Ask HN: Mobile development – two native apps or cross platform framework? • Hacker News Board

Ask HN: Mobile development – two native apps or cross platform framework?

#1

Post by format997 » Tue, Sep 21, 2021, 8:41 PM UTC

I'm working on a startup and need to develop a mobile app for it. I do not have any background in mobile development (but have experience as a developer), and was curious about whether I should develop two, separate, native apps, or use a cross-platform, mobile development framework. I am also open to the idea of offering the app as only a mobile website.

As far as app features go, my app will most likely need to access location and the camera.

So, what is your advice on the best approach and why? Also, is there an approach more suited for someone new to development in this area? I am grateful for any and all feedback!

Re: Ask HN: Mobile development – two native apps or cross platform framework?

#2

Post by rvz » Tue, Sep 21, 2021, 9:43 PM UTC

Here is a real case study: ClubHouse vs Discord.

Clubhouse launched their app first as iOS only and it was native. It took them more than a year to release the Android version. By the time they did that and removed the waitlist, their growth already declined and they were copied to death.

Discord on the other hand released their iOS and Android apps using a cross-platform framework (react native) and have even copied Clubhouse's prime feature (Stages) before Clubhouse could even finish the Android version.

I think that alone tells you that you that Discord is doing something right; even with a tiny team working on the apps rather than what Clubhouse was doing.

Re: Ask HN: Mobile development – two native apps or cross platform framework?

#3

Post by format997 » Tue, Sep 21, 2021, 10:14 PM UTC

rvz wrote: post #2

Here is a real case study: ClubHouse vs Discord. Clubhouse launched their app first as iOS only and it was native. It took them more than a year to release the Android version. By the time they did that and removed the waitlist, their growth already declined and they were copied to death. Discord on the other hand released their iOS and Android apps using a cross-platform framework (react native) and have even copied…

Awesome. That is great feedback, already. Thanks!