Common Codebase vs. Separate Codebase: Which Is Better for Web and Mobile Development?

It has become more important to build a website and a mobile app that work smoothly on different platforms. It doesn’t matter if you are a startup with limited resources or an established business already in the game.

Every business needs a web, mobile app, or both to ensure its brand becomes successful. However, there is one more thing that can significantly impact your success: Should you develop your web and mobile using a common codebase or a separate codebase?

This choice is not only about a technical detail. Your entire development process will tell how your app will be built, how much time it will take to launch, how much it will cost, and how well your app will perform.

The decision can be difficult for you because you will have to look at various factors. That is why this blog is just right for you. Here, we will learn about common vs. separate codebases, their benefits, drawbacks, popular tools, and when to choose one over the other.

What Is a Common Codebase?

A common codebase refers to a single set of source code that is used to build and run an application on several platforms, like web, Android, and iOS. This approach to development can be called “write once, run anywhere.”

It also involves using cross-platform frameworks, which allow you to write most of your code once. Then, you can compile or adapt it to work on various devices and operating systems.

Since you are only working with one codebase, it helps:

🔘Simplify development

🔘Speed up deployment

🔘Reduces maintenance efforts

This codebase works best for many startup businesses and those with limited team members because it allows them to reach their users on various platforms.

However, it may not provide the same performance or allow you to use native features as another platform-specific codebase. This means it is convenient, but it also comes with some cons.

Popular Frameworks for a Common Codebase

When you choose to build an app using a common codebase, what framework you choose is very important. That is because it will affect how fast, easy to use, and smooth your app will be. Let’s look at some of the popular frameworks for a common codebase.

1. React Native

The first framework that is popular for a custom codebase is React Native. You can use it to create cross-platform apps using JavaScript. It lets you build mobile applications just like the native ones.

The speed and flexibility of this framework are the primary reasons why so many developers use it. This means you get access to a great number of plugins, support, and resources. It is for apps that need quick deployment on both platforms.

2. Flutter

Flutter is the UI toolkit that was developed by Google. The top Flutter app development companies and developers use the Dart programming language to build natively compiled apps for both mobile and web. This framework is unique because it perfectly handles design and animations.

Flutter doesn’t rely on native components. Instead, it draws everything from scratch using its own rendering engine. This helps make your app look the same on all devices.

3. Xamarin

Another great framework for a common codebase is Xamarin. It is also one of the best tools for cross-platform mobile app development. It uses C# and the .NET platform. You can easily use it if you are already familiar with Microsoft tools.

Xamarin converts your code into native apps, meaning your app can run fast and smoothly, similar to the apps developed with tools made for each platform.

With the help of Xamarin, you can perform somewhat similarly to native apps while also allowing you to use various APIs based on the specific platform.

4. Ionic

Ionic is a framework based on web technologies, including HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. This allows you to build mobile apps similar to how you would create websites. It then wraps them to run on mobile devices. Ionic is easy to learn, helps build quickly, and has many ready-to-use components.

5. NativeScript

Another framework for a common codebase is Native Script. Developers can create cross-platform apps with Native Script using JavaScript, TypeScript, or Angular.

Also, Native Script allows developers to use native APIs, which gives your app more control and better performance while using the same code base.

Benefits of a Common Codebase

If you are thinking of using a common codebase, you can use it, as it can be the best game-changer for development teams. Here are the benefits of a common codebase and why you should use this approach.

1. Faster Development Time

The benefit and also the reason why a common codebase is used for web and mobile development is that you can develop your app by writing one code and only have to deploy a single code on all platforms.

This helps reduce the time required when a product needs to be launched or features have to be updated. For instance, you can create one shared version that works well everywhere rather than making three login screens.

2. Reduce Development Costs

If you are looking for ways to save money on web and mobile development costs, you can use a common codebase to build them. The cost is reduced because you only need a single development team to handle everything instead of spending on hiring different developers for each platform.

For example, one chef is enough to prepare the meals. You don’t have to hire three chefs to make the same meal that one chef is capable of making.

3. Simplified Maintenance and Updates

If you fix bugs, update a single platform, or add more features, then the changes applied on one platform will also be applied to other platforms. That is why you don’t have to do the same tasks every time you make changes or updates.

