React Native Vs React JS: Which is the Best for Web App Development?

Although mobile apps are trending, web development still has advantages that a business can leverage for growth. Compared to mobile apps, web apps have also promised growth opportunities and better connections with customers. These are the best ways to promote a brand or product to the rest of the world.

For web development, there are several frameworks and technologies available. It is one of the top questions asked on the internet that- 

React Native Vs. React JS: Which one is the best for web development? 

Before we conclude, reading some basic information about React Native app development and React JS development is essential. So let's start.

What is React Native

React Native is a Javascript framework used for developing cross-platform apps that renders like native apps on Android and iOS. It facilitates the developers to use an empowered JavaScript library for developing cross-platform apps with a native feel. Facebook owns this technology, and its applicability is for developing user interfaces for mobile platform-based apps. The concept of React Native is like a person can learn it and use it anywhere for programming or developing an application. From the web application development point of view, React Native is not a suitable choice. It is specifically designed for developing apps for the Android and iOS platforms. Moreover, it would be best to hire React Native app developers to develop a professional mobile app.

Features of React Native

Here are the key features of the React Native framework that you would love to read about.

Native App Development for Android and iPhone(or iOS)

React Native provides the best-in-class JavaScript library for creating the UI components for Android and iOS-based devices. You can even create the app from scratch with ease.

Platform Specific Version With Native Feel

It is known for developing a platform-specific version using JavaScript that gives the feel of a native API. In simpler words, although it is a cross-platform app development framework, once the app is developed, it behaves like a native app for Android or iOS platforms.

Ease of Use

To create React Native applications, you only need to learn JavaScript.Even front-end web designers can use it to create app user interfaces smoothly. It also helps in revamping the old application without rewriting the code again.

Cost-Effectiveness

A single codebase works for all platforms. So, there is no need to mention that React Native is a cost-effective framework that provides a robust base to develop applications for Android and iOS devices.

Fast Refresh

One of its best features is a fast refresh that showcases any change in the code with lightning speed. Compared to the other cross-platform frameworks, it works fast; this quality makes it one of the best frameworks.

Limitations of React Native

Here are some limitations of React Native that you also need to look at.

Native Developers Are Always Needed

The first limitation with the React Native platform is that although it has the cross-platform ability; but, there are some portions where you need a native app developer to complete the application development. So, native-like programming knowledge is a must for programming on this framework.

Similar Components, Different Behaviour

While developing a cross-platform application, the components remain the same due to using a single code base. However, sometimes the components showcase different behaviours based on the platform, such as Android and iOS. 

Multiskills are in high demand

For developing a professional React Native app, a developer needs to have an in-depth understanding of React Native, iOS, and Android OS programming before they can work on it.

Library Dependency

One of the limitations of React Native is its dependency on third-party libraries. There are certain third-party libraries that you need to include while developing hybrid applications.

What is React JS

ReactJS is an open-source JavaScript library and works as the best option for developing a user interface for single-page applications. Jordan Walke created it in 2011. The best part is that it is a fantastic option for developing reusable components for web and mobile applications. The objective behind developing React JS is to develop a scalable app with simplicity and at a fast pace. It works on the concept of a partial refresh, improving the website's performance best.

Based on Google Trend's data, React JS has been gaining continuous popularity since 2017 as one of the most favoured web development frameworks. It has stored connections with the JavaScript Library, meaning a developer can ask for help from the vast community of JavaScript developers.

Features of React JS

Let's look at the features of React JS for more understanding.

Declarative View For Easy Debugging

React JS provides simple views for each application state, allowing developers to predict the code and easily debug the code.

React JS Is a Component-Based

It uses components written in JavaScript instead of templates, which allow developers to pass the rich data through the app. The newly developed encapsulated components can manage their state. These components provide a solid base for developing complex applications.

One-time Learning, Multiple Time Use

Similar to React Native, it works like learn once, write anywhere. Using React JS, there is no need to write the existing code; you can develop and add new features.

Use of VDOM(Virtual Document Object Model)

React's virtual document object model works with speed. Instead of refreshing the whole page, it refreshes the webpage's parts. Overall, it boosts the performance of the application.

Reusability

In terms of reusability, it is superb. React JS components can be reused without redundancy, ensuring high efficiency in terms of time and development. Additionally, most of the components can be used without any hurdles.

Readability

One of the best features is readability, which allows newcomers to learn ReactJS programming easily.

Limitations of React JS

Similar to React Native, there are some limitations also associated with ReactJS.

Disadvantages of High Speed

It is okay that high speed is always advantageous, but it also has some limitations. React technology gets continuous updates, so some developers find it difficult to cope with the latest trends.   

Poor Documentation

In addition to the aforementioned point and regular updates, it is difficult to document each change. Instead of documenting a complete set of instructions, developers use sparse text.

Complexity With JSX

JSX is a JavaScript extension that makes code readable and clean, but on the other hand, its combination with HTML makes it complex to learn. It has a hard learning curve, one of the limitations of ReactJS.

Issues With Indexing

For indexing a ReactJS-based website, a developer must have appropriate expertise as Google has issues with client-side-rendering. 

We have reviewed all the information about React Native and React JS, such as basic information, features and limitations. Now, it is time to differentiate between the two. So, here it is-

Difference Between React JS and React Native

Based on the above points, here is the tabular representation of the difference between ReactJS and React Native.

Wrapping It Up!

React Native and React JS are great application development technologies and two of the most desired technology by developers. Both have their applicability. Developing React JS is here, but if you need a great cross-platform application, then React Native is the best.

Mobile app development services providers prefer both technologies per the project’s requirements. The motive is to find out which is better for web development than React JS is more permissible than React Native. But do not forget that no one can compete with React Native for hybrid or cross-platform app development.