What Is React Native? Explained in Simple Words

Difference Between Native vs Cross-Platform

Before getting into React Native, it's important to understand the difference between cross-platform and native development. Companies that have decided to go with the growing trend of enterprise mobile app development naturally have to make a choice between the two.

One of the main advantages of using cross-platform apps is that they can be used on more operating systems. For example, apps that run on Windows, Android, and IOS can often be made to run on other systems as well, as long as the developer updates their app. 

The downside is they often can't do as much as native apps. Because native apps are built for one operating system, they can be optimized for that OS, making them faster and more stable, which lets them do more things. They are built with a single codebase, allowing companies to reach a wider audience with less effort.

Choosing between native and cross-platform development is a critical decision for business success. To help you figure out which approach best fits your organization, we'll break down what each method involves and weigh their pros and cons in this Native vs cross-platform article.

React and React Native Are Not the Same

Another thing to note is the difference between React and React Native. Developers may use them interchangeably. React is a library used for web development, while React Native is a framework built on top of React specifically for building mobile apps. 

It acts as a wrapper around React.js with extended functionality that is specifically designed for mobile application development. Both React and React Native are maintained by Meta. Both use JavaScript and JSX, a special markup language. 

However, the syntax used to render elements in JSX components differs between React and React Native applications. If you want to learn more about ReactJS in-depth, you can read our article, "Introduction to ReactJS." 

What is Cross-platform Development?

When it comes to mobile app development costs, they can range from a few thousand dollars to well over $100K these days. That means having a significant budget is essential for native app development. Plus, on-time project delivery is another challenge.

With its unique features that provide a near-native performance in tandem with an emphasis on time management and budget constraint, cross-platform development is a very appealing alternative to more traditional app development methodologies.

The practice addresses the major pain points that come from developing apps for different platforms while staying on schedule and under budget. 

With it, we can build apps for numerous platforms with a single codebase. This lets us target two platforms with a single codebase. By leveraging a framework like React Native and following best practices, developers can produce near-native performing apps. Both of these factors are strong arguments for using cross-platform development.

Benefits of Cross-platform Frameworks

Cross-platform frameworks have fundamentally changed the development landscape. These frameworks strike a practical balance between rapid development and high-quality performance. With them, you can build basic apps and features in much less time. Let's explore some of their most important benefits.

1. Less development cost

When you choose cross-platform development, you will be building one adaptable codebase that can function across iOS and Android. With this, you won’t need teams or specialized developers for each operating system. That’s why it translates to lower upfront costs. Over time, it will be easier to maintain a single codebase. 

You can reduce expenses in updating and fixing bugs. You can implement updates once and deploy them everywhere. This strategic allocation of resources means your budget is maximized, allowing you to invest in other critical areas of your business.

2. Faster time-to-market

Speed is a another benefit here. You can design, develop, and launch your app across all platforms at once. Plus, there’s no waiting time between iOS and Android releases.

3. Consistent brand experience

With cross-platform development, your app will have the same visual style, user interface, and capabilities no matter where it's used. No matter what kind of device a customer uses, they will have the same experience.

4. Easy maintenance and updates

Post-launch management becomes far more straightforward with cross-platform development. Instead of juggling multiple codebases for iOS, Android, and web, you will maintain a single source of truth. Any update, whether it’s a new feature, a security patch, or a design tweak, is rolled out universally.

This reduces the risk of version fragmentation, ensures all users have access to the latest improvements, and minimizes long-term operational complexity.

5. Access to modern tools and innovations

Cross-platform frameworks are backed by robust ecosystems. They integrate seamlessly with cloud services, APIs, and third-party tools, enabling advanced features without custom coding. Features like hot-reload in Flutter, for example, let us test and refine designs in real time during development.

This not only speeds up the process but also ensures your app stays aligned with the latest technological trends and user expectations.

How Does React Native Work?

React Native includes a bunch of features at its core. Once you get familiar with these features and understand how they work, a lot of things will start making sense. You’ll come across some terms while reading React Native articles, so let’s go through them and see how they actually work.

1. Virtual DOM and Shadow Thread

React Native leverages React’s declarative UI model. When a component’s state changes, React calculates the difference (or diff) between the new and old Virtual DOM. This diff is sent to the Shadow Thread, a background thread that uses Facebook’s Yoga layout engine to compute positioning, margins, and other styling rules.

