The Most Frequently Asked Questions On React Native! (part-2)

By Author: Ash Rakars
Total Articles: 308
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The digital revolution has gifted us with multiple outstanding frameworks for developing applications. One of the frameworks that shine in the realm of app development is React Native. Despite being a relatively newer technology as compared to others, it has won the hearts of software professionals and app creators around the globe. Several businesses such as Instagram, Myntra, UberEats, etc. have leveraged React Native app development services to reach unprecedented heights of success. Yet, there are a lot of unanswered questions that frequently arise in the minds of businesses and software developers planning to use React Native.

In my previous article React Native FAQs Part1 I had answered some of the most frequently asked questions. This article provides additional insights into the FAQs about this multifaceted framework. So let’s commence.

Can the native technologies be ...
... replaced by React Native?

React Native can easily replace native app development technologies for the most part of it. The React Native framework offers numerous libraries that fulfill most of the requirements.

However, if the application to be built is complicated and needs mobile-specific operations like photoshopping, video playback, image editing, etc, then it might get difficult to implement in React Native. During such times, developers with native experience are required. To implement native features in the mobile apps, React Native app developers usually write native modules in Swift or Objective-C and Java or Kotlin as per the mobile platform. These modules enable bridging the code of React Native and the native programming, but may not work for highly complicated functionalities. Native bridges can be acquired from open-sourced projects too.

Can React Native be used with an existing application that is written in Java/ Swift/Objective-C?

If a company, who already has an enterprise application written in Java intends to build a version for iOS as well, it turns out to be an expensive affair. The reason is that a whole project has to be redesigned to write the code separately for iOS and native developers need to be hired. However, using React Native enables writing one code for Android as well as iOS, thereby saving the development time and money spent on resources. With just a few steps, one can add react native based views, screens, features, etc. Components can be added as dependencies using CocoaPods, etc.

Bloomberg has leveraged React Native to rebuild its consumer application. Their developers have added a parallax of different images of the news feed to modify the interactive animation and created a novel feature that allows bookmarking or sharing articles, accessing news feed or live TV, etc. for on-demand views.

Will a React Native app work on the web and React app work on mobile?

It is difficult to make a React Native mobile app work for the web as it depends on features available in the mobile platform and hence not compatible with the web app. Similarly, react apps cannot work on mobile as it depends on features available in web browsers hence can work only on web apps. However, some part of the code is reusable between the web and mobile apps, and this feature is expected to improve in the future.

Will a React Native app look similar and function in the same way for Android and iOS?

The features offered by Android and iOS are different and React Native is not responsible for equalizing these eco-systems. Its job is to allow access to the native components in Android and iOS. It is a wise move to create the UI as per the platform-specific guidelines instead of creating similar ones and React Native helps to adapt to it.

How is React Native different from Cordova, PhoneGap, and Ionic?

Cordova, PhoneGap, and Ionic are used for Hybrid app development which is an immensely budget-friendly option, but not a great choice for rendering a flawless User Experience. It uses JavaScript, CSS, and HTML to develop hybrid apps. They use a mobile engine to convert web pages into mobile applications, popularly known as WebView. React Native, on the other hand, uses native components to architect apps that perfectly comply with the required OS standards. Because of the native controls, the apps impart a native look and feel, and the quality of animation improves. Moreover, the apps are high performing and ensure an enriching UX. Also, the development speeds up and incur much lesser expenses as compared to native development.

Is Expo required for a React Native project?

Expo is a great tool for React Native app development as it offers top-notch libraries and the best native modules. Expo builds the app binaries that facilitate the development process to be completed from the beginning to the end without the need for using the Android Studio or XCode if your app depends on ExpoKit dependencies only. It also facilitates an easier way to set up various distribution channels and distribution of the updates over the air.

Tips on training and getting started with React Native

• The official React documentation is a great way for getting started.
• Expertise in Flexbox is required for writing the React code.
• Informative tutorials on React Native and the latest JavaScript codebase are available on YouTube and Udemy.

Concluding words

I hope these comprehensive solutions to the frequently asked questions on React Native, have enlightened my esteemed readers and proved fruitful to those planning to adopt this versatile framework for their next project.

If you still have queries regarding React Native, please feel free to add a comment or mail us at sales.enquiry@biz4solutions.com.

If you are looking for a React Native app development company, reach out to Biz4Solutions, a reliable technology partner, having more than 9 years of experience in developing top-quality React Native apps for world-wide clients.