The two most popular development technologies at present are React and React Native. ReactJS is a web application framework whereas React Native is a mobile app development framework.
But many businesses and people confuse these with each other. Both frameworks have proved advantageous for the developers as both are free and act as open-source libraries for building user interfaces and components.
Both technologies are extremely popular in their respective arenas. Nearly 3% of the websites make use of React technology. Likewise, React Native is no less than ReactJS. Both technologies might look similar but have some major differences between them. Like Angular and AngularJS.
Consequently, let’s learn in-depth about both the technologies and the major differences between them in the post outlined below.
ReactJS
Before going straight to learn the differences between ReactJS and React Native, it is crucial to figure out what both these technologies are in reality. ReactJS is a library that is used to build single-page web applications and mobile apps.
Both small and large kinds of organizations make use of this technology for development purposes. With the help of reusable components, ReactJS can also be used to build a viewable layer of applications to create a stronger structure.
Whenever it comes to building interactive and dynamic user interfaces, businesses prefer using ReactJS technology only.
Some of the features of ReactJS Includes:
- Updating and rendering documents with changes in data.
- Creating dynamic applications with a user-friendly view.
- View real-time changes
- Access to HTML
- Fast, efficient, and high-performing websites
Benefits of ReactJS
In addition to the features, there are some key benefits of ReactJS technology that every developer and business should know. Here are some of the perks of using ReactJS for building web applications.
Support of tools
The foremost benefit of ReactJS is that it has the support of handy tools which make things easy and understandable for developers. You simply need to select some components, examine them and edit them.
Enhances performance
Using ReactJS technology also enhances the performance of the developers and all thanks to the virtual DOM. The virtual DOM exists in memory. It means that when we write in DOM, we do not directly write in DOM.
The reality is the virtual components are being written which will turn into DOM. Consequently, the developer’s and business performance is enhanced.
Easy creating applications
Creating web development applications also becomes much easier for developers by using ReactJS Technology. Back in time, HTML technology was used to create applications that were quite tricky and also required knowledge of coding.
Thankfully, there is no such thing in ReactJS. It does not need the knowledge of coding and makes it easy for the developers to create web applications.
Easy to learn and use
The most significant benefit of ReactJS is that it is easy to learn and use. Compared to other technologies, ReactJS is quite easy to learn and use. The developers coming from Javascript Developer can also understand and begin creating web apps using ReactJS Technology.
React Native
The next similar technology used is React Native. React Native was launched in 2015 and developed by Facebook. When it comes to building native applications for various platforms such as Windows, Android, or IoS, React Native always tops the list.
Due to the reusable components, it can be run on various platforms. Its base is ReactJS but as far as its library components are concerned, then they are different and this is what makes it a different development framework.
Its main focus is to build UI components for mobile applications. On average, nearly 25000 applications make use of this technology around the world. Some examples of popular apps built using React Native include Facebook Ads, Instagram, Walmart, and Soundcloud.
Let’s have an insight into some popular features of React Native.
- Visible changes in code during development
- Interactive and customizable UI
- Ready to use libraries and reusable components
- Flexible architecture enabling development faster
- Easily integrated with mobile application
- Javascript compatible and easily associates with IoS coding
- Easy to learn and build
Perks of React Native
Like ReactJS, React Native also has a certain set of benefits for businesses and developers. Let us learn some of the benefits of React Native.
Native components
The React Native technology makes use of the native components to write platform-specific code and create native functionality.
Class performance
The next major benefit of React Native is class performance. The code is compiled into native code enabling the operating systems to function in the same way as platforms.
Cross-platform usage
The React Native technology is compatible with both android and IoS devices.
Saves time
Using React Native technology for development purposes not only saves time but also money during development.
The Distinction Between ReactJS and React Native
Usually, there are similarities between both these technologies but there are some differences also. The first difference between both these technologies is that React can be used for all platforms but React Native can only be used on certain platforms.
But this is not all. Let us explore the major differences between these technologies in the section mentioned below.
Costs
One significant difference between ReactJS and React Native is concerning the costs. ReactJS is an expensive technology to develop whereas React Native is economical. Using ReactJS requires you to download other libraries which in turn spurs up the cost.
React Native on the other hand is economical and can also save your time and money by reusing the code in the mobile application. Consequently, it turns out to be economical.
Technology base
There is so much overlapping of the technology base in both ReactJS and React Native that it ends up confusing the developers. Using the ReactJS technology, you need to have knowledge of JS and go through the technical documentation.
Contrary to it, React Native is a framework used for building mobile interfaces. This technology is not purely Javascript based and is a combination of various technologies such as Objective-C++, C++, Objective-C code, and others. It means that you need an awareness of these technologies to build applications using React Native Technology.
Syntax
The next major difference between ReactJS and React Native is syntax. ReactJS makes use of tags such as <div> and <h1> to render HTML components. But React Native uses a different syntax.
React Native technology renders the native components with tags such as <view>, <images>, and others. This is why it is not regarded as suitable for web development and is best used for mobile apps.
Installation process
The installation process of both technologies is also a major difference between both. As far as ReactJS is concerned, you need to integrate it into an HTML page. Once you are done with this, then you can integrate React components into your website.
But React Native requires a development environment such as Xcode to develop an application. Not only this, but you can also install the tools you want and execute your project on a device.
Security
The next crucial differentiating factor between ReactJS and React Native is security. Comparing both in terms of security, ReactJS is more secure than React Native. React Native is not that strong in security as it is an open-source framework.
The concern becomes grave when it is about building financial or banking applications comprising confidential data.
Final Word
Despite the differences between them, both frameworks are known to go well with one another. But at last, you have to choose one framework for your project depending upon its requirements. Rest, both have their pros and cons and are regarded as best in their respective spheres.