React Native Vs. Native: The Only Guide You Need for App Development

React Native Vs. Native: The Only Guide You Need to Decide which is better for App Development

There is no doubt how fast the mobile industry has grown and spread its wings in the market. With the availability of thousands of mobile applications, everyone is getting smarter. You will be amazed by the number of different mobile applications downloaded so far and in the coming years.

Thus, you can say that an innovative and interactive mobile application has become the need of the hour. Different languages and platforms have been used to create amazing applications so far. But what is a new and trending thing in mobile app development?

Creating mobile applications is a creative task for that developer who requires quick and efficient language. Thus, here we are discussing React Native. But what is it, and how is it leaving the traditional technologies behind? As you can see from the below chart how React native has outranked other alternatives for app development.

So, in this article, we will be throwing some light on the popular debate about why React Native is better than Native for app development. Earlier mobile apps were created using native languages. Then what has changed? Let’s deep dive into the details and explore why React is getting popular.

What is Native?

What is Native

Before we jump to React Native. First we understand what native is. Native applications are developed to be used on a single platform or machine. Such applications use device-specific hardware and software. This has increased the mobile app development time to run on different platforms, which is a challenging task for any developer.

Thus, the introduction of React Native spread a positive vibe to reduce the tension among developers. But, you will be shocked to know that React Native is just a product of a big technological mistake.

Before the introduction of RN, the native app was used for large-scale and top brands, such as Facebook, Snapchat, and Banking apps. It will be foolish to say that RN has completely wiped out the native apps, as many companies still use them per their business requirements.

Native apps are one of the dedicated solutions with superior performance, thus are still popular for B2C or C2C purposes. It does not compromise on quality, performance, cost, and development time. To understand why Native is getting replaced by many companies, we must look at its pros and cons.

Why use Native apps?

Below are the benefits of using native app development.

  • You will experience better and improved performance as the applications load and runs faster with minimal chances of bugs.
  • The code will run directly on top of the OS without needing any software layer in between, so there will be no impact on performance. Thus, you can use GPS, accelerometer, and microphone faster and better.
  • It helps developers to leverage platform-specific tools and libraries for optimized performance.
  • Even without the internet, your applications will adapt automatically without any impact on their working. Such apps will only need the internet to load the fresh data while working perfectly fine without the internet.
  • It has a better UI experience.
  • Native apps are highly secured as the base code is compiled to assembly language without exposing the source code.

Disadvantages of using Native apps

Despite several advantages and the capability to handle platform-specific applications so gracefully, it has some limitations.

  • As the natively compiled code on top of the OS, you cannot use the code for any other platform, and developers need to create new code for different platforms.
  • Apart from this, you need to invest more time and money in creating multiple versions of your app for different platforms. Cost is one of the major factors for companies with a limited budget to switch to RN (React Native).
  • Native apps come with expensive maintenance. Whenever a company thinks of updating or enhancing any app feature, it will accumulate huge costing, as shown below.

Use cases of Native apps

Some use cases make more sense when you use native apps rather than cross-platform like React native apps. Some scenarios are-

  • Native apps work well when you launch complex applications that need to use all the required features of the underlying device or platform.
  • As you can leverage all the features, having native apps will help you experience the core goodness of the underlying device or platform.
  • Some apps perform better when curated for a specific platform; in that case, companies prefer native apps instead of cross-platform apps.
  • It suits better when you have sufficient resources to support the logistical demands to run many mobile development streams while keeping them in sync.

Well, you cannot say that native app development is outdated. But if we want a cross-platform framework for developing mobile apps, we must look forward to React Native.

React Native, an improved choice for app development?

In 2015, Facebook released an open-source project (React Native) as a JavaScript-based mobile app framework. It has thrilled the entire development community as it can create natively-rendered mobile apps for iOS and Android. Developers can simply create an application for different platforms by using the same codebase for different platforms.

