Creating System for Mobile application | Native or PWA

Creating a robust e-commerce mobile application involves choosing the right technology stack. Let’s explore some popular options:

  1. Frontend Technologies:

    • React Native: A JavaScript framework for building cross-platform mobile apps. It allows you to write code once and deploy it on both iOS and Android.
    • Flutter: Developed by Google, Flutter uses the Dart programming language. It provides a rich set of widgets and allows for fast development and beautiful UIs.
    • Native Development (Swift/Kotlin): For platform-specific performance and native look and feel, consider developing separate apps using Swift (for iOS) and Kotlin (for Android).
  2. Backend Technologies:

    • Node.js: A popular choice for backend development due to its asynchronous nature and scalability.
    • Ruby on Rails: Known for its simplicity and rapid development capabilities.
    • Python (Django or Flask): Python is versatile and widely used for web development.
    • Java (Spring Boot): Robust and reliable for building scalable APIs.
  3. Database and Storage:

    • Relational Databases (MySQL, PostgreSQL): Suitable for structured data like user profiles, orders, and product details.
    • NoSQL Databases (MongoDB, Firebase): Ideal for handling unstructured data, such as user reviews and real-time updates.
    • Cloud Storage (Amazon S3, Google Cloud Storage): Store images, videos, and other media files.
  4. Authentication and Authorization:

    • OAuth 2.0: Secure user authentication and authorization.
    • Firebase Authentication: Easy integration with Firebase for user management.
  5. Payment Gateways:

    • Stripe: Widely used for handling payments securely.
    • PayPal: A trusted option for online transactions.
  6. Push Notifications:

    • Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM): Send real-time notifications to users.
    • OneSignal: Another popular push notification service.
  7. Analytics and Monitoring:

    • Google Analytics: Track user behavior and app performance.
    • Crashlytics: Monitor app crashes and errors.
  8. Deployment and Hosting:

    • App Stores (Apple App Store, Google Play): Publish your app for users to download.
    • Cloud Platforms (AWS, Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure): Host backend services and databases.

Remember that the choice of technology depends on factors like your team’s expertise, project requirements, scalability needs, and budget. 


Angular is a powerful web development framework that can also be used to create cross-platform mobile applications. Here’s how you can leverage Angular for mobile app development:

  1. Angular and NativeScript:

    • NativeScript is an open-source framework that allows you to build native mobile apps using Angular.
    • It provides access to native APIs and UI components, resulting in a truly native experience.
    • You write your app’s logic in Angular, and NativeScript translates it into native code for iOS and Android.
    • Benefits:
      • Reuse front-end code between web and mobile devices.
      • Access native device features (camera, GPS, etc.).
      • Create high-performance mobile apps.
    • Getting Started: Follow to build your first Ionic mobile app using Angular and NativeScript.
  2. Ionic Framework:

    • While not purely Angular, Ionic is a popular framework for building cross-platform mobile apps.
    • It uses Angular for UI components and provides a rich set of pre-designed elements.
    • You can create web, iOS, and Android apps from a single codebase.
    • Benefits:
      • Consistent UI across platforms.
      • Access to native device features.
      • Extensive community support.
    • Getting Started: Explore  to learn how to build mobile apps with Angular.
  3. PWA (Progressive Web Apps):

    • Although not native mobile apps, PWAs are web apps that offer an app-like experience on mobile devices.
    • Angular is well-suited for building PWAs due to its component-based architecture.
    • PWAs can be installed on users’ home screens and work offline.
    • Benefits:
      • No app store distribution required.
      • Reach both web and mobile users.
      • Improved performance and responsiveness.
    • Getting Started: Check out the  to create your first PWA.
  4. Mobile UI Libraries:

    • Use mobile-specific UI libraries like Angular Material or Onsen UI to create consistent and responsive designs.
    • These libraries provide components optimized for touch interactions and mobile screens.

Remember that the choice between NativeScript, Ionic, or PWAs depends on your project requirements, target audience, and development team’s expertise.


