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React Native vs React: What to choose for App Development?

When choosing between React Native and React for app development, consider which factors are most important for your specific use.

By kathleenbrownPublished about a year ago 4 min read
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React Native and React are popular ways to develop mobile apps, but what’s the difference between the two? Both methods create an app that allows users to install it and run it on their devices, but each one accomplishes this task in different ways.

Let’s look at how these two different approaches compare so you can make an informed decision about which one is best for your project.

What is React ?

React is a JavaScript library for building user interfaces. It lets you create reusable components so that your code is easy to read and maintain. When you need to update your app, you can simply update the component, rather than rewriting the entire codebase. Plus, React has a large community of developers who are always creating new tools and libraries to make your life easier.

What is React Native ?

React Native is a JavaScript framework for building native mobile apps. It uses the same design as React, letting you compose a rich mobile UI from declarative components.

With React Native, developers don't build a mobile web app, an HTML5 app, or a hybrid app. You build a real mobile app that's indistinguishable from an app built using Objective-C or Java. In other words: if you can build it with React, you can probably build it with React Native.

Difference between React and React Native

1) Development time

When it comes to development time, React Native wins hands down. With React Native, you can reuse code across platforms, which cuts down on development time significantly. Plus, there’s a huge community of developers who are always creating new tools and libraries that make development easier and faster.

On the other hand, native app development takes longer because you have to create separate codebases for each platform. And if you want to make any changes, you have to make those changes in each codebase separately.

2) Mobile App Cost

When it comes to cost, there are a few things to consider. First, development costs can vary depending on whether you choose to develop a native app or a React Native app.

Generally speaking, native app development tends to be more expensive. This is because each platform - iOS and Android - requires its own specific codebase. With React Native, you can use the same codebase for both platforms, which can save you time and money in the long run.

3) UI/UX Experience

There are many factors to consider when choosing whether to develop a native app or use React Native. One important factor is the UI/UX experience. With native apps, you have the advantage of being able to tailor the UI/UX specifically for each platform.

This can result in a better overall experience for users. However, React Native apps can also provide a good UI/UX experience, and they have the added benefit of being cross-platform.

4) Scalability

When it comes to scalability, React Native wins hands down. With its cross-platform capabilities, you can scale your app to reach a wider audience with ease. On the other hand, native apps are limited to their respective operating systems. So if you want to expand your reach, you'll need to create separate versions of your app for each platform.

5) Performances

When it comes to performance, native apps are still the clear winner. They're faster and more responsive, which is why they're still the go-to choice for mission-critical apps. However, React Native is catching up quickly. It's now good enough for most use cases, and it's only going to get better.

6) API and Third Party Support

React and React Native are two popular choices for mobile app development. React Native uses JavaScript and React, a library created by Facebook, to build native mobile apps.

While React Native has support for many third-party libraries and tools, it doesn't have as much support as native development environments like iOS and Android. This means that if you're looking to use a lot of different libraries or tools in your app, React Native may not be the best choice.

7) App Security

When it comes to app security, native apps are often seen as more secure than their web-based counterparts. This is because they are not subject to the same vulnerabilities as web-based apps, such as cross-site scripting and SQL injection attacks. Additionally, native apps can take advantage of features like device encryption and biometric authentication, which provide an extra layer of security. However, React Native apps are not without their own security risks.

Conclusion

So, which one should you choose for your app development project? If you're looking for a fast, reliable, and cost-effective solution, then hiring a React Native development company is the way to go. However, if you're willing to invest more time and money into your project, then native app development may be the better option. Whichever route you decide to take, make sure you do your research and weigh all the pros and cons before making a final decision.

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About the Creator

kathleenbrown

Technology consultant in leading software development company committed to providing end-to-end IT services in Web, Mobile & Cloud.

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