React Native vs Native App Development - Pros & Cons to determine which to use

The world of technology, specifically mobile app development ecosystem is divided into two groups when it comes to choosing the development of Native apps or React native. While one group to tech-savvy people vote for developing two separate apps for iOS and Android and go with native app development, the other group goes for developing one app that can be launched on both the platforms.

But before coming to a conclusion, let’s sneak peek into the pros and cons for both.

Pros of React Native App Development: 

One Code Base

One of the best features that makes React native a popular choice is that developers can use a single code base for Android as well as iOS platform, thus making it easier for them.

Optimum Development Time

Since with React Native, the developers have to write the code just once and can be used for multiple platforms, hence optimum development time is required.

Open Source

With React Native being an open source, benefits such as inspecting the code is obtained. The library is also more compatible with other platforms such as Windows and TvOS.

Easily Adapted by Developers

React Native can be easily adapted by developers since the development is based on Javascript. Moreover, it is easier for the developers for the transition from web development to mobile app development.

Hot Reloading

The Hot reloading feature offered by React Native offers a major advantage to the developers as the changes made can be seen in real time, thus making the work easier and time saving for the developers.

Cons of React Native App Building

 Native elements are missing

One of the major disadvantages of React Native development is that the native elements of a device such as the voice recorder or camera cannot be used by the developers.

Third party libraries are limited

The lack of third-party libraries makes it very difficult for developers who work in React Native. In order to use the library, native modules have to be made which increases the development effort to a great extent.  

Native APIs are not supported

React native supports only a few of the Native APIs. However, it cannot make use of all of them.

While we have seen the pros and cons of React Native, here are some of the pros and cons of Native app development.

Pros of Native Application Development

Access to APIs

The API of the devices, as well as all the inbuilt functionalities, can be integrated for the Native app development, which is not the case in React Native.  

Access to Third party libraries

The presence of a number of Third Party libraries, facilitate the process of Native iOS and Android app development, as these third-party libraries could be used in the development.

Robustness of language

In terms of stability or error detection, both Swift and Kotlin are robust languages offering Native apps advantage over the React Native app development.  

Cons of Native App Development 

Development time, as well as effort, is high

The app developer has to take place from scratch and twice, for iOS and Android. Hence, development time as well as the efforts of developing a very high, as compared to React Native.

Developing 2 apps

One of the biggest challenges of Native app is that two apps for iOS and Android have to be developed individually from scratch, thus doubling the effort, investment as well as time for development.

Time to choose between the two Platform:

Finally, after listing down the pros and cons of both Native and React native, the question still remains, which one to choose. Well, the answer lies below:

Choose Native app development when:

1. Developing complex apps

2. The target audience is Native app users

3. Planning a regular update

4. IoT based app development

5. Developing an app that uses Native features of the device

Choose React Native when:

1. Want to launch across various platform

2. Building a uniform and simple app

3. Low budget app development is in focus

4. You want to launch the app in the market at the earliest

5. You intend to use Facebook ads in the ap

6. Developing an e-commerce app

Startups should go for React Native App Development

The reasons why it is recommended for startups are as follows:

1. A lesser effort, as one code base can be used for cross-platform

2. No target audience can be used by iOS as well as Android developers

3. Cheaper option in a limited budget

Read more: Which one to Choose – Native or React Native for Mobile App Development?

Each of the two development approaches has its own advantages and disadvantages to offer, thus making each stand out as better than the other. However, based on the project requirement, the decision needs to be taken, that will help in the best mobile and web app development. 

Saran

Author

Views : 4285 | Posted on September 15, 2020