Cross-Platform Development: React vs. React Native

If you are in the cross-platform development field, you must be aware of Reactjs and React Native. Both frameworks have been built by Facebook to develop web and mobile applications. 

But do you know the difference between React Js and React Native? Which is the better choice when it comes to web and mobile application development? 

Understanding ReactJs and React Native becomes even more critical when you are using them for cross-platform development. 

Hence, it is important to learn about React and React Native for generating good ROI. And today, I will discuss the difference between React and React Native. You will also know which is better for cross-platform development. 

What is React?

React or ReactJS is a JavaScript library. Web developers use it to develop user interfaces for desktop software and web applications. React JS allows developers to utilize complicated UIs from small and isolated code segments called “components”. Developers primarily use ReactJs in web app development for creating complex and high-level applications.

What is React Native?

React Native is a mobile app development framework. It also uses JavaScript programming language for developing mobile apps. React Native is primarily a cross-platform development framework. This means it uses a single codebase for creating apps for Android, iOS, Windows, and other OS platforms. 

React Native allows developers to build purely native apps. It offers a core set of platform-agnostic native components. This helps developers effectively use native UI building blocks. Therefore, businesses mostly work with a React Native app development company to build feature-rich applications at low costs. 

So at this point, one thing is clear. What is that?

ReactJS is a web app development technology. Whereas, React Native is a mobile app development technology. App development companies use ReactJS for building website user interfaces, web applications, desktop apps, and software. Developers use React Native for cross-platform development for Android, iOS, and other mobile platforms. 

Now, let’s take a closer look over the 

React Vs React Native-Difference wise Comparison

• Technology

React or ReactJS is a web development JavaScript library. Developers use this technology for creating web and desktop applications, software, and UIs for websites. React utilizes Virtual DOM for rendering code. 

On the other hand, React Native a purely cross-platform development framework. Developers use it for building mobile apps for Android, and iOS with a single codebase. React Native works as a bridge. It runs components and features with particular native APIs. 

React Native uses its own syntax. This framework has an in-built animation library. It uses CSS-in-JS for implementing UI components rather than normal CSS. 

• Navigation

In ReactJS, developers have to utilize external libraries like React routers to create navigation features and transition in web applications. This is something a bit time-consuming. 

But in React Native development, creating user interfaces is quite easy as compared to ReactJS. It has its own Navigator component which allows React Native developers to smoothly customize navigation features in mobile apps. Developers can easily build seamless and native-like animations and transitions which give work as per the UI guidelines of Android and iOS app development. 

But if you are developing a complex or enterprise-scale mobile app with many different screens. Then, you may need external libraries for this. In this case, try to hire React Native app developers that hold great expertise in using React Native.

• Platform-Specific Code

ReactJS is meant for web and desktop software development. It offers ready-made and in-built platform-specific UI/UX guidelines. So, it helps developers to create web apps easily.

In React Native, it is also the same. React Native provides platform-specific mobile app development coding guidelines. Developers can write code for Android and iOS specifically from the in-built UI library. 

It is one of the core advantages of React Native. Therefore, top mobile app development company prefer React Native when it comes to building platform-specific apps.  

Pros of ReactJS

• Easy Debugging

ReactJs is based on component-based architecture. If developers make changes in one part of the web application, it won’t affect other parts. 

• Fast Development

ReactJS has good capability for reusing components, Developers don’t have to put huge efforts into writing different codes for similar app components. 

• Better Code Stability

React follows the one-way data binding method. It ensures that the edits made in a part of components have zero effect on the parent components. 

Cons of ReactJS

• Poor Documentation

ReactJS releases updates frequently. As a result, it becomes difficult to document its growth journey properly. Till the time you finish your documentation, you will see new updates in the market. 

• Frequent Change 

ReactJS gets updates and technology enhancements frequently. Therefore, it is challenging for ReactJS developers to learn new things quickly. 

Pros of React Native

• Live Reload

React Native offers all the benefits that ReactJS gives. It has a live-to-reload feature that allows React Native developers to reload the app without any manual efforts.

• Extensive In-Built Library

React Native has an extensive ready-made library. You can use them to create smooth UIs for your users easily and quickly. 

• Great Support for Third-Party Plugins

React Native has great support for external plugins. This framework lets you use plugins for native and Javascript modules. 

Cons of React Native

• Difficult to Learn

Despite React Native using JavaScript programming language, it is still difficult to learn. React Native consumers have more time to start the runtime for hi-tech devices. 

• Not Easier Debugging

While developing mobile apps with React Native, developers may find difficulty in debugging. Developers have to put much effort into making changes in the thread of JavaScript without affecting other components. 

• Fragile Security

Though React Native is a good framework for cross-platform development. It still lacks security capability. You have to use additional resources and third-party integrations for enabling high-send security in your React native apps. 

So time for the final verdict

Conclusion: Which is Better Between React vs React Native?

Well, choosing the best between React and React Native is completely variable. React JS is meant for web and desktop applications and software. Whereas, React Native is used for mobile app development. 

They both use JavaScript programming languages and coding syntax. However, their use cases are entirely different. Hence, which technology is better totally depends on your project goals and requirements. 

About the Author

The author is a React Native developer at MobileCoderz-the top React Native app development company which is highly reputed for delivering many successful webs and mobile app solutions for global businesses. She has more than 5 years of experience in HTML and JavaScript. She develops multiple types of mobile apps using React Native. Aside from her tech life, She helps non-profit organizations with crowdfunding and contributes to social welfare campaigns.

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