Platform Differences and Choices

1. Platform Differences

The following is the comparison of the core differences and advantages of different platforms (Web websites, mobile apps (ios, android, harmony), mini programs, PC apps (window, mac, Linux))

1.1. Web website (browser access)

-Core features: No download required, strong cross-platform compatibility.
-Advantages:
-Low development cost: Multi-terminal adaptation at one time, convenient maintenance.
-Work and go: Users can access it directly through URLs without installing it.
-High communication: It can be quickly shared through links, suitable for lightweight services.
-Limitations:
-Limited features: Relying on the browser API, the underlying hardware (such as cameras, GPS) cannot be called.
-Winner experience: Loading speed and interaction fluency are usually lower than native applications.

1.2. Mobile App (native/hybrid development)

-Core features: Independent installation package, deep integrated device functions.
-Advantages:
-Strong performance: Directly call hardware (such as sensors, notification permissions), fast response speed.
-High user stickiness: The icons are always on the desktop, and push notifications are used to increase activity.
-Ecological Closedness: iOS/Android app store provides traffic entrances and payment closed loops.
-Limitations:
-High development cost: It needs to be developed separately for different systems (iOS/Android).
-Long review cycle: It needs to pass the app store for review when it is launched, and version updates are restricted.

1.3. Mini program (embedded by platforms such as WeChat/Alipay)

-Core features: No download required, relying on the super app ecosystem.
-Advantages:
-Low threshold development: Based on the framework provided by the platform (such as WeChat applets), the development cycle is short.
-Travel bonus: You can directly call WeChat payment, social sharing and other capabilities, and the user reach rate is high.
-Work-and-go: Lightweight experience, suitable for low-frequency or tool-like services.
-Limitations:
-Function limited: Relying on the platform API, complex functions cannot be implemented (such as running in the background).
-Ecological Dependence: Relying entirely on the host app (such as WeChat), data cannot be migrated independently.

1.4. PC App (Desktop Application)

-Core features: Designed specifically for computers, emphasizing large-screen interaction and professional functions.
-Advantages:
-Comprehensive functions: Supports complex operations (such as video editing, programming tools), and has more flexible interface layout.
-Strong offline capability: Mainly local data processing and low dependence on the network.
-User Habits Adaptation: Complies with desktop user operation logic (such as windows, file management).
-Limitations:
-High cross-platform cost: It needs to be developed separately for Windows, macOS and other systems.
-Limited distribution channels: Rely on official website downloads or third-party platforms (such as app stores).

1.5. Technical Trend Supplement

-PWA (Progressive Web Application): Partially make up for the functional shortcomings of web websites, supports offline caching and push notifications, but compatibility still needs to be optimized.
-Cross-platform frameworks: For example, Flutter and React Native reduce App development costs, but the performance is slightly inferior to native.
-Mini program ecosystem expansion: Platforms such as WeChat/Alipay continue to open up APIs and gradually support more complex functions.
Selection suggestions: Comprehensive decision-making based on business needs (functional complexity, user scenario), budget and technical team capabilities, or use multi-end collaboration strategies (such as App + Mini Program + Web) to cover all scenario users.

2. How to choose

Choosing a platform suitable for the project requires comprehensive consideration of factors such as user needs, functional complexity, development costs, time period and technical ecology. The following are specific decision-making frameworks and suggestions:

2.1. Clarify core goals

1. User Scenario
   -High frequency usage: Priority is given to apps (such as social, e-commerce) or PC apps (such as design tools).
   -Low-frequency tools/temporary services: Mini programs or web sites are more suitable (such as appointments, form filling).
   -Access across devices: Web sites (no installation required) or PWA (Progressive Web Application) can cover multiple endpoints.

2. Functional Requirements
   -Simple functions(such as display, basic interaction): Web website or applet.
   -Complex functions(such as hardware calls, background services): native app or PC app.
   -Rely on social ecology(such as sharing, payment): mini program (relying on WeChat/Alipay ecology).

2.2. Evaluation of key factors

Dimension	Web Website	App	Mini Programs	PC App
Development Cost	Low (single-ended adaptation)	High (dual-ended development)	Medium (dependence on platform framework)	High (multi-system adaptation)
User Experience	General (browser restricted)	Excellent (smooth interaction)	Medium (depend on host app)	Excellent (professional interaction)
Upper Functional Limit	Low	High	Medium	High
Distribution difficulty	Low (link sharing)	High (requires reviewed by the app store)	Low (reach within the host app)	Medium (official website/third-party platform)
Data Independence	High	High	Low (Host Dependence on Host Ecology)	High

2.3. Scenario recommendation plan

2.3.1. Information display category (such as official website, blog)

-Recommended: Website + PWA (Enhanced Offline Experience).
-Reason: It is available online at low cost and is accessible across devices.

2.3.2. Local life services (such as takeout, taxi)

-Recommended: Mini Program + App.
-reason:
-Mini programs quickly reach users through WeChat/Alipay (low-frequency usage scenarios).
-The app provides in-depth functions (such as real-time positioning, push notifications).

2.3.3. High-frequency applications (such as social networking, e-commerce)

-Recommended: Native App (iOS/Android) + Mini Programs (Auxiliary Traffic).
-reason:
-The app ensures smooth experience and user stickiness.
-Mini programs cover temporary needs or low-frequency users.

2.3.4. Professional tools/enterprise software (such as video editing, ERP)

-Recommended: PC App + mobile terminal lightweight adaptation.
-reason:
-The PC side supports complex operations and large-screen interaction.
-Mobile terminal can provide basic functions through the web or applet.

2.3.5. Marketing Activities/Lightweight Tools (such as voting, calculator)

-Recommended: Mini Program or H5 page.
-Reason: Rapid development, easy dissemination, no installation required.

2.4. Technical Selection Suggestions

1. Cross-platform framework:
   -If the budget is limited and the functions are medium, you can choose to develop the Flutter/React Native app to take into account both cost and performance.
2. Mini program priority policy:
   -For projects that rely on the WeChat ecosystem, first use mini programs to verify the business model, and then consider expanding to the App.
3. PWA Supplementary Program:
   -Web sites can achieve offline caching and push notifications through PWA, narrowing the experience gap with native apps.

2.5. Tapest Avoidance Guide

1. Avoid over-exploitation:
   -The low frequency function does not require users to download Apps, mini programs or web to satisfy it.
2. Focus on audit risks:
   -Apps must comply with app store rules (such as iOS's privacy policy), and applets must avoid illegal content.
3. Data migration planning:
   -If you choose a mini program, you need to evaluate whether you can operate independently from the host ecosystem in the future.

2.6. Summary

-Short-term verification: Quick trial and error for applets or web sites.
-Long-term Ecology: Native Apps or PC Apps build core competitiveness.
-Full scene coverage: Multi-terminal collaboration (such as App + Mini Program + PWA), dynamically adjusting according to user behavior.

The final decision needs to combine the team's technical capabilities, budget and market rhythm, and give priority to the platform that can achieve business goals as quickly as possible.