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May 1, 2023

Why React Native is Ideal for Building Cross-Platform Business Apps

React Native is the second most popular cross-platform mobile app development framework and holds the sixth rank among all development frameworks with a market share of 38%.

Since its creation, React Native has been on an upward trend, with more and more developers and businesses opting to use it as their primary framework for creating mobile applications due to its reliability and scalability.

Around 53% of developers have experience with React Native, making it the second most popular mobile development framework according to the 2021 State of JavaScript report.

In this blog, we will uncover various aspects of React Native app development, from how to use and benefits to comparison with other cross-platform app development frameworks.

What is React Native App Development?

React Native is an open-source cross-platform mobile app development framework developed by Facebook that enables developers to build native-like mobile apps by leveraging the React.js library.

With React Native app development, you can design high-performing, feature-rich, mobile apps with a single codebase in JavaScript that runs on various platforms like Android and iOS. You can also use the same techniques, tools, and workflows that are utilized for web development, making easier transitions from web development to mobile app development.

Instead of web-based components, React Native app development employs native components, hence providing a better app performance. React Native also boasts a large developer community, that builds third-party plugins, integrations, and libraries to extend its functionalities and assist other developers.

What’s New in the React Native Ecosystem

The React Native ecosystem is always changing, with new updates, tools, and features coming out all the time. In case you’re interested in what’s new in the React Native ecosystem, here you go:

React Native 0.64: React Native released version 0.64 with various new features, improvements, and bug fixes. Hermes runtime configuration, accessibility improvements, and iOS and Android components are important features.
Expo SDK 43: Expo SDK is a popular React Native app development and deployment toolkit. SDK 43 supports iOS 15, Android 12, and TypeScript 4.4.
React Native Navigation v6: A popular React Native navigation library. v6 adds stack presentation, a tab bar component, and performance improvements.
React Native Firebase: React Native Firebase integrates Firebase, Google’s mobile developer platform, easily. The latest upgrades support Firebase Authentication v9, Performance Monitoring, and ML Kit.
React Native CLI: This command-line interface builds and manages React Native projects. The latest updates enhance TypeScript support, project initiation, and third-party integration.

The Architecture of React Native

React Native adheres to a unidirectional data flow design, meaning that data travels in a single path via the application’s components. The architecture is based on the Facebook-developed Flux architectural pattern.

The primary components of React Native are:

View: This component is in charge of displaying the user interface. It also can have additional elements like text and pictures.
Props: They are the data supplied to a child component by its parent. They cannot be altered within the component as they are immutable.
State: It is a component’s internal data. It is modifiable by the component itself, and when it is, the component is re-rendered.
Redux: It is a library for state management that is compatible with React Native. It keeps the application state in a single store, from which the components can access the state.
Actions: They are events that initiate state changes within an application. These are sent to the store, which then updates the state and re-renders the components.
Reducers: They are functions that manage activities and change the state of the application.

React Native employs a Virtual DOM (VDOM) to efficiently update the user interface. It is a lightweight clone of the actual DOM that determines the least number of updates required to update the user interface. This makes React Native apps more efficient and quicker.

How is React Native Better Than Flutter For App Development?

Both React Native and Flutter are well-known cross-platform mobile app development frameworks for developing. Although they have some similarities, they also have substantial differences. Here are some important distinctions between React Native app development and Flutter app development

Languages

React Native uses JavaScript, and Flutter uses Dart. JavaScript is a more popular language that developers find easier to learn and utilize. Dart, on the other hand, is a more recent programming language that was created expressly for app development.

React Native use native components, whereas Flutter employs its own collection of widgets. Native components offer superior performance and a more consistent user experience, whereas Flutter widgets offer greater customization and flexibility.

Development environment

For each platform, React Native requires a distinct development environment, such as Xcode for iOS and Android Studio for Android. Flutter offers a unified development environment across both platforms.