Once the layout is finalized, the results are passed to the native UI thread, which updates the screen. This separation of concerns ensures smooth rendering, as heavy layout calculations don’t block the main thread.

2. JavaScript Runtime and Threading Model

React Native runs JavaScript code in a dedicated thread, separate from the main UI thread. By default, it uses JavaScriptCore (the engine behind Safari) on iOS, while Android bundles a trimmed-down version. However, modern React Native apps often use Hermes, a purpose-built JS engine optimized for mobile. 

Hermes improves startup times and reduces memory usage by precompiling JavaScript to bytecode. Importantly, all JavaScript logic, including API calls and business logic, runs in this thread, while native modules (e.g., camera access or sensors) operate in their own threads, communicating via the bridge.

3. Native Modules and TurboModules

For platform-specific functionality, developers can write native modules, code written in Java/Kotlin or Objective-C/Swift, to directly interface with device APIs. These modules are exposed to JavaScript via the bridge. In React Native’s New Architecture (rolled out in recent versions), legacy native modules are being replaced by TurboModules. 

TurboModules use JSI (JavaScript Interface), a lightweight, C++-based layer that allows JavaScript to hold direct references to native objects, eliminating the serialization overhead of the bridge. This enables synchronous communication and significantly boosts performance for critical operations.

4. Fabric [A New Rendering System]

The New Architecture also introduces Fabric, a reimagined rendering system. Unlike the legacy architecture, which relied on asynchronous communication between threads, Fabric allows the JavaScript thread to synchronously create and update native UI components.

By reducing unnecessary thread hops and prioritizing critical UI updates, Fabric minimizes jank and improves responsiveness. Under the hood, it uses a C++ layer to unify the rendering logic across platforms, making it easier to maintain consistency between iOS and Android.

5. React Native’s Architecture

If you look at React Native’s architecture, it doesn’t use web views to render the UI, which is the most traditional approach. Instead, it uses a bridge to establish communication between JavaScript threads and native platform modules (like Java/Kotlin for Android and Objective-C/Swift for iOS).

This bridge serializes JSON messages to pass data and events between the JavaScript runtime and the native side. That’s how it renders platform-specific UI elements. For example, a <View> in JavaScript translates to a UIView on iOS or a ViewGroup on Android.

6. Code Reuse and Platform-Specific Extensions

While React Native promotes code reuse, it allows platform-specific extensions via file naming conventions (e.g., Component.ios.js and Component.android.js). This flexibility lets developers share ~90% of the codebase while tailoring UI/UX for each platform when needed.

Third-party libraries like react-native-navigation or react-native-reanimated further extend capabilities by optimizing native interactions, such as gesture handling or animations, without sacrificing cross-platform efficiency.

7. Debugging and Tooling

React Native integrates with tools like Flipper (for inspecting network requests, logs, and native crashes) and the Chrome DevTools protocol. The Fast Refresh feature provides near-instant feedback during development by preserving app state on code changes.

For performance profiling, developers can use React Native’s built-in profiler or native instruments like Xcode’s Time Profiler and Android Studio’s CPU Profiler to identify bottlenecks in JavaScript or native code.

The shift to JSI, Fabric, and TurboModules marks a pivotal evolution in React Native’s architecture. By reducing reliance on the bridge and moving toward a more unified, synchronous model, React Native is closing the performance gap with fully native apps while retaining its cross-platform advantages. 

For intermediate developers, understanding these underlying mechanisms is key to writing performant code and leveraging advanced features like thread-sensitive computations or custom native integrations.

Top Features of React Native for Developers

React Native achieves a fine balance between performance and development speed through its vast array of pre-written libraries, reducing development efforts and time significantly. It leverages powerful tools like the Hermes JavaScript engine and efficient UI rendering to enhance performance further.

If you prioritize cost, development speed, and performance, exploring React Native is a good option. Let’s explore the top features of React Native to understand how it helps reduce time and effort in mobile app development. 

1. Cross-platform development

It allows writing apps for iOS and Android platforms with one codebase using JavaScript, and it has added first-class support for TypeScript. This further enables developers to utilize the distinct features of TypeScript.

