ReactJS and React Native are the two prominent tech components in the development ecosystem. Though both share the same core principles, the difference lies in their usage and capabilities. ReactJS is a JavaScript library and React Native is a framework. ReactJS is used for web development while React Native is a dominant player in mobile app development. Each framework has its odds and end development process.
Let’s check into each aspect and understand React Native vs. ReactJS intricately.
Table of Contents
What is ReactJS?
Facebook created ReactJS with precision in 2013, and it has become a go-to library for modern web development. Consider its reusable components as Lego blocks that can individually be used to form the application’s user interface.
Core Features of ReactJS:
ReactJS has emerged as a popular library for creating dynamic and high-performing web applications. Let us understand its features before proceeding with the differences between ReactJS vs. React Native:
- Component-based Architecture: Enterprises can maintain the applications with the component-based architecture code reusability and maintainability is enhanced.
- Virtual DOM: Updates and rendering of the applications can be done efficiently.
- Robust Community: The developers receive essential resources, tools or libraries for writing the code.
- SEO-Friendliness: ReactJS offers server-side rendering capabilities that enhance the SEO performances of web applications based on this library.
- Performance Optimization: The primary reason for enterprises to select ReactJS is its features such as lazy loading and code splitting reduce the initial load time of applications.
These features showcase the reasons why this framework is an ideal choice. Enterprises can Hire ReactJS developers if they want to prioritize user experience.
Also Read: React Native vs. Ionic: Best Mobile App Framework in 2024
What is React Native?
The framework allows enterprises to build cross-platform mobile applications using React and JavaScript. The primary benefit to the developers of React Native is that the developers need to write a single code for both Android and iOS mobile platforms. This promotes rapid mobile app development and that too with ease.
Core features of React Native:
- Cross-Platform Development: The popularity of React Native is its primary feature that allows developers to work with a single codebase reducing coding time and costs for enterprises.
- Hot Reloading: Development speed and efficiency are increased as there is no need to restart the entire application when any specific changes are made.
- Modular Architecture: The component-based architecture promotes easy maintenance of the apps
- Accessibility to Native Features: For enterprises that are aiming to build a fully functional mobile app then react native is the ideal choice as it allows access to native device features.
- Seamless Integration with Legacy Systems: Businesses can save maximum cost by using React Native as the features can be upgraded easily.
Facebook, Instagram, and Uber Eats are the real-life examples of React Native.
Key Differences Between React Native vs. ReactJS:
To avoid confusion for enterprises between the web and Mobile App Development framework, here is a comparison between React Native vs. ReactJS.
Particulars | React Native | ReactJS |
---|---|---|
Performance | Native APIs are used to ensure fast load times. JavaScript threads enhance communication with Native UI threads to improve responsiveness. Ideal for fast, user-friendly mobile applications. | Performance depends on the virtual DOM. Suitable for enterprises managing real-time consumer data on analytics platforms or dashboards. |
Platform Support | Supports iOS and Android. Developers can use conditional rendering for platform-specific code, enabling faster time-to-market. | Supports web applications using CSS and JavaScript. Enables scalable web app development by hiring web developers. |
Development Speed | Hot Reloading and cross-platform compatibility ensure quick mobile app development. Integration with Expo streamlines the process. | Tools like Create React App and modern build setups (Babel, Webpack) simplify workflows, allowing developers to focus on building interactive features. |
UI Components | Built-in components (e.g., View, Text, Image) optimize mobile apps. The component architecture supports code reusability and modularity. | Libraries like Material-UI and Ant Design ensure responsive, professional web designs, enhancing development speed and aesthetics. |
Learning Curve | Requires knowledge of native APIs and mobile-specific components, which can be complex but cost-effective for skilled teams. | Easy to learn with a focus on HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, reducing training and operational costs for businesses. |
Scalability | Scalable with libraries like Redux for state management. Proper state management ensures smooth app performance. | Highly scalable for large-scale web applications. Developers can handle major iterations seamlessly. |
Popularity | 9.4% of professional developers | 39.5% of professional developers |
Scope for Enterprises | Ideal for rapid mobile app development in mobile-first environments. | Best for building dynamic, complex web applications requiring robust functionality. |
Use Cases | Instagram, Airbnb | Facebook, Netflix |
When to Choose ReactJS?
Understanding ReactJS vs. React Native can be well-explained when you know the scenarios in which these are utilized.
ReactJS is Ideal:
1. For Building Web-First Businesses
Enterprises that want to create an online presence must choose ReactJS which is the best. Reusable UI components are designed and with virtual DOM performance of the website is optimized which is the basic requirement.
2. For Building Complex Single-Page Applications
According to the preferences of the businesses, single-page applications can be built with ReactJS. State management, routing and navigation are some of the technical features that focus on enhancing user experience. Also, code splitting and lazy loading reduce the wait time of the users as it loads the important components of the website first.
When to Choose React Native?
