Best Programming Language For Mobile APP Development

Last Updated on July 28, 2023

Choosing Best Programming Language for Mobile App Development can be challenging. There are so many different options out there and each one has its own set of pros and cons. In this article, we will discuss which programming language is suitable for certain type of platform development, the best way to learn them and other things you should know before starting your project.

You may complain that it is hard to get the right information online, but the article below gives you the best and latest information on best programming language for mobile apps, best programming language for mobile apps 2019.

You will also find related posts on best language for android app development 2020, what language is best for iphone app development on infolearners. What are you waiting for? All the information you need like best programming language for mobile apps, best programming language for mobile apps 2019, best language for android app development 2020 and what language is best for iphone app development now at your fingertips on the Collegelearners site!

best programming language for multiple platforms

Java

Java is a popular, robust, and effective programming language. Moreover, it is a primary language in the backend to create powerful servers. 

Furthermore, it benefits app developers and beginners as it is easy to learn. Java is not only limited to Android Apps, but it also creates a full-stack backend.

It is also a programming language for mobile app development for creating multiple OSes and hardware types. Java applications are certainly Write Once Run Anywhere (WORA). Hence, among all the older programming languages, Java still stands the test of time.

JavaScript

JavaScript is a world-class programming language. Consequently, the emergence of frameworks like jQuery, Angular, Vue, Svelte, and React.js makes it even more popular.

It is also known as the cockroach in the IT sector. Moreover, it targets mobile platforms instead of the browser to make the user border.

Above all, it utilizes a similar UI mechanism as native iOS and Android apps. Hence, it expresses the features to reuse native presentation code and help develop agile and cost-effective applications.

Kotlin

Kotlin is a new and innovative Cross Platform App Development language. It is also built to interoperate completely with Java. Moreover, Google calls it “the preferred language for Android app developers.”

It also provides an upright syntax and a simple code which makes it diverse and versatile. Hence, it allows app developers to prioritize expressing and developing ideas and write less code.

Additionally, Kotlin and Java are interchangeable as both compile to bytecode. Therefore, this makes it easier for developers when they migrate to a newer language.

Dart

Dart is a popular open-source and general-purpose cross platform app development language built by Google in 2011. Additionally, dart helps write easy code snippets and builds fully functional applications.

It also provides solutions for the development of desktop apps, web apps, etc. Furthermore, it uses ‘C’ style syntax and can under some conditions compile with JavaScript.

It is also one of the languages that work for both client-side and server-side web app development. Hence, this enables Dart to build both Native and Cross Platform App Development.

Objective-C

Objective-C is a pivotal Cross Platform App Development language. Moreover, Apple works with the language to make apps that are scalable and healthy.

It is also an intelligent and powerful language that provides solutions for macOS applications and operating systems. 

Swift

Swift is a cross platform app development language for iOS. It also retains its monopoly in the iOS app development business. Moreover, it is more efficient and eventually,   it is not open-source and easily accessible for developers.

Above all, it is an intuitive and robust language for macOS, iOS, watchOS, etc. It also includes modern features with a concise and interactive syntax.

It also provides safety in the design and produces rapid software. Hence, it offers multiple features to provide seamless designs for applications.

C#

C# aka ‘C-Sharp’ is an object-oriented language that provides solutions for mobile development. Moreover, it allows users to achieve complete solutions without depending on Swift, Java, and Objective-C.

Most importantly, it allows developers to easily code and develop mobile apps, desktop apps, games, and web apps. Hence, C# is a dynamic Cross Platform App Development Language for developers.

Best Programming Language For Mobile APP Development

1. Scala

Scala is one of the newest programming languages in the market. Released as a stable version in 2019, Scala is a general-purpose programming language and provides support for functional programming and a strong static type system.

Scala is designed to address the problems faced by Java and finds a way around the criticisms of the software. Since it is essentially based on Java, the software provides interoperability with Java, so that libraries written in either language may be referenced directly in both software. Scala is object-oriented like Java but supports various functional programming features like currying, immutability, lazy evaluation and pattern matching.

2. Java

Java has always been the undisputed leader of being the most prominent and highly employed mobile app coding language since its birth. Java is mainly utilized for developing desktop applications, back-end web frameworks and Android applications, which makes it the best mobile platform for developers in 2019. It utilizes JVM that works smoothly in every system. Organizations favor java since it is a versatile language and offers flexibility to engineers for quick and error-free mobile application development. Being the most established language, Java also has the backing of a huge community to help users whenever they face any technical glitch.

3. Python

A high-level programming language, Python has found its use in web development, app development, creating desktop GUIs, analyzing and computing scientific and numeric data, and for software development. As the language has numerous applications in real life, Python is currently the most taught language at school, and even college level. Python as a language is beautiful, explicit, simple, sometimes complex but not complicated, and thoroughly readable. As it is an easy to read and easy to learn language, Python should be on your must-learn list.