This also ensures that every version of your app remains the same and in sync. For example, if your Android app is having an issue with the authentication system, this problem will be fixed on all the platforms, like iOS and the web.

4. Consistent User Experience

The design and functionality of your web and mobile app should be the same on different platforms.

Your users should see the same design and functions that they saw on one or another platform, whether they are using your app on their phone or the web version on a computer. You need to ensure consistency in:

🔘Fonts

🔘Buttons

🔘Page layout

🔘Functionality

5. Better Code Reusability

A common codebase can be used again, as it allows you to reuse UI components like buttons, forms, and logic functions. Developers can build a module once and implement it wherever needed. This saves the time that you may be spending on rewriting the code.

6. Faster Time-to-Market

Time-to-market means the time it takes for products to be available for purchase by customers. It is essential for business to launch their web and app at the right time to gain profits. This is what a common codebase helps you with.

It allows you to launch your apps quickly, and you don’t even have to wait for separate teams to finish the specific version of the platform.

7. Easier Team Collaboration

It is important for all developers on the team to work together smoothly. And this becomes easier when they work using a single codebase.

A shared codebase helps mobile and web developers, whether it is the frontend or backend, to work easily, using common tools, libraries, and workflows. This also helps avoid confusion regarding what is built where.

8. Centralised Testing

Unit testing, integration testing, and automated testing are the testing processes that can be done together with one codebase. Test scripts can also be written once and executed across all platforms, which helps save significant time.

Recommended Reads: Unit Testing Vs. Integration Testing

Challenges of a Common Codebase

A common codebase has many advantages, but also comes with certain challenges, like any tool or strategy has. Here is what you need to watch out for.

1. Handling Platform-Specific Features

Each platform has unique features, so when you add these features using a shared codebase, it can be difficult. You often need to write extra custom code for each platform.

For example, if you want to use the camera, you might need different settings and code for iOS and Android within the shared codebase.

2. Performance Limitations

Many apps require high performance, like gaming apps, and these apps usually work better with native code. Sometimes, it happens that cross-platform apps work slowly, which can become difficult when it comes to such apps requiring excellent performance.

3. Larger App Size

Cross-platform frameworks often include many libraries and tools. However, this is needed to support different devices, but it can also make the app file larger.

This leads to slower downloads and more usage of your device storage. That is why users who don't have much storage on their device or have slower internet may not download the app.

4. Debugging Complexity

Another challenge is to identify where the issue lies when bugs appear. It can be within the shared code, platform-specific customisation, or the framework itself. This leads to more time when you debug the platform.

5. Limited Access to Latest Native Features

A common codebase doesn’t have much access to the latest native features, which makes it difficult for developers because they will have to wait for the framework to get updated or write custom native code.

However, this delay can cause various problems, like your framework or platform not staying updated, or the app not being able to outrank its competitors.

6. Dependency on Framework Updates

Third-party frameworks make your app dependent on them, as they are required for the ongoing support of the framework. This will stop the updates, which may lead to you compromising your app’s security and compatibility with new versions of Android or iOS.

7. Steeper Learning Curve for Native Developers

Developers who are used to native development may need time to get used to cross-platform tools.

So, learning new frameworks and ways of working can slow the development process at first. That is why it is essential to train your team or hire specialists who already know how to build cross-platform apps.

8. UI/UX Inconsistencies on Different Devices

Even if you use the same code, different screen sizes, OS versions, and devices can lead to your app looking or acting differently. Some elements may not scale as they should or behave a little differently, so you will need to spend extra time to adjust and test the UI design for each device.

What Is a Separate Codebase?

A separate codebase is completely different from a common codebase. It means developing and maintaining different code for each platform. Each codebase is written depending on the native language, using tools and frameworks required to build that specific platform. For example:

🔘Kotlin or Java is used to build Android apps

🔘Swift or Objective-C using Xcode are used to build iOS apps

🔘HTML, CSS, and JavaScript frameworks are used to develop web apps

In this codebase, everything, like development, testing, and maintenance processes, is done separately for each platform. Although you may need to invest more time and resources, it allows you to take control and customise each version of the application however you wish, or as initially planned. You can use a separate codebase to:

🔘Maximise performance

🔘Take complete advantage of the features of the specific device

🔘Provide users with a personalised experience

🔘Maintain complete flexibility

Technologies Involved in Separate Codebases

Separate codebases use different technologies because they involve building a specific platform using the programming language, tools, and frameworks that are required to build it. Here are some of the technologies involved in a separate codebase.

