In the era where smartphones are more of a necessity, it is desirable to build apps instead of web-compatible portals. According to a survey it is seen that around 95% of Americans own a mobile device. Additionally today there prevails plethora of tools that turn app development a not so difficult task. When you head out to look for a mobile app development tool, you might find yourself in a pool of various choices. Wondering which tool you might use and which would be the best to develop an app.

However, everything has a solution and so does this query. Here, we have drafted some of the best tools for mobile app development and a comparison amidst all.

What is meant by Mobile Application

A mobile application is basically is a software app developed that is compatible with smartphones, and other mobile devices. Apps have functionality similar to ones accessible on PCs. Apps are the smaller version of websites and own restricted features.

There are a plethora of tools that aid the development of mobile apps and it is advisable to have a look at various specs of all tools before pointing out to anyone.

Mobile App Development Tools

Who would not love to use a tool that is absolutely free and hence open source mobile app development tools are undoubtedly popular. Be it open source or an Android-based tool or a hybrid app development tool, you can find multiple of them. Choose the one that suits your requirement best.

Buildfire.js


One of the optimal open source app development tool, buildfire.js are too easy to imply. They have a pool of libraries and provision for unlimited customization only by using JavaScript. The tool boosts the performance and enables the app developers to reduce the overall development time but allowing them using a plethora of plugins prevailing in the tool.
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Ionic Framework


Reliant on the language of SaaS CSS, an ionic framework is not only open source but also a cross-platform app development. The tool is very easy to implement and when integrated with the angular js, plethora of apps can be developed. Ionic framework owns a library of CSS, HTML, and significant other tools and gestures that are totally optimized for mobile devices.
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BuildFire


Where Buildfire.js was an open source tool for mobile app development, buildfire is one of the most optimal tools for the cross-platform app development. The tools is an easy to use platform that supports both Android as well as iOS devices. The tools have pre-built plugins, a pool of templates, and quick integration to Smooch and segment. However, launching an app would cost you $20.
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Xamarin


Undoubtedly, this is the best tool for cross-platform app development. Developers who have hands-on experience with C# codebase find it extensively easy to work on Xamarin tool. Apps developed are compatible with iOS, Android and Windows. Owing to its cloud services, xamarin help you test the app on multiple devices.
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Mag+


An SDK that allows developers to save a lot of time by enabling them to the code above the components. Additionally, this has an app for iPad that allows publishing mobile-centric content without the need of writing codes. However, Mag+ is not free and you would need to pay $499-$2999 per month.
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Corona Labs


Predominantly, apps built in corona labs are 2D graphics game along with few educational apps. Corona Labs are seen to support multiple platforms with the major ones being iOS, Windows, and Android. Though they provide a free version with limited features, you would need to pay $79-$199 per month for added features.
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Cocos 2D


Both free and cross-platform support, Cocos 2D enable developers to publish a single code base on multiple platforms as a desktop, mobile, web and console. It internally has the editor and you can code there also.
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Game Salad


A tool that enables you to learn and build apps simultaneously. A drag and drop editor is present visually and you can craft your own mobile app rather games. The game salad is extremely useful for the animators, graphic designers and also the developers. They can effectively build a prototype, and publish their games themselves. But he again you need to spend some money from your pocket. On an average, game salad requires you to pay nearly $19-$29.
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Cordova


Another excellent mobile development app, Cordova enables developers to write a code base in HTML using JavaScript so that apps build and run on multiple platforms. iOS, Android, Window’s, Firefox, Blackberry, FireOS, and LG WebOS. One code base enwrapped into a container can effectively function on all platforms. Cordova in itself has a various tool such as Ionic, PhoneGap etc.
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Appcelerator


JavaScript as it’s native code, Appcelerator is one and the only tool that strives performance on the basis of JavaScript. Also, Appcelerator beholds more than 5000 APIs to build apps compatible at multiple platforms. In case your requirements seek performance and feature-rich tool, this tool is for you. Though it takes time to be learned yet it one of the best tools for mobile app development.
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React Native


The last in our list of the most effective tools for mobile app development is React native. If you are comfortable to code in React, then this tool is the best for you. Driven from Facebook, react native is based on learning once and write elsewhere and it’s main code is written in JavaScript. With plenty of features, learning and further implementing apps in react native is pretty easy.
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With so many choices to choose from, it becomes quite difficult to find the optimal one. The choice of tool largely depends upon your requirements for the app along with the speed and cost measures, the type of platform you are to implement the app on and whether you are striving towards native or hybrid mobile app development. Draft down all in terms of their performance and monetary requirements and then pick one that effectively maps with your needs.

Best Mobile App Development Tools: A Detailed Comparison
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