React Native and ReactJs are two open-sourced technologies for developing user interfaces for web and mobile applications. Both the platforms were released and developed by Facebook. These technologies caught the attention of front-end developers as they facilitate developers to create interactive UIs.
In this article, we have described key differences between ReactJs and React Native. In addition to that, we have also provided advantages and disadvantages of both the technologies to help you clear your doubts before using them. So, without further ado, let’s dive straight into it.
Reactjs is an open-source JavaScript library
used to create user interfaces for web applications. It is responsible for the
view layer of the application. It enables developers to develop complex UIs
from a small and isolated piece of code which is known as “Components”.
ReactJS is made of two parts: Components and
HTML documentation. The component part contains HTML code and the user
interface that you want to see. The HTML documentation is where all your
components will be rendered.
Jordan Walke, a well-known software engineer
at Facebook created ReactJS. Facebook has its development and maintenance
rights, later, it was used in applications like Instagram and WhatsApp.
Facebook created ReactJS in 2011 for newsfeed, however, the public release
happened in May 2013.
What is React Native?
React Native is an open-source JavaScript framework used to create a mobile application for Android, iOS, and Windows. It utilises JavaScript to develop cross-platform mobile applications. React Native and ReactJs are similar but React Native uses native components as building blocks rather than using web components.
Facebook built the React Native in 2013 for its interior undertaking Hackathon. In March 2015, Facebook declared that React Native is open and accessible on GitHub. React Native was at first created for the iOS application. In any case, as of late, it additionally upholds the Android working framework.
Advantages of ReactJS
❖
ReactJS is very
simple and easy to learn compared to React Native. A developer with little
knowledge of JavaScript can easily understand the framework and will be able to
create web applications using ReactJS.
❖
Firstly, it was
tricky creating a dynamic web application using HTML since it required complex
coding. However, with ReactJS, it is easier to develop complex and feature-rich
web applications as it provides less coding and more functionalities.
❖
ReactJS web
application contains multiple components and each component comes with its own
logic and control. All the components can be used again whenever you want,
which will be quite helpful to create and maintain web applications
significantly.
❖
ReactJS further
improves development because of virtual DOM. The React Virtual DOM exists
totally in memory and is a portrayal of the internet browser's DOM. Because of
this, when we compose a React part, we don't compose straightforwardly to the
DOM.
❖
ReactJS comes
with a handy set of tools that make developers’ tasks easy. It also enables
developers to choose specific components and review or edit their existing
Props and States.
Disadvantages of
ReactJS
❖
ReactJS
continuously changes and launches new updates in regular time. Hence, it is
difficult for developers to re-learn whatever changes happened in the
framework. Continuous updates make developers adopt new ways which are very
annoying and time-consuming to do.
❖
Because of
regular updates, there is no time to prepare proper documentation. Developers
have to write instructions according to new releases and updated tools in the
project.
❖
ReactJS offers
only a UI layer view of the app so you need to select other technologies in
order to access the complete tooling set for project development.
❖
ReactJS
applications are easy to test and debug. It offers scope where developers can
easily test the application using native tools.
Advantages of React
Native
❖
It facilitates
users with the “Learn once write everywhere” concept which is suitable for both
iOS and Android application development.
❖
React Native
codes are compiled in Native code which enables it for both operating systems
and functions for both the platforms.
❖
JavaScript is
used to develop native mobile applications.
❖
The large
community support is a huge advantage that helps you find any answer related to
React Native.
❖
When you change
the code of your app, it is immediately visible in development.
❖
The best thing
about React Native is that it is constantly getting improvised to provide the
best platform for iOS and Android development.
❖
As a React native
developer, you need to write platform-specific codes in order to achieve native
functionalities.
Disadvantages of React
Native
❖
React Native is
still considered a newcomer in iOS and Android programming languages. React
Native is still in its early stage which can impact negatively in app
development.
❖
React Native is
very difficult to understand especially for beginners who just started their
career in mobile app development.
❖
It has fewer
security features compared to ReactJS which affects the robustness of the
framework. Hence, experts suggest not to use React Native while developing
banking and financial apps.
❖
Even if you are
using high-end devices, React Native could consume a lot of time for
initializing the runtime.
Key Differences Between
ReactJs & React Native
|
ReactJS |
React
Native |
|
ReactJs was launched in 2013 |
React Native was launched in 2015 |
|
Mainly used to create a web
application |
Mainly used to create mobile
applications |
|
It can be executed across all the
platform |
Execution is not simple, takes
more effort compared to ReactJS |
|
Uses CSS and JavaScript libraries
for animation |
It has built-in animation
libraries |
|
It has React-router for navigating
web pages |
It comes with in-built navigator
libraries for navigating the mobile application |
|
Uses HTML tags |
Does not uses HTML tags |
|
It utilises code component which
saves a lot of time in development |
It can reuse React Native UI
components & modules |
|
High security |
Less secure compare to Reactjs |
|
Virtual DOM provides the browser
code |
Native uses its API to provide
code for mobile application |
Conclusion
We hope this article will help you identify
the key differences between ReactJs and React Native. If you are looking to hire react native developers from India, you need to make sure that the applicants
know the basic differences between ReactJs and React Native and their
respective advantages & disadvantages. Tell us what you think about this
article, share your views in the comment section below.