Today, every developer is using React Native to create fantastic mobile-based applications. Within no time, React Native has become popular among developers. Not only this, the top giants in the market are using the unending power of React Native. Some top examples are Instagram, Facebook, and Skype. There are several reasons that have made React Native a top choice of every mobile developer.

Firstly, with React Native, you only need just one single code to make it run on both iOS and Android platforms, resulting in huge time and resource savings. React Native is written using JavaScript and recognized as a “hybrid” framework, making it platform-independent. Thus, it differs from traditional apps written in native languages such as Java or Kotlin.

Hybrid or Native- The Impact on Development price

Secondly, React Native was built based on top of React, which is a common and popularity used JavaScript library.

Thirdly, the framework benefits frontend developers, who used to produce production-ready apps for mobile platforms.

In the past few years, React Native has been giving tough competition to other cross-platform frameworks in the past few years, as shown below.

Working on the React Native

React Native is a JavaScript-based framework for creating iOS and Android applications. To render UI, it also uses native components to render UI to provide the native feel and added portability. Facebook came up with React Native for a smoother process of cross-platform mobile development. All programming is done using JavaScript with JSX extension.

If you are creating Android applications, the views are written using Kotlin or Java. In contrast, to create an iOS application, views are written using Swift or Objective-C. But using React Native (RN), you can create these views with JavaScript using React components to create a native application, as the components are backed by the same views as Android and iOS.

The important thing to note is that the JavaScript code will be run in a separate thread, so there will be no impact on the animations and UI.

JavaScript handles all the business logic, while the native realm renders the UI and handles the device interactions smoothly. These two domains rely on something called “the Bridge” to communicate.

Advantages of React Native

Below are some significant advantages of using React Native.

  • Developers can create a mobile or hybrid app development for all platforms with a single code. It has reduced the manual effort for every mobile developer. Thus, companies prefer RN due to reduced development and maintenance costs.
  • Due to cross-platform, maintenance has become easier.
  • As you can create apps for both the App store and the play store, you can cater to a large audience than native apps.
  • React native developers can create apps for different mobile platforms, thus requiring fewer resources.

Disadvantages of using React Native

Despite its increasing popularity and usage, React native still has some limitations that a developer must be aware of.

  • There is no doubt that creating cross-platform applications can be beneficial in many ways, but it might hamper your application’s performance. Smartphones have low computing power as compared to a desktop, so rendering the HTML5 or CSS UI elements in the app takes more GPU and CPU resources, which can impact the response time of the application or even crash.
  • With a cross-platform facility, you cannot expect your applications to leverage all the features and functionalities of the device it is running, which brings some restrictions. For example, an app that can run on both Android and iOS, neither of them can experience at home.
  • Highly dependent on the maintenance team as they will notify any issue and provide support for the newly introduced feature.

Use cases of React Native apps

Choosing React native is a straightforward choice for developers. They know when to go for native and when for React native. Below are some use cases that consider React native.

  • React native suits better for simple or medium-level complex applications that can run on any platform without technical issues. Some apps like business automation, e-Commerce, etc.
  • If you have a limited deadline and budget, you can simply choose to react native for cross-platform mobile app development.
  • If you do not have geographical limitations, blindly go for react native cross-platform application development.

 

React Native vs. Native

As we see the basic picture, React Native and native app development has the following differences that make both of them unique. Both have different use cases and requirements from developers.

Cross Platform vs. Native

React Native vs. Native

What makes React Native a possible choice for startups?

What makes React Native a possible choice for startups?

React Native is getting more popularity among startups due to the below-mentioned reasons.

  • Startups usually target every type of audience. That is only possible if they create cross-platform applications. For this, developers mostly prefer React Native app development services.
  • Also, it might be difficult and out of budget to have cross-skilled developers who can create applications with different codes for different platforms. Thus, using React Native reduces the effort in hiring professionals.
  • Startups normally have a low budget, so their demand can only be fulfilled using React Native approach.
  • With React native, startups can launch their applications simultaneously for different platforms.

