How to Build a Cross-Platform App with Cordova

Nicholas Idoko 26 min read

Last Updated on May 22, 2024

Introduction

Let’s explore how to build a cross-platform app with Cordova.

Building cross-platform apps has become increasingly popular in the software development world.

In this blog post, we will explore how to build a cross-platform app using Cordova.

Explanation of what a cross-platform app is

A cross-platform app is an application that can run on multiple operating systems, such as iOS, Android, and Windows. It solves the problem of developing separate native apps for each platform.

Importance of building cross-platform apps using Cordova

Building cross-platform apps using Cordova offers several advantages.

Firstly, it allows developers to write code once and deploy it across multiple platforms.

This saves time and effort in building and maintaining separate codebases.

Secondly, Cordova provides a rich set of plugins and libraries that enable developers to access native device functionalities.

This means that developers can create apps with features like camera access, geolocation, and push notifications.

Furthermore, Cordova provides a familiar web development environment, using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

This makes it easier for web developers to transition into mobile app development without learning completely new languages and frameworks.

Another advantage of using Cordova is the cost-effectiveness it offers.

By building a single cross-platform app, businesses can reach a wider audience without incurring the expenses of developing and maintaining separate native apps for each platform.

Building cross-platform apps using Cordova is a practical and efficient approach in today’s mobile app development landscape.

It allows developers to create apps that work seamlessly across multiple platforms, access native device features, and reduce development costs.

What is Cordova?

Brief overview of Cordova and its purpose in app development

Cordova is an open-source platform that enables developers to build cross-platform mobile applications.

It allows developers to use web technologies such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to create apps that can run on multiple platforms, including iOS and Android.

With Cordova, developers can write their code once and deploy it to different mobile platforms.

This eliminates the need to create separate codebases for each platform, saving time and effort in the development process.

One of the key features of Cordova is its ability to access native device functionalities through plugins.

These plugins act as bridges between the app and the device’s native capabilities, allowing developers to integrate features like camera, geolocation, and contacts into their applications.

This makes it possible to create rich and interactive experiences for users without having to rely solely on web technologies.

Cordova also provides a set of tools and APIs that simplify the development process.

It includes a command-line interface (CLI) that allows developers to create, build, and test their apps with ease.

The CLI provides a unified workflow across different platforms, ensuring consistency in the development process.

Cordova also offers a wide range of APIs that provide access to various device features and services, making it easier to develop apps with native-like capabilities.

How Cordova allows developers to use web technologies to build apps for multiple platforms

One of the major advantages of using Cordova for cross-platform app development is the ability to leverage existing web development skills.

Since Cordova uses web technologies, developers familiar with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript can quickly adapt to building mobile applications.

This reduces the learning curve and allows for efficient reuse of existing code and skills.

Another benefit of Cordova is the cost-effectiveness it offers for app development.

By using a single codebase for multiple platforms, developers can save time and resources compared to developing separate apps for each platform.

This can result in significant cost savings, especially for small businesses or independent developers.

Cordova also provides a large ecosystem of plugins and extensions that extend its capabilities.

These plugins are contributed by the Cordova community and cover a wide range of functionalities, from social media integration to analytics and push notifications.

By utilizing these plugins, developers can easily enhance their app’s features and provide a better user experience.

Cordova is a powerful platform for building cross-platform mobile applications.

It enables developers to use web technologies to create apps that can run on multiple platforms, saving time and effort in the development process.

With its extensive set of tools, APIs, and plugins, Cordova provides developers with the necessary resources to build feature-rich and cost-effective apps.

Whether you are a seasoned web developer or new to app development, Cordova offers a flexible and efficient solution for building cross-platform apps.

Read: Deploying Apache Cordova Apps to Various Platforms

Setting up the development environment

Setting up the development environment is the first step when building a cross-platform app with Cordova.

This section will provide step-by-step instructions for installing Cordova on different operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Additionally, it will explain the required software and tools, such as Node.js, Git, and the Android SDK.

I. Installing Cordova on Windows:

Download and install Node.js from the official website.
Open the command prompt and run “npm install -g cordova” to install Cordova globally.
Download and install Git for Windows from the official website.

