How would you like to develop apps for more than one platform? What would make it easier to develop mobile apps for iOS, Android, and other platforms? One answer is a universal framework, which would allow you to code for more than one platform. Is this only a pipe dream? We’re here to say no!
There is a framework that makes it easy and fast to develop apps for different platforms. It’s called React Native.
What is React Native?
React Native is a JavaScript framework for writing and rendering mobile applications for both Android and iOS. It’s based on Facebook’s JavaScript library that makes it easier to develop natively rendered mobile applications for iOS and Android, using the same codebase.
React Native has been around since 2015 when it was launched by Facebook as an open-source project. It quickly became one of the top development tools for building beautiful native apps.
What is Cross-Platform Development?
Before we get into the advantages of using React Native, let’s take a quick look at cross-platform development. This is a process where apps are created for more than one type of platform. An app created to be used across platforms means that it can run on iOS, Android, Windows, Linux, and more.
Cross-platform is perfect for developers who would like to reach out to more users. However, in the past, it was necessary to build the app for one platform and then recreate it for another platform. The process was tedious, expensive, and developers had to know more than one coding language.
This is where React Native comes into play. With just one framework, developers are able to create one app, rather than several, for different platforms.
What are the Advantages of Using React Native?
1) React Native makes it fast and easy to build applications across platforms. The apps will look and act completely native because the framework uses JavaScript components that are built on Android & iOS components. For this reason, developers can save both time and money since it’s no longer necessary to recreate the same app across several platforms. And React Native makes it easier to maintain an app as there’s only one codebase.
2) React Native makes it easy to create apps using website technology. This means if you’re a developer who is good at web development, you will find it easy to develop a mobile app with this framework.
3) Developers no longer need to learn complex languages such as Java or Objective-C to develop apps. Instead, React Native uses JSX—there’s one language to create apps across platforms. What could be easier?
4) React Native uses basic components of iOS and Android to create native apps for both platforms with JavaScript. Handling the code base is now easier than ever, and new features are also uncomplicated.
5) Developers will find it easier to cater to clients who have small budgets, as well as time pressures. The reason is that the framework makes it easy to develop one app across multiple platforms. This saves both time and money for the client. What’s more, developers won’t have to compromise the quality of the apps. JavaScript compiles the codebase to create the app natively on separate platforms. The framework also includes UI/UX and safety features that are usually missing from hybrid apps.
7) With React Native, it’s easier to develop and test features through the use of different libraries. These include ESLint, Jest, Redux, and Expo.
8) React Native allows developers to build apps faster than in the past. Reloading, rather than recompiling, is almost instant. It also makes it possible to run new features while maintaining the application state at the same time.
9) With React Native, developers have a chance to reach out to a wider target audience. This is due to the fact that the framework allows developers to create one app for both platforms. As a result, developers have a broader range of users.
10) Platform consistency is also taken care of by React Native. The framework takes care of design and navigation differences between the apps for iOS and Android with its shared codebase. The result is a consistent app and brand identity on both platforms.
11) Reusable code is a huge advantage with React Native. You have one codebase to use for iOS and Android at the same time, rather than writing code separately. Rather than using two different software, it’s now possible to get the job done with one—React Native.
12) React Native has strong community support from developers. In fact, this is a framework that’s completely driven by the community. There’s always someone to contact for assistance and guidance. Developers also use the community as a place to reach out to other developers to review their work. This is a great way to get feedback. The community of developers behind React Native is also a great place to learn and collaborate with other developers.
13) React Native also supports third-party plugins such as JavaScript and native modules. It’s easy for a developer to add just about any feature to his app through this framework.
14) React Native also makes use of modular architecture. This means that program functions are segregated into modules. This makes the building process easier and allows developers to use the programming from other developers’ projects. This feature also makes it easier for team collaboration.
15) React Native also includes access to libraries and ready-made solutions for free, which developers can easily access. The solutions make it easier to build apps.
Summing It Up
As you can see, React Native has many advantages for developers. Rather than relying on hybrid apps that do not function correctly, you can create one app that works across more than one platform. Not only are apps cheaper, but they work better, too.
There’s absolutely no question that React Native helps developers and their businesses create high-quality mobile apps. Developers can save time and money on their projects. The savings can be passed along to customers who are confined by budget, as well as time constraints.