Native Or React Native? Let’s Compare The Two App Development Platforms

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Previously, Native technology was at the forefront of developing an app for Android and iOS. However, more cross-platform frameworks were introduced with time. React Native is one of the recent mobile app development platforms. While some people believe that traditional Native mobile app development is still the premium framework, some are confused between Native and React Native. If you are also confused about it, this article is for you! This article compares Native vs. React Native mobile app development technology and helps you find the best one for your app. Read on to know more!

 

Native Vs. React Native: Compare The Two Platforms For Mobile App Development

 

When you compare Native vs. React Native, you need to consider a few factors. These factors will help you decide between Native and React Native. Let’s find out!

Development Time

The most significant point to consider while choosing between Native and React Native is their development process and time. When it comes to Native app development, you need to write different codes while developing an app for Android and iOS platforms. There would be technical variations for the two platforms for mobile app development. You need two teams to work on Android and iOS platforms individually. That calls for extra time, teams, and costs to create a mobile app through Native.

 

On the other hand, React Native requires only one code for all the platforms. The same developer can write the code and create React Native apps for both platforms for mobile app development. Moreover, the feature of hot reloading takes time away as you don’t need to rebuild the app from scratch in case of an error. Thus, you should choose React Native when you want a single app for both Android and iOS.

 

Scalability

React Native offers higher functionality, more features, and opportunities to developers. They can process more work in a mobile app with React Native. So, when it comes to Native vs. React Native in terms of scalability, React Native is the clear winner.

 

Performance

Native mobile app development works on Kotlin, Java, or Swift for iOS and Android app development. They work best for advanced features and complex apps. So, you can easily integrate advanced components and make heavy calculations in apps. That way, developers can build any type of application with the help of Native technology.

 

Moreover, the React Native technology works with JavaScript, which performs on a single device at a time. You cannot do multiple different tasks on JavaScript at the same time. Moreover, the framework doesn’t support complex manipulations, advanced technology, or higher functionalities.

 

So, when developing an app for Android and iOS, which is complex and requires advanced features, choose Native app development.

 

User Interface

Another significant factor to consider while comparing Native and React Native technology is their user interface experience. In Native mobile app development, every interface or screen is designed individually for iOS and Android app development. Due to this, it results in a highly functional and efficient user interface experience.

 

When it comes to React Native apps, developers use the same framework to write coding. It is challenging for developers to work on specific codes for different platforms, resulting in a highly customized and complex user interface. Moreover, React Native technology might not support seamless transitions, advanced features, and animations.

 

Thus, you can choose Native or React Native app development depending on your needs.

 

Long Term App Use

When it comes to the long-term use of mobile applications, you need to think about the app’s scope. Native mobile app development can easily update the apps, remove errors, and implement any required changes. It is backed by both Google and Apple and launches updates without causing any trouble with the app’s usability.

 

However, when it comes to React Native, it does not launch updates in sync with Google and Apple. Updates or changes are not exactly on its priority list. That is why you cannot expect to quickly make critical changes with React Native. Hence, if you plan the long-term use of an app based on various changes and updates, then choose a Native platform.

 

Cost

You need to check out the cost of app development regarding Native vs. React Native. As said before, Native app development needs different codes for both platforms for mobile app development, which calls for different developers to work on it. That is why it requires more time and money to develop apps through Native.

 

App development with React Native reduces the cost by 35 – 40 percent as you create the same code for different platforms at the same time. So, React Native would be more economical when it comes to cost.

 

Programming Language

Native mobile app development uses Kotlin, Swift, or Java as its programming languages for iOS and android app development. These languages are easy to learn and come with a set of rules and standards. It also helps in proper documentation, which makes the work organized.

 

On the other hand, React Native works with JavaScript for developing an app for Android and iOS. JavaScript is also easier to learn, but its documentation is not proper. Also, it can present some flaws in the system, which can cause trouble for developers.

 

You can choose either of these app development technologies as per your requirements.

 

Maintenance

App maintenance is a time-consuming task when you are working on Native app development. You will have to resolve bugs and pay attention to possible threats at each platform individually. However, you can resolve bugs on one platform when it comes to React Native. So, it won’t be an issue to maintain an app through React Native technology.

 

Native Mobile App Development Benefits

 

Performance And Support

Google and Apple support Native technology. Since it is a mature technology, it works better and provides higher performance than many cross-platform technologies.

