Steps to Build Cross-Platform Apps Using Low-Code Platforms

In the field of app development, creating cross-platform apps has shown to be a terrific answer. Companies saved a ton of resources and efforts by developing a single app for both iOS and Android. React Native became the top choice for cross-platform app development as the demand for building apps across multiple platforms grew. It continues to be one of the most widely used cross-platform frameworks available. With its features, React Native app development helped developers overcome a lot of their frustrations. characteristics such as hot reloading, single codebase, and native performance.

While React Native streamlines cross-platform development, it still requires coding expertise. Low code platforms take this further by eliminating most coding, enabling even non-developers to build apps visually.

While the concept had existed for years under different names and approaches, low code app development saw a major leap after the 2010s. By 2015, it began to gain serious traction, making app development faster, more accessible, and less dependent on traditional coding. Now, with the rise of reliable low-code platforms, building a cross-platform app has become even easier. According to reports in 2021 low-code market was valued at $7.61 billion. By 2027, it is forecasted to reach $36.43 billion.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through how to use a low-code application development platform to create a cross-platform app step by step. From understanding the basics to choosing the right tool and launching your app across devices, we’ve got you covered. If you’ve been considering cross platform app development but don’t know where to start, this guide is for you.

What are Low-Code Platforms?

At its core, a low code platform is a software development environment that allows you to build applications with minimal hand-coding. Instead of writing thousands of lines of code, you use visual interfaces, drag-and-drop components, and pre-built templates to design and develop your app. It’s a faster, more accessible way to create fully functional apps—even if you don’t have a background in programming.

These platforms are built to handle everything from user interfaces to backend integrations, workflows, and even deployment. And while they’re designed to make things simple, they’re not just for simple apps. Enterprise-grade applications can also be supported by today's stable low-code application development platforms.

To put it briefly, low-code allows you to create more with less complexity, money, and time. It's becoming the preferred option for startups and companies who want to create apps fast and effectively because of this.

Why Choose Cross-Platform App Development?

When you’re building a mobile app, one of the biggest decisions is whether to go native or cross-platform. Native apps are created independently for iOS and Android, which frequently results in double the work, increased expenses, and more time. On the other hand, cross-platform app development offers a more streamlined path, especially when paired with low-code platforms.

Here’s why cross-platform is becoming the preferred choice:

1. One Codebase, Multiple Platforms

With cross-platform development, you only need to write the code once. Both iOS and Android devices can run that same code. This not only cuts down on development time but also reduces complexity for your team. It’s much easier to manage one codebase instead of juggling two separate ones.

2. Faster Time to Market

Because you're not duplicating efforts, you can get your app to users much faster. Whether you're building an MVP to validate your idea or trying to meet a tight deadline, speed matters—and cross-platform development delivers exactly that.

3. Cost-Efficient Development

Fewer development hours naturally lead to lower costs. If you're a startup or a business trying to make the most out of your budget, cross-platform development can help you build and launch your app without burning through your resources.

4. Easier Maintenance and Updates

Any time you need to fix a bug or add a new feature, you only have to do it once. This makes app maintenance smoother and ensures that updates roll out simultaneously across both platforms. You won’t have to worry about your Android app lagging behind the iOS version or vice versa.

5. Consistent User Experience

User experience is crucial when it comes to making your app successful. With a shared codebase, it’s easier to maintain a uniform design and performance across all devices. Your users get the same experience no matter what platform they’re on, which strengthens your brand and improves user satisfaction.

Bonus: Works Great with Low-Code

When paired with a low-code application development platform, cross-platform development gains even more efficacy. The majority of the work is done by low-code tools, so you can concentrate on adding features and improving the user experience rather than writing code. Faster development and wider reach are mutually beneficial.

Why Use Low-Code Platforms for Cross-Platform Development?

The ability to deploy apps across multiple platforms and minimal code development are two significant solutions in the development world that have greatly relieved developers. It's an obvious choice when you combine these two. The outcome? apps that are affordable, simple to maintain, and quick to develop.

Nonetheless, the history of app development has demonstrated that the best user experiences are frequently provided by native apps, which are precisely constructed with an emphasis on intricate features. With greater control over the device's capabilities, these apps function at a lower level. Nothing compares to the native experience when it comes to high-end, resource-intensive apps, and it can be challenging to match native apps' performance, speed, and customization.

The main conclusion, however, is that cross-platform development and low code platforms do not necessarily result in a frustrating user experience. Not at all. In actuality, low-code platforms offer the ideal way for novice apps, MVPs, or developers with little coding experience to produce polished, useful apps without delving deeply into intricate code. Anyone, from non-technical creators to aspiring entrepreneurs, can use these platforms to realise their app ideas without having to overcome a challenging learning curve.

Let’s take a deeper look at the specific benefits of using low-code platforms for building cross-platform apps.

Benefits of Using Low-Code Platforms for Cross-Platform Apps

When you combine low-code platforms with cross-platform development, you get the perfect mix of speed, flexibility, and efficiency. Let's examine the advantages in more detail:

1. Accelerated Development & Deployment

One of the most prominent benefits of low code platforms is their ability to drastically cut down on development time. You can cut down on the time it takes to develop and launch your app with features like drag-and-drop components, pre-built templates, and automation. Low-code platforms can actually reduce development cycles by as much as 90%, allowing you to launch your idea in a matter of weeks as opposed to months.

2. Cost Efficiency

Compared to traditional methods, low-code reduces labour costs by 30 to 50% by reducing the need for specialised developers. Because fewer developers are required for low-code development, development expenses are greatly decreased. Additionally, they make updates and maintenance easier, which reduces continuing operating expenses.

3. Accessibility for Non-Technical Users

People without a technical background can create apps thanks to low-code platforms. You can make an app that works for you if you're a business owner or startup founder without any coding knowledge. The process is made more approachable by the visual interface, streamlined logic, and user-friendly tools, which encourage non-developers to participate in the creation process.

4. Faster Iteration and Flexibility

With low-code, you can easily make changes and roll out updates as needed. Whether it’s adjusting a feature, tweaking the design, or fixing bugs, low-code platforms allow for quick iterations. This flexibility is crucial when you’re testing and improving your app based on user feedback or market demands.

5. Simplified Integration

The majority of low-code platforms come with built-in integrations that save you time and effort. These consist of databases, third-party tools, cloud services, and APIs. You can focus on the essential features of your app by integrating these components with a few clicks rather than spending time creating them from scratch.

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