The ongoing debate between React Native vs Swift illustrates a complex decision between native performance and cross-platform ease of use. React Native is an adaptable cross-platform development tool that enables you to write apps for both Android and iOS using one code base. However, Swift is Apple’s proprietary language developed exclusively for iOS applications.

Choosing between React Native and Swift approaches can determine the success of a mobile application and, hence, a business. When making a choice, it’s essential to consider each approach’s specific features, pros, and cons that will help guarantee that the selected strategy will perfectly fit the target audience and future business objectives. The React Native vs Swift UI comparison will make it easy for you to decide the best choice of business and people to target, considering that it is difficult.

In this blog, we will discuss the basic differences between React Native and Swift and how to choose the right app development framework. Let’s dig deeper.

What is React Native?

React Native­ is a popular JavaScript development framework used across different platforms. It’s particularly great for creating native-like applications on both Android and iOS. Its detailed guiding documents and robust support system have helped establish it as a go-to option for building apps across different platforms. Another good thing about the React Native app development framework is that its code­ can be tweaked for both we­b and desktop applications, which adds to its flexibility.

With HTML-5 apps having limitations, Facebook’s founder promised its mobile users an improved experience. As a result, Facebook de­veloper Jordan Walke came up with an innovative technique. He used JavaScript threads running in the background to create interface e­lements for mobile platforms.

This dramatic de­velopment led Face­book to hold a Hackathon to perfect the concept for native app development. These combined efforts led to the launch of the first version of React Native in 2015, convenie­ntly timed with Facebook integrating Re­act Native into their live apps.

React Native­ works similarly to ReactJs, but it has unique key distinctions. Unlike ReactJs, it doesn’t rely on a Virtual DOM to manage the DOM, which leads to a smoother background process on user devices. This aspect makes good use of JavaScript, making it eve­n more attractive for deve­lopers.

Also, the React Native app development framework makes asynchronous communication with native devices easier through batch bridge and serialization. It uses JavaScript and JSX syntax, so for developers writing code­ in React Native, it’s an easy and e­fficient process.

Unlocking the Potential Benefits of React Native

There are several benefits of React Native for mobile apps, including:

1. Superior Performance

React Native for mobile apps stands out because it uses native controls and module­s, leading to efficient and smooth apps. It’s like it infiltrates an operating system’s native elements and then uses Native APIs, creating separate threads. This results in an outstanding performance.

2. Modular Architecture

The modular architecture in React Native programming language provides a structure that separates various functions of your program into adaptable­ modules. This increases fle­xibility, improves coordination, and makes updates se­amless. It makes it easier for developers to roll out app update­s and encourages the re-use of modules, just like we­b APIs. This makes things more efficient and also allows the reusability of code.

3. Hot Reloading

The feature of hot reloading lets developers se­e changes they made to the app’s code imme­diately in a preview window. This instant feedback speeds up the app development process, making it easy to modify and adjust quickly.

4. Streamlined App Updates

React Native makes updating apps straightforward. Over-the-air updates (OTA) mean there’s no need to create a separate process for each update. So, downloads of update­s are quicker and more straightforward, and you don’t e­ven have to visit the app store­. The updates will be up and running the next time you launch the app.

5. Affordable­ Feature Additions

With React Native­, you can add new features to existing apps without rewriting the whole app. De­velopers can inject UI compone­nts into an existing app, which makes expanding an app’s abilitie­s simpler and cost-effective­.

React Native Limitations That You Ought to Know

Although React Native has its own perks; however, there are also several React Native limitations, including

1. Unsuitable for Resource-Intensive Apps

If your app needs a lot of resources, React Native might not be the best choice for you. Native­ development te­nds to handle tasks that are demanding on re­sources better. Opting for React Native in resource-intensive scenarios could lead to performance bottlenecks and compromise the overall user experience.

2. Maturity Issues

React Native programming language is still a deve­loping platform. This means it’s continuously being refine­d through bug fixes, improvements in pe­rformance, and addressing challenge­s in porting native components. While this constant growth is a positive thing, it also means the platform’s capabilities and stability might not be fully established yet. This ofte­n requires regular update­s for maintaining it in the long run.

3. Loosely-Typed Language

Although utilizing JavaScript in React Native brings a numbe­r of benefits, its flexible­ typing system can pose a security threat. JavaScript lacks strict enforcement of specific variable and parameter usage­ within functions, which could potentially result in code vulne­rabilities.

4. Dependency on Native Language

Develope­rs sometimes have to use native modules to add features not supported by React Native­. These modules serve as a connector between the native coding and Re­act Native coding. That means deve­lopers need to either understand native coding or work with develope­rs who are skilled in native coding.

5. Licensing and Patent Challenges

Using React Native­ isn’t without its complications regarding licensing and patenting. It ope­rates under a license style similar to BSD, complete with Facebook’s Grant of Patent Rights. As per the change­s made in the React Native­ License in 2017, Facebook posse­sses the ability to withdraw usage rights should there arise any disagree­ments over their pate­nt rights.

What is Swift?

One of the best programming languages to use when developing apps that can be run on different Apple platforms like iOS, WatchOS, Mac, and TVOS is Swift, which is popular for its convenient features. Its interactive programming interface has simple yet understandable syntax, making coding easier for developers. However, Swift regularly includes advanced features that make developing modern and advanced apps easy. The Swift code gives attention to safety, which makes the applications secure and fast processing the app.

Harness the Top Benefits of Swift for App Development

With Swift’s emphasis on scalability, safety, fast development, and minimal memory usage, it not only accelerates the app development process but also ensures a secure and efficient performance, setting the stage for a future-ready mobile experience. There are several benefits of Swift for mobile apps, including

1. Fast Development

Swift offers a quicke­r development process because of its clear language style and compact syntax. You spend less time writing code, which speeds up the creation of your app. Its Automatic Refere­nce Counting feature is a lifesaver; it efficiently handle­s memory usage. This saves you valuable development time and guarantees smooth app performance.

2. Scalability

The language is so scalable that it lets developers add fre­sh features and effortle­ssly scale your app. This gives deve­lopers the adaptability to modify their applications as their needs evolve­.

3. Safety and Performance Enhancement

Swift focuses on safety and performance upgrade­s, performing 40% better than its pre­decessor, Objective­-C. It also includes sturdy error-handling capabilities and a compre­hensive typing system to reduce the likelihood of crashe­s in production apps.

4. Minimal Memory Usage

Swift app development frameworks smartly manage resources using minimal memory space and flexible libraries. It only calls upon libraries when needed, making the development process smoother and more efficient.

5. Compatibility with Objective-C

Swift’s ability to work seamle­ssly with Objective-C means that e­xisting codebases can be easily integrated. This allows deve­lopers to use Objective­-C’s robust functionality while bringing in Swift for new features. This ensures that apps can be smoothly transfe­rred across various platforms.

6. Automatic Memory Management

The ARC feature of Swift automatically manages me­mory. This allows efficient memory use without affecting performance. Therefore, Swift ensure­s effective me­mory management for apps.

7. Full-Stack Capacities and Cross-Device Support

Swift app development frameworks, as a cloud platform, can handle and support both front-end and back-e­nd work. It makes app development faster and smoother.

Limitations of Swift App Development

Other than its perks, there are also several limitations to using Swift for mobile apps, including:

1. Relatively New Language

Though Swift is growing, it’s still new. It may not have as many resources or tools as older languages like Obje­ctive-C.

2. Small Community

The Swift ope­n-source community may not be as large as some other communities just yet, which could mean fewer expe­rienced deve­lopers and resources available­ for newcomers who nee­d help. Nevertheless, it’s continuously growing.

3. Compatibility Challenges

Swift’s inability to support backward compatibility does create some issues. This is because projects completed in earlier versions might not adjust smoothly to the newer ones. Despite this, Swift has tried to tackle this problem head-on, particularly with their fifth version re­lease.

4. Limited Availability of Programmers

The swift progress of Swift has led to a somewhat limited number of we­ll-versed programmers compared to other coding languages. This could pose some difficulties in hiring seasoned Swift de­velopers.

Swift vs React Native: The Key Differences

The critical difference between Re­act Native and Swift lies in their applications. Re­act Native is ideal for developing cross-platform applications, while Swift is the go-to choice for creating native applications specifically for iOS. Let’s examine the factors below to contrast Swift and React Native­. This way, we can decide on the most appropriate choice for developing your iOS application.

1. React Native vs Swift Performance

• React Native­ excels in me­mory usage and GPU speed, but it doesn’t quite match up to Swift regarding CPU consumption. However, it does offer the ability to e­mbed native codes and use a range of tools to simplify tasks.
• Swift, because of its advanced LLVM compile­r technology, delivers stunning spe­ed. It even outdoe­s React Native regarding CPU usage, making it a real powerhouse­ in this feature.

2. SwiftUi vs React Native User Interface

• Swift allows deve­lopers to design attractive use­r interfaces and provide outstanding use­r experience for iOS platforms using SwiftUI. This facilitates an entirely native­ like experience.
• React Native­ relies on JavaScript libraries to create user interface­s. This lets develope­rs build unique elements for specific platforms. However, it requires them to adjust to changes in the native environment continuously.

3. React Native vs Swift Stability

• Swift is known for its stability. It handle­s complex tasks and visual effects efficiently, which makes it a trustworthy option for iOS development.
• React Native­, known for its cross-platform framework that works across different platforms, mainly aims to utilize its internal APIs and libraries. This could sometimes add layers to the de­velopment process and e­ven affect stability.

4. IOS Swift vs React Native Coding Speed

• React Native­, JavaScript and a well-structured language back, is an accessible and user-frie­ndly platform. Its straightforward learning curve benefits developers, enabling them to construct a solid codebase swiftly.
• Swift simplifies the creation of native iOS apps. It uses its advances over Objective-C to make the app development process smoother and more time­-efficient.

5. Swift vs React Native Learning Curve

• React Native­ makes the learning process relatively straightforward. However, deve­lopers moving from web to app development might need time­ to adapt.
• Swift provides thorough guide­s and resources, like Swift Playgrounds, to help developers of any skill level learn more efficiently.

6. React Native vs Swift Platform Maturity

• React Native­ and Swift are both reasonably new platforms. However, React Native acts as a conne­ctor between iOS platforms and code­, while Swift shines when it comes to performing complex computation and graphic assignments as it offers superior performance.

7. Swift vs React Native Developer Cost

• React Native­ provides an economical choice for de­velopment, especially when employing a team of de­velopers. It guarantee­s high-quality projects while still maintaining cost efficiency.
• Swift may present similar cost concerns to others, but its e­xceptional stability and performance ultimately contribute to the long-term successful project.

8. Swift vs React Native Developer’s Availability

• Re­act Native is famous because of JavaScript. This means there’s a large pool of talented developers available within the community.
• Swift is re­latively new, but you may face difficulty in finding experienced Swift develope­rs out there.

9. IOS Swift vs React Native: Community Support and Documentation

• React Native­ is backed by a strong global community of develope­rs. It boasts comprehensive and de­tailed documentation, guarantee­ing an abundance of resources for de­velopers.
• Apple’s team of developers consistently maintains and updates the Swift programming language. They ensure it’s well-docume­nted and offer tech support on various public platforms. This provides developers with extensive guidance when using Swift.

React Native vs Swift: A Table Comparison

The following table compares React Native and Swift based on the various features:

What To Choose: React Native or Swift?

If you’re e­xclusively focusing on creating apps solely for the iOS platform, Swift will offer you a more personalized and effective method. Swift is perfect for creating apps that require inte­nse graphic processing and top-notch performance­. Indeed, when you are­ dealing with applications heavy on graphics and de­mand high performance, Swift is a fantastic choice.

• When it’s crucial for your app to optimize me­mory, Swift’s ability to manage memory guarantee­s its efficient use.
• If your project le­ans more towards needing more unique, platform-specific feature­s rather than using shared code, Swift is the way to go.

For projects intended for various platforms, the React Native fe­ature that allows one to craft apps for both iOS and Android from a single code­ base is incredibly beneficial. Its simplicity and ability to re­use code make it an excellent choice for startups or smaller teams on a tight budget. When working with a small team and limited resources, React Native can be a lifesaver.

• If you need to deploy apps quickly, with React Native’s spe­ed-focused deve­lopment cycle and hot reloading fe­ature, you can make swift changes and de­ploy app updates faster than ever.
• If your business wants to connect with a diverse range of users across different platforms, React Native could be your solution. Its ability to cross other platforms allows you to maximize­ your reach.

Let Appinventiv Help You in Choosing the Right Mobile App Development Framework

For mobile­ app development, it’s crucial to select the proper app development framework, React Native or Swift. Whether you choose the exceptional benefits of Swift for specific platforms or the cross-platform options that React Native offers, it’s essential to match your decision with your business goals and target audience. If you want to create an outstanding app much like 6th Street – an app we developed for both iOS and Android users, Appinventiv is here to assist you.

Over 3 million iOS and 1 million Android users have downloaded 6th Street’s mobile app which showcases our effectiveness in creating robust mobile app development strategies. As a leading React Native app development company, we can help you achieve similar success. Contact us to understand more about the intricacies of React Native vs Swift and how to choose the right framework for your next mobile app development project.

FAQs

Q. Is Swift or React Native better?

A. Swift and React Native vary in competence, making them applicable to different situations. Specifically, for exclusive iOS apps, intensive graphics, and optimized memory usage, Swift is the better choice. However, for cross-platform development that will be deployed quickly to reach a larger audience, React Native is preferred.

Q. How does the learning curve differ between Swift vs React Native?

A. The learning process for Swift is manageable, but developers need to adapt themselves to its syntax and functionalities, which are different. However, on another note, React Native’s steep learning curve, particularly for those already familiar with JavaScript’s basics, can be overwhelming at first. Still, it is manageable after getting used to its intricacies by transitioning from web development to app development.

Q. What do you choose between React Native vs Swift for building an app?

A. Choose Swift for iOS apps with complicated graphics and optimized memory; choose React Native for cross-platform app development that is time efficient to the market, budget-friendly, and with an expansive audience reach.

The demand of app development with react native is getting from the developers is not just the doing of the fact that the industry has grown to an extent where it is now comparing Native and React Native modes of development. The demand is also driven by the constant updates that make the framework advanced. 

