Introduction
We all have heard the word ‘React’ or ‘React Native’ but among us, only a few people know what these actually are. Are they a framework, library, or language? Even the developers who are new to the IT field are not well aware of these terms and often think they are used interchangeably but this is absolutely wrong. So, what they actually are, and for what purpose they are used? Let’s check out this article to have a broad knowledge of these technologies.
React.js Vs React Native – which one should you opt for?
What is React?
React or most commonly known as React.js is a JavaScript library that is used for building user interfaces. It is used for front-end development which is based on User interface (UI) components and is available for free on Github. It was released initially on 29 May 2013 by Jordan Walke who was working as a developer on Facebook.
It is run by Facebook and other open-source developers’ communities. With React.js, complex UI can also be made easier as it is solely responsible for the application view layer. According to a report, it is the top most commonly used frontend library for Web development with smooth, dynamic, high-performing, and responsive user interfaces (UIs).
Although now it is used for backend development, that means by learning a single language which is JavaScript, you may be able to develop a full stack Web page application. React.js is a library of JavaScript that is open source. With React.js, Web applications can be developed far more quickly and efficiently as compared to other frameworks like Vanilla JavaScript.
The biggest advantage of using React.js is that it is open source which means it has the community support of top developers from all over the world. Before React.js, creating dynamic websites, which comprise of long pages coding, was a complex and tedious task, but now with using it, less code is required with better functionality.
With the JavaScript framework – React.js, you can quickly develop any Web application, i.e single page apps or static websites. In React.js, components are reused for designing an app skeleton. Netflix redesigned its UI in 2015 through React.js because of many advantages in which the number one was faster speed. Another example is Grammarly which is also a React website with more than millions of users worldwide and uses high-end technologies. Other examples are;
● Cloudflare, a security company in the USA, has a huge network on the Internet and yes, it is also built on React.js.
● Atlassian, a software company based in Australia, uses its core methods and all its single-page applications are made using React.js.
● Airbnb, a US-based firm that rents out living spaces, also uses React for providing an easier communication and smooth searching experience to its users.
In a survey, it was shown that React.js has a share of 42.62% of the most used web frameworks in 2022 after NodeJs. Node Js is number one and is also based on JavaScript language but is used for backend development. If you want to make your career in the Software development field, then choosing it will be a great option as it is very high in demand and you can also step into any domain of Web development. In the US, its developers can make approximately $35.33 / hour and yearly around $100k.
What is React Native?
React Native was also created by Facebook and widely used in developing applications for
● Windows
● Android,
● Android TV,
● iOS,
● macOS,
● tvOS, and
● Web etc
It was released, after the huge popularity of React JS, on March 26, 2015, but unlike React, it is used for building high-quality Mobile based applications. As it is shown by its name, It is based on React.js and it is also a JavaScript framework.
Before React Native, native mobile app development was not an easy task as you have to use and apply different codes for different OS. For example, for Android users, you need Java developers while for iOS, Objective – C developers were required. Companies also had to decide whether they want to build Native mobile apps or cross-platform apps as it did not only need a good budget for the development of mobile apps but also different testing codes if you want to try for all device users.
Native mobile applications are those apps that are made for specific platforms, while in cross-platform apps, the same code is used for any platform like Android, iOS, etc. Facebook solved this issue with React Native. Now you don’t need to use different codes for different OS. With its use, you may solely depend on a single language, i.e. JavaScript for both Native and cross-platform mobile apps.
It also offers responsive user interfaces like React JS and provides faster and cheaper features as compared to other development technologies. It reduces the load time of the app, along with a smooth and responsive UI. You don’t need to worry about the functionality and quality of a mobile application with the use of React Native.
Now, comes to its career growth, due to good deployment time and faster development, companies widely used it for mobile apps. Hence, more and more job opportunities are offered and it is a pretty good career to opt for it. Due to its amazing and fast performance, many top-class companies have started using it. But only a few of us know which these companies are. Below is the list of top mobile and Web application well-known companies;
● Skype
● Netflix
● Bloomberg
● Salesforce
● Wix
● Shopify
● Walmart
● Vogue
● Uber Eats
According to a 2019 Stack flow Survey, it is the top sixth most popular framework and its popularity is still continuing. Even In 2022, it is considered the best choice for cross-platform app development. Now, comes to the salary, on average its developer can easily make around $75k to $100k which is quite high compared to other language developers.