II. Installing Cordova on macOS:

Install Xcode from the App Store, if it is not already installed.
Open the Terminal and run “sudo npm install -g cordova” to install Cordova globally.
Download and install Git from the official website.

III. Installing Cordova on Linux:

Open the Terminal and run the command “sudo apt-get install npm” to install Node.js and npm.
Run “sudo npm install -g cordova” to install Cordova globally.
Install Git by running “sudo apt-get install git”.

IV. Required Software and Tools:

Node.js: It is a JavaScript runtime required to run Cordova.
Git: It is a version control system used for managing the source code.
Android SDK: It is necessary for building and testing Android apps.
iOS development tools (only for macOS): Xcode provides the necessary tools for iOS development.

V. Additional Tools:

Visual Studio Code: A lightweight and feature-rich code editor for writing Cordova apps.
Android Studio: It provides an integrated development environment (IDE) for Android app development.
Command Line Interface (CLI): Used to create, build, and manage cordova projects.

Setting up the development environment for building a cross-platform app with Cordova involves installing Cordova on the respective operating system.

The required software and tools include Node.js, Git, and the Android SDK (for Android apps).

Additionally, macOS users need to install Xcode for iOS development.

Using tools like Visual Studio Code and Android Studio can enhance the app development experience.

The Cordova Command Line Interface (CLI) is used for project management.

Read: Cordova vs. PhoneGap: Understanding the Differences

Creating a New Cordova Project:

To start building a cross-platform app with Cordova, you need to create a new project.

Follow these instructions to get started using the Cordova CLI:

1. Install Cordova:

Before creating a new project, make sure you have Cordova installed on your system.

You can install Cordova by running the following command in your command prompt or terminal:

npm install -g cordova

2. Create a New Project:

Once Cordova is installed, you can create a new project using the Cordova CLI.

Open your command prompt or terminal and navigate to the desired location where you want to create the project.

Then, run the following command:

cordova create MyApp com.example.myapp MyApp

Replace “MyApp” with your desired app name and “com.example.myapp” with your app’s unique identifier.

Explanation of Project Structure and Files Generated by Cordova:

After creating a new Cordova project, you will find a predefined structure and files generated by Cordova.

Let’s understand the significance of each of these:

config.xml: This file contains the configuration settings for your Cordova project, such as app name, version, access permissions, and supported platforms.
www Folder: The www folder is the heart of your Cordova app. It contains all the HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and other web assets of your app.
platforms Folder: This folder holds the platforms you add to your project, such as Android, iOS, and Windows. Each platform contains native code specific to that platform.
plugins Folder: Plugins are essential for extending the functionality of your Cordova app. The plugins folder holds all the plugins you add to your project.

Introduction to the www Folder and its Significance in Cordova App Development:

The www (short for “world wide web”) folder plays a crucial role in Cordova app development.

Here’s why:

HTML, CSS, and JavaScript: The www folder is where you write all the HTML, CSS, and JavaScript code for your app. These web assets render the user interface and define the behavior of your app.
Assets and Resources: Any images, fonts, or other static files required by your app should be placed inside the www folder. These assets contribute to the visual appeal and functionality of your app.
Cordova.js: The www folder also contains the Cordova.js file. This JavaScript library bridges the gap between your web code and the native capabilities of the device, allowing you to access device features like camera, geolocation, etc.
Platform-specific Code: The www folder can contain platform-specific code by utilizing Cordova’s ability to conditionally load different code based on the target platform, allowing you to build platform-specific features.

Creating a new Cordova project involves using the Cordova CLI to set up the initial project structure.

The www folder is of utmost importance as it holds the HTML, CSS, and JavaScript code, assets, and Cordova.js necessary for app development.

Understanding the project structure and vital files is crucial for building successful cross-platform apps with Cordova.

Read: Upgrading to the Latest Apache Cordova Version: A Guide

Adding Platforms

Today, we will dive into the process of adding platforms to your cross-platform app built with Cordova.

This step-by-step guide will walk you through adding desired platforms like Android and iOS.

We will also explain the platform-specific requirements and configurations you need to consider. Let’s get started!