This demand, though, can only go so far. Ultimately, on a ground level, developers will have to learn their way around the development process. Especially on the front of understanding and avoiding React native app development mistakes which can ruin the users experience and their skills.

We have divided the article into four sections to ease the process of getting accustomed with the errors faced during React Native app development and know what it would take to become a developer that commits minimal mistakes. 

Why do Developers Love React Native?

1. Because React Native uses JavaScript

JavaScript is one of the languages that a developer starts their career with. And so they have a very detailed resemblance with the subject matter. The fact that React Native relies heavily on JavaScript brings down the learnability curve to a great extent. 

2. They get to build native applications

Even though the developers work on JavaScript, they don’t use web view for rendering React Native components. The one reason why you should choose React Native is because it renders real native elements, giving developers the flexibility to use platform specific components such as activity indicator, which gives very platform a recognizable, native-like* feel. 

*It is impossible for a cross-platform developer to build fully native applications. The difference will be extremely visible on the UI and UX front.  

3. A straightforward installation process 

The installation method must always be direct, i.e. minus any complicated steps. The React Native framework can be installed through the Node Package Manager, which is extremely easy for developers with JavaScript background to follow. And even if you lack the understanding of JS, React Native will prevent you from the hassle of downloading binary from the source. 

4. Greater productivity 

The key to building apps faster lies in the developers’ productivity levels. While the reliability of JavaScript already makes the process easier, it also comes with a live reload feature and the freedom to use any IDE or text editor of their choice. 

5. Strong community backing 

React Native has gained a lot of popularity ever since its launch in 2015. Developers and businesses from all across the globe and industrial background have chosen to go with React Native at the back of the plethora of benefits it offers. 

This high demand has in turn resulted in the creation of a strong widespread community working on adjusting the React Native pros and cons on a daily basis.

6. It is truly cross-platform 

When we say React Native is a cross-platform app development framework, we don’t just mean using React Native for mobile app development. Using React Native, developers get to expand their skills to smart TVs, smart watches, Windows devices, and even VR headsets.

Even amidst these and several other un-mentioned benefits of React Native development, there are some reactjs challenges that inherently come associated with React Native app development. Challenges that experienced developers have come to accept and work around. To eradicate the reactjs challenges, wherever you are located, be it Los Angeles, New York, etc, it is advisable to hire a React Native App Developmen Company in New York to build and develop custom react native apps with the latest features.

The thing to note here is that these challenges that you are going to read next in no way imply that we are against React Native. It simply implies that like any other in the process to be a perfect framework, there are some prevalent React Native limitations as well. There are in fact, several considerations to be made when developing React Native apps 

Challenges Associated with React Native App Development 

1. Dependency on Native app developers 

Noting how JavaScript works, developers sometimes have to rely on native developers as well. Especially when you have to put heavy computational operations in the application. These apps force developers to offload computation to the native part of the app, which in turn requires a native developer.

2. Limitations in Abstraction Layer 

In order to add more functionality in the React Native apps, an abstraction layer is added on native platform. Abstraction Layer in itself comes with some persistent issues – the issues to avoid in React Native app development – like: 

• Identifying bugs which get encountered in the abstraction layer is extremely difficult. 
• High dependency on third-party services and libraries
• Dependency on implementing custom designs 

3. Zero support for multiprocessing or parallel threading 

React Native comprises a single Javascript thread because of which developers might observe slow performances when they want to execute any processes in parallel. It is one of the major react native limitations.

4. iOS deployment is particularly difficult 

In the case of React Native, developers find it particularly annoying when they decide to test their iPhone app on any testing services besides Apple’s Testflight, especially since they will have to deal with issues of obtaining provisioning profiles and necessary certificates. 

The process is not very difficult on Android though, as it is very smooth and hassle-free to test and deploy Android apps. 

As mentioned before, React Native, like any other framework doesn’t come free of challenges. It ultimately comes down to the experience of the developers. For a newbie or less skilled react native developers these challenges would appear as deal-breakers, while for skilled developers it won’t. 

The only difference that stands between a skilled and unskilled React Native developer is the knowledge of mistakes that should be avoided in order to build an error free React Native app. 

What makes React Native challenging for some is not just the inherent framework limitations but also the React Native app development mistakes that developers unknowingly commit. 

The 10 Common React Native App Development Mistakes

1. Wrong estimation 

• Layout for iOS and Android version – Yes there will be a number of reusable components, but there could also be different layouts. In fact, the mere structure of an application page can be completely different on iOS and Android completely. 
• Forms – you should estimate the validation layout as well. When you create an app in React Native, you are supposed to write more codes compared to when you create a Hybrid app on suppose Cordova. 
• If creating a Web app, you should check all the different endpoints which are offered by the backend. And because you will have to handle the logic in the app, it should all be coded correctly. You should understand the database structure, how the entities are connected, etc.  

[ALSO READ: Top Local Databases for React Native App Development {A 2020 List} ]

2. Wrong redux store planning

As a developer when we get an innovative project, we focus more on planning the app layout and less on the data handling part of it. 

Redux helps in storing the data correctly and managing debugging app states. When planned right, it can be a powerful tool for managing the app data. When not, it can mess up many things. 

Another point to note in case of Redux app development is that it is not extremely suited for small projects. Even small changes will ask you to write long lines of codes. So, it’ll be better if you choose to go with it for large scale applications and avoid it when choosing React Native for startups.  

3. Not reading external modules’ codes 

It is not uncommon for us developers to save time through external modules. It makes things easier and faster, especially since they come with documentation. 

But, most often than not, modules break or they might not work as anticipated. This is the reason why developers should read the code and treat the step as one of the React Native best practices. Doing it helps to know what is wrong with the module and even how it can be solved. 

4. Mutation of state inside render function

The image above highlights how the Datastore and View are interconnected. The datastore contains all your data in the component and the view is rendered on the basis of state. It then consumes a new state from the data store and shows it on the screen. 

In order to achieve that, React has a setState() function where the new object state is taken and compared to the previous state. 

Finally, a new state is added after merger with the previous state and sent to the state datastore. 

This cycle is available all throughout the lifetime of a component when you develop application in React Native. 

Now, if you mutate the state directly, the lifecycle gets messed up and it corrupts all the previous states. This leads to apps behaving abnormally or even crashing. This will also result in you losing track of the states across components and will lead to you writing custom code in place of React. Additionally, you’ll end up having an unmanageable code and a heavy app. 

5. Left “console.log” statements

Console log statements are extremely handy. They even provide help with debugging the app execution. But what happens when you leave the log statements in the app?

This can turn out to be a serious issue if you keep the render methods and logics inside, especially those which are asynchronous for they can lead to a bottleneck in JavaScript thread. All this ultimately leads to the application becoming slower. 

6. Using stateless component for gaining React Native performance

Some developers still think that what was true before React 16 is true even now. 

Stateless component basically means that the component does not extend any class. It basically takes the argument as display and props in the DOM. It comes with benefits like – 

• Easy testing ability 
• Fast implementation
• Does not use state or the local variables 

With the time changing, it has today become wiser for developers to use pure component when they create React Native apps. Here’s why – 

• Performs shallow compare – This is a special win for complex UI applications as it lowers the render operations. The reason behind it is that it comes with a life cycle method known as shouldComponentUpdate which automatically does shallow comparison and then check if re-render is needed. In the case of stateless component, re-render happens when the parent component re-renders. But in the case of pure component, re-render only happens when a change is detected in the states or props. 

• Performs side effects – Developers can even send AJAX requests inside componentDidmount or can perform some other DOM operations. 

7. Not optimizing React Native images 

Optimizing the images in apps built with React Native should be a high priority task. It helps to resize the images locally and then uploading them to cloud storage like the s3 by server and getting the cdn link which then can be returned using API. 

Following this process, helps make the image loading process fast. 

8. Avoid writing a Unit Test

Working without unit tests is a big React Native app development mistake. This is because the developed app can still work regardless of whether you write testing units or not. But, it is a gamble where you only find the result once you launch your app for customers. 

Therefore, rather than leaving your app’s fate at the mercy of users, it is better to test its functionality before launching the product in the market. 

Writing unit tests will reduce the unnecessary drama caused at the time of app launch. This not only eases the development process but it also increases the reputation of your app as well. A well-documented unit test will allow the developers to access different parts of the apps separately. Thus, always test every element at the correct stage to ensure hassle-free working. App developers can also spot the mistake at an early stage and rectify it without disturbing the entire development process.

9. Not paying heed to protocols

Not adhering to the basic protocols of React App development could prove to be a huge mistake for you. Thus, developers and designers must always follow the best practices. With React Native you get the react native best practices that the developers must follow. If developers keep away from the standard protocols, it will hinder the overall development process. Therefore, the developers and designers must always stick to and follow the standard protocols.

10. Ignoring the project structure

Developers must never overlook or ignore the project structure. They should invest more time in learning about the project normally. If they don’t do this, it could result in bad outcomes in the long run. Therefore, it is essential to have a well-organized project framework. And with React Native development, the developers can aspire to integrate good project structures.

While these are only 10, there can be a series of others as well. As a developer, your ultimate aim should be to make as few mistakes as possible. 

Let us conclude the article by looking into what it would entail to become a developer who doesn’t commit these React Native app development mistakes. 

How to Become a Mistakes-Proof React Native App Developer?

First thing first, there is not even a single developer on planet Earth who doesn’t commit mistakes. 

Even developers with 10-15 years of experience commit mistakes. Your aim at the end of this article should not be to become a developer who doesn’t commit mistakes. It should be that you don’t commit the React native app development mistakes mentioned in the article and ones which are generally categorized as common in the mobile app development industry. 

There are two ways to do that. Ways to become better React Native app developers – 

A. Enroll in courses and keep brushing up your skills 

Enrolling in courses at the beginning of your career can be a great starting point on the present and future grounds. 

Brushing up on the skill is equally necessary for when you are skilled and have years of experience. What happens is when you expand your career and work on a variety of projects, you most often than not lose sight of the technical understanding that you started with. Thus, it always comes across as a plus point to get back to the basics and revise things from scratch. 

B. Associate with a company that focuses on training 

This part is more valid for newbie developers compared to their experienced counterparts. When you are just starting your career you should associate yourself with a mid-sized company that has Team Leaders to hand-hold you through the practical application of what you learned on an academic level. 

The reason I say mid-sized company is because a small sized company usually operates in a time crunch model, so will be working under the expectation that you will be on your A game from day one. Considering this, it will always be better if you partner with a mid-size business who will focus on your learning. 

FAQs About React Native App Development Mistakes to Avoid

Q. How do you improve react native performance?

There are multiple ways to improve the performance of your React native application:

• Avoid unnecessary renders
• Use PureComponent instead of Stateless
• Optimize the JSON data 
• Lower the app size

Q. Why use Redux with react native?

Redux tool helps in storing  and managing the data, debugging app states. When planned right, it can be a powerful tool for managing the app data. Although considered beneficial, Redux is best suited for the development of complex applications as compared to simple apps, for the number of codes are higher. 

Q. Is React Native worth using?

React Native’s way of creating mobile apps for multiple platforms using only one JavaScript codebase makes it worth using. 

Final Note

Knowing the mistakes that can ruin the user’s experience can be a good starting point for developers who take their job seriously. And another good starting point would be to get associated with a mobile app development company that understands how mistakes are a part of learning and helps you grow. 

If you are searching for a React Native App Development Company in NewYork, California, Texas, and so forth, send in your queries to sales@appinventiv.com.  A mobile app development company will guide through the process and make process easier for you.

Increasing with this full-grown demand for React Native app development is the pressure on React Native developers to develop high-performing offline first apps that can be scaled whenever required. 

This, in turn, has led them to look back at the technology stack and choice of platform to build React Native applications off of. Especially the backbone of the application – React database. 

In this article, we are going to look into names that are fit for React Native app development today and are worthy of being in the list of top React Native databases for 2021 and beyond. 

Let us start in a full disclosure mode, though. 

Let’s highlight the factors we looked into when curating the list of the top react native databases and for some more years to come.  

Factors to Consider When Choosing React Native Databases for Your Project

Complexity of the Data 

A key-value react native storage is default option for a number of server-side and client-side scripting languages. Mainly, both – values and keys – have to be serialized in strings, either by a React Native developer or through the library itself. Now although necessary, serialization can bring serious halts and issues in how your application performs, especially when it operates in a limited resources environment of smartphones. 

So, ideally a react native development company chooses a database which helps you store more complex data compared to the key-value pairs like full documents and objects and comes with complex data types.

Number of Line of Codes  

If you take more than 20 lines of code to write a simple CRUD operations, any advanced database should be your last choice. Because, not only an advanced DB would make coding complicated but it would even affect the database performance heavily and the overall React Native app development cost. Additionally, processing of so many code lines would slow down the application greatly. 

So do not make use of a database that comes with advanced functionality if it carries the chances to lower your app’s user experience and delay the release speed. 

Synching of the Offline Data

If you are developing a low complexity application which does not offer multiple-user collaboration, you can use a simple database that would work well with a simplified synchronization functionality. These app types can sync with the server whenever an internet connection is established. 

With collaboration being the primal feature of an application, syncing functionality demands the database to be complex. Applications like Trello, which cannot show different versions of a document or project, however, requires a react native mobile app development company in USA to achieve perfect synching even when the network conditions are patchy. 

Handling Data Conflicts and Concurrency

The more collaboration related features you add inside your application, the more would be the possibility of data conflicts.

You should look for databases, which share the conflict-handling policies on websites or the repository pages. Dig into the database documents to get aware of how they handle syncing and conflicts or look into the trade-offs that are made and the effect it would make on the application.

Memory Management

Inefficient database memory handling practices can lead to app crashes. 

Compaction is one of the proactive processes of memory management in which the documents or data that are not going to be of use are deleted from the memory. 

The process is like the ‘garbage collection’ part of programming, which ensures there is free memory available at any given point in time. 

On the basis of these five factors we have identified the local database for react app options which would be best suited for your react native application development process. 

Which Are The Best Databases For React?

