React Native FAQ 2021

React Native is picking up a swift pace than any other mobile app development framework lately. There has been a huge demand from our audience to tell them more about the React Native framework. This is why we have come up with this React Native FAQ article to elaborate on everything you should know about this particular framework. 

Let us now answer questions pertaining to the React Native framework in the coming sessions.

What is React Native?

You probably already know what it i, but still for those who doesn’t know: 

React Native is an open source framework that is created in JavaScript and is one of the best frameworks for mobile app development.

React Native can help your app in gaining an edge in a highly competitive IT landscape and that too in a cost-effective manner. React Native apps generally have outstanding features and are taking the app development industry by storm. 

How much code reuse is possible with React Native?

The rates are 100% for reusing codes between Android and iOS platforms, while it is 60-85% for mobile and web applications Mostly, we can reuse the same components, utilities, functions and services between all three platforms. In most of the projects with divergences, there will always be a smart way to reuse the existing codes.

What are the advantages of using React Native for Hybrid app development?

With React Native, it has become easy and convenient for coders to develop hybrid mobile apps. Following are other reasons for opting React Native for hybrid mobile app development:

• Same look and feel
• Shared code base between Android and iOS
• Programming model same as ReactJS
• Rich and open ecosystems
• Part of big global players
• Reduce and reuse
• Access to large number of tools and libraries 
• Favouring mobile apps
• Low cost and less time
• Much more animations
• Hot reloading
• Large community support
• Easy integration
• Easy third-party plug-ins

What is the difference between React Native and Native?

React is used to develop web apps, whereas React Native is used to develop mobile apps. React Native is focussed to make the UI look better and it shares a common logic layer for all operating systems. React Ntaive is the ideal solution for businesses facing issues like development insufficiency, slower time to deployment, and less developer productivity.

React is a library used for web development and React Native is a mobile development framework that uses React as a supporting pillar. If you have the React Native framework, then you have everything you need to kick-start a project. But with React, you have only one of many libraries to build a web application.

Can you name some apps developed using React Native framework?

Some of the big players who used React Native for developing their mobile applications include Facebook, Walmart, Tesla, Uber Eats, Skype, Shopify, Instagram, among others.

In the coming years, the demand for React natve is expected to tower as it is one of the best frameworks that deliver features and provide support that is hard to find anywhere else.

Can we migrate existing apps to the React Native platform?

If your app doesn’t rely on doing heavy computing tasks on the device, then YES, your app can be migrated to the React Native framework.The React Native framework constantly upgrades its capabilities and makes it flexible enough for developing apps with high degrees of complexity. Additionally, React native has only one codebase for both iOS and Android- this makes it easy to maintain.

Which one is better- Flutter or React Native?

Flutter is a well-designed framework powered by Google. It uses native code rather than a JavaScript engine to control native widgets. Even though it is a good alternative to React Native, there are some attributes that make React native more preferable than flutter like:

1. React.js web:Your web skills can be easily transferred to React native. React Native is an easily learnable language for developers, but Flutter demands a larger learning curve.
2. Dart Vs. JavaScript: Dart is nowhere near JavaScript in terms of popularity and fineness. Also, there will be resource scarcity for Dart, but for JavaScript developers are available in plenty. 
3. Flutter does not and never will support CodePush
4. Flutter is powered by Google. In the case of React Native has Facebook, Microsoft, Amazon and many other big players in the market making it a stronger option with a flourishing open source community.

How much does a React Native app cost?

When you are using it for one platform, expect the cost to be as much as Native app. However, when you deploy it to the second platform, the cost will be another 10% or less, subject to the scope of the product. This makes React native app development more cost-efficient. But with React Native app development company like Webdura, you will have more cost saving options.

What are the pros of React Native framework?

React Native has a bright future and if you wish to get ideas in detail, you can read our blog React Native Vs. Native: Which is better for app development?

• Higher development speed and lower cost
• Single framework can build apps for iOS, Android and Windows
• Can deliver great user experience
• Faster time to market
• Massive community to render help on demand
• Only one codebase to deal with thereby lessening the maintenance cost
• React native apps can be listed in app stores unlike PWA
• Can quickly update changes without having to wait for the green flag form Play/App stores

What are the cons of React Native framework?

• Performance is slightly lower than Native
• Compatibility issues with complex designs and advanced interactions
• Hass many custom modules and hence developers should have specific components to begin the build from scratch

Will React Native give my app the same ‘look and feel’ in both iOS and Android?

iOS and Android differ in features and giving both the environments the ‘look alike’ feel is something beyond React Native’s scope. But through React Native, you can access the Native components in iOS and android. If you want to make your app look the same on both platforms with some effort, it is best NOT to do that. The best practice is to stick to the platform guidelines as far as the User Interface is considered. As luck would have it, React Native can provide you with easy ways to adapt the UI to the given platform requirements.

Conclusion: Should I go for React Native? 

Yes, here comes the million dollar question: “Should you go for React Native?”

At Webdura, we have seen many clients switching their app from the Native framework to React Native platform and this is pointing to the virtue of React Native framework.

Having said that, there is one glaring attribute to prefer React Native to Native: the cross-platform story! Using the same code with minimal tweaks to multiple platforms saves your cost, effort, time, and maintenance vexations down the line!

As we always say for resilient, hassle-free React Native web development, Webdura experts are just a call away!