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Apache Cordova / Capacitor

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description Apache Cordova / Capacitor Overview

These tools wrap web content (HTML/JS) inside a native container, allowing web developers to target iOS and Android without writing Swift or Kotlin. Capacitor, being the modern successor, improves native bridge access significantly. While excellent for MVPs and content-heavy apps, performance can suffer when the app requires heavy, complex native interactions, as it relies on web views.

help Apache Cordova / Capacitor FAQ

Do Apache Cordova and Capacitor run the same web app inside a phone?

Both can place HTML, CSS, and JavaScript inside a native WebView, then bridge selected device features to web code. Cordova's own guide describes its apps as browser-based WebViews, while Capacitor calls itself a cross-platform native runtime for iOS and Android ([Cordova](https://cordova.apache.org/docs/en/latest/guide/hybrid/webviews/), [Capacitor](https://capacitorjs.com/docs)).

What is the practical difference between Cordova and Capacitor plugins?

Cordova plugins use the Cordova bridge and configuration files such as config.xml to map JavaScript calls to native code. Capacitor keeps native iOS and Android projects visible and uses a plugin API with Swift, Java, and JavaScript implementations ([Cordova plugin guide](https://cordova.apache.org/docs/en/latest/guide/platforms/android/plugin/), [Capacitor docs](https://capacitorjs.com/docs)).

Can Capacitor target iOS and Android without Swift or Kotlin for every screen?

Yes, the main UI can be written with web technologies and shipped to iOS and Android, so you do not need to rewrite every screen in Swift or Kotlin. Native code is still needed when the required feature is not covered by a plugin or web API.

Are Cordova or Capacitor good for a graphics-heavy 3D game?

They are strongest for web-first apps, MVPs, and content-heavy interfaces where a WebView is acceptable. A graphics-heavy 3D game or a feature that needs deep platform control may be a poor fit because performance and native API access depend on the WebView and plugins.

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