Realm

The Realm database for react native has been brought into existence for development of real-time and offline applications which run on both wearable and mobile devices. The database has proved to be equally beneficial when you create React Native mobile apps for iOS and Android. It is not built on ORM or on top of SQLite, so it comes with own database engine and does not rely on the key value stores. 

This is one of the reasons why React native app developers use Realm as one of the chosen local react native database connection options to handle large data or for the development of high performance applications. 

While there are other databases for simple apps, the combination of Realm database for React native is best suited for large sized apps. 

Benefits of Realm In React Native:

• Realm Sync – the sync services operate in the background and records, saves all the user interactions and the service requests locally. 
• Offline friendliness through Redux Offline – for those looking for a solution to implement offline-first architecture through Realm for React native apps, Redux offline can be a great option. 
• Security – It uses multiple encryption standard for every different mobile platform. 

Pricing:

The Realm is a local react database app that is completely open-source and free. The pro version, though comes with a cost. But if you purchase the platform for creating react native apps it would cost $1750 per month. 

Firebase

Firebase supports the real-time NoSQL database for the development of react native applications. It is chosen mainly for its offline data change and data synchronization practices. The reason why Firebase for Startups is such an in thing is because it is completely capable of handling the requirements of the M and C of the MVC needed for react native based applications. 

Benefits of Firebase for React Native App Development 

• Real-time syncing of data – with Firebase for React Native, the data is synced in real time for all clients, at the same time. This becomes very important for when an app goes offline unannounced because of the unavailability of internet connection. 
• Low setup efforts – Firebase offers a cross-platform API which calls for minimal setup when it is being used inside an application. Additionally, you won’t need an application server for accessing the data as it can directly be accessed through a mobile phone. 
• Offline persistence – the combination of Firebase and React Native gives the developers an ability to develop real-time apps with offline persistence capabilities. This consists of marking users’ presence online or offline and storing timestamp whenever users get disconnected. 

Pricing:

Firebase is free react native storage that provides upto 1GB data storage. However, it does offer a $25 for 2.5 GB data storage minimal price in addition to a pay as you use package. 

SQLite

It was designed to offer react native local storage database to mobile applications. The prominence of the word Lite in the database name implies that it is a lightweight library and that it requires minimal setup. It can also be directly integrated within the mobile application for directly accessing the database. 

Benefits of SQLite for React Native based Application Development 

• ACID compliance – it is an ACID compliant database which implements SQL standards with some omissions. The architecture of the library is file-based and there are some tools that can handle all the data types with simplicity and ease. 
• Offline persistence – In order to enable the offline persistence via SQLite, developers can use a react-native-SQLite-storage plugin for managing data within application. 

Pricing: 

SQLite, being in the public domain is free to use and open source. However, if you want to obtain license for copyright infringement, you would have to pay one time fees of $6000. 

PouchDB

PouchDB is an open source Javascript database that stores data in JSON format and enables developers to take advantage of using React Native in the easiest manner: by developing, reading, updating, querying, and deleting queries with a single JavaScript API. The database is compatible with MySQL, CouchDB, PostgreSQL, and MongoDB. 

Benefits of PouchDB for React Native App Development

• Because the PouchDB stays inside a browser, the need to perform queries over network is not there. This, as a whole, leads to faster queries’ execution. 
• React native mobile app developers can sync data with any supported server and thus can run the applications both offline and online. 

Async Storage 

Async storage is a react native local storage database system that gives developers the capability to store data locally and persist data between the app reboots. The database comes in-built with React native so it can be used without any additional deployment. 

Benefit of Async Storage for React Native Apps:

• It comes in handy when you have to save the data which the app need to use even after the user has closed the app or the device. 

Watermelon DB

Built on SQLite, it is a high-performance reactive database for React Native app which comes with the potential of scaling hundreds to thousands of records without losing its speed. The database has been well optimized for building complex applications in React Native with a focus on real-world performance. 

Benefits of Watermelon DB for React Native App Development:

In addition to scaling over 100 – 10000 records, Watermelon DB also supports developers to take full advantage of using react database through:

• Offline first system
• Static typing with Flow 
• Building apps on SQLite foundation

Vasern 

It is one of the most lightweight, fast, and open-source databases for app development using react native. The Vasern API is used not just for local data or react native storage but also for cloud storage and syncing across the app’s clients. Vasern’s design and structures are inspired by various open source databases. 

The Benefits of this Inspiration from Multiple Open Source Database Include:

• It is open source
• Developer friendly end-to-end database syncing
• Focus on consistency and performance 
• Fast operation

BerkeleyDB 

Berkeley DB is an open source, high performance backend for React Native which allows developers to handle data in multiple ways. It offers an API for multiple languages which includes iOS and Android.

It can handle data in multiple ways: a relational way like how SQLite does or through the Key/Value pair data as byte arrays and supports multiple data items for a single key.

Back4app 

It helps developers in making APIs seamless without the requirement for coding. It gives the tools important to create a whole application backend on the cloud with known functions and the consideration of third party services.

It is a server-less database for react native app where you can lead relational inquiries and make relational information models quickly. The platform depends on an assortment of open-source technologies.

Benefits for React Native App Development

•         Relational database schema & queries
•         Cloud code functions
•         Real-time queries
•         REST APIs and GraphQL
•         Cross-platform SDKs
•         Interface like spreadsheet

 DigitalOcean 

DigitalOcean Managed Databases are high performing and totally managed data set cluster service, including end-to-end SSL encryption, backup nodes for accessibility, and PITR (point in time) recuperation. It is an amazing replacement for installing, setting-up, securing, and dealing data sets by hand.

Benefits of Digital Ocean for React Native App Development

•         Quick setup and maintenance
•         Highly scalable and automatic failover
•         Free backups and powerful performance

AWS RDS

Amazon Relational Database Service (AWS RDS) is a high performance database for react native that permits you to smoothly set up, scale, and work a relational database over the cloud. With a resizable limit and proficient costing, it automatically handles lengthy cycles like data base arrangement, hardware provisioning, reinforcements, and patches. Its primary advantage is that it allows you to focus on your applications so you can give them the security, high accessibility, compatibility, and performance that they require.

•         Easy to operate
•         Supports the most robust applications
•         Runs on a very reliable infrastructure
•         On-demand pricing option

Conclusion

While these are the top React native databases of the current and the speculated time there are a number of other backend tools that developers and react native app development companies use to create their application. 

The answer to which is the best database tool ultimately depends on your project type. Get in touch with our consultants to discuss which database for react app would best suit your project. 

FAQs About the Top React Native Database

Q. How To Choose The Right Database For Your React Native Application?

The choice of the best react native database is dependent on a number of factors. Some of the most pivotal ones are:

• Complexity of the Data 
• Number of codes
• Synching of the offline data
• Memory Management

Q. What is a local database in React Native App?

A local database software is one which is local to your application. It makes use of an SDF data file. In case of React Native, there are multiple databases, some of which are – Realm, Firebase, SQLite, etc. 

Q. What is the role of Local Databases for react native app development?

There cannot be a fixed textbook answer to this. It depends entirely on your app type, the complexity you are opting for and the budget you have set. 

In the pre-cross-platform era, developers struggled with traditional methods like Native technology, where they had to code separately for each platform it is going to target.

For instance, say a developer had to make an app for iOS and Android as well, they had to do everything separately for both platforms to build the same app. To eliminate this arduous process, React Native was introduced which brought the WORA (Write Once, Run Anywhere) functionality and eased the whole development process.

The reception of this technology is so positive that it is now one of the top 10 cross-platform frameworks.

Nevertheless, React Native also has its fair share of downfalls, however minor, that sometimes hinder the mobile app development process.

React Native’s Persistent Issues:

• Upgrading React Native from one version to another is a tedious and time-consuming process. Especially when one has fallen back a few updates and try to do it all at once.
• In React Native, it is challenging to find the main cause of an exception. The stack trace in the Chrome debugger console leads to time-consuming debugging, as it more often than not leads to ExceptionManager and not the original place. In fact, componentDidCatch is not a big help either.
• React Native’s popular Hot Reload feature, sadly, does not work properly with Stateless Functional Components (SFC). If this issue gets fixed, it will get easier to hot reload any React Native code reliably, without the need of reloading the entire app.
• Sometimes, React Native might not be resilient to crashes. It does not provide much information as to why the app crashed.
• React Native’s ram bundle is not supported by any OTA platform such as CodePush. This problem is caused as React Native does not have a wide connected community.

Introducing React Native 0.61 Version – The solution to React Native’s Persistent Issues

React Native team announced the release date of React Native 0.61 just last week. With the introduction of this new version, users will now be able to optimize the existing features of React Native 0.60. The update comes free of bugs found in the previous update and comes bearing new improved features that are all mentioned in the React Native 0.61 documentation.

New Features of React Native 0.61

1. React Native provides improved CocoaPods support

In 0.60, some updates were made to integrate CocoaPods by default. However, this created issues in the use_frameworks!. This issue was addressed and is now fixed in 0.61, making it more simple and easy to integrate React Native into the iOS projects that need to be built with dynamic frameworks.

2. New useWindowDimensions Hook 

This new feature named Hook naturally offers and subscribes to dimension updates. It can also be used in the place of the Dimensions API in most of the cases.

3. React is now upgraded to 16.9

The new version opposes old names for the UNSAFE_ lifecycle methods, includes improvements to act, and so on.

4. Fast Refresh

This new feature is a mixture of existing “live reloading” and “hot reloading”

Let’s discuss some impressive points of the Fast Refresh feature which React Native developers are going to appreciate.

How Would Fast Refresh Impact Developers

It was high time for the React Native team to address the “hot reload” issue. And now they have, with Fast Refresh.  Here is what Fast Refresh has to offer to developers.

• New Fast Refresh feature entirely supports modern React along with function components and Hooks.
• It skillfully recovers from mistakes like typos, etc. Moreover, Fast Refresh also falls back to a full reload when the need be.
• Fast Refresh doesn’t practice invasive code transformations, making it trustworthy and reliable to be on by default settings.

Developers have started to agree after some testing that Fast Refresh is highly reliable along with being flexible. It is not easy and simple to put react Native in a position where you need to reload manually. Fast Refresh works perfectly for both class components and functional components and some even believe it may update faster.

It is actually the exact same element as hot reloading; the only difference is that this time, it is performed excellently.

In order to upgrade to the new version, our React Native team advises employing the new React Native Upgrade Helper, which would show and highlight which files need to be changed. Though it might seem like a primitive way to update, it is actually a pretty straightforward way.

All these new changes and improvements are enough to make us believe that React Native 0.61 version is majorly going to facilitate React Native app development.

When it comes to developing cross-platform applications, React Native is one of the most sought-after frameworks. More than 14.85% of the most downloaded apps in the US are developed using React Native, as per the data given on the Google Play Store and App store.

In this article, we will give you a penetrating insight into how much React Native app development costs and what are the various factors affecting it.

Determining the React Native Development Cost

In general, the cost of react native mobile apps can range from $15,000 to $300,000. The overall cost of the application can vary according to the app’s complexity, feature list, total hours taken to write the code, the hourly rate of the developers, distribution platforms, etc. In addition to this, the location of the React Native mobile app development company also affects the overall cost of development.

How Much React Native App Development Costs: The Deciding Elements

Every app development process requires a designated team, and a lot of planning. From choosing the custom features to deciding on the development team size, here is the list of factors that affect the total cost of creating a react native app.

Complexity of the App

Every app present in the stores can be divided into three segments – Low Complexity, Medium Complexity, and High Complexity.

The segmentation depends on six factors:

Deployment Architecture Model – For Backend development, there are two options – Custom or BaaS. In the Custom option, clients get their mobile app architecture, while in the case of BaaS, they work around a ready-made backend architecture.

Admin Panel Development – It is the part that helps entrepreneurs manage the app – keep track of app activity, view statistics, and update content without involving React Native app builders. The more feature-rich the admin panel, the more is the app complexity.

Third-Party Integration – To be truly user-friendly, your app needs to interact with other functionalities to ease processes like login and payment. These integrations are slightly more complex when building a React Native app over a native one.

In-App Purchase: Although a good percent of apps active in the industry today have the in-app purchase functionality in one form or another, its inclusion is not easy. So the more in-app purchase options you give, the more complex your React Native app would become.

Use of Device’s In-Built Features – The modern-day range of smartphones and tablets come packed with several features such as Bluetooth, GPS, Nearby, Barometers, etc., which can be linked with an application to better its performance.

Integration with the Enterprise/Legacy System – Some apps have to be connected with an in-house legacy system – as typically seen in the case of enterprise apps. These application types, by default, fall under the medium to high complexity scale, as they are not standalone.

Here are a few features and their estimated integration cost:

User Authorization

If you are planning to create a mobility solution that requires user login or authorization, the cost to build an app with react native would be slightly higher than one without users signing up or signing in.

App Category

Several elements change when we move from one app category to another: functionality set, security considerations, number of real-time users, etc.

Changing with these intricacies is the React Native app development cost. For example, a standalone app (like a timer or calculator) will cost much less than a feature-rich mCommerce or on-demand application.

Focus on Hardware

The more hardware you connect with your application, the greater React native app development pricing. While developing an IoT application is still easier under the Native approach, achieving the same using React Native is challenging in terms of attached development complexity, and this adds to the overall development cost. Want to know how much does IoT-based app development cost? Head on to this article – How much does it cost to develop an IoT application.

App Design

Ensuring that users spend maximum time with your application requires a well-devised design strategy with a well-articulated user flow that uses timed animation and transitions to move from one screen to another. But, designing screens and experience that is bound to hold users’ attention come with a cost.

However, the cost to design a mobile app in the case of React Native app development is much lower when compared to Native app design cost, as only one app version needs to be designed.

App’s Maintenance

Unquestionably, the expenses do not end at the app launch, and you will have to update it regularly to keep up with users’ expectations. Recently, we were working on developing a custom app for Domino’s, and we saw a sharp increase in user retention and engagement levels at the back of an app redesign.

When we talk about app maintenance, we mainly talk about three individual processes –

• App Updates
• Design Changes
• Bug Fixes

The app maintenance cost estimate is calculated yearly as 20% of the total React Native development cost.