1. Install Cordova:

Download and install Node.js from the official website.
Open the command prompt and install Cordova by running the following command:

npm install -g cordova

2. Create a New Cordova Project:

Open the command prompt and navigate to the desired directory.
Run the command cordova create MyApp to create a new Cordova project named “MyApp”

3. Navigate to the Project Directory:

Use the command cd MyApp to navigate into the project directory.

4. Adding Android Platform:

To add Android as a platform, run cordova platform add android command.
This will download the necessary dependencies and set up the Android platform for your app.

5. Adding iOS Platform:

To add iOS as a platform, run cordova platform add ios command.
This will download the necessary dependencies and set up the iOS platform for your app.
Please note that for iOS platform, you need to have Xcode installed on your system.

Platform-Specific Requirements and Configurations:

Android:

To build your app for Android, you need to have the Android SDK installed.
Open the Android SDK Manager, either through Android Studio or using the standalone SDK Manager.
Make sure to install the required Android SDK versions and tools.
Set up the PATH environment variable to include the Android SDK’s location.

iOS:

To build your app for iOS, you need to have Xcode installed on your system.
Open Xcode and go to Preferences > Locations.
Make sure you have selected a valid iOS SDK version.
You may need to configure certificates, provisioning profiles, and app IDs in the Apple Developer Portal.
Install any necessary iOS simulators or connect an iOS device for testing.

Additional Tips:

You can list the platforms already added to your project by running cordova platform list command.
To remove a platform, use cordova platform remove <platform-name> command.
Always make sure to test your app on different platforms and devices to ensure compatibility.

Adding platforms to your Cordova app is a crucial step in building a cross-platform application.

By following this step-by-step guide and considering the platform-specific requirements and configurations, you can ensure a smooth development process.

So, start adding the desired platforms (Android, iOS, etc.) to your Cordova app and make it available to a wider audience!

Developing the app

Overview

To build a cross-platform app with Cordova, you need to understand the different components involved.
These include HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
By leveraging your existing web development skills, you can create the app using these technologies.
Cordova simplifies the process by providing APIs and plugins to access device features.

Components of a Cordova app:

HTML: This is the markup language used to structure the content of the app. It defines the layout and elements of the user interface.
CSS: Cascading Style Sheets enable you to customize the app’s appearance, including colors, fonts, and layout. It ensures a consistent look across different platforms.
JavaScript: This programming language is used to add interactivity and functionality to the app. It enables you to handle user inputs and perform actions.

Using existing web development skills:

As a web developer, you already possess the necessary skills to create a Cordova app.
You can reuse your knowledge of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to develop the user interface, design, and implement app functionalities.

Cordova’s APIs and plugins:

Cordova provides a wide range of APIs and plugins essential for accessing native device features.
These plugins allow you to interact with the camera, accelerometer, geolocation, contacts, notifications, and more.

6 Essential Cordova APIs and Plugins:

Device API: This API provides information about the device running the app, such as its model, platform, and version.
Camera Plugin: The Camera plugin enables you to capture photos or videos from the device’s camera.
Geolocation Plugin: With the Geolocation plugin, you can obtain the device’s current location coordinates for location-based services.
Contacts Plugin: This plugin allows you to access the device’s contact list and retrieve information about contacts.
Notification Plugin: It enables you to display notifications and alerts to the user to enhance the app’s interactivity.
Network Information Plugin: This plugin provides information about the network connectivity status of the device.

By utilizing these APIs and plugins, you can create a rich and interactive cross-platform app using Cordova.

Read: Apache Cordova: Navigating the File System Effectively

Testing and debugging

In order to ensure the functionality and quality of your cross-platform app built with Cordova, testing and debugging are essential steps.

Testing the App on Different Platforms and Devices

First, test the app on the platforms it is intended for, such as iOS, Android, or Windows.
Ensure that the app is compatible with various screen sizes and resolutions.
Test the app on different devices to identify any device-specific issues.
Check the app’s performance and responsiveness under different network conditions.
Pay attention to user interactions, such as gestures and touch events, to guarantee smooth functionality.
Perform beta testing with a group of users to gather feedback and uncover any remaining issues.

