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WebView and In-App Browser: Which Method Is Recommended?

This article compares WebView and In-App Browser, and provides guidance on the recommended method for stable survey responses.

Updated today

When integrating the Dataspace survey response page into your app, you can choose to run it using WebView or In-App Browser. The Dataspace team recommends the In-App Browser method. The characteristics of each method and the reasons for this recommendation are explained below.

Characteristics of WebView and In-App Browser

① WebView

  • A method that directly loads and displays the survey URL within the app.

  • Advantages: The UI can be freely customized to match your app's style.

  • Disadvantages: Basic browser features such as cookies, sessions, pop-ups, and redirects may be restricted, and additional development may be required to address these limitations.

② In-App Browser

  • A method that runs the survey within the app using Chrome Custom Tabs (Android) or iOS SafariViewController.

  • Advantages: Supports native browser features, enabling stable survey responses, and can be used immediately without additional development.

  • Disadvantages: It may be difficult to apply the same UI as your app.

WebView

In-App Browser

Survey Response Stability

May encounter session/cookie issues

Browser environment maintained as-is

Pop-ups (Opening New Windows)

Blocked by default

Supported normally

Link Clicks & Redirects

Requires separate implementation

Supported by default

Maintenance

Managed internally

No separate management required

Technical Support

Dataspace team cannot provide support

Can verify and support normal operation

User Experience

Can be maintained within the app

Runs in a separate browser window

Why the In-App Browser Is Recommended

The Dataspace team recommends using the In-App Browser when conducting surveys. The reasons are as follows:

  • Limitations of WebView: In WebView environments, basic browser features such as cookies, sessions, pop-ups, and redirects may not work properly, which can lead to unexpected errors.

  • Difficulty of support: Such errors fall outside the scope that the Dataspace team can directly verify or support, which may limit the ability to resolve issues.

For stable and smooth survey operation, please prioritize the In-App Browser method wherever possible.

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