Team Size

The cost to hire React Native mobile app developers would vary in three ways

• If you plan to take the help of freelancers
• If you plan to associate with a mid-cap company
• If you plan to partner with a high-cap company

When you are choosing React Native for app development, hiring freelancers is the most cost-effective option. But it won’t be quality efficient. On the other hand, if you plan on partnering with a high-cap agency, the base price would be very high because that is how they sustain themselves in the market.

Ideally, it would help if you went with a mid-cap company whose base hourly rate starts at $30-$50, for there is a chance that they are more open to an innovative app idea than one with a hefty React Native app price tag.

Agency’s Location

Location is an essential criterion when determining the mobile app development cost. App development companies in different locations charge differently for React Native app development. For example, opting for a React Native app development company in the US is much higher than what Eastern or Asian countries ask for.

Here’s a map showcasing per hour React Native development cost across the world. It will give you a clear idea on how much React Native developers cost.

Add-Ons

Custom add-ons are crucial in pricing. If you intend to launch a customer-centric application, you might want to incorporate it with various other social media channels or supply add-ons.

How React Native Reduces the Cost of Mobile App Development?

Here are a few reasons why choosing React Native can help you reduce the overall cost of your mobile app while guaranteeing a maximum ROI.

1. Synced development

At the back of our custom mobile application development services, you get all the versions of a React Native application on targeted operating systems at the same time – this not just cuts down the incurred react native app cost but also the time it takes to develop the application.

2. One team

App development with React Native calls for the inclusion of only one team, as opposed to two teams that native app development calls for – specific to Android and iOS.

3. Use of existing frameworks

The React Native app development frameworks enable developers to speed up the process by giving them a skeleton framework to work on.

4. Reusable code

Developers will be doing half the work they usually do with Native app development as they will be working on shared codes used to develop Android and iOS versions of applications.

5. Low Maintenance Costs

Maintenance costs for a React Native app mainly includes design changes, fixing bugs, and app upgrades, but it is not limited to only these services. Building cross-platform apps with React Native leads you to deal with a single codebase as there is a single app to be maintained for both iOS and Android platforms. This simplified cross-platform app and single codebase automatically eases the maintenance and reduces the cost estimation for React Native mobile app development.

6. Ready-Made Solutions and Libraries

Since React Native is open-source, it has ready-made solutions and libraries for development problems. These ready-made solutions and libraries are accessible to the developers in their community. It also helps simplify the development process and gives more time for the developers to focus on bug-free writing codes.

React Native libraries and component libraries such as Xamarin, Lottie, Teaset, and much more provide developers the assistance to deploy apps in less time, which ultimately benefits your business.

7. Seamless Third-party Integration

One can develop customer-centric apps using React with a low investment cost to save the developers’ time. To add functions on both platforms (iOS and Android), developers can use third-party plugins without much effort. Choosing React Native for app development allows developers to integrate plugins to the module for quick, seamless, and feature-rich mobile apps.

Factors that Increase the React Native App Development Cost

Here are the few factors that increase the overall cost of the React Native app. Understanding these factors can help you optimize costs while keeping the scalability and robustness of the app in check.

1. Crossing UI limitations

Using a standard code for the development of both the Android and iOS sides of the application can, in turn, harm the performance of an application. Shared codebase, more often than not, make apps appear similar on inherently different platforms.

2. Optimizing performance

The one central point of difference that stands between React Native and Native apps is performance. The app quality that Native apps come packaged with uses in-device features and enable easy third-party integrations to improve the user experience. Bringing React Native to Native Apps’ standards is complicated with an attached cost.

3. Investment needed to learn new frameworks

While React Native comes with a low learnability curve, your developers will still have to invest time in getting to learn and perfect the nitty-gritty that the React Native frameworks come with.

4. Security assurance

Compared to Native apps, React Native app development offers less security, which can make a security breach a massive issue. The solution lies in investing in a team of QA experts specializing in cross-platform testing and maintenance.

When Should You Opt React Native for Mobile App Development?

While we have discussed both the pros and cons of choosing React Native, how can you actually decide what’s best for your business – Native or React Native app development? Here are the few scenarios where you should choose React Native for app development:

1. When you already have native apps

You can switch to React Native platform when you already have native apps. Since the platform allows you to reuse the code, the overall migration process is easy and quick.

2. For creating an MVP

Choosing a React Native platform for creating an MVP is one of the most effective ways to test your product idea in the market. Since the cross-platform framework allows you to build two applications quickly without investing in a hefty team, the overall time to market is reduced significantly. In addition to this, using the platform allows the developers to make changes to the code quickly as compared to the native apps.

3. For rewriting an app

React Native is one of the best platforms that allows easier rewriting of the app from scratch. The platform further helps in increasing the overall developer’s productivity by allowing them to share large chunks of code.

4. When you already have a web app

Choosing React Native for a mobile app is one of the most sought-after decisions an organization can make, if they already have a web app. You can simply reuse the code between the web, Android as well as iOS, thereby saving the overall time and budget.

[Also Read: How to Convert Your Website Into a User-Friendly Mobile App?]

Why do Businesses Choose React Native App Development?

A majority of the startups aim to make a mobile presence in a cost-efficient way while keeping the performance quality intact. Here are a few reasons why businesses choose React Native app development:

1. Low mobile app development cost

The mobile app development cost you would typically have to pay in the case of Native app development is at least two to three times higher than the cost to develop a React Native app. The reason behind this difference in price is the shared codebase and low resource requirement: both developmental effort and cost-saving factors.

2. Expedited go-to-market time

Since the development time is less than when you choose the Native approach, it makes it possible for entrepreneurs to launch their application in the market within the stipulated time. This expedition is the most significant factor in React Native app cost-benefit analysis.

Want to know how long it actually takes to develop a mobile app? Here’s an insightful blog to answer your question – How long it takes to build a mobile app

3. Less workforce

One of the significant React Native advantages is that React Native application development requires the inclusion of one team – one project manager, one designer, two developers, and one QA expert. While in the case of Native application development, the required team size gets multiplied by two – one for each platform.

4. Native-like look & feel

The only thing that kept entrepreneurs on the fence regarding investing in cross-platform app development was the uncertainty related to the app’s performance. React Native, with its easy accessibility to third-party plugins and APIs for accessing in-device features, solves the issue by offering the app user a native look and feel.

5. Simplified user interface

React native development has established itself in the app industry as an enabler of beautiful UIs. It is of prime importance to build an action sequence when building a mobile app – React Native makes the process efficient. The best part is, React Native is constantly evolving to become more responsive, seamless, and work around a decreased loading time.

6. Easy transformation from the web to app

The single-codebase advantage of open-source React Native apps is not just between Android and iOS apps; it can also transform your web app into a mobile-centric application.

7. Greater community support

React Native is an open-source platform, meaning all the documentation specific to the technology is accessible to every React Native application development company. The best part of high community support comes in the face of the ability to find help from the experts in the community or find all the tech and support information easily on the web.

8. Pre-built component and reusable codes

It is one of the most significant advantages of react native mobile app development. Because of the framework, developers don’t need to build a separate mobile application for every platform, for 90% of the React Native code can be shared among Android and iOS apps.

A shared codebase translates into cost and time getting divided into half for businesses.

Another great pro developers avail when they build an app with React Native is the expansive list of ready-made solutions and libraries which aid quicker and more efficient mobile application development. Add this to the fact that React Native is compatible with all the JavaScript libraries, and you will get a platform proving to come on the same grounds as mobile app development with React Native.

9. Live Reloading

React Native comes loaded with a live reloading feature, allowing developers to view the changes made in source code directly on the application without recompiling the app. This feature helps reduce the time needed to develop React Native applications by manifold.

Global Organizations that Use React Native

Facebook

The technical owners of React Native use it as an underlying platform for their apps. Facebook is one of the most popular social media apps that has held its ground for decades. On average, the cost of React Native apps like Facebook may vary between $25,000 and $100,000.

Instagram

Well, being a part of Meta technology, Instagram is another social media platform that uses React Native. The app switched to React Native in 2016, allowing the business to integrate new features faster while simultaneously maintaining it easily for both Android and iOS platforms. Cost to build a React Native app like Instagram is around $30,000 to $500,000.

Pinterest

Pinterest, the heart of creativity, is another app that uses React Native as its underlying platform. Switching the app’s platform to React Native was basically done to share the code from one platform to another, thereby improving the overall operational productivity. The cost of developing a React Native app like Pinterest varies from $30,000 to $150,000.

Bloomberg

Bloomberg’s app with the same name is another popular application that features React Native as its underlying platform. The app offers business and market news across the world. The organization switched to React Native because it can provide automated code refreshes to update users’ news every time they open the app. The cost of react native mobile apps such as Bloomberg can vary from $40,000 to $150,000, depending on the features and complexity.

React Native app development has also made it easy for apps like Salesforce, Shopify, Wix, and Vogue to offer regular updates to their Android and iOS users simultaneously. The platform further profits the developers with reusable code and pre-built practical components.

Summing Up

Mobile app development is one of the viable solutions for businesses that are looking for long-term growth. But, the age-old dilemma of choosing between a native app or a cross-platform app remains the same.

React Native framework allows the creation of separate mobile apps by sticking to one programming language, i.e., JavaScript. Furthermore, influential organizations are leveraging its benefits without compromising performance or security.

This kind of business improvement is only possible with the help of qualified native mobile developers. Appinventiv is a dedicated react native app development company that can help you put things into perspective and offer a clear idea of the overall cost. If you have an impressive business idea, get in touch with our team now!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How much does it cost to develop a React Native app?

A. The React Native pricing for app development is dependent on several factors

• App complexity
• App Category
• Design
• Maintenance
• Location of the agency, etc.

Giving a numeric answer to sum up the React Native app price will call for an in-depth understanding of the project. Share your app idea and get a free estimate from our team of React Native app developers.

Q. Apart from React Native, what other frameworks can I choose for cross-platform applications?

A. Other cross-platform app-development frameworks that allow you to create robust apps includes Flutter, Ionic as well as Xamarin. The advantages of using these frameworks includes faster development and overall great app performance.

Q. Why use React Native for your mobile app?

A. There are many benefits that React Native app development agency offers to app entrepreneurs –

• Low Mobile App Development Cost
• Expedited Go-To-Market Time
• Less Manpower Requirement
• Native-like Look & Feel

Q. Is React Native a good choice for your app development project?

A. The answer to this question depends entirely on your business app needs and expectations. For example, if you wish to enter both the Android and iOS markets with a lower budget and shorter timeline, React Native is the right choice for you. However, it is not a suitable option when looking for multiprocessing options or integrating the latest native elements into the development architecture.

There is a section of software engineers who vouches that hybrid apps are developed much more quickly and in a very inexpensive mode because it involves web developers and not native mobile app developers. They praise how it takes less time investment and promises to make businesses a brand present on all mobile devices while saving on time to create multiple code versions. 

Now. It’s all absolutely true. Here are the many benefits of choosing hybrid apps that businesses swear upon – 

• They get to reach a wider audience on multiple platforms 
• They get to develop an offline version of the app
• The apps do not need advanced graphics performance such as ones needed by native applications. 

Hybrid apps give you everything that you read above up to the level of exactness. 

But have you ever thought at what cost? At what cost do the pros and cons of hybrid mobile apps become worth investing in?

When you take into consideration the compromises that your startup will have to face in the sense of features and performances that your users expect, the overall dire impact of choosing hybrid apps becomes prominent and the many limitations of hybrid apps surface. 

You will have to ask yourself a few prominent questions before you make an investment in hybrid app development:

• Does your user really wish to use an application that is unresponsive and slow?
• If you are on iOS, would you want to use an application that looks like an Android app? 
• If you are on Android, would you want to spend time in an application that looks and operates like an iOS application? 

The answer is an obvious no, right? 

The issue of choosing Hybrid app development for startups does not just end here. There are a number of pressing issues that mark the difference between a native app and hybrid app.

Issues Associated With Hybrid App Development

1. Low performance

A comparison between Native and Hybrid apps shows just how far behind Hybrid lacks in terms of performance when compared to Native.

Hybrid apps introduce an additional layer between source code and the targeted mobile platform: An expected result of this is a loss of performance. 

While it varies from one application to another – how evident the difference would be – the fact that Facebook migrated their app from HTML5 to React Native says a lot. This is just one example of the scope of a difference it can bring to large-scale applications. 

2. Difficult debugging

The extra layer that Hybrid app creation introduces makes the debugging process a complete nightmare. The mobile app developers have to rely on the framework to play around with targeted operating systems in the hope that no new bugs are introduced in their application. 

On the other side, since it is less likely that the developers would carry a complete understanding of the chosen platform, finding out the exact reason behind the issue can be pretty lengthy. 

3. User management

When you request the clients to create an account and sign in whenever they load your application, you’ll struggle to gather utilization and performance metrics which could improve your application. Then again, on other hand, adding a sign in screen each time the user loads your application could restrict engagement and increase the bounce rates.

 4. Lacks 3D support and graphics

If you need any 3D component or eye-catching graphic design on your application. At that point the native application is the better decision on the grounds that the hybrid applications won’t have eye-catching illustrations and 3D support. If you want to have 3D support on hybrid applications, then developers need to put forth an extra effort to fulfill the design quality gap with the assistance of third party tools like Unity 3D.

5. Challenge in adding the latest features

One of the sure-shot ways of startup success is to stand at the very center of progress and make use of all upcoming software capabilities and features set. But sadly, one of the biggest disadvantages of Hybrid apps is that it is extremely difficult to add new features and capabilities in the Hybrid framework. 

So where does this leave the entrepreneurs who are tight on a budget and are not ready to make a Native app investment? 

Well, this is where React Native mobile app comes in and provides a clear native and hybrid app difference for startup debate. 

Here are the ways React Native has killed Hybrid apps for good – at least for startups who have now refused to ignore quality over cost and time benefits. Ones who chose to take React Native’s side in the comparison between React Native & Hybrid apps.

Here are the points that fall under React Native Framework’s kitty in the React Native vs Hybrid apps for startups discussion. Points which act as reasons for why create react native apps.

Top 10 React Native Benefits

1. React native cross-platform apps look and function like native applications

The Native framework uses the same react native components platform which the native iOS or Android app languages make us of. 

