How AngularJS And Ionic Together Are An Asset For Hybrid App Development?

Smartphones and in them staying mobile apps have unquestionably become an essential part of usage. 

Speaking of the apps, they are divided into three types: Hybrid, Native, and Web Apps. You can go for native, web, or hybrid app development based on your project’s needs. 

Native apps are developed, keeping in mind one particular platform. They don’t work on another operating system. These apps have the ability to access the device’s multiple tools like cameras, sensors, and more. They can even be used offline. 

Speaking of web apps, there is no need to download them from app stores. They are relatively easier to update with performance depending upon the user’s internet speed. Web apps do not have the ability to access the mobile device’s functions.

And one comprising traits of both native and web apps and gaining more popularity out of three is the hybrid app development. Like native apps, they can be downloaded from app stores and access device functionalities. On the other hand, similar to web apps, they make use of a browser which are within the app itself. 

They can be developed very well with the use of AngularJS and Ionic together. We will explain the ‘How’ as you move ahead in this article.

But before that, let’s go through some basics. 

Perks of Hybrid App Development

Hybrid app development has multiple benefits associated with it, including: 

• Ability to access smartphone hardware and specific features like Bluetooth, camera, etc. 
• Work over various devices and operating systems. 
• Faster and cost-effective in terms of development. 
• Easier to maintain in comparison to native apps. 
• Make offline usage possible. 
• Offer a boost to the marketing and monetization benefits of app stores. 

All these advantages of hybrid apps can be availed using Ionic and AngularJS.

Let’s learn how. 

Overview: AngularJS and Ionic

AngularJS

Developed in 2009 and backed by Google, AngularJS is a JavaScript framework. It comes with the functionality for two-way data binding. This saves developers ample time and effort, which was earlier consumed in writing long lines of codes. 

It also integrates components automatically. The apps, like other frameworks, are not split into MVC (Model-View-Controller) components.  

Ionic

Ionic, developed in 2013, is a well-known free and open-source UI (User Interface) toolkit for the front-end experience. 

Using Ionic along with standard web technologies like HTML5, JavaScript, and CSS, you can build desktop apps and hybrid mobile apps. 

If you combine Cordova with your Ionic app development project, you can access native features like a phone’s camera, GPS, contacts, etc. 

How to Benefit From Hybrid App Development With AngularJS and Ionic?

Your hybrid mobile app development keeping certain points into consideration can be done very productively. 

Increase the Utilization of Ionic

With Ionic, app development becomes a lot easier and more fun. 

You can even extend the functionality of your app to desktop computers, tablets, and even cars than just mobile phones. 

In order to create apps with Ionic, you must have: 

• Node and npm environments 
• Code editor like Visual Studio Code
• Command-line interface/terminal (CLI)
• Ionic CLI installed globally with npm
• Cordova installed globally

Reuse Application Logic 

The amalgamation of Ionic with AngularJS has opened the doors of possibilities to keep the web application logic different from the UI (User Interface) and data model. 

Hence, you can now reuse the application logic over different gadgets and operating systems and change the UI for multiple platforms.

One App Across Multiple Platforms

Earlier, developers had to write several codes for different platforms such as iOS, Android, and Windows operating systems. 

But if you are developing an application using the blend of Ionic and AngularJS, you receive a different set of opportunities. 

You just have to use a single codebase, and these applications can be brought to use on any mobile device or platform. This has resulted in a much faster launch of apps at a reasonable cost. 

Make Use of Three-Way Data Binding

Three-way data binding is considered as a phenomenon where regular updates occur in the UI, model, and back-end data. 

Therefore, any time the software is changed, the updates come up automatically in the UI. 

Improve UI Components

You can make use of Ionic components to develop your app’s user interface. The choice can be made from Ionic’s default styles. They can be further customized as per the requirement of the project and the company’s brand image to come up with aesthetically attractive and intuitive designs.

The Closing Thought

The fusion of Ionic and AngularJS for hybrid app development has powered the action of designing full-fledged and feature-rich applications. 

Both of them make app development tremendously easier, quicker, and cost-effective for developers and businesses across the globe. 

The best of these apps can be availed irrespective of what platform or device is being used.