Cross-platform integration
Integration options
Fourthline offers two ways to connect your app to the mobile SDKs.
- Bridge: A custom bridge built by your team to connect your framework directly to the native SDKs.
- Plugin: A packaged integration maintained by Fourthline, available for multiple frameworks.
Choose a bridge for maximum flexibility and version independence, or a plugin for simplicity and speed. See the detailed comparison below.
Bridge
A bridge is a custom wrapper you build to connect your app framework directly to the native SDKs. It gives you full flexibility and control, since you decide which SDK features to expose. It also removes the need for extra plugin layers and simplifies version compatibility.
Fourthline currently provides documentation for creating a custom React Native bridge. Additional custom bridges will be documented as they become available.
Plugins
A plugin is a ready-made module that links your framework (Cordova, Flutter, React Native) to the Fourthline SDKs. It lets you integrate faster with minimal native development.
Fourthline provides ready-made plugins for popular frameworks, so you can connect to the mobile SDKs without writing native code.
Comparison
See a detailed comparison below:
| Feature | Bridge | Plugin |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A wrapper your team builds to connect the app framework to the native SDKs (currently React Native). | A packaged module that connects the framework (Cordova, Flutter, React Native) to the native SDKs. |
| Owner | Maintained by your team. | Maintained by Fourthline. |
| Setup effort | Medium – use the provided example files to create the bridge. Your team controls when to upgrade SDK versions. | Low – fast time-to-integrate. |
| Updates | Your team controls SDK update timing – just update the version numbers when you’re ready. | Frequent updates. Plugin releases depend on both SDK upgrades and framework version changes. |
| Support | Full support on the native SDKs. Bridge troubleshooting remains within your team. | Support and compatibility fixes are provided by Fourthline. |
| Best fit | Maximum flexibility, no React Native version clashes, and always up-to-date with the latest SDK. | Fast integration, minimal native development. |
Important
- Breaking changes in the SDK are rare.
- Fourthline can advise on common integration issues, even when you build your own bridge.
Next steps
Learn more about Fourthline's Identity Verification solution.
Updated 29 days ago