React (ReactJS) and React Native are amazing open-source platforms. Both have gained popularity and recognition in the web and mobile app development space to create robust and scalable applications. Surprisingly, both are developed by Facebook to design dynamic and high performing UI. React’s ease of use has helped many react-native app developers adopt the technology based on a familiar JS framework. 

If you are about to create an app for your business, no matter what the niche of your business is, it’s important to choose a technology that can help you gain better revenue. Many businesspersons are in a dilemma about which front end technology to go with, React (ReactJS) or React Native? Though React Native uses the same foundational principles as React, the two front end technologies are set against each other, which gives way to a fair comparison of the two. 

This article will shed some light on the major difference between React and React Native and key advantages of the two technologies individually. 

Difference between React & React Native

Background

React (ReactJS) was developed by Jordan Walke in 2013, a software engineer on Facebook. In march 2015 React Conf by facebook, open source framework was introduced which enables native Android, iOS, and UWP development with React called React Native.

Library or framework?

React (ReactJS) is a JavaScript library that allows developers to build an engaging, scalable, and high-performing UI Layer. React Native, on the other hand, is a framework for designing cross-platform mobile applications, be it iOS or Android. 

Rendering process

React uses JSX for rendering UI. In React, components can be created as per the need. It means, you can render only some of them, depending on the state of your application rather than render the whole page. It supports both client-side and server-side rendering. React Native, however, lets you write JavaScript that gets asynchronously rendered into native mobile app UI. It uses native APIs to render components in mobile.

When to use it?

You can use React when you want to build a fast and scalable UI for your website. However, you can use React Native when you want to design mobile applications for various platforms. 

Animations

In React, you can make animations using CSS. React animation is a helpful package of wrapper components along with pre-built animations that you can apply to projects easily, just like web development. However, in React Native, you have to use an animated API for inducing animation across different components of the application. React Native exposes an API called “Animated”. It consists of a lot of wonderful things like animatable values, spring/timing animations, and events.

Base derivative

ReactJS can be described as a base derivative of React DOM for the web platform. React Native, on the other hand,  is itself a base derivative, which means that the syntax and workflow remain the same, but components change.

Key advantages of React (ReactJS)

Performance

React JS provides high performance. Its virtual DOM feature and server-side rendering help complex apps run extremely fast.

Usability

Using React (ReactJS) is easy if you have some basic knowledge of JavaScript. An expert JavaScript developer can efficiently learn all ins and outs of the library in the timespan of 1to 2 days. 

Speed

React enables developers to use individual parts of their apps on both client-side and the server-side that boost the development process’s speed. To put it plainly, different developers can write different parts, and all changes made won’t affect the logic of the app.

SEO friendly

Another key advantage of React is its ability to deal with a search engine to read JavaScript-heavy apps. React can easily run on the server, rendering and returning the virtual DOM to the browser as a regular webpage and help your web app appear on the top of the SERPs. 

Developer toolset

Learning new technologies and deploying them in the new project can be difficult, but when there is a proper toolset for instructions and execution, the job becomes easy. Isn’t it?. React has a developer toolset, and it helps it stand out from the crowd amongst other front-end technologies. Developers can use the toolset to debug the code, observe reactive component hierarchies and discover child and parent components easily to inspect their states and pros. 

Key advantages of React Native

UI components

Another amazing thing that makes React Native highly demanding is you no need to overhaul your old app. By simply adding React Native UI components into your existing app’s code without rewriting, you can complete the development process.

Structure

React Native has a component-based structure that enables developers to design apps with a more agile and web-style approach. The different tools available in react native, like react-navigation, redux helps in creating a more robust structure of your app. 

Virtual DOM

Virtual dom is an actual copy of real dom. With virtual DOM, the real DOM will update only the things that have changed. It makes the application faster. Once React finds out what exactly has changed in the state, it updates those objects only, on real DOM. This significantly improves the performance and there is no wastage of memory.

Optimal Performance

React Native comes with Native Modules and components that enhance performance. As compared to other cross-platform platforms like PhoneGap  that render code through WebView, React Native defines a set of native component APIs that renders the components. 

Third-party plugin support

React native ensures developers have easy access to third-party plugins like JavaScript modules and native modules, so they can integrate several useful features without worrying about the implementation and code.

Access to pre-made solutions and libraries

React Native comes with a comprehensive range of free pre-made solutions and libraries that developers can access. The libraries and solutions help simplify app designing and help developers concentrate on building bug-free codes.

Stability

Given the sheer size of the Facebook React codebase, it offers better code stability.

Build your app confidently with the best Web and mobile development company

Don’t forget about your app development dreams in the cold war of React and Native. Both of them have their ultimate key features, advantages that are good enough to make wise decisions. If you have made your mind and have planned which technology you would like to go with, the next thing that can help you alot is choosing the best web and mobile app development company. 

There are many React and React Native companies and developers in the market, but the one that has specialized experience and fame in the industry can turn the game. They can create react apps for your business and help scale heights. 

If you have any doubt or want to share any advantage or difference, you’re most welcome! We love to hear from you.