[renesd]

Cordova is all about plugins. You can use a native datepicker plugin for example.

If you need native functionality, use a plugin. (there's probably one already there, but maybe you need to write a tiny bit of native code).

I guess that's the whole point of hybrid that people don't understand - it's a hybrid, and you get to choose the best of both, making the trade offs you need to make for the best result.

Not ideal for every app/budget, but I think people just don't get this part - use the native plugins if you need them! :)

Ship fast, and slowly replace all the bits with native (if you need to). [fast|cheap|good] pick two! (then the third).

[WA]

So, the idea of Ionic/Cordova is: You can release an app without writing native code. Your suggestions certainly work, but they bring up questions:

- How do I write the native code you mentioned?

- How do I plugin the native datepicker in Ionic?

- How do I deal with different native plugins for iOS and Android?

I bet there are solutions for all of these problems, but then again, I might just want to consider React Native, because Ionic doesn't bring any more benefits over React Native.

With Hybrid, it's all a compromise, and it might be worth it. That's not my point. My point is: Don't use Ionic/web-based hybrid, if native input controls play an important part in your app. It might simply not be worth it, because there are better tools to achieve the same outcome.

[renesd]

The datepicker native input plugin exists, so it's just installing it. Then you get a JS api for it.

If it doesn't exist somewhere in the thousands of plugins available, you'll have to make it yourself. The other thing that happens, is perhaps a plugin is only available for Android. Maybe there's another one with a slightly different JS api for iOS... or none.

I've also done emscripten compiled C++ mixed in there. Which replaced various native apps. Since it was mostly OpenGL anyway... the few controls were easily implemented in JS/Html.

Anyway... just trying to share some options. Lots of native cordova plugins available (which I guess is it's main point). I really don't care what other people do... and somehow got drawn in to this discussion again!

[WA]

Thanks for the suggestions. While trying Ionic, I didn't install Cordova plugins to fine-tune input control. I will give it another shot.

[positivecomment]

I mostly agree, just a silly nitpick: Fast usually means cheap, especially if you are talking about software engineering. So I'd say the choice is between "fast & cheap" and good.

[franciskim]

Really nicely put.