Mobile App Development Using Vue.js — The Complete Guide

Introduction

Vue.js has evolved beyond traditional web interfaces. With modern frameworks like Ionic, Capacitor, Nuxt, and Quasar, you can create fully functional mobile applications using a single Vue-based codebase. Whether you're a freelancer, beginner, or professional developer, Vue provides a highly efficient workflow for multi-platform app development.

1. Easiest Method: Ionic + Vue

Best for: Simple apps, client projects, MVPs

Output: Android, iOS, PWA

Why Ionic?

• Comes with mobile-optimized UI components
• Capacitor allows access to native features (camera, vibration, file system)
• Easy setup and fastest method for Vue mobile apps

Steps

# Install Ionic
npm install -g @ionic/cli

# Create App
ionic start myApp tabs --type vue

# Run App
ionic serve

# Build for Android / iOS
ionic build
npx cap add android
npx cap open android

2. Best Nuxt Method: Nuxt + Capacitor

Best for: Build Website + Mobile App combined

Output: Android, iOS, SEO-friendly website

Why Choose Nuxt?

• One codebase for web + mobile
• Full SEO benefits using SSR
• Capacitor converts Nuxt into a mobile app

Steps

# Create Nuxt Project
npx nuxi init my-nuxt-app
cd my-nuxt-app
npm install

# Build the App
npm run build

# Add Capacitor
npm install @capacitor/core @capacitor/cli
npx cap init myapp com.example.myapp

# Copy Nuxt Build
npx cap copy

# Open Android Studio
npx cap open android

3. Most Mature Mobile Framework: Quasar

Best for: Large apps & multi-platform solutions

Output: Android, iOS, Desktop (Electron), PWA, Web

Why Choose Quasar?

• Huge component library
• Very fast performance
• Build for all platforms using one command

Steps

# Install Quasar CLI
npm install -g @quasar/cli

# Create App
npm init quasar

# Run Dev Server
quasar dev

# Build Mobile
quasar dev -m capacitor -T android

4. Vue Native (Not Recommended)

Vue Native was once used for creating native mobile apps with Vue-like syntax, but the project is no longer maintained. For modern mobile development, rely on Ionic, Nuxt, or Quasar instead.