Comments on: Web Apps vs. Native Apps

By: Mike

Mike — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 18:58:31 +0000

I’d love to see this article updated to include some current application development tools. Building seems more to be gearing towards Web Apps taking over. What do you think?

By: Stu Sklinar

Stu Sklinar — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 17:49:43 +0000

@Muhammad …. you could use the application cache functionality of HTML5….

By: Stu Sklinar

Stu Sklinar — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 17:48:06 +0000

Good points!

We’ve tried a few “app creators! {titanium,phone gap etc..} but as good as they are… nothing seems to work well…

As for getting something on the home screen… that should be the website to point out. (don’t make me think?/Steve Krug)

it seems html5 is the only cost effective way to get cross platform/device… we can sacrifice a dew things along the way….

By: Terri Kim

Terri Kim — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 18:17:25 +0000

@Muhammad: Insightful comments

By: muhammad

muhammad — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 16:35:28 +0000

The benefits of the native app is that it can work independently of the web, but most are pulling information or function from the web. There is an aspect of “behind the scenes” in the native app that is presenting web content within the app itself sans browser. The native app can work much faster by harnessing the power of the processor. and can access specific hardware like GPS. In some smart phones the app can control devices and act as a controller itself.

The web app has the fortune of being used on various devices with the only requirement being a web browser and an internet connection. As long as the web app is written for cross-browser compatibility then you’re a go. The dilemma is that in contrast to the native app, it requires internet access and its operation speeds are dependent on the quality of cell signal or the speed of the wi-fi broadband you are connected to. This also alludes to the fact that you have to be in range of either connection. You might not be able to use the web app inside of buildings or in lower level facilities. One other issue is you won’t have access to internal hardware such as GPS and other connectivity.

By: matt laclear

matt laclear — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 12:58:36 +0000

Good points

By: all three

all three — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 16:40:49 +0000

I agree 100%

By: fun

fun — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 11:10:00 +0000

Interesting post and thanks for sharing. Some things in here I have not thought about before.

By: Music Playback Possible in iPhone’s Safari Browser [Grooveshark, Take Note] | Apple iPhone Review

Tue, 01 Mar 2011 06:46:38 +0000

[...] merits of web apps versus native App Store apps are certainly debatable, but no one can debate that a web app is better than no app at all. With the advent of HTML5 and [...]

By: Maurice

Maurice — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 02:13:21 +0000

Awesome post, if anyone wants a bit more info on the subject (or something to link their clients to), I just finished a lengthy post on the subject:

http://www.kintek.com.au/web-design-blog/why-do-you-need-a-mobile-website-web-apps-vs-native-apps/