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I'm starting with native mobile development to create an app with a lot of potential.
Since I didn't know a lot about this field (being a full stack web developer) I started doing some research about what technologies I should choose.
The app, having the need to be cross platform, I needed a cross platform toolkit. Although the app could make a move on to truly native code (Swift + Java), it would take a long time; hence I would require a faster short term solution.
The best option was Xamarin (for native code). However, due to certain app requirements, I would have to write a lot of platform specific code; defeating Xamarin's purpose.
The next option was a hybrid mobile app. Ionic2 was the best option here but I don't like ng-2.
In the end I came upon the realisation that a web-app was the only true cross-platform solution.
As I delved deeper into mobile app development, I found out that the webstack lacked a lot. My conclusion was, that for a truly great (cross platform) experience, we need to improve the web domain.
HTML elements can become better (more XAML like). A native templating API, to forgo the need for libraries like ReactJS or VueJS.
Better layout models. Flexbox is good but can improve. CSS should be more like Sass/stylus.
And lastly we need a better way to make our web app dynamic. JavaScript is fine, but I like the way Swift/Xamarin work. It makes things more formal.
NOTE: These are just my opinions and I'm probably wrong in many places so forgive me. -
!rant
Has anyone been paying attention to what Google's been up to? Seriously!
1) Fuchsia. An entire OS built from the ground up to replace Linux and run on thin microcontrollers that Linux would bog down — has GNU compilers & Dart support baked in.
2) Flutter. It's like React Native but with Dart and more components available. Super Alpha, but there's "Flutter Gallery" to see examples.
3) Escher. A GPU-renderer that coincidentally focuses on features that Material UI needs, used with Fuchsia. I can't find screenshots anywhere; unfortunately I tore down my Fuchsia box before trying this out. Be sure to tag me in a screenshot if you get this working!
4) Progressive Web Apps (aka Progress Web APKs). Chrome has an experimental feature to turn Web Apps into hybrid native apps. There's a whole set of documentation for converting and creating apps.
And enough about Google, Microsoft actually had a really cool announcement as well! (hush hush, it's really exciting for once, trust me)...
Qualcomm and Microsoft teamed up to run the full desktop version of Windows 10 on a Snapdragon 820. They go so far as to show off the latest version of x86 dekstop Photoshop with no modifications running with excellent performance. They've announced full support for the upcoming Snapdragon 835, which will be a beast compared to the 820! This is all done by virtualization and interop libraries/runtimes, similar to how Wine runs Windows apps on Linux (but much better compatibility and more runtime complete).
Lastly, (go easy guys, I know how much some of you love Apple) I keep hearing of Apple's top talent going to Tesla. I'm really looking forward to the Tesla Roof and Model 3. It's about time someone pushed for cheap lithium cells for the home (typical AGM just doesn't last) and made panels look attractive!
Tech is exciting, isn't it!?40