Native development vs cross-platform framework: which is easier to create business applications (not games, not system software) for iOS and Android?

Question

Mobile development

I have a project idea that I would like to implement in the form of mobile applications for iOS and Android and a common backend on a remote server. I speak C++, I know Java (although I haven't used it for commercial projects), basic knowledge of JS. I haven’t written for the web before, for mobile platforms too, with the exception of some small crafts for Android. I don’t own Apple technology, I don’t use it and I don’t admire it. The project, at least its first version with basic functionality, I plan to do on my own.
Mobile applications are not required to be super-performing, but they need to look native, as the user of a particular platform is used to seeing applications.
In this situation, what is the best way to go? Take on a third-party framework (Xamarin, Cordova, what else is popular now?), And what is convenient to do the server on, on the same Java, for example? Or do cross-platform applications still give themselves away in appearance, and is it better to put in more effort, but make a native application for each platform?

Answer 1

If you don’t need special whistles, then I advise you to look towards ionic.io - an open Cordova framework with ready-made styles and components for different platforms (iOS, Android, Win) out of the box.
I am making an application for debt tracking https://DebtsTracker.io on it and although there are enough problems, there is a feeling of the right choice. In addition, it, like Angular, is actively developed. You can see a live demo on the website of what it looks like. Still in development, not published yet.
As a bonus, the web application is free. Recommend.

Answer 2

Each frog praises its swamp.
If the backend is 100% present in the project, and the client is a stupid view, then I would do everything on native. Easier with compliance with the guidelines, 100% support for platform features, etc.
If there is no 100% backend, then I would write a lib with logic on something cross-platform, but the UI is still native.

Answer 3

Why do you "look native"?
It seems to me that this is a far-fetched problem.
What kind of interface you draw - it will be the same, everywhere the same, the design is not limited by anything, you can draw all your controls
. This is the meaning of cross-platform - everywhere the same
, of course, the simplest thing is js + phonegap - it's an order of magnitude easier than any other , for example C++Qt

Answer 4

I speak C++

Qt

basic knowledge of JS

QtQuick

Answer 5

I use Appcelerator.
JavaScript-new V8 connected through bridges with the native environment, allow you to use completely native controls (any native plugins can also be connected through modules) and manage all this economy from JavaScript.
Recently (half a year ago) Hyperloop was rolled out and now you can write in JavaScript - real native code (you write in JS, and then it is translated into native calls), but this is included in a paid subscription for 1000 bucks a year, so I don’t use hyperloop yet .
I write everything in JS, (and I like to use CoffeeScript even more):
server (express),
mobile (appcelerator),
front (angular)
Convenient.