Library vs Framework
To better understand how does React Native work, React js and React Native difference and why to use React.js, let’s get started with fundamentals.
| React Native is a mobile application development framework. React.js is a web development library. |
So, the core difference between React and React Native in the use case becomes immediately clear but what’s the difference between a framework and a library, or Reactjs vs React Native?
To put it simply, a web or mobile development framework is a skeleton that helps developers build an app, according to the business logic scenarios by combining ready-made or created from scratch parts, elements and modules. The library, in turn, is the storage of the modules developers can reuse in their app, saving, therefore, time and effort.
Now, let’s proceed with React Native app framework and React JavaScript library details analysis, plus look for the difference between React js and React Native.
React.js Overview
React.js is a JavaScript library created by Facebook. Instagram, WhatsApp, and the New York Times app power their frontend with it.
Still, this is not the only reason why React.js is popular and commonly used for building apps for web browsers. React.js is quite easy to learn and get started with - the fundamentals of JavaScript will be enough to effectively use it for the project.
The next reason why React.js is good for web apps is that it streamlines a lot of routine tasks and can also be a good choice for multi-component web applications. Plus, the code created with this technology is quite SEO-friendly.
Pros
Now let’s look straight into all the pros of React.js.
- Easy learning curve
- React.js is quite an extensive JavaScript library
- Virtual DOM for better performance
- Testing and debugging features
- Strong SEO support
Cons
Despite all its advantages, React.js does have some problems.
- As one of the React.js problems, some web developers say the supporting documentation should be clearer.
- While the library is relatively easy to handle, its JSX (syntax extension on the verge of JavaScript and HTML), can be both React.js pros and cons depending on the skills of the developer.
React.js Use Cases
Being high-performant and almost trouble-free technology, React.js can become a perfect tool for diverse projects from different industries. This is one of the top choices for Single Page Applications (SPAs) and Dynamic Web Applications. For example, creating a social network in the form of a SPA and using React.js for this purpose can be a good idea since in this case, using this technology will make an app more robust because of the fewer client-server requests. This library can also be an option for eCommerce project development since it allows the web pages to be loaded faster and better indexed by search engines.
Benefits of React.js for Business
React.js is often used by huge companies like Apple, Netflix,Paypal, and others. And it is not surprising, as React.js has tons of benefits for businesses.
Components reusability
Using React.js creates the opportunity to take advantage of components’ reusability. This benefit can be especially relevant for medium to large websites with complex architecture that should be developed at an accelerated pace and are going to enter a highly competitive environment.
SEO
While most website owners consider SEO an important part of their marketing strategy, using React.js in the development process facilitates the task from the technical side since the code created with it is Google-friendly.
Talent pool
There are a lot of React.js developers on the market so you are unlikely to face problems when gathering a development team.
Reach out to us for React.js development services.
React Native Overview
As for the React and React Native difference, React Native is a cross-platform framework for mobile app development. It is also developed by Facebook and uses JSX syntax like React.js. But this is almost the only React.js and React Native common feature. While the first is used to create web apps that will provide the same user experience and have the same UI across the browsers and devices, React Native allows you to create cross-platform mobile apps.
To put it simply, a cross-platform app is a single app that automatically adjusts to the specifics of the operating system the app is accessed from, delivering the close-to-native experience. Well-developed cross-platform apps come with such a native-like UI and UX that are hard to distinguish from actual native ones. For example, such companies as Bloomberg, Uber Eats, Airbnb, Skype, and Pinterest use React Native.
While cross-platform development can be a pretty winning strategy in some cases, React Native makes the process even more affordable and easier. But here comes the question: is React Native actually native or hybrid? Technically, React Native is a hybrid framework but comes with close-to-native features. And this is not the only advantage of cross-platform React programming with this technology.
Pros
Now let’s walk through the major advantages of React Native.
- React Native is evolving and its community constantly grows.
- There are a lot of skilled React Native developers on the market.
- Hot Reloading and Fast Refresh features. These functions enable your UI to be updated instantly and automatically each time you change the code.
- React Native framework allows for building highly performant apps with close-to-native experience
Cons
Despite the attractiveness and affordability of the development using this framework, there are several React Native challenges you should keep in mind.
- Not so extensive set of components
- Limited security features
- Limited memory features
React Native Use Cases
React Native is good for mobile apps that prioritize native experience but still need to make mobile development more budget-friendly without sacrificing the final result. Our practical experience also suggests that this is the best-pick technology for a quick Minimum Viable Product (MVP) launch. Making changes and tweaks to the MVP powered by React Native is quick and easy. What’s more, you have to make only one change to improve UI/UX on both iOS and Android at once.
This framework is also an excellent choice when you need to quickly empower an already running web app with mobile versions that will provide the users with an OS-specific experience. In this case, a large amount of already-created code can be reused, easily tested, and improved.
A-Team Global Case Study
As for our experience with React Native, pay closer attention to the Thank Me app we have developed for our customers. We followed the life-proven LEAN startup methodology, the core principle of which perfectly matches the essence of React Native. According to the LEAN Software Development approach, it is necessary to validate and test any idea or feature before developing it and repeat this cycle at each next development stage.
Despite the Thank Me app being created for a low-competitive market, it was still necessary to stay agile and flexible. React Native was the right choice in this case because of the opportunity to save time, money, and effort at once while being guided by the users’ feedback.
Apply for our React Native development services right now!
Benefits of React Native for Business
Now let’s explore all the benefits of React Native for business, and you’ll see why React could be a right choice for your business.
Time and cost-efficiency
React Native development is fast since it comes with UI/UX elements that are enough to power a relatively simple mobile app.
Native look and feel of your apps
This is just the main goal of React Native - let the users feel no difference between a cross-platform and native solution.
Sharing the codebase for iOS, Android, and the Web
With React Native, the development team has to create the codebase only once. Still, some developers state that some apps will still need purely native improvement to become truly awesome.
One team for multiple platforms
Also, you don't have to hire two separate teams to develop an app for iOS and Android but solve both tasks with the help of skilled cross-platform development experts.
Difference between React Native and React js
Below are the most essential similarities and a difference between React.js and React Native.
| React.js | React Native | |
| Created by | ||
| Technology | Library | Framework |
| App type | React.js - for web development | React Native - for mobile development |
| Development speed | Fast | Fast |
| Development time | Short | Short |
| Development cost | Costly | Affordable |
| Tools and kits | Many extensions and third-party tools | In-build UI libraries |
| Learning curve | Thorny | Smooth |
Which is better - React Native vs React js?
As usual, when it comes to choosing the right technology between React Native vs React js, the right answer is “It depends”. Here is a short summary of the best use cases for both React.js and React Native.
React.js is better for:
- Single Page Applications (SPAs)
- Dynamic Web Applications
- eCommerce projects
- Animated and interactive websites
React Native vs Reactjs is better for
- Mobile apps that require to have a close-to-native UI and UX
- Web projects aiming at improving the experience on mobile devices
- Agile projects that need to quickly validate the idea and prove it with affordable MVP (Minimum Viable Product)
Let’s launch your MVP as fast as possible! A-Team Global is here to help you.
Conclusion
After we’ve reviewed and compared react js vs react native, we can conclude that both React.js and React Native are effective and powerful when their features are perfectly tailored to core project goals and current business needs. We, at A-Team Global, are experienced in working with both of the tools and will be happy to assist you with the choice and project creation.
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