The new age of technology is witnessing the burgeoning usage of smartphones worldwide. If we take a closer look at the data, there are over 2.87 billion smartphone users & 1.26 billion tablet users globally. One can easily foresee how bright the future of the mobile application industry is. With high potential, the industry also holds a great competition. To ace in the market & be profitable, one has to be dynamic and geared with the latest technology unequivocally. There are multiple technologies available for mobile application development that can make business’ presence lucrative & cost-effective. One such advanced technology for mobile application development is React Native.
Let’s dive in to learn what is React Native
Facebook’s invention React Native, is an open-source mobile application development framework that is used for iOS, Android, and Web applications. The technology came into existence in 2013, and in just a couple of years, it was ranked the fastest-growing open-source platform with over 30,000 stars on GitHub. Also a year later, Facebook and Microsoft established a partnership, thereby adding Windows support to the React Native platform. According to a survey by Markets and Markets, cross-platform development is exponentially increasing, and it is estimated to generate 80.45 billion dollars in the year 2020. This success picture depicts that more and more developers and startups are choosing to React Native technology for mobile app development.
Popular Apps built using React Native
Multiple business giants use this modern-day technology, including Uber eats, Myntra, Airbnb, Instagram, Bloomberg, Facebook Messenger, Discord, etc. What makes this technology stand apart is the feature to share codes between two different operating systems to develop an application without compromising the performance and being cost-effective at the same time.
Major differences between React Native and other traditional technologies
React native is written using Javascript, and it is known as a hybrid framework. This quality of React Native separates it from conventional apps written in Native languages such as Java or Kotin for Android apps and swift or objective – C for apps on iOS. Using a hybrid app technology allows the developer to write code once that can run on both Android and iOS devices. While most hybrid frameworks such as Ionic, Cordova, Phonegap entirely rely upon web view to achieve cross-compatible capabilities, React Native works differently. Instead of using a web view, React operates through a system that allows it to render Native components from base Javascript code.
As React Native runs on both Android and iOS, it allows both target platforms to receive an outcome from a single team of developers and codebase, which results in quicker and easier development and testing of the app.
Why choose to React Native for App development?
1. Budget-friendly
React Native allow the coders to use the same code for iOS and Android. Until the time when this technology was under wraps to the world, the cost to develop an application for iOS and Android separately was relatively expensive, time-consuming, complex, and required extra efforts. But with the arrival of cross-compatible technology, building & maintenance got real quick, easy, and cost-effective. If you’re a startup with limited funds or even a well-settled businessman, you should still opt for cross-platform app development technology to optimize your investment.
2. Less laborious/flexible with Code reusability
One of the unique benefits of react native app development technology is code reusability. The coders don’t have to develop a separate app for iOS and Android. Prevailing codes available in the open-source library help developers to implement it as per requirements of the app, this contributes to the faster development work with high performance. The time consumption to deliver work is also lesser than compared to traditional technologies.
3. Robust functionality & Less memory usage for User Friendliness
React Native apps offer smooth functionality without interruptions with no delay in loading, hanging, or crash. On the aesthetic part, both iOS and Android apps built with React Native resemble each other and are quick responsive in nature. Accessibility provided to third-party plugins and APIs by React apps also facilitates less memory usage. This sums up to the user-friendliness of the application.
4. App Maintenance
Updating the apps regularly is part and parcel of the app’s lifecycle. As per estimation, almost 20% of the total development cost is incurred during the up-gradation of the app yearly. App updates, bug fixes, and changes in design as per trend are equally essential to manage engagements and sustain users effectively. Hence, one should estimate the cost while getting the app developed. To avoid hefty expenses on maintenance, one can tie up with a company or with a freelancer.
5. Scalability
Apps developed using React Native can be scaled using the various methods, Unit testing, component testing, Integration testing, and functional testing. Moreover, different frameworks to test React Native apps such as Jest, Detox, and Cypress. The test results define the quality and functionality of apps.
It is easy for cross-compatible apps to be listed on google and apple stores. The ready availability of the app for installation helps in maximizing outreach and expands users. Additionally, recycle codes used in React apps makes it highly scalable and further lowers the development cost.
6. Hot Reloading & Live Reloading
React Native allows both live reloading and hot reloading, which means that the changes made by the developer can be quickly viewed and tested. The Live Reloading feature helps in compiling and reading the file where the developers had made changes. Whereas, Hot Reloading allows the modification of the source code without the needing to recompile the application. The ability to do this without losing the present page or reloading manually helps in boosting productivity.
7. Community Driven
React native app development technology is community-driven; developers across the world often upload codes online that can be easily re-modified and used. Also, if developers are looking for answers the right way, the Reactiflux Discord community can clear all of their queries. There are several React Native experts, who can help out at any given time. Similarly, on the GitHub React Native community, developers can get plenty of suggestions.
8. Futuristic approach of React Native
The market of React Native is surging day by day and will continue to do so for decades. According to reports, the revenue of mobile apps developed using React Native technology are projected to reach $188.9 billion by the end of 2020. The technology is adopted by multiple business giants like Facebook, Airbnb, and Bloomberg and the future of React is only bright. React Native facilitates coders with the flexibility to avoid complex codes and try different languages. It is one of the most reliable options in the world of application development currently.
To Sum Up
The features of React Native is maturing and getting better day by day. If one has to develop a mobile application without a burning hole in the pocket and in less time, React Native is the best option available in the market. It provides a robust and high performing app that stands up against its competitors. React is becoming the first choice for the rapid development of mobile applications. From smaller companies to giants, businesses are moving ahead to adopt this simple and budget-friendly technology for the swift development of their mobile apps.