In the world of mobile app development, choosing the right framework is a critical decision. React Native emerged in 2015 as a game-changer, offering a cross-platform solution that combines efficiency and performance. At &above we understand the importance of leveraging the right tools for successful mobile app development.
What is mobile application development?
Mobile application development refers to the process of creating software specifically designed for smartphones and digital assistants, predominantly for the Android and iOS platforms. We download these applications through mobile app stores or directly from mobile internet browsers. They're built to cater to the convenience of users having the bets access to their phones.
In the realm of mobile app development, popular programming languages like Javascript for Android and Swift for iOS are common. These languages serve as the foundation for writing code that runs seamlessly on various mobile devices, ensuring optimal performance and user experience across multiple platforms. Businesses are leveraging mobile apps to meet customer needs in real-time and provide easily accessible services. This evolution in technology has transformed how users engage with information, services, and products, making mobile application development a crucial aspect of modern software development. If you're considering this as something that could help excel your business, you're at the right place.
Who can use React Native to create mobile apps?
So with that being said - who can build a mobile application using React Native?
From seasoned developers to those who are new to mobile app development, React Native provides a platform that can be harnessed by individuals with varying levels of experience. In this section, we'll explore the user base of React Native, shedding light on the expertise needed to make the most of this powerful framework.
React Native caters to a broad audience, making it accessible for developers across different experience levels. Seasoned developers with expertise in Javascript can harness React Native's full potential, capitalising on their understanding of the first language in the chain. Additionally, individuals new to mobile app development should find React Native relatively user-friendly due to its great documentation over the many years it’s been live.
However, efficient React Native, React, or even Javascript development takes many years to fully navigate. Development isn’t as simple as just learning how to use a language and its frameworks. To create successful products, you need to know how to utilise React Native’s or any other frameworks capabilities in a strategic manner. To excel as a mobile app developer within this framework, you certainly need to acquire additional expertise, ensuring an ability to craft solutions with intricate functionalities and innovative UX/UI that will align with the preferences of your target audience on the platform.
With an agency, this is a given. The scoping opportunities and ability to scale mobile platforms are endless. An expert will be able to flag any issues from experience of other common scenarios, continuously analysing and optimising their work. That’s why we’d always recommend working with a creative agency to help your team define and understand what they want from the product they intend to build. This includes understanding the deployment processes for both Android and iOS platforms, recognising the differences in compiling code for Android and iOS, and gaining proficiency in using native modules, for example, accessing the phone camera.
With our expertise and in depth knowledge of the Javascript framework we have managed projects for industry giants like Google Cloud, Dunnhumby, and Outperform. As well as harnessing the power of React Native for mobile applications to supersede user engagement and performance. For example...
React Native’s mobile application limitations...
As a creative agency that has extensive knowledge across multiple programming languages, it’s critical for us to understand in what instances to apply a particular framework. It should always start with a brief - followed by taking the time to understand your company and business goals.
So despite React Native’s great features and learning-curve, lets discuss when we would choose not to use it.
React Native does come with its limitations due to it being a layer that sits on top of a native language -Javascript. Instead of directly developing in React, React Native adds a layer on top, making everything more opinionated. Opinionated in this context meaning - you lack the full freedom and flexibility due to its structure being aligned by the native language. This makes accessing native features harder as the developer must rely on React Native modules. Therefore, even with extensive knowledge, it can limit a developer's creative autonomy to add features. So in this instance, unless the client needs to host via both iOS and Android, we would likely recommend a different framework - Java for purely Android and Swift for iOS.
React native is perfect for that dual application, but for more advanced or specific features you need to go with native solutions.
Develop for both Android and iOS: native apps or hybrid apps?
So, is it necessary to develop applications for both Android and iOS?
Choosing between hybrid (hybrid meaning React Native that allows deployment of an app across both Android and iOS) and native applications involves considering the specific needs and goals of a project. Native apps, designed specifically for each individual platform offer high efficiency by leveraging platform-specific APIs. This is particularly advantageous for business applications, especially those requiring significant traffic through APIs. If the aim is to develop native apps for a single project, starting with Android is recommended, as independent apps often see more focus on this platform. Especially when you consider the cost of launching an iOS application.
On the other hand, hybrid apps like React Native that run on multiple platforms with shared code, provide a cost-effective solution for projects with limited resources or where cross-platform consistency is a priority. Our in-house development team at &above might recommend this when developing a completely new project. But ultimately the decision hinges on factors such as project requirements, available resources, and the desired user experience.
How to find React Native developers?
You can find React Native developers the same way you would find React developers. Some developers specialise in multiple languages. Our team at &above work with many languages like React, Vue.js, Cordano, Swift and Flutter - and can help your business choose the correct language for your specific use case. Just drop us a note here.
Summarising the mobile app developer
Choosing React Native for your mobile app development can be a strategic move, combining efficiency, cross-platform capabilities, and a robust developer community. At &above, we specialise in navigating the dynamic landscape of mobile app development, providing tailored solutions for your brand's success.
