Without a doubt, there are several cross-platform mobile app development technologies available in the market. But, React Native is one of the most popular among all these alternatives. This technology is well-known for building high-quality apps with faster time-to-market without burning a hole in your pocket.
A Little Bit Introduction About React Native
Being a platform backed up with a talented community of developers, React Native has established a unique identity for itself in the market. React Native strives hard to bridge the gap between the ease of development of a web app and the performance of a native app.
It is considered one of the best JavaScript open source frameworks for rendering exceptional mobile applications in the leading Android and iOS operating systems. Also, it makes it much easier for the developers to build mobile apps that can be seamlessly shared between multiple platforms and hence facilitate smooth app building for both Android and iOS platforms.
Apart from industry giants like Airbnb, UberEats, Walmart, Facebook, Instagram startups are also choosing this framework for building their business applications. Let’s explore the major reasons behind this popularity in the article.
- Single Codebase That Covers All Major Mobile OS Platforms
React Native got popular with Facebook and initially it was specifically meant to cater to the iOS platform. Considering its huge success, Facebook asked React Native development company to extend their JS capabilities to serve the Android platform as well.
This means that the same libraries used to render mobile UIs for both Android and iOS platforms with a single codebase. Now, the same team is putting efforts to make the platform compatible with Windows and tvOS.
In a nutshell, due to single codebase, a lot of precious time and resources of mobile app developers get saved. There is a robust cross-platform support for the apps built with this framework. Also, there is no need for the programmers to compromise with the quality of the apps.
- No Rewriting Needed For Existing Applications
It is easier to switch apps built and running on any native or cross-platform frameworks to Native React framework. This is because of the Native React library that supports the smooth incorporation of Native React components directly into the existing code with the help of an efficient plugin. Also, it prevents developers to write the code from scratch.
- Modern Yet Easy Code
React Native code is easy in comparison to other programming technologies such as Java/Kotlin and Objective-C/Swift. Also, the code can be easily understood by the experienced app developers.
In addition, the code of React Native has a unique feature of low coding and is short in length. This ultimately helps developers to reduce the overall time required for app testing. Also, it facilitates rapid development and deployment of exclusive apps.
- Availability Of Reusable Native Components
Earlier, in order to supplement the functionality of native components in hybrid app development, cross-platform programmers were depending on WebView. But, React Native offers the counterparts of native Android and iOS components.
These components are reusable that can be used to supplement all expected functionality for building native-like mobile experiences. For example, these components can be used to develop the essential functionality of native mobile apps such as look, feel, and speed.
- Focused On Developing Highly Responsive Mobile UI
The primary focus on React Native is on building mobile UI, which is different from other JavaScript frameworks such as Meteor JS or Angular JS. Therefore, it acts more like a JavaScript library than a JS framework.
Because of the JavaScript working flawlessly in the pure native environment, this framework facilitates the development of highly responsive, flexible/fluid mobile UI with seamless interaction. This allows users to get high performance and quality at low costs.
- Seamless Hardware Compatibility With 3rd Party Plugin
In order to perform smoothly, the cross-platform or hybrid apps require hardware support from all the devices running on major mobile platforms like Android or iOS. It is because cross-platform apps are web-view/browser-based where performance can be an obstruction.
But in the case of React Native framework, the apps are not only dependent on WebView for certain native functions. Also, this technology supports 3rd party plugins using a native module.
This makes it much easier for apps to access in-built hardware elements of mobile devices like Maps, GPS, touch gestures, Bluetooth. Also, it resolves all the issues related to performance or user experience.
Thus, it can be concluded that React Native framework has the potential to provide the app developers with a capability to get an edge over the competition. It is a well-known platform for developing high-quality apps at lower costs within the estimated timeline which is an added advantage for the evolving startups. Such applications give startups a golden opportunity to enhance their digital visibility and connect with a global customer base so that to grow faster.
Anubhuti Shrivastava is a content crafter at Arkenea, a custom software development company helping entrepreneurs and businesses build successful web and mobile apps. She is passionate about writing articles on topics related to design and the software development industry.