Difference between ionic.io and ionic framework

Question

I do not understand what are the difference between ionic.io and ionic framework ? Is it the same thing? So why is there two distinct websites and 2 names for the same product?

Answer 1

Ionic framework is the framework for building hybrid mobile apps. It is, and always will be - free.

Ionic.io is the site for Ionic Platform, which adds additional services like Deploy, Build, Push notifications, User management, etc. It is currently in beta and it's thus free, but as they go live (soon, as far as I know) they will have pricing (there will be a free plan however).

Basically, you do not need Ionic Platform, but it's really awesome and worth the money (in case you fall out of the free tier) if you'll ask any Ionic developer.

Answer 2

In addition to the other answers, I would say:

1. Ionic framework is both

   • A CSS Framework with a lot of reusable and customizable front-end UI elements.
   • A JavaScript UI library with JS components which give life to front-end elements

2. Ionic.io is the ecosystem which includes, among others:

   • Ionic Cloud
   • Ionic Creator
   • Ionic Lab
   • Ionic View

In this post, you can find more information:

https://solidgeargroup.com/hybrid-apps-development-with-ionic