps would work on all the major platforms flawlessly. With lesser overhead costs, one can get better customization and native-like experience for Xamarin app development services.
Open Source Technology with Strong Support
After Microsoft acquired Xamarin, there had been radical changes in the policies. Xamarin SDK became open source, and it’s available for all under the MIT license. As the main barrier – cost of license – was paved away, the platform became popular. Xamarin has now become a reliable and powerful tech stack for cross platform app development solutions.
Code Maintenance
Maintaining an app may be tricky and challenging when you have the same app for multiple platforms. Each feature and functionality of the app needs to be transmitted through all the platforms it works on. This requires a lot of time for maintaining the code and debugging it. Developers may have to spend time to update the apps too. With Xamarin app development, you can save hundreds of hours that may be needed for upgrading apps for each platform. You can save a lot of money with Xamarin applications.
Xamarin.Forms: a framework for simple apps and prototypes
If you need an app that needs very little platform-specific functionality, Xamarin Forms can be used. It is a great tool that allows rapid prototyping and building apps faster. You can create a single interface and share it across multiple platforms without designing for all of them. This means that developers who have little basic knowledge about UI can build outstanding apps with Xamarin. Developers can create apps using Xamarin.Forms and engineer them with the help of native UI toolkit.
Xamarin Cons to Consider
Component Limitations
Xamarin supports specific components that are available within its library. Though the list of technological components is extensive, there may be situations where a specific one may not be available, and you may have to opt for custom development.
While working on custom Xamarin app development projects, you may find a few limitations for multi-touch functionality and some platform-specific gestures.
Pricing
Though Xamarin is free for individuals and small companies, enterprises may have to purchase a license for Microsoft’s Visual Studio. Visual Studio Enterprise annual licenses may cost around $2,999 for single user. The cost of licenses would multiply depending on the size and requirements of your developers.
UI development is time-consuming
Major part of Xamarin coding can be reused for various platforms, the core UI creation is not portable yet. Developers may have to do some part of coding or multiple platforms and it is a time-consuming process.
All file size
Developers may have to adjust the app file size. The main reason for this is that the use of core libraries and functionality puts a huge burden on the app store. You may have to make sure that your Xamarin app has a justifiable app file size before you submit it to the respective app store. The usual size range may be 3MB to 15MB.
Is Xamarin a win?
If you are a developer looking for building an app for multiple platforms, Xamarin can be the best tool for you. Thanks to the extensive native and cross platform APIs and libraries, C# environment, and ease of deployment that makes it the most preferred choice for iOS, Android, and Windows app development. Xamarin app development reduces the time required for building cross platform app and helps you get an app faster.
