"To cross-platform or not to cross-platform” – Shakespeare would have pondered this question were he tasked with developing a mobile app today. Modern businesses face this dilemma too, and it deepens with the myriad of frameworks available.
To clarify this complex issue, we'll explore one of the most significant frameworks for cross-platform development, React Native, discuss common biases about this framework, and explain why React Native app development is a worthwhile choice.
3 strong sides of React Native
The primary reason why React Native development services are best for businesses is their cost-effectiveness. It is achieved due to three main RN advantages:
One code, several platforms
React Native enables developers to create a single codebase that can be deployed across iOS and Android. This significantly reduces the cost and complexity of app development. Organizations indicate that keeping a unified codebase reduces development expenses by 30–40% when compared to maintaining distinct codebases for iOS and Android.
Moreover, a React Native app can be easily transformed into a web app.
Faster development cycle
Hot Reloading is a React Native development service that allows developers to immediately see the results of their latest changes without restarting the app. This feature cranks up the development time.
Vast community and plenty of specialists
The React Native Directory lists over 1,500 custom reusable packages for React Native, which developers can use to accelerate development and add advanced functionalities without starting from scratch. For businesses, this means faster development and lower costs. The vast community also helps companies tap into a larger pool of development specialists.
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| Image credits: cmarix.com |
Common problems and biases of React Native mobile app development services
There are plenty of misconceptions about React Native. With the right strategies, many of the biases can be effectively addressed.
Performance concerns
The bias: React Native can’t compete with native apps as it is not tailored to the hardware and software of a given platform.
The fact: React Native compiles native code, which results in performance that is often indistinguishable from native apps. Benchmarks show that this framework can achieve 60 frames per second for smooth animations and transitions, which is equivalent to native performance requirements.
User experience (UX) limitations
The bias: RN apps cannot match the user experience provided by native apps, primarily because they do not look and feel “right.” Cross-platform frameworks impose a uniform design across all platforms, which might not align with the design language of a specific operating system.
The fact: Developers can use platform-specific UI elements and adapt the user interface based on the operating system. Many React Native tools provide these capabilities, allowing developers to maintain a single codebase while still delivering a tailored UX on each platform.
Limited access to device features
The bias: React Native provides limited access to device-specific features and hardware, such as advanced graphics, augmented reality, or custom peripherals.
The fact: Plugins and third-party libraries bridge the gap between the cross-platform code and the native APIs. If a required feature is not supported, developers can write native modules and integrate them with the cross-platform codebase.
Code bloat
The problem: Cross-platform apps can suffer from code bloat, leading to larger app sizes and slower downloads. This happens because these apps need to accommodate multiple platforms within a single package, which can include redundant code.
The fact: By managing dependencies and resources efficiently, you can significantly reduce the size of the application. Conditional compilation, tree shaking (removing unused code), and minimizing static assets can help streamline the application.
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| Image credits: devopedia.org |
Three cases when React Native development is a good option for your needs
Case #1. You are a startup needing to test market viability with an MVP
Startups can leverage their existing JavaScript knowledge to build a functional MVP, test market reactions, and iterate based on user feedback without committing extensive resources. The ability to update the application on the fly and push changes without resubmitting to app stores (using technologies like CodePush) enhances the ability to adapt quickly.
Case #2. You are a business needing a user-focused product with a tight budget
Companies aiming to provide a rich user experience without blowing the budget might find React Native the ideal compromise between cost and functionality. Even for products requiring immersive interfaces, like full-screen games or highly interactive mobile software, RN can be a cost-effective solution.
Mainstream application flow in React Native, combined with specific native features, also contributes to a high-quality user experience.
Case #3. You are a company competing with those who use native apps
When a competitive edge counts, React Native application development services allow for customizing and enhancing the app with native plugins. React Native’s component-based structure enables developers to integrate with platform-specific functionalities like push notifications, ARKit, or Bluetooth, enhancing the app’s capabilities without departing from the cross-platform framework. This means that businesses can provide a premium user experience that meets the competition.
Wrapping up
React Native app development services stand out as a flexible solution capable of addressing various strategic business needs, be it rapid MVP development for market testing or creating competitive apps that engage users across multiple platforms. If you set out to build your mobile software, consider RN and enter the market fast and without excessive spending. Good luck!
Sources
- React Native in Mobile App Development – score.org
- React Native App Development Guide: Challenges and Best Practices – mobidev.biz
