Posted by React or React Native: Which One is Better for Your Application?
The most prominent contenders for developing apps are React and React Native. These technologies originated from the same source Facebook(now Meta). Both of these are open-source frameworks. Despite being developed by the same company, developers use them for different purposes. Facebook’s software engineer Jordan Walke fabricated the prototype of React – FaxJS – in 2011.
After 2 years of release, React achieved dedicated supporters due to its usefulness. According to reports, React is the 2nd most preferred framework among web developers. Around 42.62% of developers use React. An important factor behind React’s popularity is its open-source license. That means every developer has the right to use it for personal or commercial use without cost. Developers developing Instagram with React library is proof of React’s potential.
After React, Facebook released React Native in 2015. React Native framework allows developers to use a single codebase for Android and iOS. React Native app development saves efforts, time, and money, resulting in an enhanced development workflow. The development time reduces by 30% due to the cross-platform compatibility of React Native. The Facebook technical team created React Native to develop Facebook for iOS. Later, Facebook used React Native to build its own ads manager
Comparing Features of React and React Native
React’s features simplify the web development process despite not being a full-fledged framework. Like React, there are certain unique features in the React Native framework. The features of React Native app development are an essential factor that attracts developers. To get a broader perspective, let’s compare the features of both technologies
| S.No. | Parameter | React | React Native | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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1 |
Animation
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React animates better than React Native. React performs animation mainly by CSS.
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React Native is also capable of animation. But it utilizes APIs to create animation.
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2 |
Efficiency
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React can render the code on the server side while it executes on the client side. With this feature, React improves efficiency and allows developers to create more fundamental abstractions.
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React Native utilizes reusable native components that are compiled directly into native code. Thus, the application will have a better look and functionality along with the faster React Native app development process. |
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3 |
Technology Base
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React app uses JavaScript library for development of apps. To develop an app with React, you need to learn JavaScript.
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React Native uses a combination of Java, Objective-C, Objective-C++, and C++ code for app development. Hence, the developer must have a good command of these languages to develop a React Native mobile app. |
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4 |
Compatibility |
React was created to be compatible with Search Engine Optimization when it renders on the user's server. |
React Native is made exclusively compatible with developing mobile UI. React Native apps UI gives a smoother feel and quick loading. |
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5 |
Usage |
React is ideal for creating web-based applications. |
React Native is appropriate for developing mobile apps. |
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6 |
Usefulness |
React fuses HTML and JavaScript technologies to integrate CSS. Fusing both of them eliminates the challenges linked with CSS development. |
React fuses HTML and JavaScript technologies to integrate CSS. Fusing both of them eliminates the challenges linked with CSS development. |
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Advantages & Disadvantages of React and React Native
We have already discussed the features of React and React Native. React and React Native platforms deliver a unique coding experience for app development. Still, the efficiency of the development cycle depends on what works well for the application and what doesn’t. The exact pros and cons of both technologies are still unclear. Knowing them will help you better decide which language suits your goals as an individual or a business. We have listed the advantages & disadvantages of both frameworks below:
Advantages of React
- React is easier to learn, and any developer who knows JavaScript can use it. The developer can create web apps with React.
- Earlier, developing a dynamic application with HTML was complex. With React, creating a dynamic web application became easier. React provides better functionality in shorter codes.
- A React web app comprises many components. Each component has its logic and can be reused whenever you need it. This feature makes the apps easier to develop.
- 4. React stores the virtual DOM in memory, which improves performance. It allows the effortless and faster performance of the application.
- 5. A variety of tools are available in React that is handy for developers. The tools ease the task of developers as it allows them to choose specific components and change their current props and state.
Disadvantages of React
- The React framework is changing rapidly, making it hard for developers to keep learning new ways of doing the same things. It’s exhausting to keep up with the continuous updates.
- Due to the rapid changes in technology, the creators of this framework don’t have time for proper documentation. To solve this issue, developers have to note the latest React changes on their own.
- React provides only the layers for app UI. Thus, developers still need to learn and use other technologies to develop the application completely.
Advantages of React Native
- Developers can run the code written in React Native both on Android and iOS. The app functions on both platforms. It follows the ‘Write Once, Runs Anywhere’ rule.
- The hot reloading feature of React Native platform can immediately show minor changes in the application’s code. The effect is shown on the screen if any minor code is changed.
- This technology is improving with time and inventing the best practices. This continuous improvement assists the developers in the React Native mobile app development.
- If you are stuck on something in React Native, you will find the solution on the internet. The online community of this technology is quite strong.
Disadvantages of React Native
- Although React Native is improving, it’s still new in Android & iOS app development. It can harm the applications.
- It’s not easy to learn React Native as a fresher. Even some experienced developers find it hard to understand the React Native framework.
- React Native platform is an open-source framework that increases the risk of security breaches. So, if someone is creating an app where data security is essential, experts tell them not to go for this technology.
React or React Native: Which one Should you Use?
More than 40% of developers are using React and React Native owing to their features and growing ecosystem of libraries. The syntax and workflow of both React and React Native are similar, and they complement each other well. React can create apps with top-level functionality, whereas React Native is capable of giving a native feeling to your mobile apps.
React and React Native have the same family, but both have their specialty. Both React and React Native are evolutionary additions to the app development field. Going for React is best when your priority is developing a highly interactive app. Whereas, if your need is a solid framework, React Native should be your preference. We can say that React and React Native are some of the finest app development technologies.