Let’s explore the differences between React Native and Progressive Web Apps (PWAs):

  1. Technology Stack:

    • React Native:
      • Uses JavaScript and React.js to build native mobile applications.
      • Requires separate codebases for iOS and Android.
      • Accesses native APIs through JavaScript bridges.
    • PWA:
      • Relies on web technologies (HTML, CSS, and JavaScript).
      • Runs in a web browser but provides app-like experiences.
      • Works across platforms without separate codebases.
  2. Platform-Specific vs. Cross-Platform:

    • React Native:
      • Provides true native experiences on iOS and Android.
      • Requires platform-specific components and adjustments.
    • PWA:
      • Cross-platform by design.
      • Works on any device with a modern web browser.
  3. Installation and Distribution:

    • React Native:
      • Requires installation from app stores (e.g., Apple App Store, Google Play).
      • Users download and install the app.
    • PWA:
      • No app store distribution required.
      • Users access PWAs directly via URLs.
      • Can be added to the home screen for quick access.
  4. Offline Availability:

    • React Native:
      • Supports offline mode but requires additional setup.
      • Depends on the app’s specific implementation.
    • PWA:
      • Built-in offline capabilities using service workers.
      • PWAs can work offline or with limited connectivity.
  5. Access to Native Features:

    • React Native:
      • Direct access to native APIs (camera, GPS, etc.).
      • Provides a more native feel.
    • PWA:
      • Limited access to native features.
      • Relies on web APIs (e.g., Geolocation API, Notifications API).
  6. Development and Maintenance:

    • React Native:
      • Requires knowledge of native development (iOS and Android).
      • Separate debugging and testing for each platform.
    • PWA:
      • Easier development and maintenance.
      • Single codebase for all platforms.
  7. Discoverability:

    • React Native:
      • Listed in app stores for discoverability.
      • Users search and find the app.
    • PWA:
      • Discovered through web search or direct URLs.
      • No centralized app store listing.
  8. Hardware Accessibility:

    • React Native:
      • Full access to device hardware.
      • Utilizes native components.
    • PWA:
      • Limited hardware access (e.g., no Bluetooth).
      • Relies on web APIs.
  9. Development Costs:

    • React Native:
      • Higher initial development costs.
      • Requires expertise in native development.
    • PWA:
      • Lower development costs.
      • Easier to maintain and update.

In summary, React Native provides true native experiences but requires separate codebases, while PWAs are cross-platform, accessible via URLs, and offer offline capabilities.


When developing a Progressive Web App (PWA), you have several technology options. Let’s explore some popular ones:

  1. React.js:

    • React.js is a widely used JavaScript library for building user interfaces.
    • It’s well-suited for creating PWAs due to its component-based architecture and strong community support.
    • You can use Create React App to bootstrap your PWA project quickly.
  2. Angular:

    • Angular is a full-featured framework for building web applications.
    • It provides tools and features specifically designed for creating PWAs.
    • Use Angular CLI to generate an Angular PWA project.
  3. Vue.js:

    • Vue.js is a progressive JavaScript framework for building user interfaces.
    • It’s lightweight, easy to learn, and suitable for creating PWAs.
    • You can use Vue CLI to scaffold your PWA project.
  4. Web APIs and Service Workers:

    • PWAs rely on web APIs and Service Workers for offline capabilities, caching, and background synchronization.
    • Use the Fetch API for network requests and Cache API for caching resources.
    • Implement a Service Worker to handle offline scenarios.
  5. Manifest File:

    • Create a manifest.json file to define your PWA’s metadata (such as name, icons, and theme color).
    • The manifest file helps browsers understand your app’s installation behavior.
  6. HTTPS:

    • PWAs require a secure connection (HTTPS) to ensure data integrity and user trust.
    • Obtain an SSL certificate for your domain.
  7. Responsive Design and CSS Grid:

    • Design your PWA to be responsive across various devices and screen sizes.
    • Use CSS Grid for flexible layouts.
  8. Push Notifications:

    • Implement push notifications using the Push API and Notification API.
    • Keep users engaged by sending relevant updates.
  9. IndexedDB and Local Storage:

    • Use IndexedDB or Local Storage for client-side data storage.
    • Store data locally for offline use.
  10. Testing and Debugging Tools:

    • Use browser developer tools for debugging and testing.
    • Test your PWA on different devices and browsers.

Remember that PWAs combine the best of web and native apps, providing a seamless experience for users. 

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Microservice Pattern: SAGA

Microservice Pattern: Database per service Context

SQL vs NoSQL | Difference between SQL & NoSQL | SQL Vs NoSQL Tutorial | SQL, NoSQL system design