React Native
Cross-Platform Mobile Development
Building native mobile applications with JavaScript and React
2025-09-22
React Native: Cross-Platform Mobile Development
Introduction
React Native, developed by Meta, is anopen-source UI software frameworkfor developing cross-platform
mobile applications for iOS, Android, Web, and UWP.
Key Advantages
Faster Community &
Code Reusability Cost-Effective Learn Once
Development Ecosystem
Single codebase for iOS and Reduced development costs Write Anywhere with
Android Hot Reloading & Fast Large & active support JavaScript
Refresh network
"Learn once, and you can efficiently write applications for your company's iOS, Android, and web
platforms."
Core Architecture
The Bridge New Architecture
Acts as aserialization layerbetween JavaScript and native
JavaScript Interface (JSI)
modules Lightweight, C++-based interface enablingsynchronous
communicationbetween JS and native methods
Enablesasynchronous communicationbetween JS and
native VS
Fabric Renderer
Can introduceperformance bottlenecksfor frequent
Re-architecture of rendering system for moreefficient UI
interactions renderingand type-safety
May causeUI unresponsivenessor dropped frames
TurboModules
Re-imagined native modules withlazy loadingcapabilities, reducing
startup time and memory footprint
The New Architecture enablessynchronous communicationbetween JavaScript and native code, leading to
amore performant and responsive user experiencecompared to the traditional Bridge architecture.
React Native: Cross-Platform Mobile Development
Core Components & APIs
Core Components
View
Fundamental UI component, similar
to <div>
React Native: Cross-Platform Mobile Development
Development Workflow - Ecosystem & Tooling
Project Setup Approaches
Expo React Native CLI
Managed workflow with simplified setup Direct access to native project files
Abstracts native module complexities VS Greater control over native modules
Ideal for rapid prototyping Support for custom native code
Quick testing with Expo Go app More manual setup required
Debugging Tools
Flipper
Platform for debugging iOS, Android, and React Native apps
Network Inspection Crash Reporting React DevTools
Fast Refresh & State Management
Fast Refresh
Fast Refresh accelerates development byinstantly applying code
changeswithout full reload.
• Updates only modified components
• Preserves application state
State Management Solutions
Redux MobX Zustand
Centralized state with unidirectional flow. Flexible state management. Lightweight state solution.
• Single store • Observable data • Small bundle
• Strict flow • Minimal boilerplate • Hook-based API
"Learn once, and you can efficiently write applications for your company's iOS, Android, and web platforms."
Comparative Analysis
React Native vs. Native Development
Comparing React Native with native iOS and Android development reveals distinct trade-offs.
Key Comparison Points Visual Comparison
Feature React Native Native Performance Better →
Performance Good Better React Native Native
Development Speed Faster →
Development Speed Faster Slower Native React
Platform Integration Better →
Native
Platform Integration Good Better
React Native Native
React Native offers faster development with good performance, ideal for many mobile use cases.
Conclusion
Key Takeaways
React Native stands as apowerful and versatile frameworkfor modern mobile application
development, leveraging its core strengths ofcode reusability,accelerated development cycles, and
arobust community.
Evolving Architecture
Ongoing architectural enhancements like theNew Architecture(JSI, Fabric, TurboModules)
address performance and native integration, solidifying React Native's position as a go-to
solution for building high-quality, cross-platform mobile experiences.