The language has the potential to be used in developing android and desktop apps from scratch. Applications like Dropbox, Calibre, YouTube, Instagram, Reddit, BitTorrent, OpenStack, Quora, Spotify, and so many more have been created in Python. If this doesn’t make you sit up and take notice, we don’t know what will. To make matters even more convenient, the language is one of the easiest languages and learning it is not really that big of a hassle.

4. HTML5

Like HTML help in webpage development, HTML5 can be used for web-based mobile application development. The latest update of HTML5 (Hypertext Markup Language of WWW consortium) has made a great deal of buzz as it highlights exceptional features like quick market deployment, multimedia support and multi-platform functionality for different gadgets and programs. Both Android and iOS developers can develop apps utilizing HTML5 since it provides incredible flexibility.

5. C++

Pronounced as C Plus Plus, it is a general-purpose object-oriented programming language with low level memory manipulation feature. Inheriting its syntax from C, C++ is an extension of the language. If you have worked with C, C++ is not going to be a big problem, as both the languages share almost all the features except that C++ is more comprehensive. C++ is a powerful resource and has found extensive application and use in various sectors ranging from the financial sector, to the business of manufacturing, to the banking sector, and many such more.

It is for this reason that C++ has been in existence for a long time and has found its use even in mobile app development. C++ has been doing quite well in the mobile app development arena as it is does wonders in helping develop cross-platform mobile apps easily with its unified debugging experience and a powerful environment. The language is good for developing apps for Android, Windows, and iOS. C++ has potential well beyond mobile apps and can be used to create some of the strongest tools like Photoshop, Google Chrome. PayPal, Amazon and more.

C++ can be used to develop operating systems, new programming language, graphics & designs, game development, app development, web browsers, development of compilers of programming languages, medical, mathematical & engineering applications, enterprise tools, and computation platforms.

The language has the potential to be applied in creation of server applications, web services, to games to mobile apps to name a few. C# is supported by Unity3D which makes it one of the best languages when it comes to a game app. C# is versatile in the uses it has found for itself in industries other than mobile app development including business and productivity tools, enterprise, utilities, education & reference, games etc. C# has found its applications in developing software including AutoCAD, Office 365, Visual Studio, and Share Point.

6. PHP

It is a server-side scripting language, designed by Zend Technologies in 1995. It is used for general purpose development today but originally, was developed for websites.

After learning PHP you will be able to create dynamic websites, web applications, and all types of mobile apps.

PHP can be considered for many other uses as well such as creating GUI, Create Facebook apps, Image processing, content management systems, Creating PDFs, code project management tools, etc.

7. Kotlin

This one is comparatively a new object-oriented first-class programming language and is pretty similar to Java when it comes to the structure of the language. The new language is comparatively clean and has multiple advanced features as compared to Java making it better between the two. In fact, Kotlin is unique in the fact that it supports almost all the IDEs including Android Studio and SDK toolkit.

Kotlin is a platform independent language which targets all platforms and its native code runs on multiple platforms.

Kotlin is a statistically typed programming language that supports the Java virtual machine (JVM) and can also be compiled with JavaScript source code. It has quite a concise and perceptive syntax which eventually increases the efficiency of the entire team, and the best part is that because of the clarity and ease it offers, there are much fewer bugs to find in the code.

The only downside that developers may face with Kotlin is that the language has limited resources of learning.

8. Ruby

Like PHP, Ruby is another programming language designer’s use for web development and it shapes the basis of Ruby on Rails structure. With regards to online mobile application development, Ruby ends up being the friendliest programming language particularly for learners and has a solid and liberal community support to help you when you face any issues.

Ruby has clean syntax and is believed to be a savvy and reasonable language since it is widely employed. Ruby on Rails is utilized by Twitter, Bloomberg, Airbnb, and Shopify to have their online presence.

9. R

This is not a wildly popular language currently but definitely has some potential. The popularity of this programming language with a monosyllabic name “R” is gradually growing not just in the U.S. but internationally as well. In fact, in a survey conducted by Stack Overflow it was termed the least hated language.

It is an open source programming language which is particularly great for UIs. The visual representation of data is important, and R can prove to be one of the best languages for creating beautiful animations, graphs and multiple other UI elements in the mobile app. The language can also be used for statistical computing. Additionally, R is compatible with different platforms and also supports cross-platform development.

10. JavaScript

It is a high-level expound programming language. JavaScript is a multi-patterned language supporting object-oriented and functional programming.

Creating mobile apps with JavaScript is possible but on one condition, it has to be used with CSS, HTML, and AJAX.

One has to code the app once and it can be released on all platforms such as Android, iOS, and Windows. Thus, making the creation of a mobile app no big deal for JavaScript.

best programming language for cross platform mobile development

There are many cross-platform app development frameworks out there, having their own pros and cons.