Hot reloading

React Native supports hot reloading, which allows developers to observe changes in the app without having to rebuild or restart the app. Flutter has a similar functionality called “hot reload,” although it isn’t as fast as React Native

Community support

Because React Native has a larger and more established developer community, it has access to a broader choice of tools and third-party libraries. The Flutter community is fast increasing, yet it is still young in comparison to React Native.

Performance

Compared to React Native, Flutter has better performance because it compiles code to native ARM machine code, while React Native uses a bridge to talk to native components.

Difference between React Native App Development and Xamarin App Development?

React Native and Xamarin are both popular cross-platform mobile app frameworks. Here are the key differences between React Native app development and Xamarin app development:

Languages

React Native use JavaScript, whereas Xamarin uses C#. Developers may find JavaScript easier to learn. Modern app development language C# is ideal for enterprise apps.

User interface

React Native use native components, whereas Xamarin employs its own set of controls. Xamarin controls are more customizable, but native components run better and offer a more consistent user experience.

Development environment

Xcode for iOS and Android Studio for Android are required for React Native development. Xamarin’s cross-platform programming environment simplifies development.

Community support

React Native has a larger developer community with more tools and third-party libraries. Xamarin’s community is powerful but smaller than React Native’s.

Performance

As Xamarin converts code to native machine code, it outperforms React Native, which uses a bridge to interface with native components.

Cost

Xamarin requires a license for full functionality, which might be expensive for small enterprises and individual developers. Smaller teams can use React Native because it’s open source.

How to Start React Native App Development?

Install Node.js

React Native can’t run without Node.js and the Node Package Manager (npm) is installed. Node.js can be downloaded from its official website and set up in a matter of minutes if you read and follow the instructions carefully.

Install the React Native CLI

React Native includes a command-line interface (CLI) tool for creating and managing projects. You can install it in your terminal by typing the following command:

npm install -g react-native-cli

Start a new project

The react-native init command can be used to create a new React Native project. For instance, you can enter this command in the terminal to initiate the creation of a new project with the name “MyApp”:

react-native init MyApp

This will create a new project with the basic file structure and dependencies.

Run the project

You can run the project using the following command:

cd MyApp

react-native run-ios

This will start the iOS simulator and launch the app.

Write the code

You can now begin developing your app’s code by making use of React Native’s APIs and components. React Native comes with a set of fundamental components that you can use to design your user interface, including text, image, view, ScrollView, and others.

Debugging and testing

You can test and debug your app using the React Native development tools. For example, you can analyze the component hierarchy and state using the React Native Debugger tool, and log warnings and errors using the console.

Create and deploy

When you’ve designed and tested your app, use tools like Xcode and Android Studio to build and push it to app stores.

What is the Difference between React Native App Development For Android and iOS?

While React Native allows for the creation of cross-platform mobile applications, development for the Android and iOS platforms differs. Here are some of the notable differences:

UI Components

React Native includes a set of UI components that may be used to create applications. However, the UI components for Android and iOS differ slightly. Developers must verify that the application’s UI components are compatible with both platforms.

Platform-Specific APIs

Android and iOS have platform-specific APIs that the other platform does not have. While React Native gives access to the majority of the core APIs, developers may need to leverage platform-specific APIs to provide platform-specific functionality in some cases.

Platform-Specific Styling

Because the styling for the Android and iOS platforms changes greatly, developers must ensure that the application’s design and layout adhere to the platform-specific requirements. React Native allows developers to easily generate platform-specific styles by providing a means to declare styles for both platforms.

Navigation

React Native includes a navigation library that allows developers to design screen navigation. The navigation styles, however, change across Android and iOS. Developers must ensure that the navigation styles follow platform-specific rules.

Debugging

Debugging React Native apps for Android and iOS differ differently. While both platforms include debugging tools, the debugging process differs. To effectively debug apps, developers must be familiar with platform-specific debugging tools.

How can Businesses Benefit From React Native App Development?

