React Native: What it is and How it Differs from React JS

React Native is a popular mobile application development framework that allows developers to build applications using only JavaScript. It was introduced by Facebook in 2015 as an open-source framework, and since then has gained enormous popularity among developers. In this article, we will explore what React Native is, how it differs from React JS, and what it is used for.

What is React Native?

React Native is a cross-platform mobile development framework that allows developers to build mobile applications for both iOS and Android platforms using only JavaScript. It is based on React, a popular JavaScript library also developed by Facebook, and uses the same principles as React to render user interfaces.

React Native enables developers to write code once and deploy it across multiple platforms, which makes it a cost-effective solution for businesses that want to develop mobile applications. With React Native, developers can build mobile applications that have the look and feel of native applications written in Swift or Java.

What does React Native do?

React Native allows developers to create mobile applications with a native look and feel, which means that the applications look and feel like they were built natively for each platform. This is achieved through the use of native components that are rendered using JavaScript.

React Native also provides a robust set of tools and libraries that make it easy for developers to build complex mobile applications. It includes features such as live reloading, debugging tools, and a rich set of UI components that enable developers to build applications quickly and easily.

What does React Native mean?

React Native is a combination of two words – React and Native. React refers to the popular JavaScript library developed by Facebook, which is used to build web applications. Native refers to the platform-specific code that is used to build applications for iOS and Android platforms.

So, when we say React Native, we mean using the principles of React to build mobile applications that have the look and feel of native applications built using Swift or Java.

What is the main difference between React and React Native?

React is a JavaScript library that is used to build web applications, while React Native is a framework that is used to build mobile applications. Although both use the same principles, they differ in their implementation.

React uses HTML and CSS to render user interfaces, while React Native uses platform-specific components that are rendered using JavaScript. Additionally, React Native includes specific APIs for building mobile applications that are not available in React.

What is the use of React Native?

React Native is used to build mobile applications for iOS and Android platforms. It is an efficient solution for businesses that want to develop mobile applications for multiple platforms at once, without having to write separate code for each platform. React Native allows developers to write code once and deploy it across multiple platforms.

React Native is particularly useful for businesses that do not have the resources to develop separate applications for each platform. With React Native, businesses can develop applications that have the look and feel of native applications, without having to spend time and money developing separate applications for each platform.

What React Native is used for?

React Native is used to build a wide variety of mobile applications, including:

• Social media applications
• E-commerce applications
• Banking and finance applications
• Gaming applications
• Travel applications

Which is better: React JS or React Native?

React JS and React Native serve different purposes, so it is difficult to say which is better. React JS is used to build web applications, while React Native is used to build mobile applications.

If you need to build a web application, then React JS is the right choice. If you need to build a mobile application for iOS and Android platforms, then React Native is the better choice.

However, if you already have a web application built with React JS and want to develop a mobile application for it, then React Native is a good choice. This is because React Native uses the same principles as React, which makes it easy for developers to learn and use.

Conclusion

React Native is a powerful framework that allows developers to build mobile applications for iOS and Android platforms using only JavaScript. It provides a cost-effective solution for businesses that want to develop mobile applications without having to write separate code for each platform. With React Native, developers can create mobile applications that have the look and feel of native applications built using Swift or Java.

FAQs

Can React Native be used for web development?

No, React Native is designed specifically for mobile app development. React JS is more suitable for web development.

Is React Native easy to learn?

As with any framework, learning React Native takes time and effort. However, its use of familiar technologies such as JavaScript and React makes it relatively easy for developers to pick up.

What are some popular apps built with React Native?

Popular apps built with React Native include Facebook, Instagram, Skype, Tesla, and Walmart.

Does React Native offer access to device features?

Yes, React Native offers full access to device features such as the camera, microphone, and GPS.

Is React Native better than native app development?

It depends on the specific requirements of the project at hand. While React Native can offer significant time and cost savings compared to native app development, it may not be suitable for all projects.