React or React Native: Which solution is ideal for you?

In today's age of digital advancement, application development is becoming more and more progressive and efficient through popular frameworks such as React and React Native. Dactyl Group's arsenal does not lack either of these technologies, which are built on JavaScript - in our case TypeScript. What makes them different? We'll tell you in a moment. In this article, we will focus on the key differences between React and React Native solutions. Based on them, we choose the right technologies for specific projects here at Dactyl.

What is the appropriate use of each framework?

— React is best used to create dynamic and responsive web applications.

— React Native allows you to develop mobile applications with access to the power of native devices.

Framework navigation

In React applications, it is quite common to use React Router for fast navigation. But it is not the only rule. There are many other libraries you can use for this purpose too.

React Native, on the other hand, does rely on React Navigation, especially for easy movement between screens in mobile apps. React Navigation offers a rich set of tools for efficiently managing navigation in native apps. You can see for yourself.

Basic and specialized components

Another key difference between frameworks is the way they work with components.

React pracuje přímo s HTML tagy – the standard for most web pages.

React Native naopak nabízí speciální komponenty, such as View or Text. The biggest plus is that they are optimized precisely for mobile environments. And that's not all! They translate straight into native platform elements as well.

Interaction with native functions

React Native excels at simple integration with native device features. It includes instant access to the camera or GPS, so developers can easily approach these features directly from JavaScript. Promptly and without unnecessary drag and drop.

That React doesn't allow devices to access specific functions? That’s´ not true. But the main drawback is that it usually requires a lot more effort and work. Or you can use external libraries straight away.

Using superstructures: Next.js vs Expo

For web applications built in React, the trend among developers is to use the Next.js framework, which brings many improvements such as server-side rendering or optimization for performance and SEO.

In the case of React Native mobile apps, Expo is probably the most popular extension that simplifies the entire development process through useful toolsets and a fully versatile app development environment.

React apps, only at Dactyl Group!

Although React and React Native share many concepts and use the same language, each of them is optimized for a very specific type of applications, web or mobile.

When choosing between React and React Native, the main decision is clear. First, it depends on the target platform of your project. Secondly, the concrete needs of the application are also important.

Both technologies offer a strong foundation for the development of modern applications and allow developers to create a quality user experience on a variety of platforms, like we do here at Dactyl Group. The mentioned technologies can be seen on the following video with our frontend developer Jaromír.

Potřebujete inovativní webovou či mobilní aplikaci, která vás posune na nový level? Nebo rovnou kompletní řešení na míru? Ozvěte se nám.