React Native is a cross-platform framework for developing mobile applications born out of the joint efforts of Facebook and enthusiasts. The framework provides engineers with the possibilities of the React library so they can create native applications that have full access to platform system APIs. React Native supports platforms such as Android, Android TV, iOS, macOS, Apple tvOS, Web, Windows, and UWP.
As it gets evident from the graph, the React Native app development is on the rise. The framework was the most popular cross-platform mobile tool both in 2019 and 2020. The world's most reputable brands, such as Facebook, Instagram, or Tesla, use React Native.
The question needs to be asked: how did the framework manage to become so popular? Here’s a quick recap before we plunge into details:
- React Native is compact but has a lot to offer to developers;
- The opportunity to write in JavaScript and use React makes it possible to create an application for both platforms quickly. Surely, it’s more profitable for any business;
- The framework provides a large library of native and non-native components;
- One can go on with a browser for debugging. Besides, there’s also a hot-reload feature for checking out applied changes. You don’t have to restructure an application if you change the code;
- The native components of the system (all buttons, pictures, and texts) are all standard components of the operating system. It is impossible to distinguish a native application from a native one. In fact, a React Native app is a native app in itself;
- It’s easy to manage your own library for React Native using the native functionality of the system.
If you've decided to develop an app using native languages such as Java, Objective-C, and C#, be sure that the development process will take considerable time. Besides, if you hire an experienced professional, it will not come cheap. So what your next step might be? Why do so many people consider React Native when developing a mobile app? Let’s find out.
The pros and cons of React Native
Performance
In itself, a React Native mobile app shouldn’t be seen as HTML5 or a hybrid one. Instead, it is a mobile application in its own right. True, React Native-based applications may not be as fast as native ones, but you get very close to native performance. I’d say the speed is almost indistinguishable.
One way or another, you can still improve the performance of a React Native app with native code. When talking about optimization, native code works like a breeze. To get the best out of the performance, use both sources of code. I mean, some features can be built with native code, and some using React Native’s code.
Convenience
Essentially, an experienced full-stack developer can start creating mobile apps in React Native without going through specialized training. So how can you get started? Well, the first thing to do is to familiarize yourself with writing code in Javascript and know a thing or two about React. However, you need to know the peculiarities of both Android and iOS. These platforms have many similar and specific features, so the risk of confusion in the development process is high. In other words, React Native is simple and convenient if the developer understands what he is doing and what an eventual goal is.
It’s worth noting that React Native can be added at any time. You can start with RC (greenfield applications) or add it to an existing app (brownfield apps). That basically means that if there is a native application, and you want to update it with common features, it’s unnecessary to do this natively.
Awesome user interfaces
The framework makes it possible to design aesthetically appealing user interfaces using pre-built components such as Slider, Switch, Picker, or Button. Besides, it’s also possible to develop custom components with TouchableNativeFeedback and TouchableOpacity. Hopefully, there’s a myriad of iOS and Android components that work efficiently on corresponding mobile devices.
F is for fast
React Native is powerful when it comes to a variety of components. You have all you might need when developing: text, images, keyboard input, animation, clipboard, scrolling lists, progress bar, and links. These components significantly accelerate the development process, not to mention Hot Reloading, which reloads the application without recompiling all the code.
React Native libraries such as Redux and MobX handle the state of an app, while Awesome React Native - a catalog of components and demos - helps finish the mobile app development faster. Besides, tools like VS Code, WebStorm, and Nuclide for coding, Sentry for monitoring bugs and crashes, and React Developer Tools for debugging also add to the list of React’s advantages.
Strong community
Here are some amazing stats: React Native has over 2000 contributors with 95,000+ stars on GitHub. Many reputable companies have contributed to the platform. This way, you will easily find many React Native components and libraries built by the developer community on sites like JS.coach and Native Directory. You will always find someone who can help you on StackOverflow, Reddit, Codementor, or the Reactiflux Discord Community.
Drawbacks
Let’s be honest: there are pros and cons to everything. I've talked about many of the positive aspects of React Native, but it has several problems such as large app size, memory leaks in Android apps due to unnecessary processes running in the background, and a slow app startup problem because of some dependencies. However, you can fix these problems to some extent.
For instance, you can solve the Android app memory leak issue with scrollable lists like FlatList, SectionList, or VirtualList. Refrain from using ListView to prevent memory leaks. To solve a slow application startup problem, you need to reduce the number of dependencies in your application and use components that work very well. What’s more, Hermes, a JavaScript engine optimized for React Native, helps launch applications faster, owing to build-time precompilation of JavaScript into effective bytecode.
How we can help you with React Native (+ video case study)
Here at Akveo, we use React Native a lot. We said it once, and we’ll say it again: using React Native is the easiest yet reliable method to reach the market faster. We’ve helped our clients save on development costs while providing them with cross-platform applications that work perfectly on any platform.
What’s more, as React Native advocates, we developed our own products based on React Native UI Kitten is an open-source and free framework for creating cross-platform mobile applications. Design system-based, UI Kitten brings your product from an MVP to the final product version.
However, as the title suggests, a picture is worth a thousand words. Let me speak about one of our clients and how we helped them with React Native. Enter the client: Felmo is a German company from the industry of veterinary services. The customer came up with the idea of developing a mobile application that links vet clinics and pet owners that want to receive medical care services online. Using UI Kitten, our team reduced front-end development time by 25% and saved thousands of dollars for the client. The end result of the project is a multifunctional mobile application with a set of custom icons and illustrations.
To sum up (and take action)
If you want a quick conclusion, it's easy to formulate it in one phrase. React Native is a robust mobile app development tool that allows developers to quickly create products while saving costs on development. When comparing the pros and cons of React Native mobile development, it's a no-brainer to realize that the advantages outweigh the minor drawbacks.
