Comprehensive decision framework for choosing between React Native, Kotlin Multiplatform, and QML.

Selecting the right cross-platform framework requires balancing technical capabilities with business objectives. Here's our strategic decision framework.

Decision Matrix by Project Type:

Project Type Recommended Framework Key Considerations Risk Level
Startup MVP React Native Speed to market, developer availability Low
Enterprise Application Kotlin Multiplatform Long-term maintenance, performance Medium
Embedded Systems QML Hardware integration, graphics performance Medium
E-commerce App React Native Rapid iteration, rich UI components Low
Financial/Trading App Kotlin Multiplatform Performance, data processing High
Automotive/Medical UI QML Custom rendering, hardware access High

Team Composition Analysis:

  • React Native Teams:
    • Ideal: JavaScript/TypeScript developers
    • Learning curve: Low for web developers
    • Hiring: Easy, large talent pool
  • Kotlin Multiplatform Teams:
    • Ideal: Kotlin/Java developers + platform specialists
    • Learning curve: Medium for Android, high for iOS
    • Hiring: Moderate, growing talent pool
  • QML Teams:
    • Ideal: C++ developers with UI/UX skills
    • Learning curve: High, specialized skills
    • Hiring: Difficult, niche talent

Cost-Benefit Analysis:

Framework Development Cost Maintenance Cost Time to Market Long-term ROI
React Native Low Medium Fast Medium
Kotlin Multiplatform Medium Low Medium High
QML High Low Slow High (for specific use cases)

Migration and Long-term Strategy:

  • From React Native:
    • Consider KMP when performance becomes critical
    • Gradually move business logic to shared Kotlin modules
    • Maintain React Native for UI during transition
  • From Native Development:
    • Start with KMP for new feature development
    • Incrementally migrate existing logic
    • Maintain platform-specific UI layers
  • Hybrid Approaches:
    • Use React Native for customer-facing apps
    • Use KMP for internal enterprise tools
    • Use QML for specialized hardware interfaces

Our Consulting Approach at Monyamane Tech Solutions:

We help clients make informed decisions through:

  1. Technical Assessment: Evaluate existing infrastructure and team skills
  2. Prototype Development: Build proof-of-concepts with each framework
  3. Performance Testing: Benchmark critical operations
  4. Total Cost Analysis: Calculate 3-year ownership costs
  5. Implementation Roadmap: Create phased adoption plan

Final Recommendations:

Choose React Native when: Speed to market is critical, team has web development background, and app requirements align with ecosystem capabilities.
Choose Kotlin Multiplatform when: Performance is paramount, long-term maintenance is key concern, and you need platform-specific UI excellence.
Choose QML when: Building for embedded systems, requiring custom graphics rendering, or integrating with existing C++ codebases.

Remember: The best framework is the one that aligns with your specific business goals, team capabilities, and long-term vision. There's no one-size-fits-all solution in cross-platform development.

Key Takeaways

  • Choose framework based on project requirements and team skills
  • Consider performance, development speed, and maintenance
  • Implement proper testing and CI/CD pipelines
  • Optimize for user experience and platform guidelines
Pro Tip

Test your app on real devices and consider user feedback throughout the development process.