1. Android App Development Technologies

These technologies are required to build native Android apps. Developers usually use the following Android app development frameworks and tools:

🔘Programming languages like Kotlin and Java

🔘Development Environment (Android Studio)

🔘SDKs and Tools like Android SDK (Software Development Kit) and Jetpack libraries for UI, lifecycle management, and architecture components

2. iOS App Development Technologies

The tools you will need for native iOS development include:

🔘Programming Languages like Swift and Objective-C

🔘Development Environment includes Xcode

🔘SDKs and Tools: iOS SDK, SwiftUI for user interface design, and Cocoa Touch framework for UI elements, animations, and gesture handling

3. Web App Development Technologies

Web applications require a completely different tech stack. Some of the web development tools and technologies are as follows:

Front-End Languages and Frameworks

🔘HTML, CSS, JavaScript (core web technologies)

🔘React.js, Angular, Vue.js – for building interactive front-end UIs

Back-End Languages and Frameworks (optional depending on project):

🔘Node.js, Django, Ruby on Rails, PHP, ASP.NET – for server-side logic

🔘Databases like MySQL, PostgreSQL, or MongoDB

Tools & Version Control:

🔘Git and GitHub/GitLab/Bitbucket

🔘Webpack, Babel, NPM/Yarn for package management and bundling

Benefits of a Separate Codebase

Now, let’s learn about the benefits of a separate codebase. Its advantages are different from a common codebase, which makes it different. Here are some of the key benefits you should know about.

1. Full Native Performance

With a separate codebase, each version of your app is built specifically for its platform, like Android, iOS, or web. These apps are developed using the tools and languages used for building, as you can check above. This helps ensure your app runs faster and more smoothly.

It also offers better animations, allows your app to load quickly, and improves performance.

2. Platform-Specific User Experience (UX)

Each platform has a different design, which means the user experience offered by them is also different. iOS users can expect one style of app, while Android users expect another.

Separate codebases let developers design each app that matches the standards of each platform. This will allow users to use the app comfortably, exactly as they expected it to.

3. Greater Flexibility and Customisation

Separate codebases allow you to create features and experiences based on the platform. Here is an example to have a better understanding.

Suppose there is a new feature that only iOS supports before Android. Then, you don't have to wait for cross-platform tools to catch up. You can just add it to your iOS app. You can also change how the app works or looks, depending on what each group of users find more relatable.

4. Fewer Cross-Platform Limitations

As discussed, you may face problems when you use cross-platform tools because new features aren’t available immediately for Android or iOS. Or it may also happen that something may not work the way it should.

However, separate codebases don’t let the developers run into such issues. That is because they work directly with the platform’s tools and can use new updates instantly after their release.

5. Enhanced Security and Code Control

Security becomes important when your app involves dealing with private and sensitive data, like passwords, classified info, or payments.

Separate codebases allow developers to use the native security tools of the platform. This helps you control how data is stored, protected, and transmitted. This reduces the risk of data breaches.

6. Optimised Debugging and Testing

If you debug an application using a shared codebase, it can get confusing, especially when issues only show up on one platform.

With separate codebases, your testing team can focus on issues like bugs and slow performance only on a specific platform. This allows the team to solve problems quickly after they have detected the issue. It also ensures that each version of the app works perfectly on its intended devices.

7. Better Long-Term Scalability for Enterprise Apps

If you are planning to grow your app into something big or build extra features over time, separate codebases give you more room to scale. You can add features to one platform, and the other one will not be affected.

You can even connect other software or services with your app that your business is already using. This flexibility works best for large companies.

Challenges of a Separate Codebase

Separate codebases offer better performance and flexibility, but they also come with challenges, just like a common codebase. Let’s learn about them in detail.

