Comparing React and React Native: What’s the Difference?
Being two of the most popular JavaScript libraries, React and React Native can be quite confusing. With React, you can build front-end web applications, while React Native enables you to build mobile applications. Despite the similar names, these two frameworks have distinct differences. This guide lays out the key differences between React and React Native for developers.
What is React?
React, also known as React.js, is a front-end JavaScript library created by Facebook in 2013 for building user interfaces. It helps developers create small components, which can be combined to create a complex UI. Due to its efficiency and flexibility, React is now the most popular front-end library.
It has a few key features that make it stand out, such as virtual DOM, JSX, and one-way data binding. Virtual DOM helps React update small parts of the page without reloading the whole page. JSX allows the use of HTML syntax in React code, and one-way data binding ensures only small changes in the UI in response to user events.
What is React Native?
React Native is a framework created by Facebook in 2015 for building native mobile applications using JavaScript and React. It is used to create applications for both Android and iOS. It is based on React, but instead of using web components, it uses native components which provide enhanced user interface and experience.
It enables the use of native UI elements, and there is no need to use web view elements. React Native also allows developers to create components using native code and compile them into JavaScript code for reuse. This helps to create a native-looking user interface.
Comparing React and React Native
Now that we have discussed what React and React Native are and their key features, let’s dive into the differences between the two frameworks.
Performance: React Native offers a better performance than React, as it does not use web view elements and runs directly inside the native environment.
User Interface: React Native works better when it comes to creating native-like user interface, while React is better for creating web interfaces.
Cross-platform: React is suitable for both web and mobile development, while React Native is only used for mobile development.
Developer Tools: React Native has better developer tools than React, as it includes debugging tools such as React Native Debugger.
Installation: React requires webpack for installation, while React Native doesn’t require any additional installation.
Language: React Native uses JavaScript, while React uses both JavaScript and HTML.
FAQ
What is React?
React, also known as React.js, is a front-end JavaScript library created by Facebook in 2013 for building user interfaces. It helps developers create small components, which can be combined to create a complex UI.
What is React Native?
React Native is a framework created by Facebook in 2015 for building native mobile applications using JavaScript and React. It is used to create applications for both Android and iOS.
What are the differences between React and React Native?
The key differences between React and React Native are performance, user interface, cross-platform functionality, developer tools, installation, and language.
What is better for mobile development: React or React Native?
React Native is better for mobile development as it offers a better performance, native-like user interface, as well as enhanced debugging tools.
Does React Native require any additional installation?
No, React Native does not require any additional installation.
Related Links
For more information about React and React Native, check out the following links:
