Mobile app development is a lengthy process that requires time, patience, and money. Native apps are time-consuming because they’re developed separately for each platform but modern-day technology has made it possible to speed up mobile app development. New and improved mechanics have decreased development time, resulting in faster deployment of the app in the market.
Let’s look at an example. Your business has a mobile app that’s available for iOS users, that is profitable, and you want to deploy it for your Android users. To do this a few years ago, you’d be developing another native app, but not anymore. Some components from the React Native UI can be inserted into an existing app, without rewriting the app. In short, to save time and money, just convert your native mobile app into a hybrid app with React Native!
What is React Native?
React Native is the ingenious idea of a software engineer, Jordan Walke, at Facebook.
It combines the best fragments of React with Facebook’s JavaScript library to target mobile platforms. Developers can use a single codebase across multiple platforms, like Android and iOS.
React native is an innovative framework that brings improvements in the hybrid app platform. It is immensely popular and provides a broad spectrum of new techniques for mobile app building. Various breakthrough apps, like Instagram, Snapchat, and Netflix, have used the framework to develop mobile apps. Developers are calling it the future of cross-platform apps.
Should You Consider React Native to build Your Mobile App?
React Native is an ideal choice to build a cross-platform mobile app, but is it investment-worthy? It depends on the type of app you want to create.
React Native makes mobile app development simpler and smoother. Developers can build mobile apps with React Native, that look and feel ‘native’.
Here are some reasons to look at why React Native is the best for mobile app development:
The Cross-Platform Usage
Native development requires developers to build separate apps for each platform. React Native allows faster and cheaper development, by allowing developers to build a single app that runs on all platforms, saving time, money and efforts. The combination of ReactJS with native UI library and native APIs creates a single codebase for Android and iOS.
Time & Cost Efficiency
Mobile apps require time for development and testing before launching in the app stores. Often businesses feel torn between developing an Android or iOS app. React Native provides a time-efficient solution for the conflict that also saves money.
React Native saves app building experts the hassle of building multiple versions of one app. A lengthy development process means higher costs. Additionally, when you build a hybrid app, it means you only need one developer, instead of two different mobile app builders for Android and iOS. A speedy mobile app development means you can launch your app as quickly as possible.
The Hybrid-Native Experience
React Native bridges the gap between a hybrid app and native feel. It offers multiple native components. App builders can implement these features in the cross-platform app to give it the real native feel. The native UI of the hybrid app is so flawless, that users won’t be able to tell if the app is native or hybrid,
The native features in the hybrid app improve the agility and overall performance of the app.
Community-Driven Framework
React Native is a community-driven framework that is available for everyone. All the data and documentation related to technology are open.
Facebook believes that the developer community is shaping and building React Native towards betterment. The openness encourages mobile app developers to engage, share expertise, and reuse code.
The ‘Hot Reloading’ Feature
During mobile app development, developers benefit from real-time feedback on the mobile app. React Native has the “Hot Reloading” feature that provides real data. The developer can run the app while they implement new changes. The live preview window shows modifications made to the app simultaneously.
Ensures Quality of the Apps
A React Native app might sound complicated, but that’s not the case. Hybrid apps have simplified data bonds with a flow that restricts child elements from affecting the parent data. It means a developer can easily modify, change, or update components of the app as needed. The app stays stable, and the functionality isn’t affected.
Offers Easy Debugging
One of the main advantages of using React Native is the process of debugging. An RN app doesn’t require recompilation to test each change, unlike a native app. The developer only needs to refresh the app on a simulator or device to observe the changes. The iteration cycle of React Native is quick and doesn’t have a negative impact on productivity.
Quicker Updates & Easy Maintenance
Updating native apps is a hassle because each platform requires a unique code. React Native has a more streamlined process for updating apps. The apps can be updated simultaneously on each platform.
The updates are implemented to the app through over the air (OTA) updates, while the users use the app. The developers don’t need to update apps through the app store or play store manually or require permission from Apple or Google.
Is it time to build a Hybrid App?
React Native is an invention driven from the idea of making affordable mobile app development simpler. It gives businesses the option to develop a single app at the cost of two.
React Native is the potential future for hybrid apps that will end the holy war between Android and iOS. It caters to two platforms but is expected to be compatible with more platforms in the future. Ready to invest in a futuristic cross-platform app? Hire the best experts that work on the React Native framework to build an app like ApplifyLabs. The mobile app's future is now!