However, there’s NO one size fits all framework for cross-platform app development. Everything comes down to your preferred programming language and the platforms you want to target.

Choosing the right tool can be a daunting task. We have tried our best to be as unbiased as possible while making this list of the top 10 best cross-platform app development frameworks in 2022.

Cross-Platform Frameworks Based on Programming Languages

Java/Kotlin

JavaScript & HTML5

Dart

C#

C++

Ruby

best language for android app development

Let’s see the 2021’s eight best Android app development languages.

1. C++

You can say C++ is the pioneer among all programming languages we use today. Also, Android Studio provided supports for C++ with the help of the Native Development Kit (NDK). Android Studio can easily integrate C++ libraries for development purposes.

Another benefit that comes with this language is the support of Unreal Engine. It is a game engine where game developers build addictive games for gamers. For many, C++ is a bit limited language to use on the Android platform.

The reason is the absence of flexibility. Newbies find a hard time while using this, so it is preferable for experienced developers.

2. Java

Java is the universal language when it comes to Android app development. It is above all the competition. For any Android application development company, Java is the official development language. It has a legacy of more than 20 years and is the highest-rated language of all time. The capabilities of this scripting language are in a significant number.

Firstly, learning it is comparatively easy, or you can say it is a no-brainer. There is a support of a well-established community, and most importantly, Google provides its full support for the applications built on Java. That’s the reason why developers build an app on Java.

Besides, there is a vast API collection that opens up many opportunities for advanced levels of development.

3. Kotlin

Kotlin is another popular language in the Android app development world. It was introduced as a cross-platform language by JetBrains in 2016 and became the official Android language in 2017.

In comparison with Java, Kotlin is easy, and beginners can initiate the app development process at a fast pace.

It’s a general-purpose programming language consisting of type interference and runs on the JVM. Because of its type interference, Kotlin is more concise and reduces lines of code. It includes multiple Android libraries, and to minimize errors; it also has null pointer exceptions.

4. C#

C# is the part of the .NET framework. Anders Hejlsberg is the creator of this language, and Microsoft launched it in 2000.

It is a cross-platform language, supports OOP (Object Oriented Programming), and is based on the C language. The syntax is also similar to Java and C++.

Programmers primarily use C# for developing an app for the Windows platform, but it is also suitable for Android and iOS native development using Xamarin.

Xamarin allows app developers to compile C# code in the operating system native language. There is much material on the internet that one can use to learn C# with Xamarin.

The binaries in this framework work identically as native Android or iOS apps do in their respective languages like Java or Swift.

Besides, without learning any new language, a developer can program native applications for iOS and Android platforms on Xamarin. Because of this framework, C# has become the most popular language of 2021. Even Unity, a game engine, supports C# for game development.

5. Python

Python is a high-level development language and has become increasingly popular for Android app development. Several tools are there that allow the Python app to convert into Android packages make it work on Android phones and tablets. Python is an object-oriented language and consists of attractive features like dynamic typing and dynamic binding for building an Android application.

The syntax of Python is much easier to understand compared to the other programming languages. Developers without much brainpower can code the application in less time.

It also results in reduced development time and maintenance costs. Python is suitable for any application. Whether it’s a simple calculator app or a commercial-level app, Python can handle everything.

6. Corona (Lua)

Corona comes as a software package that enables Android application development with Lua. To use that, one requires Android Studio.

Native and simulator are the two modes of Corona. You can program code directly in simulator mode because it works as a native development environment. Native comes in action to translate Lua script in operating system understandable form and make native development possible.

The use of Corona (Lua) is also straightforward compared to Java. Aspiring programmers and development companies can try out this language and new environment to build apps.

7. React Native (JavaScript)

React Native is the best framework for JavaScript, offers localized mobile app development for Android and iOS. It relies on the response JavaScript library of Facebook to border the user. However, it targets the mobile platform instead of targeting the browser. People also consider JavaScript as the IT industry cockroach.

The User Interface (UI) mechanism is of it is also similar to the native apps.

It comes as one of the best frameworks for both operating systems and does not disappoint at any stage. The potential of JavaScript with React Native is very high.

The developer does not need to code two separate apps with that. Instead, one single codebase can be compiled for different operating systems. That ability is known as ‘code reusability, resulting in a faster development cycle, saving cost, minimizing time, and less maintenance.

8. PhoneGap

Last in this list, but not in the world, is PhoneGap. It is one of the simple options you can consider for your Android app development. The force which powers the PhoneGap is Apache Cordova. The code it utilizes to build an app is similar to a programmer’s code to build a website.

They are HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. After that, it appears in a “WebView,” but in actuality, it becomes an app. PhoneGap acts as a connecting bridge for developers and allows them to access some of the primary native features of a smartphone, like a camera or an accelerometer.

People assume that JavaScript is the only actual language for Android development, which is not valid.

For most of the work, it will help, but in actual and professional means, one needs to have more than one choice in their hood.

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