What is NativeScript?

The latest buzzword in mobile app development is NativeScript. It has grown in popularity among programmers looking for a cross-platform way to create native mobile apps.

A native app is an application that has been created especially for a certain
platform or operating system, like iOS or Android. A native app is built using platform-specific programming languages and frameworks, such as:

• Swift or Objective-C for iOS apps

• Java or Kotlin for Android apps

Native apps are specific to devices and hence have an efficient performance and smoother user experience. They have direct access to the operating system and hardware of the device. They can easily make use of features like the camera, GPS, and contacts.

Their biggest downside is that it’s not possible to deploy the same code on
different platforms. Suppose a company wishes to create an iOS app and requires skilled software engineers, UI experts, and other experts. The company would need to appoint a new team to develop the same app in Android.

This is not just expensive but time-costly! To address these challenges, cross-platform technologies like React Native and NativeScript were introduced.

NativeScript bridging web and mobile

NativeScript is an open-source framework for developing cross-platform applications. It is an easy-to-go platform. How is that so? Well, it allows developers to utilize the core web development technologies, such as JavaScript, TypeScript, and CSS without having to learn a new language that is specific to creating native mobile apps for IOS and Android. 

Architecture

The application code is written in either JavaSript, TyeScript, or AngularJS. This application code may be combined with NativeScript modules that allow access to native features like camera, and file hierarchy, then the code is executed on the NativeScript runtime. A NativeScript runtime is a lightweight JavaScript virtual machine embedded within the app. It allows the JavaScript code to communicate with native platform components and APIs directly for both iOS and Android.

Now, that we have explored the high-level architecture of NativeScript, let's dive into its powerful features.

Features

• Native Performance: It enables programs to execute directly on the device. This gives customers a native-like experience with quick startup times and fluid animations.

• Rich UI Components: It provides a range of UI elements that are created to fit each platform's native appearance and feel.

• Powerful Plugin System: Its plugins are built-in extensions that offer more functionality to different third-party services like NativeScript chart, firebase, Cameras, and Bluetooth.

Advantages

• Cross-platform development

• Code sharing

• Direct 100% access to iOS and Android APIs

• Effortless integration with JavaScript ecosystem

• Strong community support

React Native vs. NativeScript

When it comes to developing a native cross-platform mobile application, two frameworks have their foot in the market:

• React Native

• NativeScript

Here’s a table outlining the differences between them based on their features:

Future of NativeScript

Real-world success: NativeScript has been widely used across various feature-rich, performance-oriented apps on all platforms. It is used in many Android social media platforms including Facebook and WhatsApp. Its usability extends to the field of entertainment and gaming. Many popular games including Crossy Road and Drop 7 are built via NativeScript.

nStudio-the next chapter of NativeScript: In 2019, Progress announced a significant development for the future of NativeScript. They handed over the charge of NativeScript development and maintenance to nStudio. This development shows a dedication to NativeScript's growth and success, with a devoted staff focused on its continued development and improvement. It is a promising move that might lead to new upgrades and developments in the framework's capabilities, benefiting the NativeScript community.

Remarks

NativeScript is a flexible framework for building enterprise applications whether you are a developer seeking mobile development or a company aiming to expand your application on multiple platforms, it is worth exploring NativeScript as one of the reliable options.