When you are confused between using react native to develop an app or developing a native app for your new project, you can make up your mind easier by learning more about them. In this article we will show you some advantages and disadvantages of these different areas.
Let’s get started with React Native:
React Native is a JavaScript framework for writing real, natively rendering mobile applications for iOS and Android. It’s based on React, Facebook’s JavaScript library for building user interfaces, but instead of targeting the browser, it targets mobile platforms.
React Native pros:
Quicker time-to-market & cost efficiency
React Native utilizes JavaScript codebase for multiple platforms. It also allows for sharing and reusing most of the code between iOS and Android. By reusing the same code, you not only speed up the development process, but also require less resources as there is no need for separate iOS and Android teams. Moreover, the maintenance of the app and the code is much easier as you're only dealing with one codebase. Smaller team operating on the same code also means it is easier to onboard any new members, in case you need to scale your product later.
Great UX and UI
Opposing other cross-platform development options out there, the User Interface and user experience rendered by JavaScript feels more native to the user. Besides, for the possibility of using native languages in the React Native code you are not restrained with the features, and you can develop crucial features in the platform’s native language.
Hot Reloading & Live Reloading
React Native is available to ease out the coding process. Developers can see the changes in the code in real-time, there is no need to reload the app. This seemingly small productivity boost can actually save up a lot of time, and is also one of the reasons why developers are so fond of cross-platform solutions.
Growing developer community
Both React and JavaScript are one of the most popular programming tools. The demand for mobile apps and cheaper and more effortless solutions is growing, and this is what makes React Native attractive for both businesses and developers. The React Native community is constantly expanding, making more third-party integrations possible and helping to fix all the existing problems.
React Native cons:
Platform-wise User Interface adjustments
React Native relies on operating systems when it comes to design guidelines, and iOS as well as Android do not behave the same in this respect. If the designs are too complex, like having a lot of interactions and animations that are crucial for the app's success, it might be counterproductive to implement the app in React Native. Therefore, the solution here is for the best performance, designers need, and should know the plan to deliver the app in React Native, so they can have in mind React Native technological constraints while designing the whole experience.
Limited APIs integrations & third-party components
One thing worth mentioning is that relying a lot on native APIs is not a good choice in React Native apps. Bridging React Native with native code a lot makes it heavier and affects performance for the end user. Also, making an app solely relies on bridges with the native code defeats the purpose of using React Native in the first place.
Debugging & troubleshooting
JavaScript is less of a strict language compared to native, which means that some integrations or functionalities might cause unexpected problems in the code for the whole app or for particular platforms. Considering the young age of React Native, it is a lot more likely to encounter problems not seen before; and debugging these issues might be a time consuming task. This is one of the most prominent risks that should be considered while thinking about React Native app development.
Now, it’s time for us to move to another subject here: Native app
A native application is a software program that is developed for use on a particular platform or device. Because a native app is built for use on a particular device and its OS, it has the ability to use device-specific hardware and software. Native apps can provide optimized performance and take advantage of the latest technology, such as a GPS, compared to web apps, or mobile cloud apps developed to be generic across multiple systems.
Pros of Native app:
Speed
Native apps as the name mentions are designed specifically for platforms. As a result, they function using the device's built-in features which make them very fast. Even apps with high processor usage will work without hassle. This performance enhancement makes it recommended for games and applications.
Availability
Users can easily find native apps from the App Store or Play Store. Even afterwards the apps can be downloaded easily with just one click. And also, the apps are completely tested by the stores before the approval.
Internet Requirement
The Internet is not a must in native apps. They function in offline mode. Therefore, in cases where there is absolutely no internet service, native apps can still function.
Image Quality
Native apps offer better image quality with their progressive resolution and orientation. It is determined using the aspect ratio. Aspect Ratio is nothing but the ratio between the width and height. Even for devices with different screen sizes, the Dots Per Inch remains the same.
User Friendliness
A native app is directly linked to the device operating system. As a result, it is equipped with different functionalities such as camera, GPS, calendar and microphone. Native apps effectively use these features to offer enhanced user experience.
Cons of Native app:
Cost
The overall cost involved in the development and maintenance of a native app is considerably higher. This is due to the fact that there should be separate versions of the same application. Even a substantial amount is needed to maintain the app. But still, native apps are cost effective in the long run.
Development
Developing a native app is a difficult process since separate developers are needed for each platform. For example, different developers must be hired to develop Android and IOS versions of the same application. Moreover, it is not an easy task to develop native apps. It is incorporated with tough challenges.
Time Consumption
Since native apps are developed for multiple platforms, it requires more time. Native apps may require a significant amount of time for making compared to their counterparts. Developers of native apps have to take time to write codes for specific O/S.
Updates
Developers often come up with new updates in native apps for various reasons, and most of them often for fixing bugs and glitches. Hence, necessary updates need to be implemented in the app store so that users will be able to download them. Then, the problem comes if the user isn't aware of such updates or skips them to save storage space.
Download Requirement
Prior to using a native app, it is a must to download it from either App store or Plays store. There are several processes involved in downloading a native app. They must find the app, go through the terms & conditions, and then go with the download process. Sometimes the download process can be so lengthy that the users wouldn't have patience.
https://ebizworldsolutions.com/