Hybrid apps, on the other hand, are simply a web view that is wrapped in a native container that runs and behaves like a web app. When we talk about the difference between native app and hybrid app for startups, the traditional hybrid app frameworks don’t stand anywhere near the smooth UX and speed offering that React Native apps come with.

Even the most well-designed and slick web application would never be as smooth as after react native UI development. 

2. React native enables sharing of a single-codebase between iOS and Android

One of the main reasons why startups choose React Native is because of its write once run on multiple platforms nature. One of the primal features of the React Native framework makes it possible to give startups a high performing application with half the time and cost restrictions that Native apps come with. At Appinventiv, we have built a number of React Native apps, and we are always in awe of how more than 80% of the code can be shared between iOS and Android versions of the app, making the process extremely time and cost-efficient. 

3. React Native uses ReactJS’s programming model

One of the biggest benefits of React native app development is that at its core, it is a JavaScript framework that shares the programming model with the famous ReactJS web language. 

The conceptual framework that is used to develop ReactJS web apps comes in use when creating React Native apps. The startup benefit in this situation is the fact that they only have to invest in one developer instead of three: Android, iOS, and web developers. 

4. React native framework for external integration and shared knowledge.

Ever since its official release in 2015, React Native has gained rapid awareness and interest in the developers’ community. React native framework comes with a rich open-source ecosystem for external integration and shared knowledge. It took no time to become the market leader in the new-gen of cross-platform app development. 

One of the main frictions that the majority of react native app development company faced was in terms of integrating third-party systems or creating custom UI control that was not supported in React Native natively. 

But luckily, the quick adoption of the React Native framework has resulted in more third-party integrations in the recent time. 

5. React native backs some of the top apps of the marketplace

There can hardly be a stronger point in the React Native vs Hybrid apps for startups debate than the fact that React Native backs some of the biggest apps of the world: Instagram, Facebook, Tesla, Bloomberg, Walmart, etc. The extent of React Native adoption across a wide industry spectrum is a direct signal of its permanence. 

6. Comes with components that enable hybrid apps to render natively

Gone is the time of WebView component dominance. The reality of today is React Native’s building squares which are reusable local segments that get together in locales. The elements and components that you would normally use in Android and iOS are already there in React Native to give you that consistent look and functioning. 

This section based structure empowers a React Native development company (in different areas like Texas, California, etc.) to fabricate the apps with a quicker, web-style way for dealing with progression. For example, companies with app development using react native in Texas provide a high degree of code reuse with prevailing UI which follows each platform’s style guide and best practices. The end result of it all is a swift application that comes backed with the expediency of the local portable system.

7. React native is synonymous with an intuitive user interface (UI)

Compared to other JavaScript frameworks like React or Angular, React Native is more exclusive to mobile. The resulting UI of the React Native application development is one that is extremely responsive and fluid – all thanks to the asynchronous JavaScript connections that are present in the native environment. For a startup app development company, it means that the application has a rapid load time and smooth feel compared to hybrid applications.

8. Enables third-party plugin connectivity with no-glitch experience

One of the major reasons for choosing React Native for startup app development is the presence of several third-party integrations. They enable startups to not rely on WebView for performing functions. For instance, if you wish to add Google Maps in the application, React Native will let you connect the plugin using the native module. 

9. The framework is immensely budget-friendly 

When running a startup, cost crunch remains the primal cause of concern behind every startup app development solutions. The fact that react native app development services revolve around a single codebase and multi-platform capability, the time it takes to build a react native application is much less. The less development time in the software world is equal to the low development cost. 

10. Reusable native component

The WebView part that is utilized to create hybrid mobile applications is currently of no use. React native app developers are currently creating blocks with the reusable ‘native components’ that can be aggregated directly to the native applications. Besides, React Native has counterparts of the components and elements utilized in iOS and Android application development.

Thus, this enables the designers to create a reliable look, speed, feel, and fundamental functionalities of the native mobile application. The reusable component-specific design permits the developers to land on the web-based development approach- preferred and progressive than the average hybrid application development process.

So here was the story of how React Native has everything that Hybrid apps don’t. And now that you have all the reasons in the world to choose it in the React Native vs Hybrid apps for startups debate, get in touch with the team that can make it possible for you. 

Why Startups Should Choose React Native?

Today, conglomerates like Instagram, Walmart, Airbnb, among others have utilized and are still using React native for their creative applications. React native is famous for some reasons that we will know through the below points.

One time coding

At first, Facebook used the iOS platform to work on a creative idea. After the gigantic achievement in the iOS application, Facebook told a similar React Native development group to stretch out their JavaScript libraries to help Android platforms also.

This implies that similar libraries are rendering for iOS and Android with a similar code base. Thus, the proficient and committed React Native programmers give the framework compatibility for Window and tvOS. Single codebase saves time and resources of the developers without compromising the quality of an app.

Advanced code

JavaScript is the easiest, especially for the novice.

The low coding improvement is another significant characteristic to be considered. Code lines are less in number and short in length. This further cuts the testing time and general opportunity to market. Hence business visionaries hire React Native developers to make mobile application user friendly.

Reusable native components

Cross-platform developers depend on WebView components for enhancing the functionality of native components when it comes to hybrid development. But in React Native, counterparts of native iOS and Android components exist.

Hardware compatibility

For half and half and cross-stage applications, the equipment support for different gadgets running on various platforms is a significant issue. With React Native, your applications don’t totally depend on WebView for every native function. The application can access in-built hardware components of mobile devices like GPS, Maps, Bluetooth, easily. Performance and user experience is excellent.

React Native vs Hybrid – A Comparative Chart

The Final Call

For most startups in many countries like the US, Texas, California, where time and resources are limited, they look up easier options to reach out to more people. But then when they take up projects which are much more complicated than the benefits that hybrid offers, they look up for a react native development company in USA.

Facing a similar issue? Contact our React Native mobile app developers to discuss your project.

FAQs About Why React Native Is Better

Q. What is the difference between React Native and Hybrid Apps?

Unlike hybrid applications, React Native startup apps operate natively, in place of running inside the web view. It means that the React Native apps are not limited to the web-based UI elements which are known to be sluggish when connected with poor JavaScript interpreters. 

Q. What are the advantages of react native for startups?

There are a number of startup benefits that come attached to React Native adoption. Some of the most prominent ones are:

• Low development effort
• Reduced time-to-market
• Lessened mobile app development cost
• A native app-like look and feel 

Q. How React Native has killed Hybrid apps?

The most direct answer to the question is that React Native has killed hybrid apps by offering a performance and quality that is not possible with a framework that runs on WebView components. 

When Mark Zuckerberg said that his team has found a way to bring the simplistic features of web development to mobile, the mobility world got a framework that went on to change the business outcome of several app entrepreneurs.

Known as React Framework, the now popular cross-platform app development medium went on to witness a constant interest from the world of developers and entrepreneurs.

This ever-growing interest in the framework driven by the myriad of benefits that it offers is what has a number of entrepreneurs towards it.

But even amidst all the limelight that React native is getting and the now clear answer in yes to the question of is react native future of mobile app development, the primary universal question of whether it is better than native app development is keeping entrepreneurs on the fence.

A question which has led to the need for knowing the factors that have to be considered when investing in react native app.

This article is aimed at helping you find the answers to what to consider when choosing react native for mobile app development and how does react native work?

Let us start with the very basics first.

How is React Different from React Native Framework?

One of the main confusions that surround the React Native domain especially among the entrepreneurs who are just starting up with the department is understanding what separates React Native from React – the similarity in the first word holds an open scope for a lot of confusion.

React Native is basically the custom renderer of React, like what React DOM is on The Web. It makes use of native components in place of the web components that React uses as the building blocks.

In order to start working on React Native, you will first have to get the know-how of the React concepts – JSX, state, components, and props. Basically, if you know about React, you will still have to learn things around React Native such as the many native components. React Native also gives access to the features these platforms offer, apart from transforming React code to work on iOS and Android.

With the common misconception that surrounds React native now answered, let us look into the point that is more business decision oriented – where react native stands in front of other cross-platform tools or frameworks.

How is React Native Compared to Other Cross-Platform App Development Frameworks?

When we look at the alternatives to React Native as a cross-platform app development framework the names that come up include – Flutter, Ionic, and Xamarin.

Let us look at how the advantage of React Native stacks up against all the three –

A. React Native vs Flutter

Even after being fairly new in the domain, Flutter has emerged as the ideal competitor to React Native. In only sometime of its launch, the latter has popularized the debate around React Native vs Flutter at the back of its capabilities.

But even at a time when the competition is pretty stiff between both the cross-platform frameworks, there are a number of factors in which React Native is proving to stand ahead of Flutter. Factors like –

User Interface

Framework Maturity

Use of JavaScript

Mass Adoption

Set-up and Configuration

Tooling

Lifecycle Management, etc.

B. React Native vs Ionic

While the industry is divided into both sides considering the individual benefits that they both offer and their individual capabilities, React Native again stands ahead of Ionic in the discussion of React Native vs Ionic.

Here are some factors where React Native holds a much stronger foothold compared to Ionic –

High Performance

Better Community Support

C. React Native vs Xamarin

The debate between React Native vs Xamarin is what has taken a slight side-track ever since the launch of a more capable framework – Flutter. However, the demand for Xamarin among cross-platform app developers is nowhere less.

Here are the different factors where React Native stands ahead of Xamarin –

Market Share

Better Development Environment

Better Testing Abilities

Proper Documentation

Comparatively Lower Cost of Development

Now that we have looked at where React Native stands as compared to the other popular cross-platform tools, it is time to look into the next important thing to consider when choosing React Native development – The Pros and Cons of the popular cross-platform Framework.

Benefits and Limitations of React Native App Development

Even after being one of the most popular modes of cross-platform app development, there are a number of limitations that a leading react native application development company works around but also a number benefits that the react native app developers boast of. 

An understanding of what the react native development pros and cons are will bring you to a much better stage when it comes to knowing things before starting with the React Native development process.

Let us attend to them both now, one after another.

Benefits of React Native App Development

A. Single Codebase

The best part about react native development of app is the fact that it works around a single codebase. The development team does not have to write codes for two (or multiple) platforms individually, instead, they have to code once and the app will get live on multiple platforms – Android, iOS, Windows, etc.

B. Lowered Development Time

React Native makes it possible for the mobile app development agency to employ only a few people in the project, thus being the number one answer to if is react native good for mobile app development. Instead of keeping two platform-specific teams, they only employ one team in the project. Also, because all the efforts, straight from designing to development and maintenance gets cut in half, the overall mobile app development timeline also gets reduced.

C. Easy Transition for Web Developers

Because a good portion of React app development is done using JavaScript, it becomes a lot easier for web developers to switch to the world of mobile app development, for the learnability curve is pretty low.

D. Open Source

Being open source, React Native gives developers the benefit of code inspection. Also, because of the open-source nature libraries become a lot more compatible with platforms like Windows suite or TvOS.

E. Hot Reload Option

Another time-saving functionality of React Native is the Hot Reload ability. The capability makes it easy for the developers to see what their changes reflect as in the device in real-time. They no more have to push builds to see the effect.

F. Better User Experience

The main feature of a native app is to offer quality user experience by having efficiency and compatibility to operate on a mobile phone. Applications developed with React Native have faster loading time and smooth feel, which makes react native one of the most liked choice. The apps built with React Native also offer perfect performance as well as aesthetic appeal providing better user experience.

G. Cost Effective

Currently, the price related to developing an application can be lowered by 25-30% when selecting React Native. The financial savings is made from having simply one development group rather than two. This implies simple management of process and project as well as more control over uniformity of the manufacturing.

It additionally suggests that there is no difference in the work speed. Meaning that the progress in React Native is constant for both iOS and Android platforms.

Drawbacks of React App development

A. Lack of Connect with Native Elements

The biggest lagging on the React Native’s part is lack of connection with the device’s native elements like Voice Recorder or Camera etc.

The alternate to native framework that solves this problem – Flutter to some extent, but nothing beats the abilities of Native app development.

B. Lack of Third-Party Library Connection

There is a massive lack of third-party libraries connection that React Native faces. In order to make use of the libraries, the development team has to make use of native modules, which only increases the development efforts further.

The alternate solution to this problem – Xamarin

C. Restricted Support for Native APIs

Although React Native is expanding its support scope to multiple Native APIs, the number is still restricted and so is the freedom that developers have in terms of using all the APIs.

The alternate solution to this problem – Native app development.

If there is one thing clear from the benefits and limitations that we just read, it is that when it comes to the cross-platform app development process, react Native has almost all the functionalities to get you started with the process. And whatever’s lacking is something that falls majorly in the ballpark of native app development, making React Native vs Native apps development the right comparison point.

Well now that we have looked at the different benefits and limitations that are linked with React Native, it is time to get an idea of its social standing.

Let us get down to looking at where the adoption state of React Native lies.

Now while we already know that the framework is used by millions of businesses across the globe, we are going to look at the top names which are backing the popular cross-platform app development framework.

Companies using React Native Apps

Even though there is a sharp rise in the adoption of React Native’s top competitor Flutter in the mobile industry, the companies that are already using or are starting with the React native app development process are not less in number.

Here are some of the top apps made using React Native –

Brands Relying on React Native and the factors to consider react native are:

1. Facebook

When Facebook laid the foundation of React Native, it was guided by the need to bring the ease of web development on the front of single team requirement and quick iterations to mobile.

The Result – There was a significant improvement in performance, making the app twice as fast as earlier.

2. Walmart

The business has already given us a peek into how innovative its processes are – something that can be gauged by the fact that it first added Node.js in the stack and after a few years also introduced React Native in the toolset.

The Result – React native inclusion helped Walmart in not just increasing their overall app performance, but also helped in offering near-native interface along with the facility of smooth animations.

3. Bloomberg

The app which is aimed at offering interactive, streamlined experience with heavily personalized content is built upon React native as well with the intent to take advantage of the framework’s automated code refreshes and instant reloads. Intents which stood true of what was expected.

4. Instagram

The social media platform integrated React Native in its existing native application inside the WebView functionality.

The Result – The developer velocity improved to a great extent. And now over 90% code was getting shared between iOS and Android apps, so the delivery number also improved.