1. Higher Development Costs

Your development work can be doubled when you create two separate codebases, one for mobile and one for web.

You will need separate developers or teams for each platform, which can drive up the cost of development. This also means that you, whether you are hiring in-house staff or working with an iOS and Android development company associative, will have to pay more for labour, tools, and time.

2. More Time-Consuming

The testing process can be difficult because your app needs to be tested on various devices, screen sizes, and operating systems, whether it is mobile or web.

The process can become even longer if you frequently make updates or add new features. There can also be a chance that the bugs can be missed if one team finishes faster than the other.

3. Harder to Maintain and Update

When you have a separate codebase for iOS, Android, and the web, you will have to make even small changes multiple times.

For instance, you want to update a login feature. If you do that, you will need to implement it in each codebase separately. This can lead to more workload, or each platform may not appear visually consistent.

4. Requires Larger, More Skilled Teams

As a separate codebase involves different codes for each platform, you will also need to hire developers who are experts in the technologies required to develop that particular platform. So, you will need a larger team with more specialised skill sets, which can cost you more.

5. Inconsistent User Experience

Teams need to stay in sync to ensure the user experience remains the same on all platforms. However, if that’s not the case, then the user experience can be affected.

For instance, the button size of iOS may not match that of Android. These differences can confuse users and affect your brand’s image.

6. Complex Testing Process

The testing process can be difficult because your app needs to be tested on various devices, screen sizes, and operating systems, whether it is mobile or web.

The process can become even longer if you constantly make updates or add new features. There can also be a chance that the bugs can be missed if one team finishes faster than the other.

7. Slower Feature Rollouts

Want to release a new feature? You will have to code it for every platform. This means if one team is running behind or if a platform has some limitations, there can be a delay.

So, you may slow down rollouts if you launch a feature all at once, which can lead to users getting confused or making complaints.

Common Codebase vs. Separate Codebase: A Head-to-Head Comparison

Now, we have a clear understanding of what a common codebase and a separate codebase. Its benefits and challenges also show how they are different and where they are most commonly used.

However, when deciding between them for web and mobile development, it is important to compare how each approach performs. Here is a comparison between common codebases and separate codebases.

1. Development Time and Speed

Common Codebase

Common codebases help save time on development because the same codebase can be used for both mobile and web platforms. Developers can build features once and deploy them across all devices. It becomes helpful for startups or businesses looking to get their products to market quickly.

Separate Codebase

With separate codebases, developers will need to build each platform (iOS, Android, web) separately using a different code set.

Naturally, this will take more time because you will be doing the work several times. Feature development, testing, and deployment all take longer when done separately.

2. Cost of Development and Maintenance

Common Codebase

If you use a single codebase, then the total cost is usually less. You don’t need large teams for every platform, and you can save money on testing, maintenance, and updates. This helps businesses to have more control over costs.

Separate Codebase:

In separate codebases, costs often go up because you need to manage multiple codebases. For this, you will also need more developers with different skills, which can get expensive. And ongoing mobile and web maintenance on top of all this will also add to the cost.

Moreover, updates should be applied to each platform individually, which adds up over time.

3. Code Reusability and Scalability

Common Codebase

A key benefit here is high code reusability. You write a single code and can reuse it on other platforms. This increases the development process speed and ensures everything stays consistent on every platform.

For instance, you can add new features and don't even have to implement everything again for each device.

Separate Codebase

Code reusability is limited in this setup. Each version is developed from scratch or separately maintained, which makes scaling more difficult. Any change has to be applied to each platform individually, increasing the chance of inconsistencies.

4. Performance Metrics

Common Codebase

A common codebase offers good performance, but it may be as fine-tuned as apps built with languages for a particular platform. Some frameworks may have some limitations in accessing specific device features or achieving a speed like native apps.

Separate Codebase

Native performance is the strongest advantage here. Apps are developed for specific platforms like iOS, Android, or the web using separate codebases.

This results in apps performing better, loading faster, and making complete use of hardware capabilities. This is why many apps, especially large-scale ones, prefer separate codebases.

