native vs webview: What are the differences?
# Native vs. WebView
Native apps are developed using platform-specific technologies, such as Java or Swift, while WebView apps are essentially websites wrapped in a native app shell.
1. **Performance**: Native apps generally offer better performance due to direct access to device hardware and APIs, whereas WebView apps rely on a browser engine for rendering content, resulting in slower performance.
2. **User Experience**: Native apps provide a smoother and more responsive user experience compared to WebView apps, which may have limitations in terms of animations, gestures, and overall responsiveness.
3. **Offline Functionality**: Native apps can offer offline functionality by storing data locally, while WebView apps require an internet connection to load content and may struggle to provide offline capabilities.
4. **Customization**: Native apps can be highly customized to fit the platform and provide a seamless experience, whereas WebView apps may have design limitations and struggle to match the look and feel of the native platform.
5. **Integration with Device Features**: Native apps have seamless integration with device features like camera, GPS, and notifications, allowing for a more interactive and feature-rich experience, while WebView apps may have limited access to these features.
6. **App Store Distribution**: Native apps need to be published through app stores like Google Play or the App Store, ensuring security and visibility, while WebView apps can be distributed more freely but may lack the same level of trust and discoverability.
In Summary, Native apps offer better performance, user experience, customization, integration with device features, and distribution through app stores compared to WebView apps.