Which one is more relevant from a business standpoint? Would it be React.js ( simply called React) or React Native?
What are the key points of difference? Well, they are two entirely different things that are designed for entirely different applications.
They may both be used to achieve the same objective since they are both a library used for the development of front-end UI.
One could create a similar output with both React and React Native; for example, a smiling face that appears after the user clicks on a certain button. This does not mean that React and React Native codes can be used interchangeably.
The primary difference between the two comes from how they were designed to be two entirely different things. Let’s first discuss each of them individually and understand what they even mean.
What is React.Js?
React.js, or React, is an open-source javascript library that is used for the purposes of UI development. It is used for web applications that run across all platforms, including PC, mobile, eReaders, etc.
The application of React is in web applications. Some famous websites that are based on React are Netflix and Facebook. Fun Fact: Facebook (now Meta) is the developer of the open-source libraries that are React and React Native.
Sidenote: What is UI Development?
The act of bringing all the visual elements of a digital interface, for example, websites, mobile applications, Internet of Things applications used in appliances such as smart fridges or smart toasters, etc.
While it is not the job of the UI or front-end developer to look into the logistics of how a program functions, they are responsible for how it appears in front of the user. They bring elements such as buttons, banners, etc., into place harmoniously so that every aspect of the application is presented to the user in the best way possible.
How is React Used by Developers?
React enables developers to call up specific functions that perform a specific task, which works in real-time on a website. Examples of these tasks include displaying text, making a clickable button, putting animation on an image, etc.
Here is a sample code intended to display a text:
const root = ReactDOM.createRoot(document.getElementById(‘root’));
root.render(<h1>Hello, world!</h1>);
Which runs, resulting in the output:
| Hello World! |
One could simply change the heading tag in order to change what appears on the screen!
What is React Native?
React Native is a library that is used in front-end and UI development for native mobile applications.
What’s App is a famous mobile application that is based on React Native.
Sidenote: What Are Native Mobile Applications?
Whenever you download an application from Google Playstore or The App Store, you are downloading a native application for Android and iOS respectively.
What is the Difference Between Native Applications and Web Applications?
An application that is downloaded from Google Playstore, that is in the .apk format, would never run on an iPhone. One would either need to find the equivalent application on The App Store from the same publisher or give up on the cause.
Web applications, however, are not limited to a particular operating system. Sharing the link to a web application across Android and iOS does not hurt its functionality.
In order to make an application work across native platforms, a developer would have to do a lot of work to make it compatible with a different system and publish it across an entirely different platform.
Native applications that need to be developed across multiple different native consoles are seen everywhere. For example, game developers need to invest a lot of time to ensure that their games run across different hardware equally competently, for example, the PlayStation 5 and the Xbox Series X.
How is React Native Used by Developers?
React Native has the wonderful upside of creating very smooth and responsive UI elements.
The equivalent code for printing “Hello World!” using React Native is as follows.
import React from ‘react’;
import { Text, View } from ‘react-native’;
const HelloWorldApp = () => {
return (
<View
style={{
flex: 1,
justifyContent: “center”,
alignItems: “center”
}}>
<Text>Hello, world!</Text>
</View>
)
}
export default HelloWorldApp;
This results in the familiar print…
| Hello World! |
You can also check out a sample React Native code that takes input and play around with the result here. But before doing so, we must loop around to a question asked in the introduction. Is a React Native code interchangeable with a React code?
React Native is Not Solely Based on Javascript
While React is a library based solely on Javascript, React Native is not so. It incorporates Objective-C, Objective-C++, and C++ as well.
So, React Native does derive a part of itself from React.
The Difference Between React and React Native
It is evidently apparent now that both of the libraries are used for an entirely different set of applications. They both have a distinct set of advantages and disadvantages. However, they do not sit in direct conflict with each other in a way that a developer must opt between the two.
| React | React Native |
| Used for UI development on web applications | Used for UI development on native mobile applications, for example, on the iOS |
| Works across all platforms and hardware that are able to access websites based on HTML | Works only on the native platform and cannot be accessed on other platforms |
| Uses Javascript | Uses Javascript as well as Objective-C, etc. |
| Used in Netflix, Facebook, etc. | Used in the Instagram app, What’s App, etc. |
| Uses HTML elements | Does not use HTML elements; instead, uses elements that are native to a particular platform |
| SEO can be incorporated with React | SEO does not have any relevance to React Native |
The Advantages of Opting for React and React Native
Both of these libraries are immensely popular and rising in popularity because:
- They are smooth in operation
- They are very responsive
- They are extensive and constantly get more updates
- They are easy to learn for skilled developers
The Application of React
The primary advantage of using React is that it is extremely quick to load and provides a vast, constantly upgrading library that developers can use to make solid and robust solutions for their web applications.
What do the UI developers of Netflix have to say about React?
“Our decision to adopt React was influenced by a number of factors, most notable:
-
Startup speed,
-
Runtime performance, and
-
Modularity”
The Relevance of React for Business Owners
React is widely versatile and exhaustive in the number of features it provides, all the while providing a quick loading time for your website.
It is incredibly important to make sure that your website does not only look the best in order to appeal to a customer but also that your website loads extremely quickly.
The bounce rate increases extremely quickly with every millisecond that a website takes to launch.
Bonus: React Keeps SEO in Mind
Search engines such as Google highly value factors such as page loading time when ranking a page. They also consider every element of a webpage before considering if it is fit to be presented upon a search request.
If every single element of the webpage is as optimized as possible, Google would “better understand” what your webpage is about.
SEO optimization provides an incredible amount of visibility to your webpage. Ranking above one’s competitors could create an edge for businesses that would benefit them in every way possible.
The Application of React Native
React native can be used to give applications on a particular system a truly native feel. When the UI developers prefer a more generic approach to native applications, the results may be jarring to the user.
The Relevance of React Native for Business Owners
React Native provides an incredibly solid base for your business to reach its customers.
Mark Zuckerberg says that Facebook’s biggest mistake was relying too much on HTML5, instead of React Native.
Going for a native mobile application means that you are always more readily available to your customer.
90% of smartphone users use mobile apps over websites.
Providing a robust interface with the help of React Native would propel your user engagement to new levels. The truth of the modern era is that the vast majority of the population is now on mobile applications, and it is ever important to cater to their specific requirements perfectly.
React or React Native?
Proceeding With the Trusted Saffron Tech
Wish to include someone with full authority in web and native application development? Saffron Tech provides end-to-end, holistic tech solutions.
Saffron Tech takes a data-centric approach to guiding businesses through critical moments. Saffron Tech offers a stress-free and flexible consulting process where businesses are guided through all their questions at every level.
These consultations include solving dilemmas such as “Should my business focus more on native application development or web development for its optimal personal growth?”
Saffron Tech is a premium front-end developer that is renowned multinationally. We provide dynamic front-end solutions using our experienced pool of developers who create robust and secure solutions for businesses of all verticals. The tools they use include but are not limited to React, and every decision is made in order to provide high-performing, dynamic, stunning, and user-friendly interfaces.
We also provide complete Web App Development Solutions.
Saffron Tech provides full development solutions for native mobile applications. These include iOS app development, Android app development, and enterprise mobility solutions which are geared for the prime growth of your business and are in alignment with the values and the vision of your business.
Always feel free to contact us here!
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