What Is React Native?

React Native is a cross-platform mobile framework that allows you to build iOS and Android apps with JavaScript and React. Instead of writing separate Swift/Objective-C for iOS and Java/Kotlin for Android, you get to write everything once and deploy it everywhere.

In theory.

In reality, you’ll probably write 80% shared code and then spend the rest of your life fixing weird platform-specific issues. Fun times.

How Does It Work?

Unlike other frameworks that just slap a web view inside a mobile app (looking at you, Cordova), React Native actually uses real native components. Your JavaScript code communicates with these native elements via a bridge.

Think of it like having an international call with a translator in the middle. Sometimes the connection is smooth. Other times, the translator is on a coffee break, and you’re left wondering why your button just disappeared into the void.

Why Use React Native?

Good question! Here’s why:

• One Codebase, Two Platforms – You write once, run on both iOS and Android. Efficiency level: 9000.
• Live Reload – Make changes and see them instantly. No more waiting 10 minutes for a native build to compile.
• Huge Community – Tons of packages and support. If you’re stuck, there’s a 99.9% chance someone has already asked the same question on Stack Overflow.
• Backed by Meta (formerly Facebook) – The social media giant itself uses React Native for apps like Instagram, Facebook Ads Manager, and even parts of the Facebook app.

Why NOT Use React Native?

Because life isn’t perfect, and neither is React Native. Here are some of the common complaints:

• Performance Issues – Since there’s a JavaScript-to-native bridge involved, complex animations and heavy computations can be laggy.
• Native Module Headaches – If a third-party package you rely on isn’t maintained, you might have to dig into native code (eww).
• Platform-Specific Tweaks – That “write once, run everywhere” promise? Yeah… you’ll still need to deal with Android/iOS-specific quirks.

Expo vs. Bare React Native

So, you’re excited to start with React Native. Great! But wait—do you use Expo or go with a bare React Native project?

Expo

Expo is like React Native with training wheels. It provides a ton of built-in features, easy setup, and no need to mess with native code. However, if you need deep customization (like using Bluetooth or background tasks), Expo might hold you back.

Bare React Native

If you need full control over native modules, you can eject from Expo and go bare React Native. But be warned: once you eject, there’s no going back. It’s like choosing to live in the Matrix without Neo’s help.

The React Native Ecosystem

• React Navigation – Because every app needs a way to switch screens.
• Redux/MobX/Zustand/Recoil – Choose your state management poison.
• NativeBase/Paper – Pre-built UI components so you don’t have to reinvent the wheel.
• AsyncStorage – Because saving user data is important.

React Native vs. Flutter

Ah yes, the age-old debate: React Native vs. Flutter.

• React Native is JavaScript-based, integrates well with React, and has a huge ecosystem.
• Flutter is Dart-based (who even uses Dart?), has better performance, and comes with beautiful built-in widgets.

Which one is better? Well, it depends. If you love JavaScript and React, go with React Native. If you want buttery smooth performance and don’t mind learning Dart, Flutter might be your jam.

Key Ideas

References

1. React Native Official Docs
2. Expo Docs
3. React Navigation
4. Flutter vs. React Native