Enterprises must learn the difference between React Native vs. ReactJS while going through the concepts of where these can be properly utilized. React Native is best suited for
React Native is Ideal for:
1. For Mobile-First Businesses
Businesses of today are prioritizing working with mobile applications for which React Native is suitable. Mobile apps are compiled with native code to enable a smooth mobile experience. Businesses that need to deal with customers understand that functionalities such as push notifications, maps, and social media logins are essential to keep users engaged with the application. This is possible with React Native.
2. For Startups that Need to Work with Strict Deadlines
Startups and small businesses have fewer staff members to accomplish multiple projects. In that scenario, the businesses usually work with tight deadlines. Thus React Native is helpful to build cross-platform mobile applications using a single code. Also, developers gain access to resources available such as libraries or tools that save costs.
Also, businesses can achieve faster time to market to build mobile applications. Businesses can ensure a consistent user experience, streamline the development process, and achieve a competitive advantage by using React Native. They can Hire Cross Platform App Developers who have the expertise to build mobile applications with required features.
Also Read: ReactJS Performance Optimization: A Detailed Guide to Optimize ReactJs App
Cost and Time Efficiency Comparison for React Native vs. ReactJS:
Learning the comparison for React Native vs. ReactJS, enterprises must know the details of development time and cost details.
Aspect | React Native | ReactJS |
---|---|---|
Initial Cost | Enterprises may experience higher costs at the initial stage due to the required expertise and third-party services for APIs and libraries. | Lower initial costs compared to React Native. Code complexity is less, allowing developers to write better scripts. |
Cost Efficiency | The ability to create applications with a single codebase helps enterprises save significant expenses. | Less specialized infrastructure is required for developing web applications, keeping overall costs manageable. |
When considering React Native vs. ReactJS, understanding the development time, and long-term scalability is crucial for making informed project decisions. Here’s a breakdown of these factors.
Aspect | React Native | ReactJS |
---|---|---|
Initial Configuration | React Native, though popular for its cross-platform compatibility, requires more time for initial configuration. | ReactJS allows web application development to begin immediately with minimal configuration. |
Development Cycles | Debugging is time-consuming due to integration with native code, which can lead to longer development cycles. | Developers need to write separate code for specific web applications based on user requirements, which can consume time. |
In the React Native vs. ReactJS comparison, both frameworks offer unique advantages and trade-offs in terms of development time and cost. React Native enables rapid mobile app development with interactive features, while ReactJS is ideal for building dynamic and responsive web applications.
ReactJS and React Native for Enterprise Solutions:
While discussing React Native vs. ReactJS, we would like to focus on the benefits that enterprises will have from implementing these frameworks. For building web applications, ReactJS is suitable as it allows SEO optimizations and gives enterprises access to the global talent pool.
On the other hand, React Native has cross-platform capabilities and community support to build rapid and robust mobile applications. These aspects contribute to the overall success of a business as these save development time and cost. Let’s explore how these frameworks help management to make informed business decisions.
- Budget Constraints: The foremost consideration is the expenses that a company needs to spend on Software Product Development. For long-term savings, a proper strategy can be created to develop mobile or web applications.
- Accomplishment of Long-term Goals: To expand the business and achieve growth, both frameworks offer scalability to the applications.
- Help to Recruit Experts: Developers usually have the knowledge of JavaScript and UI components that allow companies to recruit the right candidates for their specific projects.
Some of the benefits to upper management are shared in this section. You must also check out the pros and cons of each framework to easily utilize one from ReactJS VS. React Native.
ReactJS vs. React Native Pros and Cons:
Understanding ReactJS vs. React Native Pros and Cons will help businesses make informed decisions. Let’s begin with discussing for ReactJS:
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Businesses that are looking to build responsive web applications can choose this framework. | Working with ReactJS can be challenging for new developers. |
Complex applications can be built efficiently. | Web applications have to be up-to-date to avoid compatibility issues. |
Businesses that want their web application to rank on search engines can use ReactJS. The server-side rendering with Next.js makes the applications SEO-friendly. | The initial setup of ReactJS can be cumbersome. |
Let’s discuss React Native:
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Cross-Platform Development: React Native allows developers to write a single codebase that works on both iOS and Android, significantly reducing development time and costs. | Performance Overhead: In some cases, the performance of React Native apps may not match that of fully native apps, especially for resource-intensive applications like games. |
Native Performance: React Native applications utilize native components, providing a performance level that is comparable to fully native apps, resulting in a smooth user experience. | Dependency on Third-Party Libraries: React Native often relies on third-party libraries for specific functionalities, which can lead to issues with maintenance and compatibility. |
Access to Native APIs: React Native provides direct access to device capabilities, allowing developers to utilize features like camera, GPS, and notifications seamlessly. | Less Mature Than ReactJS: React Native is relatively younger than ReactJS, which means some features may not be as robust or widely tested as those in ReactJS. |
These give an idea to the enterprises that each of them is a limitation but is effective for software product development.
