DEVELOPMENT,TECHNOLOGY

React Native Vs. Native- Which is better for software development? 

03 Aug 2021

React Native Vs. Native- Which is better for software development? 

 

App developers have conventionally used native language for app development, it has been the conventional framework that developers have been preferring. In the now, there has been a positive growth in the hybrid cross-platform framework and the mounting demand for React Native has put the software development companies scepticism: “Should React Native or Native framework be opted for mobile app development?”

In the recent years, React Native grew into a community of more than 2000 members summing to around 300000 weekly downloads through npm.

You would find a long list of giant companies around the world who leverage the resourcefulness of React Native framework. Some of these giant companies include Facebook, Pinterest, Skype, Uber, among others.

So why is React Native so dearly to companies? One of the reasons why React Native is one of the most preferred frameworks these days is its cross-platform attribute and the unique technology approach deployed for accomplishing the requisite.

Even though React Native has received a very warm reception by the developers’ community, there are still a fraction who prefer traditional Native mobile apps. This is because it still has an edge to it with respect to performance and robustness parameters as compared to hybrid substitutes.

While choosing between two technologies, you have to take in well-rounded conditions existing between them.

Let us try to answer this question by comparing and discussing the pros and cons of both React Native and Full Native framework in the coming sessions:

 

  • Development time

 

In Native, the code has to be written individually for Android and iOS due to the technical differences. This will require an Android team and an iOS team to work separately for making your app available in both platforms. Besides, when there is a change in the code, you will have to develop and run the whole project. Therefore, Native approach will consume extra time and effort for building mobile applications. 

In React Native, the same code can be used for Android as well as iOS platforms and the same can be accomplished by a single team of developers. Additionally, React Native’s hot reloading makes project deployment easy without the need to rebuild each time. 

This would imply that React Native provides a more ideal approach if you are looking for mobile market entry, targeting both the platforms.

The score now is

React Native – 1 and Native-0

 

  • Development cost

 

If you compare React Native with Native, the former can reduce the development cost by 35-45% than the latter. Hence, as far as cost is concerned, we can imply that React Native is a better option than Native.

The score now is

React Native – 2 and Native-0

 

  • UI/UX Design

 

When it comes to complex UI like custom views, navigation patterns, seamless transitions and animations among others, React Native framework allows coders to reuse the functionality code and create platform- specific codes separately. In the case of Native apps, Android and iOS will have specific screens designed separately. A better UI/IX experience can be given by React Native rather than Native.

The score now is

React Native – 3 and Native-0

 

  • Scalability

 

React Native has much to offer when it comes to processing larger workflows in app and launching higher functionality updates. Native framework is also scalable and both share credit for scalability. 

The score now is

React Native – 4 and Native-1

 

  • Performance

 

React Native has a single dedicated device thread, which means it cannot perform many asynchronous tasks at a go. Additionally, it does not support many modules and functionalities. 

In contrast, Native apps which are developed using Swift, Java, or Kotlin can execute advanced features and integrate with advanced hardware devices. Therefore, mobile app developers find Native technologies apt for developing any kind of application. 

The score now is

React Native – 4 and Native-2

 

  • Built on Language

 

Kotlin, Java, and Swift are strict- typed and OOPS-oriented programming languages used for Android and iOS in Native framework. It has solid documentation and is easy to learn, even though it might take some time for familiarization. 

React Native framework with JavaScript is a lot easier, however has several flaws and poor documentation. This makes it difficult to comprehend for React Native app developers.

The score now is

React Native – 4 and Native-3

 

  • Suitability in the long run

 

Native framework is supported by Google and Apple, which makes it easy to get tools to implement functionalities, fix errors, and software updating without affecting app usability.

React Native is not attributing updates as a top priority. It is not in sync with Google and Apple However, there is a strong community support for React Native in the long run in case you run into any errors. Suitability in the long run- React Native.

The score now is

React Native – 5 and Native-3

 

  • Interactivity

 

Native apps can interact with other Native apps and have access to their data for improved experience.

React Native is incapable of doing this and relies on third party libraries for communicating with Native apps. This makes it both self-sustaining in its own ways, sharing the credit for interactivity.

The score now is

React Native – 6 and Native-4

 

  • API and third party libraries

 

Native framework has direct access to all types of APIs, unlike React Native. The React Native framework has access to only a few APIs and in order to access complex APIs React Native needs a connection layer powered by Native technologies. Hence, Native has access to a myriad of APIs than the React Native framework.

The score now is

React Native – 6 and Native-5

 

  • Module support

 

React Native has enough cross-platform use cases and limited APIs to cover all native mobile features. This requires the addition of Native modules to access the complex APIs, mandating the React Native app development company’s know-how in both the native languages. This, however, is not a concern for Native framework and is a better option for mobile app development with reference to module support.

The score now is

React Native – 6 and Native-6

 

  • Security

 

React Native is JavaScript based, which is not a strongly typed one. Native app development has OOPS-based language, i.e., Java and Kotlin for Android and Objective-C and Swift for iOS.

As React Native has several third party and APIs, it has several loopholes during development. This is one reason why React Native less secure compared to Native.

The score now is

React Native – 6 and Native-7

 

  • Maintenance

 

Native framework has a tedious app maintenance process because of the attention you need to give to both Native platforms individually. In the case of React Native, it is enough to fix bugs at one platform alone, unless Native app support is involved. Therefore, maintenance is easier for React Native than Native framework. 

The score now is

React Native – 7 and Native-7

Conclusion: Should you choose Native or React Native for mobile app development?

React Native framework can add a unique dimension to your services, and is a perfect way to meet client requirements in a cost-effective and time-effective manner. This framework is an ideal choice for startups and gives them an opportunity to globalise their product.

Choose Native for app development if your mobile app development:

  • Is a complex application 
  • Need regular update
  • Is focused on Native user experience 
  • Include utility app relying on native device features 
  • Involves IoT-based mobile application 
  • Is focused on individual platform

You have the data you need, and the choice is all yours regarding which framework to choose for your software requirement. Have a great mobile app development journey, or you can always ring our experts at Webdura! 

 

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Thanks For Reading!

Webdura Technologies

Webdura Technologies

Webdura technologies is a full spectrum technology company in India with over 10 years of experience in developing technological solutions using ​JavaScript (ES6+), React JS, React Native, Redux, Rematch, Vue JS, Graph QL, Apollo, Meteor JS, Node JS, Gatsby JS, PHP, Wordpress, MySQL, Mongo DB and other latest tools. Webdura technologies have joined hands with many international and national giants to put forth cutting edge applications in this past decade.

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