What is the Difference Between React.JS and React Native?

React Native is an interesting framework and much appreciated among the global community of developers largely because it is a cross-platform mobile app development framework that is compatible with Android. In fact, with some rounds of customizations, React Native is now easily compatible with Windows and iOS as well.

ReactJS is an open-source JavaScript library that eases the building of web applications. This web development framework is much similar to React Native. With ReactJS in the picture, developers can easily build web apps with complex UI.

There are some differences between Reach Native and React.JS. Let’s discuss those in detail in this article.

Why React Native?

There are some unique features of React Native that set it apart from React.JS. Let’s focus on those.

1. You get to use platform-specific codes

With the React Native framework, developers can generate platform-specific codes. This is the USP of the React Native development framework and it is not available with React.JS. With this particular feature of React Native, developers have a lot of advantages.

For example, with React Native, when a developer attempts at developing an app, this framework can effortlessly detect the relevant platform where this app will run. Accordingly, React Native generates codes that are most suitable for that particular platform. Hence, it saves them time and efforts of the developers.

2. Fast performance due to Reloading

Conducting web development with React Native is easier and takes much lesser time. As you already know, by generating platform-specific codes, React Native easily saves time for the developers. Additionally, with React Native, there is a Hot Reloading feature.

Developers can use this feature to reload any mobile app without any interruptions and disturbances. This feature again saves a lot of time and ensures that development speed is increased. This feature clearly sets apart React Native from React.JS.

3. Seamless User Experience with Responsive UI Libraries

In the React Native ecosystem, you’ll find UI libraries that are responsive and ready to use. Hence, much to the satisfaction of the web developers, these libraries can be used for a seamless user experience. Therefore, while creating an app from scratch, there are hardly any efforts required.

With advanced UI libraries like Expo, Shoutem, etc., developers will need less time in developing mobile applications. They can use the remaining time in adding more innovative features to the mobile app. How cool is that?

Why React.JS?

React.JS also has awesome features that can distinguish it from React Native. Here is a brief discussion on those:

1. Architecture is Component-Based

React.JS is the very first web-development framework that introduced us to a component-based architecture. With this structure of React.JS, one can easily enforce the reusability aspect. Therefore, React.JS is a big time saver when it comes to website development tools.

Developers can consider a large UI and efficiently convert it into an independent microsystem. This is one of the most effective features of React.JS. With this feature, developers can provide post-delivery services easily. Every time a small change is required in an app, they can reuse that particular component instead of the entire app structure.

2. React.JS is an SEO Friendly Framework

Well, SEO is on top of the list of all brands. React.JS can provide a boost to the existing SEO of your website, ensuring better organic traffic. By using React.JS, developers can minimize the loading time of a web-page. Hence, Google bot can index the content of your page pretty fast, without any interruptions. This is a huge thumbs up towards React.JS.

3. Multiple Developer Tools are Available

The global community of users who use React.JS is largely expanded. They have an impressive unity and they help each other whenever somebody is in need of assistance regarding React.JS. Hire dedicated offshore developers as they share tools, knowledge, editors, etc. with respect to React.JS.

There is a huge collection of 3rd party tools within React.JS. By making proper use of those tools, developers can not only save time but also add more innovative features to the applications. The community power of React.JS is definitely higher compared to React Native.

Differences Between React.JS and React Native

• JS can be explained as the base derivative of React DOM. Hence, the most efficient application of React.JS is in the case of developing website applications. The scenario changes when it comes to React Native. React Native is the base derivative of itself only. That means the components of React Native are altered even though the syntax and workflow are completely the same. This is one of the fundamental differences between React.JS and React Native.
• In React.JS, developers have the scope to use virtual DOM in order to render the browser codes. On the contrary, the native APIs of React Native are deployed for rendering mobile components. Here you must also know that in the case of the app UIs developed using React.JS, rendering HTML is essential. Alternatively, React Native uses JSX for UI rendering.
• You can easily opt for animation when using React.JS. Like any web development application. This is done effectively using CSS. In the case of React Native, animation is also an option. However, in this case, you’ll need an animated API. That’s because inducing animation in different components of the React Native components is a must.

React Native vs. React.JS – Which one should you select?

If you have read this long, you already know that both React.JS and React Native have certain unique features. It is impossible for us to select one particular framework. If you’re willing to build an application that is dynamic, fast, and has a responsive UI, going for React.JS is the best option.

Alternatively, to create a cross-platform mobile app that is thoroughly innovative and includes some of the greatest features, React Native is your go-to framework.

Any queries? Let us know in the comments.