NativeScript is a framework that people use for building applications. The framework you choose depends on the type of application built. For example, frameworks like Flask, Ruby on Rails, Django, etc., are for web applications. Apache Spark and TensorFlow are Frameworks for data science applications. Similarly, NativeScript is for building mobile apps. The best part with NativeScript is that you write the code and use it across gadgets using iOS, Android, or Windows systems. It implies you can build apps that run on the web and mobile simultaneously. Below we explain the pros of using NativeScript over traditional frameworks and how it benefits mobile app development.
Access through JavaScript:
NativeScript allows the developer to use different JavaScript frameworks such as Vue, Svelte, Angular, etc. One need not use platform languages like Objective-C or Kotlin.
It does not involve WebViews in the implementation. There is a direct translation to native UI components. Thus, it is possible to maintain a platform-specific user experience without affecting the speed or visual appeal. NativeScript also allows easy customization for different screen sizes. You can reuse a single codebase across mobile platforms.
Easy to update:
Nowadays, we have a stable internet connection and do not switch it off when not in use. It implies that our gadgets are available to hackers and prone to data theft. Updates are one of the ways to patch security flaws. Also, software updates help in boosting device performance.
The NativeScript development facilitates giving updates and software enhancements. The developers get zero-day support and can use the latest APIs and UI components. Consequently, one keeps the device safe, and its running system is fast and efficient.
Easy set up:
Setting up a NativeScript project is simple. One needs Node, NativeScript CLI, and JDK. Android Studio helps install and manage Android SDKs. For macOS and iOS environments, one requires XCode, CocoaPods, and XCodeproj.
NativeScript provides various templates on its GitHub repository and NPM. One can use these to kickstart the app creation. It is also feasible to customize templates and style them as per the requirements.
HMR feature:
Developers prefer to see the impact of the code changes immediately. It is especially the case with mobile development. The programmers need to test the code changes on multiple devices and operating systems. The use of emulators and real devices during the testing process is inevitable. For speeding up testing, NativeScript came up with the HMR (Hot Module Replacement). Now one can add or replace modules while the app is in running condition. There is no requirement for restarting. Thus, the HMR feature improves developer productivity. They can test and implement new changes quickly, leading to enhanced device efficacy.
Build a variety of apps:
The developers use TypeScript to design the NativeScript apps, which transcompiles to JavaScript. Thus, one can use the object-oriented programming structure of JavaScript and build complex applications. Programming knowledge and experience in JavaScript, CSS and Native UI markup are sufficient to build apps using the NativeScript frame. Given its easy learning curve, developers build different applications such as newsfeeds, games, social networking apps, etc., with NativeScript. NativeScript’s Firebase plugin is applicable for creating real-time apps such as chatbots and live feeds. It also facilitates building apps that utilize device hardware like photo filters.
Combine with Angular:
AngularJS is one of the popular JavaScript frameworks available. It gives a structured and clean way of programming. Mobile app development companies combine angular with NativeScript to enhance the app performances. Angular native apps use NPM and CocoaPod libraries, and there is no need for a new framework. Therefore, you use the same code for web and mobile applications. It helps in saving time without compromising the performance.
Suitable for enterprise devices:
An app meant for enterprise does not have the luxury of testing or stabilizing period. Moreover, it needs to comply with the approval policies of the company. Often, user authentication is one of the most requisite features. There should not be any security issues.
With NativeScript, the developers use JavaScript-based tools. Therefore, the process is similar to their web application development. There is no need to outsource or hire people separately for the mobile platform. Moreover, it is easy to integrate with other software applications in the organization. NativeScript also facilitates the use of different JavaScript frameworks with easy authentication options.
Final thoughts:
The main advantage with NativeScript is in open-source format implying the developers can contribute and increase efficiency. The apps built are native and work with the device operating system. It results in faster performance. These apps can utilize device features such as the camera, GPS, etc.
The integration of NativeScript with AngularJS has fetched enormous community support. The execution time is fast due to the LiveSync option. The NativeScript Playground provides a browser-based environment and makes coding easier. Today, well-known companies like Reddit, Twitter, Apple Music, Skype, etc., utilize NativeScript.