5. Townske

The app aims at being the travel guide of its users by giving them a list of places that the locals frequent. They chose React Native for its sole focus on Mobile UI.

The Result – The app’s UI is very responsive and fluid because of the asynchronous JS interaction with a native environment, meaning it loads a lot faster than your usual hybrid app and works around a smoother feel.

Now that we have looked at the reasoning and the impact of choosing React Native that a number of top businesses across the globe have faced, it is time to get down to one of the two direct business impacting pointers of React Native – which also happens to be two of the most beneficial features of react native.

React Native’s Business Benefit Number 1: Small Team Size

One of the biggest benefits that attract entrepreneurs to React Native is the fact that the development type calls for very small team size – something that directly answers if is react native good for mobile app development.

A usual team composition of your average react native app looks like –

1 Project Manager

1 Tech Lead

1 React Native Developer

1 Business Analyst

1-2 UI/UX Designers

1 QA Specialist

This number when you choose Native app development increases to exact double or even triple if the project size is big.

React Native’s Business Benefit Number 2: Low App Development Cost

The next big benefit of React native app development that works for businesses is the fact that it brings down the answer to how much does it cost to develop a react native app to a great extent.

In fact, this happening is what makes React development one of the most trusted ways to bring the mobile app development cost down.

While these two benefits are what keep the interest for app development high among entrepreneurs, the prevalent doubt around the scope of scalability that the framework offers, tends to keep them a little on the fence as well.

Making scalability an important thing to be considered before making an investment in react native mobile app development.

Scope of Scalability When Choosing React Native for Mobile App development

Gone is the time when scalability used to be a matter for backend teams to handle. It has today become all the more important in frontend as well.

The idea that an application should be scalable enough to handle more real-time users and devices is what businesses are aiming for nowadays.

But does React Native holds up to this expectation? Is Scalability one of those must think about factors to consider for React Native app development?

The answer is a Yes, but.

Short answer – The fact that React Native for mobile app development is what is powering an application like Facebook, makes the framework very scalable in nature.

Long answer – It takes certain experience and developmental efforts to know how to structure a React Native app for scale – something that only the leading react native mobile app development services can offer.

With that answered, we have come to the last thing that has to be taken into account when doing app development.

Type of Apps Best Suited for React App Development

While the day is still awaited when we would say that any and all types of applications can be made using React Native for mobile app development, the truth of the hour remains in the fact that the type of apps that can be made using the framework is a number that can be categorized in four points.

Let us look at those four points as the last section of our article today.

Here are the four app types that usually defines when to choose react native for building a mobile app –

Working prototypes

The importance of mobile app prototyping in getting the app idea validated is not unknown to the app industry. And what can be better for developing a prototyping model if not a cross-platform framework that allows speedy development at low developmental cost?

Apps with simple UI

For mobile apps which have very few views and interactions, React Native can prove to be a very viable option. The present of capabilities like quick iterations and hot reloading makes it ideal for brands seeking high app performance.

Apps requiring basic functionalities

For apps that fall into the category of medium to low complexity having functionalities that can be hand-counted, React Native can prove to be a great option.

Non-Native app

Although a no-brainer but apps that do not rely on the native abilities of a device can prove to be a perfect outcome of the native app development process. So, if your app idea is of an application that works perfectly fine as independent software, RN can be a great choice.

The Future of React App Development

Till now we have known the types, benefits, limitations, scope, and how does react native work.

Fabric a project by Facebook is set to transform the React Native future. Fabric makes React Native community and its tools suitable with other different platforms than the typical Android and iOS. It will certainly help in making a lower overload on the application design and architecture and your apps will run quicker than the old cross-platform applications in react.

New Thread Model 

A thread is a network where the system connects with the users. To every client demand, a UI needs to go with three different threads. Rather than enabling each UI update to deal with three separate threads, Fabric will empower developers to call synchronously right into JavaScript on any thread provided. Decreasing the stress on the primary thread without compromising responsiveness.

Async Capabilities

Subsequently, making it simpler to manage asynchronous information and data, and also permit numerous rendering priorities.

Simplified/Native Bridge

We know that cross-platform applications struggle because of the gap between the shared code and native conditions. To improve the debugging of bugs, native bridges are required. Developers are planning to develop a fresh simplified bridge, which will certainly boost the direct calls between JavaScript and native.

With this, we have looked at everything that you will have to consider when looking into investing in react app development. The only thing left is finding the right react native mobile app development company.

Well, you don’t have to look further, we are only just a single click away. Fill in the form below and get in touch with us and hire our React native app developers.

As the business experts say, it’s not only about the framework popularity, it’s about what you can do with it and this article talks about that. In the next 12 minutes, you will be reading about what separates Angular and React from each other, which is better Angular or React, which framework is preferred by modern enterprises and what suits your mobile app development requirements, Angular app development or React app development.

The reason why we are concentrating on the comparison of Angular and React is partially because they come from a lineage of two solid competitors – Google and Facebook and partially because we had already covered React vs Flutter – the addition in the framework family, so it was time to compare React with a brand that has established itself in the industry at the back of its unmatched performance.

Before we move even a step ahead, let us glance through the basics of React and Angular:-

React and Angular: A Brief Overview

The most common query for React is whether it’s a library or framework? So let’s dig in and find out.

So let’s dig in and find out.

What is React?

ReactJS is an open-source JavaScript library introduced by Facebook to build dynamic user interfaces. It is based on JavaScript and JSX (a PHP extension) and is considered widely for developing reusable HTML elements for front-end development.

The most stable version of React is 17.0.2 released in March 2022 under Facebook repository. 

What is Angular?

Angular is an open-source front-end development framework powered by Google. It is a part of MEAN stack and is compatible with a large number of code editors and is considered for creating dynamic websites and web apps.

Its most recent stable version is Angular 13.1.1 (released in Dec 2021), while Google still supports the first version, i.e., AngularJS.

Now that we know what React js and Angular are, let’s focus on the benefits offered by the two.

Benefits of React JavaScript Library

One of the greatest benefits ReactJS swears by is that the library makes coding easier. ReactJS is competent, easy to adopt, and provides excellent cross-platform support. Therefore, If your next business project involves developing highly compelling websites and applications, you can easily get creative with ReactJS. Below are the primary benefits of the ReactJS library:

Better User Experience

Unlike other JavaScript frameworks, React uses the Virtual DOM – the abstract form of Real DOM. This makes it easier for the React native app developers to update changes performed by the users in the application without affecting the other parts of the interface.

This results in building a highly dynamic UI with the exquisite user experience.

Time-Saving

In the case of React, the app development companies can reuse the code components at distinct levels at any point of time. Besides, the components are isolated to each other and changes in one does not affect the other, which makes it easier to manage the updates.

This results in error-free mobile app development with react native making the entire process time-saving and efficient for developers.

Quick Development

React native mobile app developers are allowed to reuse the existing code and apply hot reloading into the process. This approach not only improves the app performance but also accelerates the development speed.

Faster Testing

React extensively uses Redux which cuts down the hassle of storing and managing component states in large-sized and complex applications with enormous dynamic elements.

It helps the developers to add application state in a single object and empower every component of the app to access the application state without involving child components or using callback. This makes it easier to test the application and log data changes, along with the use of hot reloading and other such tools.

Code Stability with One-directional data binding

ReactJS lets the developers work directly with the components and employ downward data binding to ensure that the parent entities do not get affected by the changes of child entities. This approach makes the code stable and supports the idea of development in the future.

Above advantages are the exhibit reasons why ReactJS stands apart from the crowd and offers developers with innumerable possibilities to be creative.

 How about Angular? We are yet to discover the potential benefits of Angular. 

Benefits of Angular Front-End Development Framework

Angular is advantageous from both business and development standpoints. It is one of the rare front-end frameworks that can work productively with various backend frameworks with UI and business logic. What you can expect from Angular is a robust, cost-effective product that can be a win for your business. There are other multiple benefits Angular comes with that are discussed below:

Cleaner Code

Angular uses TypeScript programming language, which is a superset of JavaScript. It compiles JavaScript, but also eases the process of finding and eliminating the common issues while typing the code.

This approach helps the developers in writing cleaner and error-free codes and ensure high code quality, something that is really helpful when investing in Enterprise app development services.

Higher Performance

Angular  programming language has a hierarchical dependency injection, much better than that of AngularJS, in which classes are not dependent on each other. They rather turn towards the external sources, which delivers higher performance to the Angular mobile applications.

Material Design-like Interface

Angular offers pre-built material design components across navigation elements, form controls, pop ups, layouts, and data tables. This helps the mobile app developers to overcome the impact of Google Material Design on Mobile app  and digital product design that users need in the long run.

Better Error Handling

The latest versions of Angular programming language (from Angular 7 to the recent and upcoming versions) offer an upgraded error handling process for @Output in the scenarios where a property is not initialized.

Seamless Updates using Angular CLI

Angular CLI (Command Line Interface) is easy to install and use, newcomer-friendly, offers innovative testing tools and simpler commands and is supported by various engineers and platforms, which make it possible to update even those components having a third-party dependency.

Above are the probable reasons why businesses choose Angular framework to develop modern digital products.  

Now that we’re familiar with the whereabouts and benefits of React and Angular, let us dive into the main part of the article, i.e., compare Angular and React.

React vs Angular: A Comparison Between the Two Front-End Development Options

When talking about what’s better for your business, React and Angular’s biggest divide is between what you get in the base package. Google crafted ReactJS as a minimal UI development tool on purpose. Further developers expanded its memory with major framework components for faster app prototyping. 

The creators of Angular packed it for a punch with all necessary components that a competitive web app needs. Developers also have the creative freedom to integrate various interfaces and modules for better development. 

Apart from these, Angular and ReactJS have individual difference discussed below with independent comparisons:  

1. Componentization

AngularJS comes with an extremely fixed and complex structure since it is based on three layers: Model, View, and Controller. With AngularJS, developers break down the app’s code in different files. This allows reuse of templates or the component in different parts of the application. 

React, on the other hand, chooses a different architecture. It offers a simple way of developing component trees. The library comes with functional programming in which the component definitions are declarative. 

React codes are readable and logically structured. They do not ask developers to write code in a specific way. 

2. State Management 

An application uses states at multiple instances. The UI of an application is described by a component at any given point in time. The framework then re-renders the complete component UI when the data changes. This is how an application ensures that the data is updated. 

For handling state on React, it uses Redux as the solution, while in case of Angular Redux is not used. 

3. Self-Sufficiency 

The applications written in React call for additional library inclusion. Some of those are – React Router, Redux, or Helmet are used for optimizing the process of routing, state management, and interacting with the API. 

Between React or Angular, the latter is a full-fledged software development framework that does not need the inclusion of any library. Every function is implemented through the help of Angular package. 

4. Languages 

React is based on the JavaScript ES6+ language which is combined with the JSX script. JSX is mainly an extension for the syntax that makes the JavaScript code resemble ones which are written in HTML. Angular uses TypeScript or JavaScript. Since TypeScript is very compact it gets easier to navigate the code and spot the typos. 

5. UI Component 

Another differentiating point in Angular vs React is the UI component. The React UI tools are developed by its community. There are a number of paid and free UI components in the React portal. Angular comes with a built-in Material techstack and comes with a number of pre-built components of material design. Because of this, the UI configuration becomes extremely fast and simple. 

6. Directives 

The logic and templates in React are explained at the end of every component. It enables the readers to understand what the code means even without having to know its syntax. In case of Angular, the templates are returned with attributes and the syntax of Angular’s directives are sophisticated and complex, making it incomprehensible for the nascent developers. 

7. Toolset 

React makes use of multiple code editors like: Sublime Text, Atom, and Visual Studio. It uses the Create React App (CLI) tool for bootstrapping a project, while the server-side rendering is done with Next.js framework. For testing the app written in React, calls for multiple tools for different elements. 

Angular, like React, also uses different code editing tools like Sublime Text, Aptana, and Visual Studio. The project is set up using Angular CLI, while the server-side rendering is done through Angular Universal. 

But the point of difference between Angular and React technology is that Angular can be tested completely with only one tool. It can be either Karma, Protractor, or Jasmine.  It is also one of the noteworthy Angular advantages over React.

8. Popularity

Talking about React vs Angular popularity, as per Google Trends, React has more searches than Angular. While people show more interest in Angular due to availability of ample ready-made solutions, both the technologies are developing which means both are popular in the market. So for now, the answer to React vs Angular popularity would be equal on both sides, i.e Angular is as popular as React.

9. Architecture

Both Angular and React have component-based architecture, which means they have cohesive, reusable and modular components. But, the React and Angular difference comes at the point of tech stack. React architecture, on the other hand, uses JavaScript while Angular architecture goes with Typescript for web development which is more compact and error-free.

10. Learning Curve

Angular has a steep learning curve when compared to React. The Google Angular IO framework offers multiple ways to solve a particular problem, has a complex component management system, as well as demands familiarity with different concepts and languages like templates, pipes, dependency injection, RxJS, TypeScript, etc.

Besides, the framework is developing constantly – making it necessary for the developers to look into what’s new in the Angular ecosystem and upgrade their skills accordingly.

Whereas, the same is not true for the React JS framework. Reactjs allows you to easily learn and make an app in the React ecosystem if you are good with JavaScript. ReactJS provides multiple useful resources for newcomers to understand the framework and look forward to developing an application, even after frequent updates are rolled out. This is the number key reason why developers tend to choose React.

11. Development Speed and Productivity

Talking about Reactjs vs Angular, Angular offers enhanced development experience – thanks to its CLI that empowers creating a workspace and design functioning applications swiftly and producing components and services with one-line commands, built-in process to solve comprehensive problems and clean coding feature of TypeScript.

But, when it comes to React, the development speed and productivity gets affected due to the involvement of third-parties libraries. The React js app developers have to determine the right architecture along with the tools. Besides, the toolkit for React mobile apps varies from project to project, implying more time and effort is invested if the project is handed over to new developers for an app update.

This indicates that Angular outshines React in terms of development speed and productivity.

12. Flexibility and Freedom

Another factor that contributes to React vs Angular choice is flexibility. React framework provides you with the freedom to choose the tools, libraries, and architecture for developing an app. It let you build a highly-customized app using only the features and tech stack you require, provided you have hired a skilled ReactJS development team.