Trends of React Native:
A crucial challenge for businesses is continuously moving forward to maintain a competitive edge and to meet consumer demands. The trends below simplify the decision to use React Native for the upcoming mobile app development projects.
There are several considerations for understanding how both ReactJS vs. React Native is bringing an evolution to the industry. Since each framework caters to discrete needs, they are valuable for businesses. In this section, we will be discussing the trends.
1. Seamless Integration with Legacy Systems
React Native offers flexibility to businesses to include feature/functionality as per specific user needs. The mobile applications can be enhanced by integrating analytics or payment gateways. There are no additional charges for businesses to implement these. Hire Dedicated Mobile Developers who excel in integrating the latest technology with the existing system.
2. Future Proofing Through Continuous Updates
Enterprises can maintain a reliable competitive advantage by updating the mobile application with the improvements required. An up-to-date application attracts more customers than those following the traditional models.
3. Support for DevOps Practices
Most organizations implement DevOps practices to deploy the software efficiently. Its Market Share is expected to grow at a CAGR of 19.7% in the coming years. React Native fits the best to this approach to enable faster iterations and deployments.
4. Cross-Platform Mobile Development
Businesses have to make a critical decision in terms of developing applications for iOS and Android. But with the cross-platform compatibility of React Native, enterprises can leverage success because, with a single code, mobile applications can be built for multiple platforms.
Enterprises can seek a future with React Native if there is a need to build mobile applications rapidly.
Trends of ReactJS:
The comparison of ReactJS vs. React Native is not yet over, Here is a list of trends that businesses must know about ReactJS before choosing it for software development.
1. Effective Web Application Development
Mobile-friendly and user-interactive websites are required by enterprises to gain more traction. ReactJS utilizes a component-based architecture that allows developers to reuse UI components for building interactive web applications.
2. Support for Agile Methodologies
For large-scale applications, enterprises have to work with a dedicated development team. ReactJS embarks on success for businesses because it aligns well with agile methods that promote team teamwork with collaboration for possible iterations.
3. Search Engine Optimization and Performance Advantages
Businesses also have concerns in mind for ranking their website after its development. This is possible by using React.js for server-side rendering and static site generation. This paradigm shifts the user’s attention when it is ranked on the search engines.
4. Easy to Recruit Skilled Experts
In the era of emerging technology, enterprises are finding it challenging to hire web developers who are skilled and knowledgeable. They can follow Developer Hiring Trends to find the right candidate, But all this chaos is over by simply developing applications with ReactJS. Professionals with expertise are easily available in the market without much effort.
The trends for React Native and ReactJS is a practical proof that enterprises can rely on these technologies.
How Hidden Brains Can Help You with React Native and ReactJS Development?
Hidden Brains specializes in software development with technologies such as React Native and ReactJS. Our team has a clear understanding of these frameworks and can easily work on complex projects for your enterprise. Partnering with us will ensure the development of scalable, efficient, and cost-effective applications. We follow a step-by-step approach, first, our experts provide consultation for your project according to your needs. We believe in transforming your ideas into reality, thus, our team begins the design and prototyping based on your ideas.
Are you ready to take your project to the next level? Hire React Native or ReactJS developers from Hidden Brains for your next project. Our team is eager to partner with you and bring your vision to life. Write to us at: biz@hiddenbrains.com to discuss your requirements and can help you achieve your business goals!
Conclusion
Though React Native and ReactJS serve distinct purposes both are efficient frameworks for software development. Targeting your specific audience with these technologies will streamline the development process. The blog has detailed core differences between React Native and ReactJS for your understanding. Both of these are rooted in the same foundational technology, JavaScript for building efficient web and mobile applications. We would like to share feedback for businesses that they must consider project type, size, timeline and quality required to choose one among React Native vs. ReactJS.
Frequently Asked Questions
Comparison between ReactJS and React Native is discussed in detail for an understanding of enterprises. Explore a few FAQs from here to resolve your queries.
React Native vs. ReactJS: Which One Enterprises Must Select?
The confusion between the two is normal for enterprises. They can choose React Native for building cross-platform mobile applications whereas ReactJS is great to work on web applications.
What are the Factors to Consider when Choosing React Native vs. ReactJS?
Businesses must consider platforms for software development, user requirements, features/functionalities required, project timeline, and maintenance needs.
How ReactJS and React Native Works?
Working of ReactJS:
1. ReactJS works by breaking the UI into reusable components.
2. Virtual DOM allows developers to modify specific parts of a web page.
3. Declarative approaches allow developers to manage the data.
Working of React Native:
1. Code can be written in JavaScript or TypeScript.
2. Components are translated to native platform components to
3. build a consistent look and feel for mobile apps.
4. Usage of the Hot Reloading feature allows developers to make
5. suitable changes without affecting the whole application.
How Do Styling Methods Differ Between ReactJS and React Native?
Styling in ReactJS is done using CSS. A wide range of features can be included in the web design to make it interactive. On the other hand, JavaScript-based styling and flexbox layout is used in React Native to build responsive mobile applications.