We have explained in detail about React.js Vs React Native above and now you may be able to decide whether you are interested in taking a step towards creating your first Web app or a Mobile app. But, wait before taking any decision, you should know its differences and working methods, which are defined below:
React.js Vs React Native – Key Differences?
This question often revolves around many people’s minds, like what is the difference between these top two popular frontend technologies. Both terms are quite popular in the information technology industry and have gained so far huge popularity since their release. Below we have gathered a few main key differences, which are sufficient to give an idea about them.
- Application development: React.js is used for building Web applications while React Native is used for building Mobile-based applications. Initially React Native was used only for iOS but now its use is also common for Android and other operating systems like Microsoft too.
- Built-in Library: Unlike React.js, React Native has its own built-in library for mobile app navigation and doesn’t use React Router as React.js does for Web page navigation. As we read for single-page Web apps React.js is indeed the best option but do you know what is meant by single-page apps? Single-page apps refer to those apps in which without refreshing the page, content is fetched dynamically and the user can view it without moving to another page of the site.
- Installation of other tools: For developing any application using React Native, you have to download many other tools which are NodeJs, React Native Command line interface (CLI), etc but as React.js is a JavaScript library so just need a small change i.e integration of React library in the HTML page, you can start with your first page.
- Comprised Languages: React.js is comprised solely on JavaScript language as it is a library of JS so you have to learn JavaScript before moving towards React.js. On the other hand, for React Native, other languages are also included in building a full-fledged mobile application, i.e. Objective-C, Objective-C++, Java, etc, so at least a little knowledge is needed for achieving your goal of making a mobile app.
- Security: React Native comparatively offers low security as it works with the other built-in libraries which are used for UI. On the other hand, security issues are solved while using React.js by sharing with other JavaScript frameworks.
Which is Easier: React.js Vs React Native?
Any person who has a good knowledge of JavaScript can move towards learning its framework, which is React.js. It is easy yet interesting to create your Web apps through React.js. For learning React Native, you must have to learn React.js first properly as it is a step towards building your first mobile-based applications. Yes, you read it correctly. If you have a strong grip on React.js, then React Native is not a hard topic for you.
In just a few months, you can have a good understanding if you follow a good tutorial. However you may be able to grasp some basic React Native in a week, but for advanced concepts, you must need a proper understanding of its key concepts, which cannot be acquired in a week. You need to have ample time to practice the Native applications.
They both are based on JavaScript but React Native is widely used for building cross-platform mobile apps which means the same code is used on different platforms i.e iOS, Android, and Windows. Due to React Native, a mobile app can be easily run on any Operating system (OS).
Because of the debugging process, React Native is difficult as compared to React.js. So, it means React.js is the first step of a ladder, and it will be appropriate if you first learn the first step before diving into React Native.
React Native vs React.js: How do they work?
Well, now move towards their working procedure. How do they work under the hook? As React.js reuses components that make it easier for a developer to change only that part of the code that is needed. It means when data changes, only the right component is updated and rendered, and that’s the main reason why it has gained so much popularity in a short span of time.
Here (DOM) Document Object Model is used to represent the User interface(UI) of the application. It is a tree structure of hypertext markup language (HTML) in an application that is mainly liable for the UI of the application. Its declarative pattern makes your application work effectively and efficiently.
React Native also uses the same approach as React.js, which means here, components are also reused. Components are small pieces of code that can be used in building an application more than one time. It means the same code is used for many platforms and hence it is a great advantage of using React Native for creating cross-platform apps.
Is React Native Backend or Frontend?
Well, this question comprises many vital concepts. As React Native is a JavaScript framework, that means it can also be used for backend development too. But its main focus is on building the responsive front end of mobile applications. Although, React Native top developers use it for understanding the API services of the app, which is required to integrate an application.
There are many backend options that go perfectly with React Native framework we have listed below:
● Firebase
● Django
● Heroku
● Back4app
● Backendless
● Kinvey
These all are top backend development platforms or in other words, apps hosting services for React Native mobile apps and offer rich and excellent user experience. You can try according to the requirements of your mobile app.
Final Words
So, now you have a basic idea of why React.js Vs. React Native are compared so often, and their similarities and differences. React.js is ideal for building complex Web applications, while for native mobile apps, React Native is a great option. These both are based on JavaScript language and provide a rich user experience but use for frontend development of a web app. You require a backend service as they are both responsible for visual layout.
Succesfully...! 
