The fact that mobile app development is a complex business is not contested by any developer. Today, if they want to develop a particular app concept for the iOS and the Windows Phone 7 platform, he/she will have to write different codes in order to develop the same app concept for these platforms. This is a time consuming process that requires great attention to detail and an in-depth knowledge and expertise of the coding practices that help make the app compatible for both these platforms.

But, developers are experiencing something close to salvation, from a source that was heralded by no less than Steve Jobs himself as the future. Yes, we are talking about HTML5.

The focus of mobile developers has now shifted towards HTML5. This platform is starting to hit its straps as a development environment that helps build mobile apps across various mobile operating systems quickly and conveniently. Estimates suggest that by 2013, most smartphones will be HTML5 compatible. This is more than just good news for developers, it is terrific news.

Why?

The reason is not hard to see. The one defining aspect in HTML5 that has made mobile developers take notice is that it enables the development of a single mobile web app that can be pushed across all mobile platforms, at one go.

What this means is that no longer will developers have to write different codes if they are building the same web application for different platforms. A single code that targets all mobile platforms is possible with HTML 5. This means web application development for mobile platforms becomes faster, ensures quick delivery, which also means it becomes more cost effective.

There is evidence that slowly but surely HTML5 is making its presence felt as its use and influence is spreading across various development areas including gaming, ecommerce, social media etc.  There is no doubt in anybody’s minds that just about any mobile app for any category can be developed using HTML5.

But, there is still a long way to go before developers begin to substitute developing apps on the Android OS or the iOS just because HTML5 gives them an option to do so. There are still plenty of concerns associated with HTML5.

A fundamental limitation that is raising its head is that developers need to be able to ensure that the UI that they have designed for a particular mobile app fits in perfectly into the HTML5 model. Another limitation is the fact that hardware features of mobile devices are a little difficult to access. But these are just teething problems and will be addressed by the development community, in the long run. There are continuous improvements already taking place on this platform and problems are also being addressed as and when they crop up.

Things look very positive for HTML5 and an increasing number of developers are finding that HTML 5 is definitely worth their time. After all, who wouldn’t want to ensure that they have hands on expertise and experience on the future of mobile app development?