Mobile app types (native, web, hybrid) in Intro to Computing - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What is a native mobile app?

A native mobile app is built specifically for one mobile platform (like iOS or Android) using that platform's programming language and tools. It can use all device features and usually runs faster.

beginner

What defines a web mobile app?

A web mobile app runs inside a mobile device's web browser. It is built using web technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript and does not need installation from an app store.

intermediate

What is a hybrid mobile app?

A hybrid mobile app combines features of native and web apps. It is built with web technologies but wrapped inside a native container, so it can be installed and access some device features.

beginner

Which mobile app type usually offers the best performance and access to device features?

Native apps usually offer the best performance and full access to device features because they are built specifically for the platform.

intermediate

Why might a developer choose a hybrid app over a native app?

A developer might choose a hybrid app to save time and cost by writing one codebase for multiple platforms, while still allowing installation and some device feature access.

Which app type runs inside a mobile device's web browser?

A Native app

B Desktop app

C Web app

D Hybrid app

Web apps run inside the mobile device's browser using web technologies.

Which app type is built using platform-specific languages like Swift or Kotlin?

A Web app

B Native app

C Hybrid app

D Progressive web app

Native apps are built using platform-specific languages such as Swift for iOS and Kotlin for Android.

What is a key advantage of hybrid apps?

A Single codebase for multiple platforms

B Runs only on one platform

C No installation needed

D Always faster than native apps

Hybrid apps allow developers to write one codebase that works on multiple platforms.

Which app type usually requires installation from an app store?

A None of the above

B Web app

C Browser extension

D Native app

Native apps are installed from app stores like Google Play or Apple App Store.

Which app type has limited access to device features?

A Web app

B Hybrid app

C Native app

D All have full access

Web apps have limited access to device features compared to native or hybrid apps.

Explain the differences between native, web, and hybrid mobile apps.

Think about how each app is built and how it runs on devices.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of choosing a hybrid app?

Consider cost, performance, and device access.