Why Use a Web SDK for Barcode Scanning Instead of a Native SDK?

• Web SDK
• Barcode Reader SDK

With the era of modern barcode scanning applications, Web SDK is considered by developers as opposed to traditional native solutions. DataSymbol Barcode Web SDK — a browser-based barcode direct reading software that uses WebAssembly and JavaScript to operate on multiple platforms to identify barcodes using images captured or uploaded through an HTML5 compliant web browser. Here, we will see its major pros against the native SDKs for various platforms (Windows, Android & others).

Cross-platform and universal

The WebAssembly + JavaScript-based interactive SDK works in any modern browser — Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and more. It makes the code reusable for any other device, and all the above-said reasons happened due to this feature. This is opposed to the native SDKs, where you need a specific one for each platform (e.g., Windows, Android, iOS, etc.), NET, and so on, causing the development to be divided into fragments and creating multiple codebases to look after.

Execution speed and efficiency

Instant Web SDK is near native in the browser thanks to WebAssembly. This provides lightning-fast barcode decoding right on the client-side without any degradation in performance.

Easier integration and shorter timelines

A Web SDK is straightforwardly integrated with just HTML and JavaScript. You only have to import the WASM library and JS wrapper — kaboom. No installation, download, or dependency tango. Native SDKs typically involve some setup processes: securing the necessary dependencies, introducing new bits to an existing application (or vice versa), setup for a specific development environment, etc.

Security and local processing

A DataSymbol Web SDK will function completely client-side in the browser, without any other network connections and no data sent to third parties. Native SDKs can work offline, yet many of them require online licensing or authentication as well.

Flexible UI and ready-made components

This includes predefined UI components, multiple barcode modes (it can also include customizable properties, i.e., selecting a scanning area), built-in events such as a scan event, and many more. Native SDKs also provide API for UI, but this is specific to the platform, and you have to develop it separately.

Resource savings and maintainability

A single codebase written in Web SDK can be used across platforms — reducing maintenance, testing, and releasing update efforts to a great extent. Developers need to cater to each native SDK separately and update them, meaning more time and resources.

Performance in challenging conditions

Advanced algorithms in most modern Web and native SDKs are used to take care of damaged, blurry, or badly lit barcodes. Our Web SDK is able to scan in bad conditions at an incredible speed (around 0.004s per code) and processes fully offline as well.

Short comparison tables

Web SDK vs Native SDK

Web SDK vs Windows SDK

Web SDK vs Android SDK

Web SDK is perfect for cross-platform web solutions, especially PWAs.
Android SDK is best for Android-only apps requiring full hardware access.

Summary Table

The Web SDK has a number of benefits for scanning barcodes:

1. Cross-platform without code duplication;
2. Quick integration with minimal effort;
3. Near-native performance;
4. Completely network-independent local processing;
5. Flexible UI and customization;
6. Simple to maintain with one codebase.

For web, PWAs, or cross-platform projects (a unified codebase for many platforms), the Web SDK will do just fine. Native SDKs still have a logic for cases where deep platform integration is necessary or full environment control — but if we only care about the speed of development and maintainability of our code, Web SDKs are already fierce competitors.