Debugging Techniques using Browser-based Developer Tools

Use browser-based developer tools, like Chrome DevTools or Safari Web Inspector, for debugging Cordova apps.
Inspect the HTML, CSS, and JavaScript code to identify and fix any errors or issues.
Utilize the console to log messages, catch exceptions, and test code behavior.
Set breakpoints in the code to pause execution and examine variables and expressions.
Step through the code line by line to understand the flow and identify bugs.
Use network monitoring tools to analyze data traffic and identify any performance issues.

Introduction to Emulators and Simulators for Testing Purposes

Emulators and simulators allow you to test your app on virtual environments without using physical devices.
Use emulators to mimic the hardware and software features of specific devices.
Simulators can imitate the behavior of a particular platform or operating system.
Emulators and simulators provide an efficient way to test app behavior across multiple platforms.
However, keep in mind that they may not always replicate real-world conditions accurately.
Regularly test the app on physical devices to ensure the best user experience.

Testing and debugging are crucial aspects of building a cross-platform app with Cordova.

By testing on various platforms and devices, using browser-based developer tools, and employing emulators and simulators, you can identify and rectify any issues to deliver a high-quality app to users.

How to Build a Cross-Platform App with Cordova

Building and packaging the app

Set up your development environment by installing Cordova and the necessary platform SDKs.
Create a new Cordova project using the command line interface.
Customize the project by adding plugins, configuring preferences, and setting up icons and splash screens.
Build the app for each platform using the respective command. For example, “cordova build android” for Android.
Before packaging the app, make sure to test it thoroughly on different devices and screen sizes.
Package the app by running the command “cordova build” followed by the desired platform. For example, “cordova build android”.

Steps for Building an App for Each Platform:

Android:

Install the Android SDK and configure the necessary environment variables.
Create a virtual device or connect a physical device for testing purposes.
Run the command “cordova platform add android” to add the Android platform to your project.
Customize the application ID, version code, and other settings in the “AndroidManifest.xml” file.
Build the app using the command “cordova build android”.
Test the app on the emulator or physical device using the command “cordova emulate android” or “cordova run android”.

iOS:

Install Xcode and the necessary dependencies for iOS development.
Run the command “cordova platform add ios” to add the iOS platform to your project.
Customize the application name, bundle identifier, and other settings in the “config.xml” file.
Build the app using the command “cordova build ios”.
Open the generated Xcode project and configure any additional settings or linkage to libraries.
Test the app on the iOS simulator or connect a physical device for testing.

Explanation of the Necessary Signing Processes for Publishing on App Stores:

For Android, generate a signing key using the Keytool and sign the APK before uploading it to the Google Play Store.
For iOS, create a developer certificate and provisioning profile using the Apple Developer Portal.
Use Xcode to sign the app with the provisioning profile before submitting it to the App Store.

Tips for Optimizing the App’s Performance and Reducing its Size:

Use efficient coding practices and optimize algorithms to improve app performance.
Minimize the use of external libraries or plugins that may add unnecessary bloat to the app.
Optimize images and media files by compressing them without sacrificing quality.
Remove unused code or resources to reduce the app’s size.
Use lazy loading techniques to load resources only when needed.
Test the app on different devices and network conditions to identify and fix performance issues.

Building a cross-platform app with Cordova requires understanding the steps for building and packaging the app for each platform, the necessary signing processes, and techniques for optimizing performance and reducing the app’s size.

By following these guidelines, developers can create high-quality and efficient cross-platform apps.

Conclusion

Building a cross-platform app with Cordova involves several key steps.

First, you need to set up your development environment by installing Cordova and any necessary dependencies.

Next, create a new Cordova project and add platforms for the different operating systems you want to target.

Then, install any desired plugins to enhance your app’s functionality and customize its appearance using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

Once your app is ready, you can test it on various devices and emulators to ensure it works correctly on different platforms.

After testing, build your app for production by optimizing its code and assets for performance and packaging it for distribution.

Throughout the development process, it’s important to take advantage of Cordova’s vast community and resources.

Explore online forums, documentation, and tutorials to enhance your understanding and resolve any issues you encounter.

By leveraging Cordova’s strong community and resources, you can continually improve your app and stay up to date with the latest industry trends and best practices.

In a nutshell, Cordova provides an excellent framework for building cross-platform apps, and with the right tools and knowledge, you can create successful and impactful experiences for your users.