React Native is an open-source JavaScript framework, designed to build applications across multiple platforms such as iOS, Android, and web applications, using the same code base. It is based on React and brings all its glory to mobile app development.
2. What is React Native?
React Native is an open-source JavaScript framework, designed to build applications across multiple platforms such as iOS,
Android, and web applications, using the same code base. It is based on React and brings all its glory to mobile app
development.
Both entities: ReactJS (the web) and React Native are made life by Facebook. React Native was a Hackathon project aimed at
solving the company’s biggest problem - keeping two basic codes for their app. Problems with maintaining two code bases for
such a large app? Duplication of work and, sometimes, solving the same problem in two different ways. React Native is a direct
answer to these problems.
React Native uses JavaScript to integrate the application interface but uses the native OS view. For more sophisticated features, it
allows the use of code in native OS languages (Swift and Objective-C for iOS, and Java and Kotlin for Android).
3. React vs React Native
React is a JavaScript open-source library used in the past to create fast and reliable User Interfaces for web applications. It is
largely based on reusable components.
As we have said, like React Native some years later, React was also cured by Facebook in 2011 as a direct response to their
resilience issues. It was a time when Facebook ads were growing exponentially, and continuous updates to their UI lowered the
stage significantly. React solved this problem, and in 2012, when Instagram was discovered by Facebook, it was re-used in the
app's timeline.
React Native, powered by React and developed by Facebook, was a natural result of React. It is a mobile framework that allows
you to build close-up applications using JavaScript.
The main point? The two structures are closely related but have a completely different purposes. React is used for web
development, and React Native (non-HTML) is used for mobile app development.
4. How does React Native work?
We mentioned that React Native uses JavaScript to generate an application interface. Unlike its competitors (e.g. Ionic), React
Native is not based on the web visibility, but on real-world content provided by Native forums. It has built-in access to native
views and components and can use native code and allow the API to access OS-specific features within the application. The
question is - how does that happen?
React Native uses the concept of "bridge", which allows for harmonious communication between JavaScript and native objects -
the concept of a bridge deep in the heart of React Native flexibility. Indigenous and JavaScript objects are completely different
technologies, but they are intertwined.
This type of architecture offers the advantage of using many native OS features, but also comes with significant challenges; e.g.
Frequent use of bridges within the app may slow down its performance. When you build an app that includes multiple events, a
lot of data, etc. React Native may not be the best option. More on that below.
5. Benefits of React Native
Code reuse and faster development
The simultaneous effective development of multiple platforms is a major and powerful benefit of React Native. Using the same
code base for different platforms has other advantages: faster development and market arrival time for your app, easier and
cheaper maintenance (you care for one code base and not many), and a smooth entry process for new developers joining the
project.
Thanks to the "hot reload" feature, React Native enables developers to see code changes in the live preview, without the need to
update anything. This seemingly small tweak can dramatically improve the development process as it provides real-time
feedback on anything that has been changed within the code.
Performance
Compared to other cross-platform app development solutions, the concept of the React Native “bridge” can be seen as flexible.
Since React Native applications allow the use of natively written code it does not work as web-based solutions. The official
claim is that React Native provides "native" functionality, but it is not true, the best way to put it is that it provides "native"
information.
6. Cost-effective
Cost efficiency is the heart and the reason for cross-platform development. Because of the reuse of code in many forums, you
often need a small team to deliver the project. Contrary to Native development where you need two different teams to bring two
similar performance products instead of one.
A growing community of developers
React Native is an open-source framework, and from now on its community is thriving and growing. We will never forget the
involvement of Facebook, as they are constantly working on development and features that expand the framework. What this
means for you is that even if you are experiencing an unresolved issue in React Native you can find a lot of people who are
willing to help you as they look to make the framework more comprehensive and sustainable.
7. Disadvantages of Native React
New technology (but evolving)
React Native is relatively new, and as we mentioned earlier, it certainly has limitations, flaws, and problems that need to be
addressed. Some custom modules are out of date, meaning developers may need more time to build and build their new ones
from scratch. Your partner company or developers should inform you about this during the app evaluation process.
The need for native mobile developers
A very strong React Native property - using native code to work better means that sometimes React Native developers may find
themselves in need of help from native mobile application developers. The same goes for publishing an app in the AppStore and
Google Play Store. In general, native mobile developers are very familiar with the process and documentation required for a
successful launch.
This may not be a problem when you are working with an agency, where there are already native mobile developers who can
give the React Native team a hand. But it is something to consider when working with your cross-platform team only.
8. React Native is not compatible with complex designs and collaborations
React Native functionality fluctuates when you are faced with complex UI decisions, complex animation, and complex
interactions. Again, this is due to the concept of the bridge - all native modules should be connected to the JavaScript component
of the application, and many such interactions may delay the application significantly, making it fragile and giving a bad
impression.
Rely on Facebook
Relying on a third-party open-source technology has its disadvantages. If Facebook decides to stop using technology it could
cause others to back off. As of now, there is nothing to suggest this turn of events: Facebook uses React Native in their main
Facebook app, the Ads Manager app, Facebook Analytics, and Instagram. The frame community is constantly growing and big new
companies are jumping into the game.
Still, this is something to keep in mind. Indigenous technology provides more support and retrospective support, compared to
any other cross-platform solution.
9. Nearby Native performance is still lower than Native
We have discussed React Native app development functionality as surpassing other available solutions, but it is still somewhat
slow compared to the development of the Native application. The impact of React Native on the performance of your app is best
discussed with your team of developers. Most of the apps available, a small, virtually invisible band, can grow, however, if the
app is facing a lot of data or "bridges".