In recent years, the demand for top-tier cross-platform applications has increased manifold. Given that more and more businesses are looking to target audiences across multiple platforms using a single codebase, it would not be an embellishment to claim that the field of cross-platform application development is wide open.
Cross-platform languages offer a multitude of handful features like cost-effectiveness, faster time-to-market, etc. To help you make an informed decision as a mobile app developer entering this field, this blog highlights some of the most significant languages in the domain of multi-platform app development.
What is cross-platform in programming?
The concept is simple: the ability to create and run a software application on more than one platform using a single codebase is called cross-platform programming. Imagine this: you can develop a particular mobile application for both iOS and Android platforms without managing two separate codebases – the development process accelerates significantly because you don’t have to write code for both operating systems now.
The time and resources saved as a result of having one codebase are the major factors behind the ever-increasing popularity of cross-platform programming – and subsequently cross-platform app development languages.
Top cross-platform programming languages
The list is broad and it’s not possible to cover each and every cross-platform app development language in this article. Nonetheless, leveraging the expertise of our mobile app developers, we have outlined the most popular cross-platform languages and their key features here.
- JavaScript
- Java
- Dart
- Python
1. JavaScript
From humble beginnings in 1995, JavaScript has transformed into a powerhouse of modern development. Created by Brendan Eich at Netscape, this dynamic language has transcended its original purpose as a client-side scripting tool for web browsers.
Today, JavaScript’s reach extends far beyond the confines of web pages. Its multi-paradigm nature, supporting object-oriented, functional, and imperative programming styles, makes it incredibly flexible. With frameworks like Node.js, JavaScript has become a force in server-side development, enabling full-stack applications with a single language.
As a cross-platform language, JavaScript shines in its ability to run on virtually any device with a browser. Its extensive ecosystem of libraries and frameworks, such as React, Angular, and Vue.js, allows developers to create interactive experiences across desktop and mobile platforms.
JavaScript’s ease of learning, coupled with its powerful features like first-class functions and prototype-based inheritance, continues to attract developers worldwide, cementing its position as a cornerstone of modern software development.
Key Features:
- Dynamic typing and interpreted execution
- First-class functions and closures
- Prototype-based object-oriented programming
- Asynchronous programming with promises and async/await
- JSON support for data interchange
Advantages of JavaScript:
- Ubiquitous browser support for client-side development
- Single language for both front-end and back-end (Node.js)
- Rapid development and prototyping capabilities
2. Java
From mobile apps to enterprise solutions, Java has been a cornerstone of software development for nearly three decades. Created by James Gosling at Sun Microsystems, this versatile language revolutionized programming with its “write once, run anywhere” philosophy. Java’s platform independence, achieved through its bytecode and Java Virtual Machine (JVM), has made it a go-to choice for developers – both native and cross-platform – worldwide.
While Kotlin has emerged as an alternative for Android development, Java remains a key player in the mobile space. Its robustness and scalability continue to drive enterprise-level web applications, offering unparalleled stability and performance. As an object-oriented language, Java promotes modular and reusable code, enhancing productivity and maintainability.
With its extensive ecosystem, including powerful frameworks like Spring and libraries for every conceivable task, Java continues to evolve and adapt to modern development needs, securing its place in the future of technology.
Key Features:
- Object-oriented programming paradigm
- Platform independence through bytecode and JVM
- Automatic memory management with garbage collection
- Strong type checking at compile-time and run-time
- Built-in support for multithreading and concurrency
Advantages of Java:
- Write once, run anywhere (WORA) capability
- Extensive standard library
- Scalability for large-scale enterprise applications
- Active community support
3. Dart
Introduced by Google in 2011, Dart has emerged as a powerful contender in cross-platform app development. This object-oriented language combines the best features of JavaScript with static typing, offering developers a robust and efficient toolset.
Dart’s primary use case is powering Flutter, Google’s UI toolkit for building natively compiled applications across mobile, web, and desktop platforms from a single codebase. Its ahead-of-time compilation ensures high performance, while its hot reload feature accelerates the development process.
With its clean syntax, strong typing, and comprehensive standard library, Dart provides a solid foundation for creating scalable, maintainable applications. As Flutter’s adoption grows, Dart’s importance in the cross-platform development ecosystem continues to rise.
Key Features:
- Platform independent
- Type-safe language
- Open-source nature
Advantages of Dart:
- Extensive Documentation
- High Performance
- Gentle Learning Curve
4. Python
Released in 1991, Python has become one of the world’s most popular programming languages. Known for its clean syntax and readability, Python emphasizes code simplicity and reduces the cost of program maintenance.
As a cross-platform language, Python excels in various domains, from web development and data analysis to artificial intelligence and scientific computing. Its “write once, run anywhere” philosophy, coupled with a vast ecosystem of libraries and frameworks like Django and Flask, makes it ideal for rapid application development across different operating systems.
Python’s interpretive nature and dynamic typing facilitate quick prototyping and iteration. Its role in cross-platform development continues to grow, driven by tools like Kivy and PyQt for creating multi-platform graphical user interfaces. In the coming years, the popularity of Python is expected to soar further.
Key Features:
- Free software
- Object-oriented nature
- Extremely dynamic in nature
Advantages of Python:
- Pre-defined functions
- Large community support
- Syntax similar to the English language
- Easy to maintain mode
- Clean syntax
How to choose the ideal cross-platform app development language?
With so many options to choose from, the language you select for developing your next multi-platform application is of paramount importance. Here are some of the factors you must keep in mind in this regard:
1. Developers’ Expertise
The team’s existing skills significantly influence language choice. It goes without saying that selecting a language your developers are proficient in can accelerate development and reduce errors.
However, as a project manager or team leader, also consider the learning curve if adopting a new language offers long-term benefits. Assess your team’s adaptability and willingness to learn, as well as the availability of learning resources and community support for the chosen language.
2. Project’s Scope
The complexity and requirements of your project play a crucial role in language selection. You must consider factors like performance needs, UI complexity, and integration requirements. Some languages excel in specific areas – for instance, JavaScript for web-heavy applications, or Dart for Flutter-based mobile apps. Therefore, evaluate how well each language’s ecosystem and libraries align with your project’s technical demands and future scalability needs.
3. Cost Estimate
The selection of the language is largely dependent on the budget allocated to the specific project – cost analysis assumes pertinent in this regard. Consider not just the initial development expenses, but also long-term maintenance and scalability costs. Some languages may offer faster development times, reducing initial costs, while others might provide better performance, lowering operational expenses.
Also Factor in licensing fees, hosting requirements, and the availability of cost-effective development tools for each language option.
Final Thoughts
In the ever-evolving era of mobile app development, cross-platform languages have garnered unprecedented popularity. This blog covered some of the top-tier multi-platform languages to help boost your online presence with a high-performance application.
