10 cross-platform development tools to build your next mobile app

Write once, run everywhere, a very aspiring concept that was hatched in the 90âs among the programming community. Today, that concept has evolved into multi platform development programs that translate every programming work by a developer into a wide variety of operating systems.

With the benefits and profits that are derived from successful mobile applications, many enterprises are trying to make it big with their applications. As of now, developers are making use of multi platform development programs to produce the next most successful mobile application for the different operating systems.

As such, Iâll be showcasing the top 10 mobile app platforms for you to peruse and decide which is more apt for your developing needs.

1) Xamarin

Build Apps for: Android, iOS, Windows

Prices (in USD): $25/month for Indie version, $83/month for Business version, $153/ month for enterprise version

Programming Language: C#

The platform prides itself in producing native apps, where the apps not only appear the way the end user expects it to be, they behave like a truly native. With Xamarin, app builders can have access to platform-specific functions like iBeacons and Android Fragments. The platform uses C# for various reasons like C# type inferences, asynchronous programming and using lambdas.

2) Appcelerator

Build Apps for: Android, iOS, Windows

Prices (in USD): $39/month for Indie Version, $259/seat/month for team businesses and unspecified price for enterprise version

Programming Language: JavaScript

The platform is enterprise focused for business developers. A few of its key features include building data models with visual wizard or programmatically, be able to have storage for searching and sharing reusable app and API components through its arrow cloud system and finally provide funnel analysis on your appâs track success under the businessâs critical mobile transaction.

3) Sencha

Build Apps for: iOS, windows, Android and Blackberry

Programming Language: Java and JavaScript

Prices (in USD):

1) $4,825.00. Up to 5 Developers, Sencha Complete package Includes 1 Year Premium Maintenance & Support.

2) $18,895.00. Up to 20 Developers. Sencha Complete. Includes 1 Year Premium Maintenance & Support.

3) $3,855.00. Up to 5 developers. Touch Bundle. Includes 1 Year Premium Maintenance & Support

4) $15,105.00. Up to 20 developers. Touch Bundle. Includes 1 Year Premium Maintenance & Support

With a huge array of tools such as Sencha Animator and Sencha Architect, the platform is great for building enterprise applications. The platform provides users with EXT JS 5 that allows developers to create HTML 5 apps that run across different device browsers seamlessly. Itâs novel and integrative layout allows for smooth scrolling of features that are easy to use for developers to build applications. The platform helps your build native apps as it responds to the userâs actions almost immediately.

The platform also has an impressive charting function that presents to you visualizations of data on your mobile devices it can take in data from any backend data source.

4) PhoneGap

Build Apps for: iOS, Android, Windows, BlackBerry, Ubuntu and Firefox OS

Programming Language: HTML, CSS & JavaScript

Prices (In USD): They have a free plan, Paid plan at $9.99 per month and a creative cloud membership with differing prices

PhoneGap Build platform: Powered by open web standards, you can develop apps quickly by re-using your existing web development skills, frameworks and tools. The platform does the leg work for you through its extensive cloud system that builds up-to-date SDK for your desired app.

Creative Cloud Platform: Allows you to use creative tools such as Photoshop, Illustrator, and Premiere Pro to create your apps.

5) AppMachine

Build Apps for: iOS, Android and Windows

Programming language: HTML5 & JavaScript

Prices (In USD): $19 per app per month for Basic version, $49 per app per month for the Plus version and $69 per app per month for the Pro version

The great thing about this app is that you do not require any programming knowledge for it. AppMachineâs native apps are programmed using the operating systems (OS) of smartphones. As such, it makes developing apps faster and much more user-friendly. You can also make your apps through its building block feature. Simply choose your building blocks which could be information content, photos or videos and just snap it together to assemble a native mobile app. Itâs that simple!

6) FeedHenry

Build Apps for: iOS, Android, Windows and Blackberry

Programming Language: HTML5, JavaScript & Node.js

Prices: Unspecified

A RedHat enterprise, FeedHenry has a special focus towards Enterprise mobile app development over cloud. A few noteworthy features of this platform are its online and offline workflow where developers can work within their own working space or through the hosted online Integrated Development Environment (IDE). With FHC, which is the command line interface (CLI) to the platform, it allows the developers to code locally with their favourite editors. Developers using the CLI or through IDE can used Git, leverage the MBaaS features and re-useable code, and self-discover new cloud APIs and shared services.

7) Game salad

Build Apps for: iOS, Android, Windows and Blackberry

Programming Language: No coding required, just drag and drop

Prices (In USD): Free of charge for Game Salad creator, $29 for Game Salad Pro

Simply drag and drop the graphics, audio and Artificial intelligence files to easily create your gaming app. Also, by utilizing its intuitive physics engine, you are able create innovative game mechanics. The development platform is able to utilize its instant portfolio integration to submit your app content easily into an online portfolio. Furthermore, you can show off your game application to other users using its intuitive visual flow.

8) Telerik

Build Apps for: iOS, Android and Windows

Programming Language: JavaScript

Prices (in USD): $19 for AppBuilder developer, $49 for AppBuilder Professional and $99 for AppBuilder Business

A few great features from the platformâs tools include Telerikâs extensive library of UI tools with its sleek and smart user-friendly touch interfaces. Also, once you have a completed making an app, you may share your prototype by sending a single URL to different users for review. Lastly, through your app building process, you may choose to use pre-built and ready to deploy project templates for common scenarios such as purchase orders, expense management.

9) Rho Mobile

Build Apps for: iOS, Windows, Android, Symbian and RIM

Programming Language: HTML5, CSS, JavaScript & Ruby

Prices (in USD): $0 per month for free edition, $299 per month for silver edition and $999 per month for gold edition

Using the Ruby programming language, the platform enables developers to be more efficient and quicker building mobile applications. Other praiseworthy features include its support for native platforms including access to GPS or camera functions. It also offers a metadata framework that assist applications with underlying schemas and an MVC.

10) Appy Pie

Build Apps for: IOS, Windows, Android, Blackberry and Kindle

Programming Language: No Programming Language

Prices (In USD): Thereâs a free edition, Basic Edition $7/month, Gold Edition $19/month and Platinum Edition $33/month

Simplicity at its finest! No need to have any programming skills, no installation or downloads whatsoever, just drag and drop pages to create your own mobile app online. The platformâs relevant features include: revisions in real time, able to send push notifications, monitor ongoing analytical data, and track locations with a GPS. The platform also allows you to integrate social media feeds, audio, and blogs to your app creation as well.

Lastly, another key aspect of the platform is its appointment scheduler which helps organize schedules in neat fashion for working professionals.

The above 10 cross-platform mobile app development tools have made life easier in developing mobile applications for various operating systems and devices. Even if you are an individual or an enterprise, have knowledge on programming or not, you can now build your own mobile app.

Have you used any of the above 10 cross-platforms listed? Leave a comment below to share any programming experiences with these platforms or provide us with other app development platforms that were not listed!