I've researched several cross-platform app development frameworks. We want a platform that's free to use, powerful, and runs on iOS, Android, and Windows Phones. Candidates include PhoneGap, Xamarin, CodenameOne, and Qt. It would be difficult to maintain one code-base per OS, but this is also an option.
Qt seems like the best framework for our purposes. With it we can write efficient and multi-platform C++ code. Not only that, but it comes with a JSON/JavaScript-like domain-specific-language called QML for describing graphics layouts and most application logic. QML doesn't support networking so we will have to write the TCP or HTTP code using C++, but QML works well with C++ components.
Qt gives us the benefits of developing with PhoneGap, an easy-to-use language with WYSIWYG editor, and the benefits of writing the app using a compiled language as we would use CodenameOne and Xamarin.
I learned all of this from its very readable documentation --- another feature!
Qt employs asynchronous functions and a related concept called "signals" for handling many inputs, like clicks or network requests. When used right, these improve the application's efficiency; but we'll have to learn about this new control style.
--Hugo
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