We know it firsthand, as our React Native expertise is rich. We’re already familiar with all the pain points and workarounds. Besides, we’re professionals in native development as well, so we know for sure when and how to use both methods. Sure, the trends in mobile development may change, but some things always remain in great demand. React Native is widely used by big brands, so don't it won’t disappear any time soon. Contact us to get the quote, and let’s build your React Native-based mobile app.
Building Reconciliation Tool for e-commerce company
Our client was in need of streamlining and simplifying its monthly accounting reconciliation process – preferably automatically. But with a lack of time and low budget for a custom build, development of a comprehensive software wasn’t in the picture. After going through the case and customer’s needs, we decided to implement Retool. And that was the right choice.
The scope of work
Our team developed a custom reconciliation tool designed specifically for the needs of high-volume transaction environments. It automated the processes and provided a comprehensive dashboard for monitoring discrepancies and anomalies in real-time.
The implementation of Retool significantly reduced manual effort, as well as fostered a more efficient and time-saving reconciliation process.
Creating Retool Mobile App for a Wine Seller
A leading spirits and wine seller in Europe required the development of an internal mobile app for private client managers and administrators. The project was supposed to be done in 1,5 months. Considering urgency and the scope of work, our developers decided to use Retool for swift and effective development.
The scope of work
Our developers built a mobile application tailored to the needs of the company's sales force: with a comprehensive overview of client interactions, facilitated order processing, and enabled access to sales history and performance metrics. It was user-friendly, with real-time updates, seamlessly integrated with existing customer databases.
The result? Increase in productivity of the sales team and improved decision-making process. But most importantly, positive feedback from the customers themselves.
Developing PoC with Low Code for a Tour Operator
To efficiently gather, centralize, and manage data is a challenge for any tour operator. Our client was not an exception. The company was seeking to get an internal software that will source information from third-party APIs and automate the travel itinerary creation process. Preferably, cost- and user-friendly tool.
The scope of work
Our experts ensured the client that all the requirements could be covered by Retool. And just in 40 hours a new software was launched. The tool had a flexible and easy-to-use interface with user authentication and an access management system panel – all the company needed. At the end, Retool was considered the main tool to replace the existing system.
Testing New Generation of Lead Management Tool with Retool
Our client, a venture fund, had challenges with managing lead generation and client acquisition. As the company grew, it aimed to attract more clients and scale faster, as well as automate the processes to save time, improve efficiency and minimize human error. The idea was to craft an internal lead generation tool that will cover all the needs. We’ve agreed that Retool will be a perfect tool for this.
The scope of work
The project initially began as a proof of concept, but soon enough, with each new feature delivered, the company experienced increased engagement and value.
We developed a web tool that integrates seamlessly with Phantombuster for data extraction and LinkedIn for social outreach. Now, the company has a platform that elevates the efficiency of their lead generation activities and provides deep insights into potential client bases.
Building an Advanced Admin Portal for Streamlined Operations
Confronted with the need for more sophisticated internal tools, an owner of IP Licensing marketplace turned to Retool to utilize its administrative functions. The primary goal was to construct an advanced admin portal that could support complex, multi-layered processes efficiently.
The scope of work
Our client needed help with updating filters and tables for its internal platform. In just 30 hours we've been able to update and create about 6 pages. Following features were introduced: add complex filtering and search, delete records, styling application with custom CSS.
Together, we have increased performance on most heavy pages and fixed circular dependency issues.
Creating MVP Dashboard for Google Cloud Users
Facing the challenge of unoptimized cloud resource management, a technology firm working with Google Cloud users was looking for a solution to make its operations more efficient. The main idea of the project was to create an MVP for e-commerce shops to test some client hypotheses. Traditional cloud management tools fell short.
The scope of work
Determined to break through limitations, our team of developers turned Retool. We decided to craft an MVP Dashboard specifically for Google Cloud users. This wasn't just about bringing data into view; but about reshaping how teams interact with their cloud environment.
We designed a dashboard that turned complex cloud data into a clear, strategic asset thanks to comprehensive analytics, tailored metrics, and an intuitive interface, that Retool provides. As the results, an increase in operational efficiency, significant improvement in cost management and resource optimization.
Elevating CRM with Custom HubSpot Sales Dashboard
Our other client, a SaaS startup, that offers collaborative tools for design and engineering teams, was on a quest to supercharge their sales efforts. Traditional CRM systems were limited and not customizable enough. The company sought a solution that could tailor HubSpot to their workflow and analytics needs.
The scope of work
Charged with the task of going beyond standard CRM functions, our team turned to Retool. We wanted to redefine how sales teams interact with their CRM.
By integrating advanced analytics, custom metrics, and a user-friendly interface, our developers provided a solution that transformed data into a strategic asset.
In 40 hours, three informative dashboards were developed, containing the most sensitive data related to sales activities. These dashboards enable our customer to analyze sales and lead generation performance from a different perspective and establish the appropriate KPIs.
Building a PDF Editor with Low-Code
Our client, a leading digital credential IT startup, needed a lot of internal processes to be optimized. But the experience with low-code tools wasn’t sufficient. That’s why the company decided to hire professionals. And our team of developers joined the project.
The scope of work
The client has a program that designs and prints custom badges for customers. The badges need to be “mail-merged” with a person’s info and turned into a PDF to print. But what is the best way to do it?
Our developers decided to use Retool as a core tool. Using custom components and JavaScript, we developed a program that reduced employees' time for designing, putting the data, verifying, and printing PDF badges in one application.
As a result, the new approach significantly reduces the time required by the internal team to organize all the necessary staff for the conference, including badge creation.