Angular, on the other side, offers a limited amount of freedom and flexibility. For example, the recent versions of Angular (from Angular 7) let you only use Angular components inside other frameworks and embed codes in an HTML-based application.

This indicates that React offers better flexibility and freedom in comparison to Angular.

13. DOM (Document Object Model)

Angular uses real DOM where the whole tree data structure is updated even if a single section of it is changed or altered. Whereas, Virtual DOM is employed in Reactjs app development, which enables the app development companies to track and update the changes without affecting the other parts of the tree.

Since Virtual DOM is considered faster than real DOM, React wins in the reactjs vs angular race.

14. Data Binding

Another factor that influences the decision to choose the right framework in reactjs vs angular race is Data Binding.

React uses one-way data binding in which the UI elements can be changed only after changing the model state. The developers cannot alter the UI elements without updating the corresponding model state.

Whereas, in the case of an Angular mobile app, the two-way binding approach is considered. This approach, as already seen in the article titled Vue.js vs Angular, ensures that model state changes automatically when any change in UI element is made, and vice-versa.

While Angular’s approach seems easier and effective, React’s way offers a better and streamlined data overview in the case of larger app projects. This is why use React when it comes to data binding.

15. App Performance and User Experience

As we have seen in the Vue.js vs React.js article, React uses Virtual DOM and Fiber for building applications that make it lead to AngularJS. But, the newer versions, from Angular 7 have come up with features and elements like ShadowAPI that has made the competition between the two frameworks even more intense, with none falling down in terms of app size or performance.

16. Mobile Solutions

When it comes to angular vs react for mobile development, Angular offers Ionic framework for mobile app development, which comes with a Cordova container and an engaging UI component library. So, the developed application, when viewed on any device, appears like a web inside a native web app container.

However, this is not in the case with the React javascript library. It offers a truly native UI experience that enables you to make your own components and bind them to native code written in Java, Kotlin, Objective-C, and Kotlin.

So, React wins this battle here.

17. Testing

The Angular IO testing and debugging for a complete project is possible with a single tools like Jasmine, Protractor and Karma. But, this is not possible in the case of React js app development. A set of tools are required for performing different sets of testing.

For example, you will require Jest for JavaScript code testing, Enzyme and Unexpected-React for component testing, Skin-deep for Render testing utils, React-unit for unit testing, and so on. This increases the efforts and time required in the testing process.

So, the winner of this Angular versus React war is Angular.

18. Ease of Update

Angular has an improved CLI that contains commands like a ng_update which makes it possible to easily upgrade the app to the latest Angular version.  This makes Angular app development less painful, provided most of the updating process is automated.

Similarly, React also offers the facility to make seamless transitions between two versions. But, the front-end development library relies heavily on the external libraries which make it possible to update and migrate the third-party components. Besides, the developers have to check all the time if the used third-party libraries are compatible with the recent versions of the JavaScript framework or not, which increases the efforts of the developers.

This implies that though both the frameworks are working towards making transitions from version to version seamless, React lags behind Angular.

19. Documentation

The documentation in the Angular framework is slower due to the ongoing development process. Besides, most of the documentation and tutorials are still AngularJS, which are outdated and useless for the developers now.

But this is not the case with Reactjs development. The React framework is also undergoing regular updates, but the insights from the earlier versions is still valuable.

20. Community Support

React has a wider community support than Angular on GitHub and GitLab. But, when it comes to the StackOverflow Developer Survey, the number of developers working with Angular are somewhat higher than those working with React. 

So, both the front-end development frameworks have somewhat the same community support.

After understanding what is React JS and what is Angular, along with their benefits, let’s understand the differences and similarities between them.

What Is The Major Difference Between Angular & React?

• AngularJS is a structural framework for creating dynamic web applications while React is a javascript library that permits you to assemble UI components.
• Talking about Angular JS vs React JS, Angular JS framework depends on MVC (Model View Controller) while React is on Virtual DOM.
• Angular depends on Typescript and React depends on javascript.
• AngularJS doesn’t add a javascript library to the source code while React permits adding a javascript library to the source code.
• AngularJS gives testing and troubleshooting for a complete project with a single tool though React requires a bunch of tools to perform various kinds of testing.

Angular JS vs React JS: The Brand Names Backing Them

Both the framework and library are being backed by some of the top companies of the world. Here is a peek into it:

The aforementioned factors will help you to screen out the right front-end development framework for you. But, to ease the process, here are some of the conditions depicting when you can go with React and when to choose Angular. You should read them as situations of why use Angular JS framework and is it better than React or why use React and is it better than Angular?

How Similar are Angular and React?

React and Angular JS framework are both component based. A component gets an input, and after some inside rationale returns a rendered UI layout (a sign-in form or a table for instance) as yield. Components ought to be easy to reuse inside other components or even in different projects.

For instance, you could have a sign-in component consisting of two text information inputs (user and password) and a “Login” button. This component may have different properties and underlying logic, yet it ought to be generalized so you can reuse the component with various information on another page or in another application.

Let’s move on to the other section of the article where we will be discussing when to use react and when to use angular?

When to Use React for Developing an App?

React is the right fit for your app project when:-

• Your team has expertise in HTML, CSS and JavaScript.
• You need a highly customized specific app solution.
• A myriad of components with different and often variable states – active/inactive navigation items, dynamic inputs, user login and access permissions, buttons enabled/disabled, etc. are involved in the development process.
• Components are expected to be shared across multiple applications as the app project expands.
• You wish to spend time on pre-development preparation.

Also Read- React Native Vs Swift – Choosing the Right Mobile App Development Framework for Your Business

When to Consider Angular for App Development?

Going with the Angular framework in a good choice when:-

• Your team has experience with Java, C# and previous versions of Angular.
• App complexity lies from Low to Medium level.
• You embrace ready-to-use solutions and need higher productivity.
• You wish to embrace Bundle Budgets in CLI option, which informs the developers when the app bundle size exceeds by the pre-decided value. In other words, selecting Angular is the right decision when you want to regulate app size.
• You need a large-scale feature-rich application.

Though this will give you an idea of what to pick per the present scenario, it is always profitable to look into the future scope of the two to enjoy long-term support – which is covered as follows:-

Which is Better, React or Angular?

React has come up with major changes empowering the React developers to easily provide feedback on new features, JavaScript syntax improvements, and experimental APIs.

While Angular, on the other hand, has already been witnessing a growth in the usage rate – which will increase significantly when Angular 8 comes out of beta version.

So while both of these frameworks are on a growth tangent, there’s one framework that is preparing to replace them in the mobile app development world – Vue.js. The Vue.js framework is giving stiff competition to these two popular frameworks – a bit of which is covered in our blog, Vue.js vs React.js.

We hope this blog was helpful in understanding what is React javascript and what is Angular? Rest, the answer to which is the best framework for your app project boils down to your app requirements, complexity and the experience of the hired app development company. That’s why we at Appinventiv are happy to help you as a react native app development company.

Connect with our React Native and Angular experts to either develop a compelling website or application from scratch or add user friendly frameworks to your existing presence. Our suite of services go beyond just time and cost saving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is the difference between React and Angular?

A. When we talk about the difference between React and Angular, there are several differences between the two. For example, React works with one-way data binding whereas Angular operates using two-way data binding. Likewise, Angular uses real DOM while React relies upon virtual DOM.

Q. Is angular faster than react?

A. No, React is faster than angular since it relies upon Virtual DOM.

Q. What is React Javascript and is React the best framework?

A. React Javascript is an open-source JavaScript library introduced by Facebook to build dynamic user interfaces. React is the best framework to use when you want to design a highly customized app using variable states – dynamic inputs, active/inactive navigation items, buttons enabled/disabled, user login and access permissions, etc.

Q. What is more popular, react or angular?

A. It is tough to say or choose between React or Angular. While React has more searches, Angular is highly considered by developers due to the availability of ready-made solutions – implying both are popular in the market.

Q. Why Is React More Popular Than Angular?

A. React has a diverse and vibrant environment that provides developers with the flexibility to create your applications. This makes it more popular than Angular.

Q. Is Angular still relevant in the coming years?

A. There are many questions around if Angular is still relevant, if it’s losing popularity, or if it’s dying.  The truth is, Angular is still very relevant and no it is not dying. In fact, Angular 8 has been witnessing a constant market growth at the back of its outstanding efficiency & performance. 

In fact, thanks to the Angular CLI, the development experience has also improved drastically. Google has also tremendously brought down the app size to make the Angular apps run smoothly. All of these are a sign of how relevant it is. 

But according to simple math, there are only close to about 2.6 million apps on Google Play Store and, as mentioned above, the number of startups are in hundred-millions. So what is it that is not allowing these numbers to add up?

We know! Money. There is, of course, high demand for mobile apps among startups but the follow-up on the idea is low because of high mobile app development costs.

In such a scenario, there is an urgent need to bring in a cost-effective way of mobile app development that can accommodate more startups for everyone’s benefit.

One such cost-effective measures found to aid the ailing of the world is the guide to Cross-platform mobile app development.

What is Cross-Platform App Development?

Cross-platform App development is the development of mobile application or softwares for multiple platforms. That is by accommodating various platforms in one round of coding.

And what makes Cross-Platform app development a cost-efficient measure for mobile app development is that it is the only way for relatively faster development of the application at a substantially lower price.

But How does Cross-Platform App Development helps one in saving the cost?

A few years ago, whenever someone went to a mobile app development company with an idea for an app, the immediate follow-up question used to be – Which would be the first platform for launch – Android or iOS? And the cost of development for both the mobile app platforms would come out to be very high with double the annual maintenance charges.

But if we roll out today’s calendar, we would see a number of options to help us avoid those high costs of native mobile app development. The biggest change that came upon the world for this was the invention React native app development.

But how does this impact the React native app development cost?

• Reusable code: Cross-platform app development, the code for the mobile application can be used for the desktop web views.
• Easier team management: When all your development team members will be required to be the masters of only one language for both Android and iOS app development.
• Easier Maintenance: Since there is only one code base, the majority of the problems can be solved on that commonly.
• Cost-cutting: Since there is no need of building apps for individual mobile platforms, the cost of development reduces substantially.

But to learn more about the benefits of React native app development, we need to know which is the best platform for us to explore react native web apps and mobile apps.

[Also Read: Tricks to reduce app development cost for Startups]

The Evolution of React Native:

Ever since there has been programming in the world, people (Programmers and non-programmers) know that coding a programme is a tough job. And with the abundance of different programming platforms and languages, the job only becomes more complicated. In such scenarios, Developers prefer that they have to learn a single or only a few languages which can get them maximum outreach an exposure.

Often, the code of complex mobile applications needed to be “fixed” with the help of Native Coding, Which was making the process longer instead of faster.

Realising all of these points, in 2015, Facebook created React Native. React native was developed after the failure of multiple cross-platform app development technologies as they were all creating weird-looking interfaces which were not fully compatible with all the devices.

React native is an open source framework particularly which is used as it allows the mobile app developers to code in Javascript and deploys the app on both, Android and iOS platforms. It is very important to judge when to use Native or React Native apps, but the best thing about React native apps is that they are as good as Native apps.

Over the years, React Native has gained popularity for all the good reasons and it won’t suffice to end it there; so, let’s move forward to look at the properties of react native that make it the best choice of programming languages.

Properties of React Native:

If we count the advantages of React native, the cost efficiency will make it to the first spot every time. The cost-saving benefits of React native are the result of the other advantages that the platform posses for mobile app development. Although, to create a react native app means that the developer has to take account of multiple platforms to guarantee the best performance of the app, it still saves time and resources.

Let us take a look at the properties which make React native the best platform for mobile app development and how it benefits the mobile app developers.

• Slashed Costs of app development

There is no denying the fact that building a cross-platform mobile application is comparatively much more cost-efficient than building native mobile apps or even web apps. This is because there is no need for programming for individual platforms. Besides, with the rising competition in the app development world, the focus has centred around the market of the application more than the development. And such a scenario, cross-platform applications are able to deliver high quality of mobile apps in a substantially lesser amount of time for more number of platforms which gives the marketers more time to strategise the launch and marketing of the app.

There are collective libraries of many app development frameworks available, like PhoneGap and Xamarin, which allows the React native mobile app developers to work and deliver much faster than native mobile app developers saving both, cost and time.

• React Native is all about the UX and UI:

Those who have dealt with a non-optimised app can very well recite the pain of scrolling horizontally for seeing the full page of an app on their mobile devices. cross-platform applications built with the help of React Native eliminate this flaw and let the react native app builders make a fully optimised and compatible mobile application with numerous devices.

React Native cross-platform Apps are not only known for their ability to display data faster an adjust to the screen configurations promptly but also fixes the problems of fluctuating data streaming.

Apart from this, React native cross-platform apps can support a high definition of app graphics and contents because they’re very lightweight.

• Easy integration:

cross-platform mobile apps, just like native apps, allow seamless integration and synchronization with other compatible apps. This is because the cross-platform apps also influence the internal programming of the mobile devices. This kind of working reduces the extra integration work for mobile app developers and the cross-platform apps still work well with the devices default applications such as GPS, Camera, etc.

• Easier App Maintenance:

A cross-platform mobile application works just like a native mobile app and therefore they are well equipped to make use of all the device applications. The difference between the two is that a Native app is much harder to maintain, on both, the developers’ and the users’ sides. That is so because native applications require regular updates but cross-platform apps can easily avoid versioning and this makes the maintenance of the apps much more simplified. This flexibility provided by cross-platform apps gives the required scalability to the enterprise apps.

• Offline Working:

cross-platform mobile applications work by storing the mobile device’s API, which saves the app data offline and hence results in a much faster-working app. It proves to be of great help at the times of adverse network conditions by providing uninterrupted access to data. This is even cited as one of the best performance capabilities of cross-platform apps and puts them a level above native mobile apps.

• Scaling and Availability:

Being a cross-platform app, it can be made available at multiple online market platforms such as Google’s play store or Apple’s AppStore. This is the best way to expand your reach and maximise your customer base.
Also, cross-platform applications are basically cross-platform apps, capable of working flawlessly with different Operating systems and platforms. And since the code for these apps can be easily reused, they become extremely simple to scale and develop.

