Codename One allows seamless cross-platform mobile app development using Java, providing versatility for developers seeking efficient solution deployment.
| Product | Mindshare (%) |
|---|---|
| Codename One | 4.0% |
| Temenos Quantum | 8.2% |
| IBM MobileFirst | 7.9% |
| Other | 79.9% |
Designed to simplify the mobile app development process, Codename One offers a robust platform for creating apps compatible with Android, iOS, Windows, and other operating systems using a single codebase. This approach reduces development time and resources, making it an attractive choice for developers who prioritize efficiency and versatility in their projects.
What are key features of Codename One?Codename One is implemented across domains like finance, healthcare, and retail, supporting applications requiring robust functionality and flexibility. Its ability to adapt makes it a reliable choice for businesses aiming to streamline operations through mobile solutions.
Pmovil, Chemetall Italia SRL, BOi Global Group
| Author info | Rating | Review Summary |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken Little at a tech vendor with 51-200 employees | 4.0 | I find its standard Java use and low rewrite valuable for cross-platform app porting. However, core Java features (introspection, serialization) are not fully supported, and standard functionalities are implemented idiosyncratically. |
| Senior Software Engineer at a tech services company with 501-1,000 employees | 4.0 | I find CodenameOne excellent for rapid, affordable development. With great support, easy setup, and a rich API, I've had no issues. Though the native look isn't 100% identical, I recommend it as a valuable cross-platform solution. |
| Software Engineer | 4.5 | I find the GUI builder most valuable. Based on my experience, CN1 offers superior "write once run anywhere" and cost efficiency compared to Xamarin and Nativescript, which are also good but have limitations. |
Uses standard Java, with low rewrite requirement for existing applications.
I ported a couple of large-ish real world Java applications, and maintained a common code base. Future development continues, fully cross platform, on standard desktop Java, Android and iOS.
Core Java features are not fully supported (introspection, serialization) and many standard functionalities (windows, events) are implemented in an idiosyncratic way, not standard Java.
A few things that stand out to me are a well-documented and pretty extensive API, build server, access to native functionality via native interface, easy extension with third-party libraries, active developer support, and attractive pricing.
Moreover, CodenameOne offers an iOS wizard for generating the required certificates without a MAC.
CodenameOne has opened opportunities for rapid prototyping and affordable product development.
Windows Phone port. However, that is actively being improved and should be released later this year if all goes well.
More than a year
No
No issues encountered.
No issues encountered.
Excellent. The team is very accessible and very willing to help.
Technical Support:Excellent. Even for non-paying users, the support provided on the forum is remarkable.
I used MoSync and I switched because the company went bankrupt.
Extremely straightforward. I was pleasantly surprised that it just worked. CodenameOne provides plugins for Eclipse, NetBeans and, IntelliJ IDEs.
No setup cost. I currently have a basic subscription which costs USD 9 per month (prices recently got upgraded to $19, but subscribers like me who already had an account are still allowed to pay the old rate).
I am still evaluating other options to get a better idea of the trade-offs. The options include: Xamarin, Qt, RemObjects, and NativeScript.
Like every other cross-platform technology, know the trade offs before embracing! In the case of CN1, that would be a native look-and-feel that is not 100% identical to pure native apps. That's acceptable in a lot of cases but not always.
And, of course, it's always a plus to have knowledge of the native platforms..
We've found the GUI builder to be the most valuable feature for us.
To the best of my knowledge CN1 is better than some of the available mobile app development frameworks such as Xamarin and Nativescript because it gives almost 100% -- if not 100% -- write once run anywhere. Xamarin doesn't have this feature, you must change few things for some specific platforms. Compared with Nativescript, CN1 is better because of the GUI builder.
Furthermore, CN1 is cost efficient compare with Xamarin and Nativescript. Yes, Nativescript is an open source solution, but to test your app requires to be done either through the telerik platform or with a nativescript CLI simulator. Testing through the telerik platfrom is very easy but not free. Testing through a CLI simulator is free but difficult to setup.
I'm not saying Xamarin and Nativescript are not good framework for mobile app development, please don't misquote me. THEY ARE VERY GOOD. It depends on the ability and interest of the user.
All the aforementioned points are based on my own personal experience with the three frameworks (CN1, Xamarin, and Nativescript).