2. Large ecosystem of libraries

Several features, such as Virtual DOM, integration with third-party libraries, and its architecture that promotes code reusability, as well as pre-built UI components, will help you develop applications in an efficient and faster way. It further allows you to write user interfaces using individual pieces called components that can be reused across the application.

3. Powerful JavaScript engine

React Native leveraged JavaScriptCore until 2022. Now, Hermes has become the default engine for all React Native apps, starting from React Native 0.70. JavaScript code execution is faster with Hermes, leading to reduced lag and more responsive user interactions within the app.

Hermes is a lightweight JavaScript engine for React Native with a smaller memory footprint compared to JSC. This results in smaller app sizes, which is especially beneficial for users with limited storage space and devices with restricted resources.

This JavaScript engine pre-compiles JavaScript code ahead of time into bytecode, similar to native apps. This bytecode is smaller and easier to execute, resulting in significantly faster app launches. 

4. Declarative development

This popular development approach, known as declarative programming, focuses on describing the desired UI state and data flow rather than explicitly specifying how to manipulate the DOM. This means React takes care of the complexities of rendering and updating the UI efficiently. 

Developers can focus on the "what" instead of the "how,".

You can describe what the UI should look like based on the component's state and props, and React handles the underlying rendering logic. This declarative style simplifies your code and makes it easier to reason about how UI changes will impact the app.

5. JSX

JSX is a syntax extension for JavaScript that lets you write HTML-like structures within your code. This makes it easier to visualize and write React components, which represent the UI building blocks of your application. While it resembles HTML, JSX is transformed into JavaScript function calls that create React elements during the build process.

6. Hot reloading & live reloading

Hot reloading allows you to make changes to your code and see them instantly in the preview window, making it a useful feature when you are making quick changes to your UI or debugging it. On the other hand, live reloading automatically reloads the app when you save the changes, saving you from triggering the reload manually every time. 

7. Component-based 

It allows writing an app's interface entirely from modular, reusable components. These components are self-contained building blocks, each responsible for a specific part of the UI, such as a button, a list, or a navigation bar. This reusability saves development time, allows scaling of components independently, and enables multiple developers to work on different parts simultaneously.

8. NPM libraries support

React Native includes built-in Core Components and APIs, and you are not limited to these components bundled with React Native. You can find and install libraries from the npm registry. 

Future of React Native

When it comes to businesses or developers, they're reluctant to invest in technologies that might phase out soon. In the case of React Native, it's evident that it's held up strong. It backs millions of apps, including several top Fortune 500 apps.

Taking a different approach, as we delve into the trend in cross-platform application development, we can observe the cross-platform development market surging to USD $547 billion by 2033, experiencing a growth rate of 16.7% from 2023 to 2033. In this segment, React Native emerges as a frontrunner among JavaScript-based frameworks, indicating its likely expansion in the years to come.

Google’s Flutter has surpassed React Native in terms of usage, it utilizes Dart, a language developed by Google as being faster than JavaScript. However, Dart's relative niche status compared to JavaScript's widespread adoption means there's a smaller pool of developers familiar with it. This can affect accessibility and resource availability.

On the flip side, React Native takes advantage of its immense popularity and extensive developer ecosystem. This easily takes advantage of a talent pool that can offer a significant edge for projects aiming for rapid development and support. 

So, it's evident that JavaScript is a widespread language and will continue to be the most utilized, so the React Native community will keep expanding the platform's potential in the years ahead.

Examples of React Native Apps

Cross-platform apps are more popular than ever, thanks to React Native. Because of how handy it is and how quickly it works, plenty of big companies use it, including some of the top ones around the globe. React Native gives these companies a tool for building a complex app with the features people want.

1. Meta

Meta (formerly Facebook) played a key role in the development of React Native and continues to use it in several of its applications. Facebook, Messenger, Facebook Ads Manager, and Oculus are all made by Meta. And since Meta knows good tech when they see it, it's no surprise that all four of these apps are built with React Native. React Native is a great way to make software with all the modern features people love.

2. Microsoft

Microsoft uses React Native for its products, such as Microsoft Office, Outlook, Microsoft Teams, and Skype. There are many reasons why they do this. React Native gives the apps a cross-platform feel so that they work seamlessly on any platform.