React Native offers numerous benefits to businesses wishing to develop mobile applications. Among the primary benefits are:

Cross-platform development

Using React Native, developers can create apps for both the iOS and Android platforms using a single codebase. Developers can save time and money by not having to design different codebases for each platform.

Reduced development cycles

The hot reloading feature of React Native allows developers to see changes in the app instantaneously, without having to rebuild or restart the app. This can hasten the development process and shorten the time to market.

Code reusability

Developers can save time and energy by reusing code between projects, thanks to React Native’s modular design and component-based architecture.

High performance

React Native renders the user interface using native components, which gives greater performance than hybrid application development frameworks that rely on web-based components.

Scalability

The modular architecture of React Native enables businesses to easily extend their apps, adding new features and capabilities without having to completely rewrite the app.

Large developer community

React Native offers a huge and active developer community that provides access to a variety of resources, tools, and third-party libraries that can expand the functionality of an app.

Business Challenges Faced During React Native App Development

While there are many benefits for organizations to use React Native, there are also potential drawbacks. Some of the major obstacles include:

Absence of native functionality

While React Native gives you access to numerous native device capabilities and APIs, some of them may be unavailable or have restricted usefulness. This can be difficult for organizations that need unique app functionalities.

Issues with compatibility

React Native may not be compatible with all third-party libraries and frameworks, which can be difficult for organizations that rely on these tools in their development workflow.

Support for legacy systems is limited

Because React Native is a new technology, it may not be well-suited for enterprises that need to integrate with older legacy systems or technologies.

Developer recruitment and training

It can be difficult to find skilled React Native developers, and firms may need to invest time and resources in training their developers on this technology.

Debugging and testing

Debugging and testing React Native apps can be difficult because the technology is still emerging and developers may have limited resources and tools.

Popular Apps Built By Leveraging React Native App Development

Several well-known apps have been built with React Native, making it a popular approach to developing cross-platform mobile applications. These are some examples of popular React Native apps:

Facebook: In 2015, Facebook rebuilt parts of its app using React Native. React Native powers numerous Facebook features.
Instagram: Instagram, which is owned by Facebook, also employs React Native in some portions of its app. This contains the Explore tab, main feed, and profile page elements.
Skype: Skype, a popular video-conferencing app, uses React Native for its mobile app. The program lets users phone, text, and transfer files smoothly.
Tesla: Tesla’s mobile app uses React Native to control automobiles, and monitor battery conditions, and other capabilities.
Bloomberg: Bloomberg’s real-time market data, news, and analysis mobile app leverages React Native.
Uber Eats: Uber Eats’ mobile app leverages React Native to order meals from local restaurants and track deliveries in real time.

Best React Native Practices You Should Integrate with Your Development Strategy

If you’re developing an app with React Native, consider the following guidelines:

Use a modular approach: Avoid constructing monolithic components and instead utilize modular code that can be readily reused and maintained.
Keep the code as simple as possible: Avoid over-engineering or over-optimization by keeping the code basic and clear.
Use Redux to handle state: Redux provides a centralized store for state management, making it easier to maintain and debug the application’s state.
Improve performance: To boost app performance, employ strategies such as lazy loading, caching, and image optimization.
Thoroughly test the app: Employ automated testing tools such as Jest or Enzyme to thoroughly test the app and ensure it functions as anticipated.
Utilize version control: To manage the codebase and track changes, use a version control system such as Git.
Follow the platform’s guidelines: To guarantee that the app appears and feels like a native app, adhere to the platform-specific design guidelines.
Keep up with new releases: Stay up to speed with new React Native and its components, and make sure you update the codebase regularly to avoid compatibility concerns.
Debug the app efficiently: Utilize debugging tools such as React Native Debugger or Flipper to effectively debug the app and swiftly address bugs.
Document the code: Describe the code and maintain it up to date so that new developers can join the project and understand the source.

Partner With OnGraph To Build Native-like Apps With React Native App Development

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September 2, 2022September 2, 2022

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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