React Native in 2021: Pros and Cons

React Native Pros and Cons in 2021

Are you a company looking for app development technologies that can help you build apps for multiple platforms simultaneously?

Maybe, you are a budding app developer looking for a flexible platform that allows you to develop applications for both Google Play and the Apple store?

If your answer is yes to either question, this post is for you. The app development tech is on a crazy marathon to improve their efficiency and performance.

Good news is that platforms such as React Native app development services are offering cheaper to implement, user-friendly, and easier to execute strategies for app developers.

Not long ago, app developers needed to work on Android and iOS applications separately if they wanted to target both user pools. However, this required the businesses to hire different teams, which added complications. Plus there was no synchronicity between the two platforms to roll out apps simultaneously.

Most importantly, the cost of hiring and managing two different teams was a huge burden for businesses. The predicament continued until 2015, when React Native (RN) launched an efficient alternative framework.

So, if you are an app development business, this post is for you. By the end of this article, you will know whether to adopt React Native. You are going to learn about the pros and cons of RN and weigh your options to make an informed decision.

Reasons You May Need React Native

Here are some reasons why RN is worth looking into.

● It offers faster app development comparing to native.

● App test phase is available for quick updates and rollouts.

● It implies impeccable developers and strong community support.

● Individual users and developers can use personalized UX.

● It is suitable for app developers on a tight budget.

● It offers a wide range of ready-made libraries and solutions.

● It supports simultaneous development on both platforms - Android and iOS.

● It is officially supported by Facebook.

● You can add third-party plug-ins.

● You can still access the native API.

● You can update apps with CodePush. This means you do not have to go to Apple Store or Google Play Store.

● The same programming language working for both platforms makes things straightforward.

● It offers simple and supple app development - no complications.

● It is easy to debug.

Pros of React Native for Businesses

While React Native seems like the ideal app development platform on paper, let us look at its merits and demerits more closely.

Fast App Development

With React Native, you can build apps faster than on any other platform. It is one of the biggest selling points of the service. The platform also offers a large number of customized, ready-to-use codes to accelerate your development phase. Plus, access to their enormous resources library makes your operations more time- and money-efficient.

Multiple Platform Support

No more hiring numerous app developers specializing in iOS or Android coding. You can now use the same team of React Native specialists to code your app for both platforms simultaneously. Your developers can use the same basic code to develop an app, and sometimes the full code may apply.

Moreover, RN is an open-source community with flexibility for third-party add-ons. You can develop a solution for both mobile and web users simultaneously. Other benefits include:

● shortening your app development time

● ensuring consistency of the app's business logic for multiple platforms.

Faster Release to the Market

The shorter your development time, the quicker you can launch the app and roll out its updates. In case of a bug report or a bad customer review, you can go back to the drawing board, make changes, and roll out the new version. Hence, no wasting time or need for additional funds.

Good User Experience

React Native app development services are an excellent alternative to native apps. Unless you use heavy coding, such as complex games and design, a React Native application will have the same or even better user experience and performance than native apps.

React Native Cons for Businesses

Here are some of the disadvantages of an otherwise impeccable app coding platform.

Lower Performance than Native

Unfortunately, React Native apps will not always be able to offer the full functionalities and features of a specific platform. In contrast, native apps can deliver maximum functionalities of both Android and iOS for an ultimate user experience.

Limited Design Options

If you are an app developer or agency specializing in complex app designs and interactions, then look for a different development platform. React Native has reduced functionality when it comes to advanced interactions or complicated designs.

The lack of out-of-the-box support for functionalities such as push notifications and heavy code is a significant issue. So, if this is critical for your business, native sounds like a more appropriate choice for your platform.

Slow Features Updating

Both Apple and Google are constantly rolling out updates carrying new features and added functionalities for iOS and Android users. Therefore, modern-day users expect developers to be prompt and efficient at integrating these updates into their apps.

React Native lets you update the features, but it is not as fast as native. So, users may have to wait for some time to get their app up-to-date.

Compatibility and Debugging Issues

Surprisingly enough, even when some of the top tech players are using RN as their main app development platform, it is still in beta mode. It is the main reason why this platform still comes with its own issues in the debugging and compatibility department.

During the development phase, your team may come across several problems with debugging and compatibility tools. In case your app developers are not proficient or new to React Native, it can prove to be a major roadblock. Your app development team will be spending too much time trying to troubleshoot the issues. It will translate into delays in app launches and update rollouts.

Conclusion

The above-mentioned pros and cons can help you to make a decision whether React Native is worth investing in. However, you must remember that it is currently the most popular and effective cross-platform mobile app development framework. Fast development, small teams, and the reusability of code to create two apps simultaneously may outweigh the cons for the most part.