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What is React Native development? A complete guide for 2023

Submitted by stellasw on Tue, 01/31/2023 - 00:53

Introduced in 2013, React Native is an open-source JavaScript-based framework. It was an instant hit with developers looking to create high-functioning apps, due to the ease and inclusivity offered. React Native Development creates applications using components from Facebook Library React. This eliminates the need for separate native platform codes. The principle it works on is “Learn once, write anywhere”.

This cross-functional process enhances the user experience and is the reason why giants like Airbnb, Instagram, Uber, and Facebook are on top of React Native’s patron list. It is safe to say that being well-versed in React Native Development is essential to improve the quality of your apps.

Unlike Native technology, which bears in mind only one system at a time, the apps developed with React Native are compatible with Android and iOS. While there have been other cross-platform app dev solutions in the past, React Native has emerged as the one that truly bridges the gap between hybrid and native apps.

Let’s shed some light on the development journey of React!

Facebook announced ReactJs back in 2015. Prior to this, they needed help to collaborate high performance with user experience. The engineers envisioned the integration of such a feature that allowed a chatbox and a news feed in the same app.

That is when the ReactJs library was released; based on JavaScript and XHP symbiosis. When Facebook realized that ReactJs works faster, they released it as an open-source tool. A little later they released React Native, which gained momentum for being an appropriate hybrid mobile app development framework.

What is ReactJs?

It is a JavaScript library that supports, both, the front end and the server and is used to create UI for mobile apps and websites.

What is the difference between React Native and ReactJs?

React Native makes use of the same steps as when you develop a native app using Swift, Kotlin, or Java. The only difference is that these steps are used with JavaScript. React Native is a favorite among developers because it offers several impressive features like Hot Reloading and Live Reloading, saving time and effort. Simply put, ReactJs is the Java Script library while React Native is the complete framework.

What are some advantages of React Native?

Cost efficacy

One of its top advantages is that it saves money because there are no separate teams for development on different platforms. A lot of clients actively look for a React Native development company for app development. With the third-party plugins being inherently available, the efficacy and functionality increase.

Code reusability

About 90% of the code can be reused so you don’t have to write separate Android and iOS codes. This saves time and effort while the product is ready for market-launch sooner.

Native app-like feel

With the user interface based on a combination of native components with JavaScript, it has a definite native-app feel. The codebase used for Android and iOS are the same and this is why they appear to be quite similar on both platforms.

A strong community of developers

React Native is an open-source framework backed by an army of Facebook engineers. They work round the clock to keep it updated, helping each other out and offering constant support. This is what makes it a highly supportive and active community.

Live-reloading

One of the most prominent benefits is that React Native offers automatic updation when the codes change. The developers work in real-time, which enables easier debugging. The process is more efficient and accessible because the changes reflect automatically.

It is easy to learn

In comparison with other frameworks like Angular and Vue, React is easier to learn. Businesses are more inclined towards it as a framework because it helps build projects quicker and easier.

What are some disadvantages of React Native?

Not compatible with complex designs

Not suitable for some advanced functionalities and complicated designs, which lead to considerably decreased performance. There are a few features that inevitably have to be created using Objective-C, Swift, or Java, otherwise, the performance of the app would be in serious trouble.

Update lags and O/S incompatibility

Giants like Apple and Google constantly work to develop new features to improve their O/S. These may not naturally be compatible with React Native unless some member of the community specifically creates a way to make them work together, like say the Face ID feature. It also has compatibility issues with certain older operating systems. Besides this, React Native updation is also a complex process.

Some tricks and tips for React Native use

Here are some tips that can help you when using React Native. While you may already be using some of them, some may surprise you, have a look:

Use of State Management Library

The use of the State Management Library will help you access objects, variables, and arrays throughout the app. It further allows updates and changes in the component. Some examples of state management libraries are Redux Rematch, Apollo, Redux-Saga, etc.

Optimization of React Native Images

Instead of processing images from the client side, you can instead optimize them server-side. With a number of CDN options such as IBM cloud and video hosting, you can conveniently place API calls to initiate image upload on the server.

Use of Smart Components

Smart components, also known as container components, offer efficient UI operation. Responsible for status management, API calls, data recovery, etc, these components can prove to be a game-changer.

Use Event Listener instead of the static method

With the use of React Native Listeners, you can add a listener component on the spot you want to listen to and emit that event where you want to add a function. This is way better than using the traditional static method.

Firebase Performance Monitoring

This helps developers identify the scope for performance improvement so that issues can be fixed for better performance. It allows you to track HTTP request-based performance traces and customization according to specific business requirements.

Conclusion

To make the most of this high-functioning framework, you need to understand its pros and cons, analyze it according to the project at hand and find the right combination of elements for the best results. The goal should be to create a cross-functional app, which offers impeccable performance. It is important to understand the project and client requirements right from ideation to launch. Only then can you offer the most suitable solutions with a blend of expertise and technology.
Read more: bit.ly/3XRd64e