 

Specific Codes For Systems

It offers more control to the developers. Developers can write specific codes for different platforms, making it easier to debug, launch updates, and troubleshoot. An Android developer would not have to worry about the compatibility of the Android app with any other system.

 

User Interface And Experience

Native technology comes with unlimited options for customization of user interface and experience. It offers seamless transitions, higher performance, and streamlined processes. Also, you can satisfy your users with its high-quality user interface.

 

Advanced Features

Native programming offers a high functional interface and advanced features. Developers get access to graphics, animations, higher speed, and great performance when working on Native technology.

 

 

Native Cons

 

Time Consuming

Developers need to write two different codes for Android and iOS platforms. It takes time to develop two different source codes for the same app. That means not only the initial mobile app development will take time, but also the future updates, maintenance, and changes will require more resources.

 

Higher Cost

Native app development is not for you if you have a limited budget. It requires two separate and experienced teams to work on two different platforms and create apps for Android and iOS. So, you need to spend more money to hire two teams.

 

Difficulty In Development

You need to hire two different teams of developers to work on the same app for different platforms. Overlooking the entire process and monitoring the development of the app can become a tedious task. It requires lots of planning and processes to smoothly develop apps through Native technology.

 

React Native Benefits

 

Time Efficient

React native is known as a cross-platform technology for developing an app for Android and iOS. It writes the same code for every platform while creating an app. So, the developers can use one framework to build apps on different platforms. This process saves time and looks more attractive to developers.

 

Cost-Effective

When you choose React Native, app development costs are reduced by 30 – 35 %. That is because you need only one team of developers to work on the codes. It allows more uniformity and productivity as well as fewer expenses.

 

One System

React Native allows one team to write the same code for both platforms for mobile app development. That way, the entire team is on the same page and works in unison to complete the coding. It helps with the efficiency and speed of work. Also, the team works with uniformity at the same pace.

 

Hot Reloading

Hot reloading in React Native mobile app development makes the coding process easy. Developers monitor the changes in real-time, and there is no need to reload the app. This feature saves time, makes the process more efficient, and enhances productivity.

 

 

React Native Cons

 

Requires Time To Fix Problems

React Native takes more time to fix problems and debug apps. Its integrations and functionalities can cause issues unexpectedly. So, this is a risk when using React Native for your apps.

 

Needs A Native Developer

Sometimes, incorporating and linking libraries between Native and React Native can become challenging. Even when you work on React Native, sometimes a component needs to be included that needs Native technology. So, the help of a Native developer can make the procedure easier.

 

User Interface Adjustment

Developers need to know the entire plan for iOS and Android app development to avoid any adjustments in the future. React Native works on operating systems, and both platforms for mobile app development behave in a different way. So, making changes, creating animation, or launching updates might not be productive for React Native apps.

 

 

Why Choosing React Native Is A Better Idea?

 

a.) It saves time and money.

b.) You can enter the market earlier.

c.) It helps you launch your app on different platforms.

d.) You can create social media or e-commerce apps with it.

Users Of React Native

React Native gained immense popularity because famous brands are using this framework. React Native is working great for:

 

Facebook

React Native streamlines the user experience for Facebook. It offers a quick process and benefits of a single team.

 

Bloomberg

Bloomberg also preferred to switch to React Native mobile app development, as it worked best for their requirements.

 

Walmart

React Native has improved the customer experience of Walmart on both platforms for mobile app development. It uses fewer resources and time to improve its performance.

 

Wix

Wix allows other users to create their own website with a drop facility. Its work has become easier with React Native as people who do not code can use it. React Native offers agility, higher speed, hot reloading efficiency. It has accelerated the development process of Wix.

Conclusion

iOS and Android app development has become a business now. When it is about Native vs. React Native, you need to wisely choose one app development system. Native mobile app development seems proper and high-performing, but it also costs more time and money. On the other hand, React Native technology offers a valuable and great alternative app development system to Native. With React Native, you invest less time, money, and effort while creating a robust and quality app. It offers a rapid procedure for you to test and meet your requirements.

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Gagandeep Sethi

Project Manager

With an ability to learn and apply, passion for coding and development, Gagandeep Sethi has made his way from a trainee to Tech Lead at Promatics. He stands at the forefront of the fatest moving technology industry trend: hybrid mobility solutions. He has good understanding of analyzing technical needs of clients and proposing the best solutions. Having demonstrated experience in building hybroid apps using Phonegap and Ionic, his work is well appreciated by his clients. Gagandeep holds master’s degree in Computer Application. When he is not at work, he loves to listen to music and hang out with friends.

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