As we are now through with the best advantages of React Native, Let us move on to the factors contributing to the overall costs of mobile app development.

Factors Contributing to the cost of development and How React Native minimises it:

From the Operating system to App Design elements, everything adds up to a certain cost in the overall app development process. Although the costs of development for the native apps and the cross-platform apps can be distinguished easily. Let us see how these factors affect these two kinds of mobile app development processes.

Operating system: The fundamental support required for updating older versions of operating systems is difficult and rather, time-consuming in the case of native mobile apps. However, in the case of cross-platform apps, versioning can be easily avoided which makes the maintenance of the app much easier and therefore, cost-effective.

Hardware: Along with supporting various Operating systems, the programming required to support the dimensions and orientation of various mobile devices. And making a native app compatible with different generations of a device can turn out to be highly expensive on the development front. For instance, the older iPhones had much smaller screens and the newer ones have larger screens but all the devices successfully accommodate and support the same mobile applications. This means that these native apps were specially optimised for the device type and hence added highly to the cost of development.
Whereas, React native cross-platform apps work with all digital ecosystems and are pre-optimized to accommodate a maximum number of devices for the mobile apps. This, in turn, saves the time of development, thereby saving the overall cost.

Maintenance and support: the maintenance for native apps is quite complex because it takes the aftercare of two platforms at once, which includes regular updates, troubleshooting, patching etc. And thus, it takes almost twice as much time and resources to keep up with the maintenance of both Android and iOS device versions of the native app. And a cross-platform app can be easily maintained by a single app developer and thus the total app development costs are substantially slashed.

Application Design: It is unarguable that the cost of UI and UX design for an app is an added cost for a native app. Every app requires a flawless user-experience which account for nearly one-third of the total app development cost. Although, cross-platform apps made with react native are known for their uniformity across devices which accounts for great user experience.

Other factors, such as Data security costs and external APIs (Application Programming Interface), App hosting are the factors that work more or less in a similar way for native apps as well as for React native apps. However, the other factors mentioned above result in a significant reduction in the overall cost of mobile app development and still build high-quality apps which are no less than native apps.

The cost-saving benefits of using React native are long since proven that is why a number of businesses are bringing their applications over React native Platform. React native Apps in the market like, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Skype, Tesla, Uber, Walmart, Vogue are a few big names which are validating the benefits of React native app development.

Although cross-platform app development is easy and takes lesser time and resources which results in lesser development costs, there are always pitfalls associated with every technology.

Besides, the time and prices are always governed by the difficulty and complexity of the task at hand and this complexity decided the final cost of the project.

And though it is true that cross-platform apps cut short the time of development, it still takes time to create React native apps and optimise them for different devices of both iOS and Android platforms, which is a difficult and time-taking task. To hire a react native developer means hiring a developer who can successfully handle the creation of an app for every possible mobile device, which is a speciality in its kind and has a good cost.

In the end, there are a lot of contributing factors which play their part in deciding the final cost of development in the case of both, native, as well as, cross-platform mobile application. And for every app, it will be a different scenario and the last decision is yours to make if React Native is the right platform for your App. However, the general factors, as discussed in the article, are in favour of React native and show us the benefits for React native app development and React Native app development companies.

While some users continued to Native application development approach, others have turned towards the ample opportunities cross-platform framework, React Native is offering. 

In the midst of this, if you are someone who is not able to decide which of the two options you want to go with, this article is going to be a good read for you.

Here, we will talk about which one is a perfect choice for gaining higher ROI from your investment in app development and when.

React Native vs Native: Factors to Consider for Deciding The Right Mobile App Development Approach

Let’s have a look at some of the prime factors to consider to make the right decision between React Native vs Native mobile app development:-

1. Development Time

The foremost pointer to consider while Native vs React Native comparison is that the code is written individually for both Android and iOS platforms due to their technical variations in the former approach. You have to assign two different teams, i.e., the Android development team and iOS development team, for making your app available on both the platforms. Besides, you need to build and run the whole project whenever a change in the code is made. This connotes extra efforts and time required to build a mobile app.

Whereas in case of React Native, a single code is written for both the platforms by the same developers which means you can build React native apps for Android and iOS using the same codes. Plus, the concept of hot reloading makes it easier to deploy the project without rebuilding every time, which cuts down the efforts and time required for React Native application development.

So, if you are looking forward to an earlier and inexpensive entry to the mobile market while targeting both the platforms, go with React Native.

2. Mobile App Cost

The answer to mobile app development cost also helps to select the right technology for your mobile application development needs. As per the top mobile app development companies, app development with React Native can reduce the cost by 30%-35% when compared to that of Native app development for the same app project.

So, if cost is the main factor of selection, React Native is the right option for you.

3. UI/UX Experience

Another factor that helps to determine which is better – React Native or Native is UI/UX experience.

Though React Native framework allows developers to reuse the functionality code and write platform-specific code separately, creating a complex user interface such as custom views, navigation patterns, seamless transitions and animations, etc. is challenging with React Native app development. Also, it is difficult to match the UI/UX standards of both Android and iOS platforms. Whereas, it is not so while building a native app.

In Native application development, each and every screen is designed individually for both Android and iOS devices, which results in higher mobile app UI/UX experience.

So, the winner of React Native vs Native apps development in terms of exceptional mobile app experience is the latter.

4. Scalability

When compared to Native technology, React Native provides mobile app developers with a wider set of opportunities for processing a higher amount of work in an application and launching higher-functionality updates. So, the winner of Native app vs React Native app development in terms of scalability is React Native.

5. Performance

Another factor to consider during native vs react native development comparison is App Performance.

React Native works with JavaScript which works with only single dedicated device thread. It cannot perform multiple asynchronous tasks at the same time. Besides, the framework does not support many trending modules and functionalities. This makes it incompatible to embrace native device features, cutting-edge technologies and perform complex manipulations.

On the other side, Native apps are developed using Swift, Java or Kotlin which are far better than JavaScript to work on advanced features, make heavy calculations and integrate advanced hardware devices. This makes it easier for mobile app developers to easily create any type of application using Native technologies.

In a nutshell, Native wins the React Native vs Native app performance battle.

6. Programming Language

The Native programming languages for Android and iOS, i.e, Kotlin, Java and Swift are considered as strict-typed and OOPs-oriented languages. They are easy to learn with proper documentation and a set of rules and regulations, even though it takes time to get comfortable with them.

Whereas, JavaScript on the other side seems easier to learn but has various flaws and loopholes and poor documentation, which makes it troublesome for the React Native app developers to learn the language full-fledged.

So again, the winner of the comparison between native and react native is the former.

7. Long-Term App Scope

Another factor to focus upon when deciding what to pick for app development – Native or React Native is long-term scope. 

The Native platforms, being supported by Google and Apple, easily get the tools to implement any functionality, resolve errors and launch updates without affecting app usability.

React Native, on the other hand, does not keep updates at the top priority. The tools and updates are not launched in sync with that of Apple and Google, making it critical to build and launch future updates. Besides, there’s less surety of how long the support continues, which again puts a question mark on if one picks React Native for a long-term app process or not.

8. Interactivity with Native Apps

The interactivity with native apps is yet another essential factor to get a clarity of the difference between react native and native approach.

A Native mobile application can easily interact with other native apps and access their data for offering an exceptional experience. But, the same is not possible with React Native.

React Native apps rely on third-party libraries to communicate with other native apps which lower the level of data access. This makes React Native for mobile app development a secondary option, when your app requires continuous interaction with other native mobile apps.

9. API and Third Party Libraries Support

When it comes to API accessibility, the Native app development frameworks can use all the types of APIs directly. Whereas, the same is not possible in the case of React Native technology.

The React Native apps can use only a few of APIs into their development processes. For implementing complex APIs, you need to build a connection layer using Native technologies. This clearly indicates that Native is a better choice over React Native when you have to add a myriad of APIs.

10. Native Module Support

React Native can easily deal with ample cross-platform use cases, but it lacks the required APIs to cover all the native mobile features. To use those inaccessible APIs, React Native relies on the idea to add native module support which requires that the React Native app development company you hire knows how to code in both the native languages.

However, there’s no such constraint in the case of developing a Native mobile app for Android or iOS devices, which indicates Native app development is again a better choice in the native apps vs react native battle. 

11. App Security

React Native framework is based on JavaScript which is not a strongly typed and OOPs (Object Oriented Programming) based language like Native app development languages, i.e, Java and Kotlin (for Android) and Objective-C and Swift (for iOS). Besides, several third-party libraries and APIs are used in case of React Native, which makes it difficult to identify errors and loopholes in the development process. This makes React Native less secure compared to Native app development technologies.

12. App Maintenance

The concept of App Maintenance is tedious and time-consuming for Native app development. This is because you will have to pay attention to bugs at both the Native platform and resolve them individually. But, when talking about React Native for mobile app development, resolving bugs at one platform is enough, unless native app support is concerned.

Though we have covered the different deciding factors, let’s summarize the whole criteria here to make it easier for you to pick the right technology for your next app project:-

When to Go With Native Mobile App Development

Preferring Native app development is a good choice when:-

1. You are developing a complex application, especially a Messenger app.
2. You have planned to launch a regular update.
3. You are more focused on the native user experience.
4. You are developing a utility app, i.e, an app relying on native device features. For example: Brightness Controller app or an application that plays videos in the background.
5. You are building an IoT-based mobile application.
6. You are creating an app for an individual platform.

When to Choose React Native for Mobile App Development

Going with React Native for mobile app development is the right choice when:-

1. You are building a simple and uniform app.
2. You want to launch an app on cross-platforms.
3. You have a lower budget for app development.
4. You want to enter the market at the earliest.
5. You are creating a social media app like Facebook or Instagram.
6. You are looking forward to using Facebook ads into your app.
7. You are developing an e-Commerce app.

While the decision still rests with you, we recommend that if you are a startup, you should go with React Native technology due to the following reasons proving how helpful React Native is for Startups to enter the mobile realm.

Why is React Native a Better Option for Startups

To give you better clarity, here we will look into different challenges that startups face in the whole mobile app development scenario and how this technology can be the right solution.

So, here we go.

1. No Target Audience

Being a newbie, many startups fail to understand what is the right target audience and market to target for gaining higher ROI. They remain questioning one and all, “Android vs iOS: Which Platform is better for Mobile Startups?”, with fear in their heart that they might target the platform which their users might not be using.

Facebook’s React Native provide them with an escape from this question by empowering them to target both the platforms at the same time.

2. Higher Efforts

Many startups, with lower to no technical knowledge, fails at hiring two different teams for making their app available on both Android and iOS at the same place. They have to put an extra effort into the hiring process, which makes it tough for them to focus on other important aspects.

React Native app development acts as the right solution to this startup challenge by putting the need of two different teams to an end.

3. Limited Funds

React Native app development is inexpensive when compared to Native mobile app development. This helps the startups to land into the mobile industry even in a limited budget they have.

4. Launching Dilemma

With the growing competition in the market, Startups face the challenge of when and how to launch a mobile application on Android and iOS platforms and gain higher ROI. React Native, in this scenario, helps them to launch a mobile app on both the platforms at the earliest.

We have seen how React Native is providing startups with the right assistance and ample solutions. But if you are still wondering whether you should go with React Native or not, having a look at the following use cases might help.

Different Brands Already Working With React Native

React Native has gained paramount importance in the market, with various popular brands already using this framework for fulfilling their particular needs.Some of the apps built with React Native are:-

1. Facebook 

Facebook wanted to enjoy all the benefits of web development like quick iterations, need of a single team, etc. on mobile and streamline the user experience. So, they brought open-source React Native to life.

2. Walmart

Walmart wished to improve the customer experience and performance for their app on both Android and iOS platform using lesser resources and time. So, they invested in React Native application development using which they successfully reused 96% of codebase between the two platforms and gained a competitive advantage in the market.

3. SoundCloud

Another app made with React Native is the SoundCloud app. 

SoundCloud came across numerous challenges when they planned to build an ioS version of their app. They couldn’t find the right iOS app development team and wanted their app for both the platforms at almost the same time. React Native platform provides them with the freedom to launch their app on both platforms easily and that too without requiring any specialized mobile app developer.

4. Bloomberg

Another brand that invested in React Native app development is Bloomberg. Bloomberg, as per its team, switched to React Native to meet the needs of their consumer mobile app and stay in the market.

5. Wix

Wix works with an aim to let the users create their own HTML5/mobile websites using drag and drop facility itself – even when they do not know how to code. They found React Native the right fit into their ideology, with its characteristics of hot reload, higher speed and agility of web development along with native results. According to their dev team, they managed to accelerate their development process by 300% with React Native.

Not just these popular brands, even we at Appinventiv have tried our hands on React Native. And here’s what our experts conclude:-

Our Experience With React Native So Far

Working with React Native has added another dimension to our services. React Native has come up as a perfect tool for us to meet our client needs in limited resources, cost and time. The technology has helped us deliver our services to a wider marketplace, especially startups and achieve the honor of a reputed react native app development company globally.

We are finding it easier to turn an idea into an MVP and launch it into both the Android and iOS market at the same time without assigning the project to two different teams. This has streamlined the app delivery process in terms of communication, resource availability and various other ways. We are also experiencing ease in pushing new app updates without going through the lengthy process of App Store or Google Play Store submission, which has again added to the amount of work we do.

Frequently Asked Questions about React Native vs Native Comparison

Q. Is React native a Native app?

No, it is not a native application. A React Native app works both on Android and iOS platforms.You can take help of a reputed mobile app development company for better understanding of React Native. 

Q. Is react Native better than native?

When discussing React native app vs Native apps battle, the former is better when you have no clue of your target audience, have a limited budget, can’t invest higher effort, or are confused about which platform to launch an app on.

Q. Is react native slower than native apps?

No, it is not slower than native applications.

Q. Is react native hybrid or native?

React Native is neither native nor hybrid. Rather, it is a cross-platform framework. That implies, it develops applications that run both on Android and iOS platforms.

Now that you have seen what the two app development approaches mean in the market and what it can do for your startup, hope you have a clear idea of what to choose for your mobile app: React Native vs Native development. But, in case you still have any queries, feel free to contact our React Native development team.