5. UI/UX Experience

Common Codebase

Most of the latest frameworks do a great job of maintaining a user-friendly and consistent design. However, they sometimes find it difficult to match the native look and feel of each platform, which may feel like this codebase is offering a standard or generic user experience.

Separate Codebase

A separate codebase allows you to design for each platform. When developing each platform, you can follow UI/UX design guidelines for that particular platform, like iOS and Android. This ensures your app appears like a natural part of the device.

It also helps maintain a more personalised experience for users by optimising every design element.

6. Team Expertise and Structure

Common Codebase

When using a shared codebase, it becomes easier for a small and cross-functional team to manage everything. Developers also need to have skills in one framework, like Flutter or React Native, which allows for simple team management.

Separate Codebase

For a separate codebase, you will need a larger team than the team required for the common codebase. They will also need to have expertise in different languages and tools. However, managing such a team can be difficult and requires more coordination.

Final Verdict: Which Approach Should You Choose?

Whether you choose a common codebase or a separate codebase, you need to have a clear goal and needs for your project, like you may want speed, cost savings, or top performance.

After you know what your needs are, it will become easy for you to select one of the two codebases. A common codebase will come in handy for you when you have a limited budget, are working with a small team, or want to launch your app fast.

However, when it comes to separate codebases, it becomes suitable for those who want high-performing web and mobile apps, including great speed, advanced features, or security.

A common codebase allows you to write the code once and use it for all platforms, which means less work and cost but faster delivery.

On the other hand, a separate codebase allows you to have more control and make your app more “native” on each platform. However, it takes more time, money, and a bigger team.

To sum it up:

🔘You can opt for a common codebase if you want development to be done quickly under your limited budget.

🔘Choose a separate codebase if you want the best performance and user experience.

You can even start with a common codebase to test your new business idea. Then, you can move to separate codebases later as your app grows.

How Can Arramton Help Develop Web and Mobile Using One or Both Codebases?

Arramton is the best custom web development company and a mobile development agency, and they are considered the best because of the top projects they have completed and launched successfully.

They understand your project requirements and then offer development solutions for those business needs. They can build your web and mobile using both a common and a separate codebase.

Our team of developers is skilled in modern frameworks, like Flutter, React Native, Swift, Kotlin, and more, which allows them to build scalable and user-friendly web and mobile applications.

We help you decide the right approach based on your project goals, budget, and timeline, ensuring smooth delivery and making a product that is ready to succeed in the market.

So, reach out to Arramton today if you are ready to build your app the right way. Let’s discuss your project and develop your web and mobile app based on what you have imagined and expected.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1 What is the main difference between a common codebase and a separate codebase?

Ans A common codebase includes writing a single set of code and using it to run your site and application on several platforms. It saves time and resources because you are managing a single project. A separate codebase is the opposite of a common codebase.

It involves writing a unique set of code for each platform, which allows you to build your web and app according to the goals and needs you have planned before development.

However, you also need to know that using this codebase will take up a lot more of your time. It also requires more effort and cost to maintain and update.

Q2 Is a common codebase always the better option for startups?

Ans It is not always true that a common codebase is always the better option for startups. However, often yes, especially if the startup wants to launch their web and app on multiple platforms but without a large development team.

You can create cross-platform apps with fewer resources, but if you need great performance or advanced native features, a separate codebase can be better for startup businesses in the long run.

Q3 Do apps with a common codebase run slower than those with separate codebases?

Ans It can happen sometimes, but not necessarily. Common codebase tools have become better, and the performance they offer is good enough for most apps. That said, apps with separate codebases can be more optimised for each platform, which may provide more fast performance.

Q4 Can I switch from a common codebase to separate codebases later?

Ans Although it might not always be simple, it is possible to move from a shared codebase to separate codebases later.  You will have to rewrite some or all of the apps for each platform if you are switching from a shared codebase to single native apps.

However, it will need more time and can also cost more. So, you need to plan which of the codebases you want to use.

Q5 Which option is better for long-term scalability and maintenance?

Ans A common codebase can be maintained easily because you only need to update only one codebase, and not two or three. This means frequent updates can be provided if you use a common codebase.

However, if you are looking for more user base and growth in future, a separate codebase offers more flexibility and performance advantages.