On the face of it, React Native seems like a savior.Common codebase, less time, low cost. All in one.But it is not for everyone and will not cater to unique needs.

Here’s all you need to know before giving your project to an app development agency in the UK.

What is the RN buzz all about?

You might not have heard about it, but you are most likely using it even without you knowing.Yes! Many leading apps employ React Native like Facebook or Instagram.React Native is a framework that was created by Facebook itself and can be used by JavaScript developers to build apps.It has become popular with app developers all over and piqued the interest of UK entrepreneurs for a quicker solution, because of its advantages.

It allows app developers to reuse their code across platforms like web and mobile and different operating systems.In simpler words, you will not need two separate code in two different languages- Java (for Android) and Swift/Obj-C (for iOS), which is generally the case.React Native allows you to build fully functional same apps for both Android and iOS by using just one language and taking lesser time.

What is additionally great about RN is the fact that it that it has Hot Reloading i.e., the changes in the apps can be seen instantly and does not need the long recompilation process.

All in all, you do not need an entirely different team for coding in different languages.All these advantages make Reach Native quite fast, saving effort and resources.

So, if you:

• Do Not Need Highly Integrated Apps: Excessive API linking even through bridges will need more native programming.
• Are Strictly Time Bound: Need your app to launch immediately for both platforms.
• Want An App with Basic Functionality across different OS: If the app does not need customized modules and needs simultaneous versions for iOS and Android.
• Want to build a clickable prototype to test how the original native apps will work.

Then you may go ahead with React Native Development for your app.

It might also save you bucks, but if you have problems with it, you will end up needing 3 developers each for RN, iOS, and Android instead of one. ( Like Airbnb recently decided to drop React Native because it did not serve their purpose of having it in the first place.)

However, there are a couple of limitations to React Native which might not make it a fit for everyone:

-Performance:

React Native lags behind the Native apps when it comes to being faster with higher functions. If your app is heavy on memory usage or calculations, it is better to have a Native app.

-Constantly Changing:

React Native is a considerably new framework and is being continuously evolved. New updates keep coming even every month at times. These updates have to be incorporated into the code too, so developers need to work on that.

-Customized Module:

If you desire a functionality which is not already available, you will need native development and will have to write it from scratch.

-Facebook’s Monopoly:

Though available as open source, React Native is still is controlled by Facebook’s own rules. The most controversial one being Facebook reserving the right to ban your app if you take it to courts over a patent issue.

Conclusion:

Having said (written?) that, we do believe React Native is a great option and will continue to keep growing and evolving to become better and offer enhanced usability.The aim of the blog was to familiarize you with both the sides of the coin and not get lured into RN by its great but skewed positives and end up being disappointed by it, as a number of users did.

We at Applify specialize in app development and you can write to us anytime for a free consultation if you still have doubts regarding your app decisions.