Brands using React Native?

Below are some top brands in the market using React Native.

Top brands in the market using React Native

Conclusion: a stop to an endless debate

It is estimated that the mobile market will keep booming and can break its record, as per the below stats.

Mobile-apps revenue

Choosing between React native and native apps is not a complex decision. It depends on your project requirement. You can consider various factors while making the decision. Both have different use cases, pros, and cons that make the decision even simple.

We hope, you got answers to all your confusion. This might be a never-ending debate, but for some, it is an easy choice.

Flutter vs Native: Choosing the Right Mobile App Development Technology

Flutter vs Native: Choosing the Right Mobile App Development Technology

Flutter and Native are not new terms to come around. If you are a mobile app developer, these are the terms that you listen to and work on a daily basis. But if you are a business owner and want to develop a mobile app, they must be confusing for you.

Choosing the right technology stack for mobile app development could be a tough job even more than the whole creation process.

So, should you make a native app or a Flutter app? In terms of development pattern, performance, maintenance, pricing, and other various factors, these approaches are totally different.

Many organizations are still interested in cross-platform apps because native apps for iOS and Android are more expensive to develop and maintain. Furthermore, cross-platform programming is less difficult than native development which is an important factor for any business. Since 2018, Flutter’s cross-platform architecture has been getting popular in various industries, including retail, financial, and e-commerce.

When comparing Flutter vs. Native programming, both offer excellent scalability and a good user experience. However, developing your app with Flutter is faster and easier because you’ll require fewer developers and their time will be limited.

There are pros and cons of both technologies.
As you go through this blog, you will learn everything about Flutter and Native technologies which would help you choose the best one.

What is Flutter?

Flutter is an open-source framework that uses Dart by Google as its programming language. It’s also known as an enhanced UI toolkit that’s used to create cross-platform apps from a single codebase. The framework makes it possible to create a user interface that is simple to read and versatile while maintaining native speed. A team of Google developers, as well as the entire flutter community, maintain and support it.

Here are the use cases of Flutter:

  • MVP mobile apps
  • Material design apps
  • OS-level based apps

At the same time, the major drawbacks of most cross-platform frameworks are the user experience that is not as good as native. But Flutter is an exception.

With Flutter, you can build robust and scalable apps with high-quality UI/UX that look like native iOS and Android apps.

Use cases of Flutter:

Flutter

  • MVP mobile applications
  • Apps with material design
  • Apps that function with OS-level features
  • Advanced OS plugins with simple logic
  • High-performance apps with Skia rendering engine
  • Flexible UI with high-level widgets
  • Reactivate apps with vast data integration

What are Native Technologies?

Native technologies are used to create an app for iOS, Android, or Windows specifically. Native languages such as Java and C++ are used to develop Native apps. As expected, Android native apps look and feel different from iOS ones, even though they share the same functionalities. Even though they have the same functionality, Android native apps have a different look and feel than iOS apps. Native apps are downloaded via Google Play for Android and Apple’s App Store for iOS.

The following are some of the most widely used Android and iOS frameworks and programming languages:

  • Android languages: Kotlin, Java. Development environment: Android Studio
  • iOS languages: Swift, Objective-C. Development environment: Xcode

Native app development and support, on the other hand, require significant investments. This is due to the fact that two separate development teams are required for two different platforms. They must also adapt business logic, duplicate interface logic, and layout to each platform’s characteristics.

Use cases of Native technologies:

Native technologies

  • AR/VR applications
  • Apps with rich-animations
  • Gaming apps
  • Standalone native applications
  • Apps with complex/advanced UI
  • GPS-centric apps
  • Travel based applications

Flutter vs Native: Comparison

Flutter vs Native: Comparison

1. Speed and Cost of Development

Flutter

Flutter uses the write-once, run-anywhere design. This means that developers can build a single piece of code that works the best on both iOS and Android. Platform development expenses and time are cut in half with this method.
Flutter makes it simple for developers to create code. Furthermore, the codes are simpler to comprehend. Because of the low cost of training, even novice developers can quickly learn.

Native Technologies

The time it takes to develop a native app is determined on your budget, deadline, and scalability. The main reason for choosing native technology to create small-scale and enterprise-level apps is to meet the expectations of Android and iOS users. The development team may be larger in this situation, or two independent teams for Android and iOS may be formed.

This method increases the investment budget by requiring the teams to build two sets of code for different platforms.

2. Code Maintenance

Flutter

Because you only have to maintain one codebase for both iOS and Android apps, a Flutter app is easier to manage. This ease of use aids developers in identifying issues, locating and utilizing external tools, and integrating third-party sources.

When compared to native structures, the time it takes to deploy updates and change app features and specifications is less. This provides flexibility, which aids in corporate stability.

Code example: Flutter MainScreen, UI component in “HomePage”

Flutter

 

Native Technologies

In this case, you’ll have to program your app for many platforms, maintaining a native app takes more time and money. Maintaining two independent codebases, for example, requires the developer to identify faults and issues for each platform and create regular updates. Additionally, as the number of supported operating system devices grows, so does the expense of maintenance.

Code example: Kotlin UI design in XML File-

Kotlin UI design in XML File

 

3. App Performance

Flutter

Flutter does not require a bridge to communicate between native modules. This is made possible by the fact that native components are available by default. Even a very basic app developed on Flutter performs at 60FPS, according to the performance metric used by an average device. As a result, the time it takes to render each structure is not more than 16 milliseconds.

Flutter uses the Skia graphics package, which allows the UI to be revised whenever the app view changes.

Native Technologies

Without relying on any external library package, Android and iOS apps operate admirably. Native performance functionality is the only reason for this performance. At 60 and 120 frames per second, native apps perform exceptionally. Furthermore, performance in apps using core animation remains unaffected. Native technology can load to RAM up to 30 percent to 45 percent of overall GPU performance.

4. Native Features and Integration Capacities

Flutter

Integration of unique features of third-party libraries or plugins is not difficult with Flutter, although it may appear quite difficult to developers not familiar with Dart’s capabilities. Add-on plugins such as Android Archive (AAR), CocoaPods, and others are needed to integrate specific functionalities for iOS and Android. The Flutter engine, on the other hand, has several limitations when using Xcode to import native modules into Android Studio.

It comes with step-by-step instructions for overcoming these obstacles and successfully integrating it with iOS and Android devices.

Native Technologies

Based on the software design pattern and application performance, the integration possibilities of iOS and Android via their respective frameworks and programming languages differ. To summarize, most native frameworks, including Swift, which are used to develop iOS apps, offer increased security and expressive developments in capabilities, as well as quick integration options.

Consider the Android programming languages Kotlin and Java. By simply using their default runtime classes or Intellij environment, both frameworks provide seamless integration.

5. App Size

Flutter

The size of an app is primarily determined by the Dart Virtual Machine and the C/C++ engine. The “hello world” program written in Flutter, for example, uses about .5 MB of memory. Flutter, on the other hand, can be designed to hold all codes and assets in order to keep away from size constraints. Flutter’s usage of unique tags, such as –split-debug-info, also helps to minimize code size.

Native Technologies

To demonstrate the minimum size that native technologies provide to Android and iOS platforms, a basic app can be employed. In this scenario, the size of the Android app written in Java is 539 KB, while Kotlin is not more than 550 KB.

The basic app on iOS, on the other hand, is between 1MB and 3MB in size. For Android, an app’s maximum size is between 15MB and 35MB. However, if you use an external third-party program, you can drastically minimize this size.

Conclusion:

Experts at OnGraph believe that crisis conditions will inevitably force more companies to choose Flutter app development as an excellent opportunity to move quickly online and extend their impact in the digital world.

If you are looking for an option to quickly develop an application for Android and iOS without serious losses in quality and budget, give Flutter app development a chance now, and contact us.