React Native is developed by Meta (formerly known as Facebook).
React Native is used to build and develop apps for Android, Android TV, iOS, macOS, tvOS, Windows, and so on.
Almost a decade ago, Mark Zuckerberg thought it was time for Facebook to build a developing environment focused on improved user experience. It resulted in creating React, and later React Native, and many known apps today exist thanks to them. Both React and React Native were designed by Facebook (now Meta). React is known as ReactJs since it uses a JavaScript library. React Native is a React-based framework for building mobile apps. It uses reusable patterns and components for further projects.
There are many differences between them, but the most significant is that React (ReactJS) uses a Virtual DOM, but React Native requires Native APIs to work properly.
Today, many IT companies are focused on web and mobile app development. They are looking to hire react native developer for every project, so they can deliver it on time. But can a ReactJs developer do that job? Let’s find out.
React vs. React Native
React is a front-end development library, and React Native is a native mobile development library. Or we can also say that React is a JavaScript library and React Native is a complete framework, but the second one is an expected result of ReactJs development and growth.
React features reusable components, and it’s based on the document object model. It can help you improve the SEO score of your web app, provide faster debugging, etc.
React Native, on the other hand, renders code components using native API. Also, you can build iOS and Android apps together using the common logic layer. Created apps are more agile and can work without web support. You can improve existing apps by adding React Native UI components.
React Native is easy to learn if you already know JavaScript, and so is React. Apps developed with React render HTML in UI. React Native apps use JSX for rendering UI.
In React, styling is created using CSS, while React Native comes with a stylesheet. React takes more time to be mastered. Beginners can quickly get used to react native elements.
React is used for dynamic and responsive UI on the web, while React Native gives the apps a truly native feeling. So, they are used for different purposes, even though they are based on the same logic.
React Native vs. iOS/Android Native: Why It’s Better?
As we mentioned, you can deal with both Android and iOS issues using the same framework. But, that will work smoothly for basic apps. When developing complex applications, you will have to split the project at some point to use the proper components or connect databases using different protocols.
Experienced native developers can see a difference between React Native apps and native iOS and Android apps. Even though it has the word “native” in the name, apps made with React Native are not perfect. Today’s operating systems rarely accept multi-platform solutions, and launching a hybrid app can take really long until it’s available on the app stores.
But there are still some aspects when React Native apps can perform better than iOS/Android native apps, including:
- It’s cost-effective and saves more resources
- Better performance and optimized code, with utilized native features
- Improved user experience, apps work smoothly
- It takes less time to develop, test, and launch an app using React Native
- You can integrate third-party components
- Easy troubleshooting and debugging options
How To Learn React Native?
React Native can be pretty easy for those who already know some web development, including HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Being familiar with them will help you get used to React Native easily and create basic apps at the beginning.
If you already know React (ReactJs), the code will look familiar, so you can easily switch to the React Native approach and syntax.
You can also find literature, an online course, or at least one react native tutorial to help you with the process.
Once you learn it, you will be able to develop consumer-focused apps with an exceptional native experience for them. You will easily land a job in the wished field, and work on developing social network websites, B2B solutions, news and service apps, or online shopping platforms.
Final Words
React Native is great if you want to create apps for a large audience and when you are focused on the consumers. It comes with plenty of challenges too, but we are sure you will nicely learn how to build cross-platform apps and use your skills to provide exceptional solutions.
Every framework comes with some limitations, but we are sure you will be able to overcome them and turn them to your advantage. That’s why you need to study every aspect of React Native to make the right decision before you even start working on a seriously big project.