What is Cordova?

Cordova is the engine that powers PhoneGap.

Table of Contents

1. History
2. Compatibility

Apache Cordova is the engine that powers PhoneGap. Similar to how Webkit is the engine that powers Safari, Linux is the kernel that powers Android, and Unreal is the engine that powers popular video games.

PhoneGap contributes an incredible amount to Apache Cordova. Almost everything in fact! And this is an active choice, because Apache Cordova is the engine that powers many hybrid app distributions. By remaining aligned with Apache Cordova, PhoneGap is able to promote hybrid app development and offer solutions to problems that Apache cannot.

History

Apache Cordova is PhoneGap.

In 2011, PhoneGap donated its entire codebase to Apache and rebranded itself as Apache Cordova. Why do that? Because Apache is a non-profit organization that will protect the project and ensure that it continues to move in the direction desired by the community. This allowed the project to gain even more contributors, such as Microsoft, Amazon, and Google. And we're incredibly grateful for this!

With PhoneGap stripped down to the bone, it was able to start fresh and now focuses on user experience. We are able to host services and publish applications that the Apache organization cannot manage. All the while, the PhoneGap team remains one of Apache Cordova's core contributors.

Compatibility

All Apache Cordova projects work with PhoneGap.

All PhoneGap projects work with Apache Cordova.

While we've had a few bumps in the road, this is the rule that we live by.