Web Apps Compared to VoltBuilder Apps
AppStudio apps can be deployed two different ways: as Web Apps or compiled using VoltBuilder or Cordova into native apps. Web Apps are loaded by the browser and can be saved to the Home screen. VoltBuilder and Cordova apps are full native apps, able to be submitted to app stores.
There are two ways to make native apps. VoltBuilder option is easy to use and the one we primarily are dealing with here. Cordova CLI is much more complex, but provides additional features. Check out our tutorials for iOS and Android.
If you want to see the rap version of this chart, check out Mobile Dev Rap Battle: Native Code vs. Web Apps!
| Web App | Native App | |
|---|---|---|
| Size of created apps (minimum) | About 100K | About 250K |
| Maximum size of app + data | 25 megs (iOS) | Limited by device itself; |
| Can apps run offline? | yes | yes |
| Where are apps stored on device? | In browser's sandbox. | In regular file store. |
| Performance | Excellent | Slower for CPU bound operations. |
| Eligible for Store? | No. | iOS: Yes. Can go into App Store. Android. Yes. Can go into Marketplace. |
| Distribute without going through store? | Yes. | iOS: No. Android. Yes. |
| Percent you have to give up | 0% | iOS: 30% Android. 30% (MarketPlace) |
| Security of code | OK: obfuscated | OK: obfuscated |
| Additional Plugins | Many - see the complete list on VoltBuilder's site. | |
| How to deploy | To the test server: hit F6.
To your own server: Set up username and password, then hit F6. Then, on the device, enter the app's URL into the browser, then save to Home screen. |
iOS: join Apple's developer program, get certificates (Mac required), upload using VoltBuilder, use Apple's upload tool to submit to App Store, wait for approval or rejection. Customer can then get app through App Store.
Android: Download result file from VoltBuilder and distribute directly or through Google marketplace. |
| How to update a deployed app | Deploy the app to the server. Next time the user starts the app, it will be automatically updated. | iOS: Go through the whole submission process again. Once complete, app will show up as an update in the App Store.
Android: distribute directly or through Google marketplace. |
| How to delete a deployed app | User can delete manually. If app is deleted from server, it will be automatically deleted from user's device. | User can delete manually. |
| How to delete app's data | User can delete manually in Settings. If app is deleted from server, it will be automatically deleted from user's device. | Will be deleted with app. |
| Sharing data between apps | Apps from the same server can share SQLite databases (subject to 5 meg limit) | Apps are sandboxed and cannot interfere with each other's data. |
| Other software needed | Nothing. | iOS: iOS Application Installer Android: Nothing |
| Development OS | Windows 7, 8 or 10 | iOS: OS X Android: Windows, OS X or Linux |