3. Amazon

Amazon uses React Native in a few of its most important apps. This helps give a consistent user experience and improves functionality. Amazon Alexa, Shopping, and Kindle all use React Native along with some other Amazon tech.

Other Leading Companies Using React Native

Beyond these tech giants, many other companies have adopted React Native. Businesses across industries leverage its capabilities to create cross-platform apps. Today React Native is a popular choice for cross-platform development.

React Native's Benefits for Businesses

React is an excellent option for businesses that want to develop high-performing apps at a reasonable cost. There is a readily available pool of developer talent, plus a large community and rich libraries, so businesses can build their apps effectively. 

1. Reduced development costs

From a business perspective, it helps cut development costs significantly since it’s a cross-platform framework. The key advantage is that it allows you to use the same code for both platforms, making app development more cost-effective. It eliminates the need for separate development teams and codebases for each platform.

2. Large talent pool

JavaScript developers are plentiful, potentially making it easier to find and hire qualified JavaScript developers. You can easily find qualified engineers when you choose React Native. 

3. Extensive support and resources

With a vibrant community of thousands of developers across the globe, React Native boasts over 2600 contributors. This translates to a wealth of resources and support readily available to developers during the development process.

4. Large community 

React Native's ecosystem is wide, far beyond its powerful features and cross-platform capabilities. It's the React community that truly sets it apart, offering a multitude of ways for developers to connect, collaborate, and elevate their skills.

Basically, all the benefits you get with this framework can be achieved by choosing cross-platform development. Additionally, the backing of Meta, the vibrant community of developers, and the ease of developing with JavaScript are the icing on the cake.

Limitations of React Native

In the tech world, no technology is a perfect solution, which is why multiple technologies exist for the same purpose. When it comes to React Native, its cross-platform nature means it doesn’t have deep integration with native features. 

Additionally, relying on many external libraries can raise security concerns. Ultimately, it depends on the developers and the React Native development company to follow the right practices while coding the app.

1. Performance limitations

While performance has improved, some complex functionalities may still perform better in native apps.

2. Limited access to native features

Accessing platform-specific features may require additional development effort.

3. Security considerations

Maintaining a single codebase can require different security strategies compared to native development.

4. Young framework

While rapidly evolving, React Native is still younger than native development frameworks, and its community may not have solutions for all challenges. React Native offers potential benefits for businesses looking for a cost-effective solution at a reduced cost. However, it's not a one-size-fits-all solution. 

Tips for React Native Development Success

Building cross-platform applications with React Native can be both rewarding and challenging. To navigate this journey effectively and achieve success, here are some essential tips to keep in mind:

1. Understand the fundamentals

Before diving into React Native, you or your team should have ensure a strong understanding of React concepts like components, state management, and props. This foundation will help you write efficient and maintainable code.

2. Learn the native development

While React handles core logic, you still need to understand the basics of Android (Java/Kotlin) and iOS (Swift/Objective-C) development, especially for native component integration and debugging.

3. Optimize for performance

Performance optimization requires extra effort beyond the features. React's Virtual DOM is a great component that makes it a valuable framework; however, rendering could become a performance bottleneck if unnecessary re-renders are not optimized.

4. Follow best practices

Adhere to established React and React Native practices like component naming conventions, clear code organization, and consistent formatting.

5. continuously learn and adapt

As technologies evolve, be open to adapting your skills and staying updated with the latest developments in React Native and mobile development in general.

6. Profile your app

Regularly profile your app to identify performance bottlenecks and optimize accordingly.

7. Consider offline support

If your app requires offline functionality, explore libraries and techniques for managing data persistence and functionality without an internet connection.

Conclusion

This article provides a comprehensive understanding of React Native, its potential for businesses and individuals, and its promising future. Whether you're looking for cost-effective app development or a native-like user experience, React Native can be your key to success.

One of its biggest advantages is cost-effectiveness. With a single codebase that seamlessly runs on both Android and iOS, you can cut development costs compared to traditional native apps. This ensures broader reach without overspending. Plus, React Native benefits from a vast JavaScript developer pool, eliminating the need for expertise in multiple native languages.

However, building a high-quality mobile app requires the right expertise. As a React Native development company, Brilworks provides tailored solutions to support you at every stage of development.