React Native is a cross-platform framework that enables developers to build Native applications for iOS and Android devices. It has rapidly gained popularity for its ability to help businesses create apps for both platforms using single source code.
Native app development approach requires separate developers for iOS and Android apps, which require separate source code to be maintained and higher cost. React Native has made significant improvements since its inception, but it still hasn’t been able to match the performance of Native apps. However, companies may be more likely than ever before to choose React Native app development due to its success. When you’re deciding which development approach to use, there are several factors to consider.
Comparing React Native vs Native App Development
Mobile development is a growing field, and the two approaches to mobile development have notable tradeoffs. As with any technology, it’s important to consider the strengths and weaknesses of each option with respect to an application’s use case and your organization’s structure.
React Native App Development
Pros:
1. Single code base
This is one of the major advantages of react native frameworks, including React Native. It allows developers to reuse most of the JavaScript code across multiple platforms. So developers spend less time building and more time developing, which ultimately leads to better products.
2. No sacrifices in user Experience
According to Piyush Jain, Founder of Simpalm, react native app development company “There is no need to compromise on user experience and user interface while using React Native, compared to other cross-platform options that are out in the market. The user interface created by JavaScript looks very Native to users. In addition, the ability to use the Native language (Swift or Kotlin) within React Native while coding, you are not restricted with the options, and you can create essential features in the Native language of the operating system.”
3. Lower development cost and time
React Native runs for Android and iOS and allows you to target both platforms using a single codebase and development team. That means the processes of developing, planning, testing, and deployment is much easier, usually resulting in a reduced cost and shorter time to market compared to the Native approach, which is the main advantage of React Native technology.
4. Hot reloading
React Native supports both Hot and Live Reloading means developers can see the changes in the code in real-time without reloading the app. This seemingly small productivity boost can save a lot of time and is one of the reasons why developers are so fond of cross-platform solutions. Reacts implementation of hot-reloading gives it a distinct advantage over the debugging and development process offered by Native IDEs.
Cons:
1. Performance
React Native doesn’t make the ideal option for applications that have high-performance requirements that are high-powered, particularly applications that require high-end graphics or data heavy workload. Even though mitigations like Native modules and the JSI are available or in the works, they will remain the most important consideration.
2. Debugging & troubleshooting
JavaScript is not as robust a programming language as Native, some functions or integrations could cause unexpected issues in the code of the whole app or for specific platforms.
Given the relatively new development that is React Native, it is significantly more likely to face issues that were not previously encountered, and fixing these issues on your own can be time-consuming. It is among the biggest concerns when considering React Native for app development.
3. Limited APIs integrations & third-party components
React Native is a popular choice for app development. However, it has its limitations, and the process of building an app using React Native can be tiresome.
React Native is not capable of accessing all the APIs that are available in the native code. Most of the time, you have to build a connection layer using native technologies. This indicates that Native is a better choice over React Native when you have to add a myriad of APIs.
Read more: How To Choose The Right Platform For Cross App Development
Native App Development
Pros
1. Performance
This is the most important factor when compared with cross platform solutions. Native development will always be the winner when it comes to performance. While React Native has sufficient performance to meet the needs of most users, native frameworks are more designed for high-resource applications like those that use 3D/AR/VR technologies, as well as data – or animation-intensive applications.
2. Full access to device features
According to Ella Wilson, Tech Consultant at Suntecindia “If a platform like Android or iOS releases a new function, developers will gain access to it immediately and often before it’s made its way into a release for public use. This can be advantageous and may even give you an advantage in situations where the new feature can increase the popularity of your application.”
3. Device integration
Native can access all capabilities of the device that is running it. This means that all the capabilities of the associated hardware, sensors, and SDKs that are platform-specific capabilities are available. To simplify, it gives more power to developers to create the best product.
Cons:
1. High development costs & a time consuming process
Making two separate Native mobile apps that run on two different operating systems isn’t just time-consuming but also requires a larger budget than cross-platform applications for both the development and the maintenance of apps. If you wish to create two apps, you will need to set up two different teams of developers to develop two distinct (but identical in appearance) applications entirely from beginning to finish. The app bugs and issues will likely differ for each platform.
Conclusion
Which is better? React Native or native app development. To understand this, you will have to evaluate your project with both the approaches and understand the pros and cons. If you are on a tight budget and need to speed up the app development process, go to React Native. If you are looking for a platform-specific application or want to create a heavy user engagement app and have the budget, choose the Native app development.
