The world of web development is evolving at an incredible pace, and it's time to take notice. In this year's developer survey, we've seen a significant shift in the way developers are approaching app development. With the rise of cross-platform frameworks like Ionic, React Native, and Flutter, web developers are now creating apps for every platform and form factor imaginable.
The Age of the Web Developer
In our survey, an astonishing 75% of software developers identified themselves as web developers. This means that these developers are not just building frontend features but also making decisions on every aspect of technology, from backend services to frontend frameworks. With 78% of web developers being full-stack developers, their influence will only grow in the years to come.
Mobile App Development in 2020
When it comes to mobile app development, our survey reveals that Ionic remains the top choice among developers, with 86% of respondents using the framework for their projects. Cordova/PhoneGap follows closely at 48%, while React Native and Flutter trail behind at 16% and 12%, respectively.
The Tools, the Tools
When it comes to developing and hosting apps, a range of tools and services is essential. From service providers and hosting platforms to user auth and push notification services, having the right tools in place can make all the difference. Our survey reveals that companies are relying on top backend service providers like AWS, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure.
JS Trends
When it comes to JavaScript frameworks, our results show that Angular, React, and Vue continue to dominate the scene. In fact, we've seen a significant shift towards these alternatives, with React growing almost 30% in popularity to 30% of users reporting extensive development work. Vue also saw a notable gain, with 20% of users reporting use.
App Delivery
For many developers, app delivery is at the heart of what they do. Our survey reveals that most respondents' teams are responsible for managing multiple apps and delivering updates and new apps in a timely and efficient way. However, we've also seen that larger organizations face a daunting portfolio of apps to take care of.
PWAs: The Future of Mobile Apps
Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) have been gaining traction, and it's no surprise why. With their ability to deliver fast, native-app experiences without the need for app stores or downloads, PWAs are here to stay. In our survey, nearly 65% of respondents said their company built a PWA or plans to in the next year.
By embracing these trends and technologies, web developers are unlocking new opportunities for swift app development that will shape the future of mobile and web applications.