6 Apr, 2021 | mobile app development

Top React Tools & Libraries That Every React Native Developer Must Know

React & React Native are popular JS frameworks known for designing the UI of web and mobile applications. In the previous article, we have shared the wealth of benefits that React comes with & how you can count on the resources to have your team ready for your next React project. The native development approach of React keeps adding more fans in React's community. Here we will share the list of popular tools & libraries that every React Native developer will use to design flawless UIs in 2021.

Atom

It is one of the popular source code editors that lets you perform cross-platform editing, enables customization of themes & designs provided with the features like smart auto-completion, built-in package manager, trouble-free browsing of multiple files in the same window, enabling easy sharing & editing of code within the team in real-time.

Nuclide

A nuclide is a free-to-use open-source tool that offers so many features that ease software development for developers. It is provided by Facebook and is in integration with Atom. Element inspection is one of the great features it is known for. Nuclide's beneficial services for your React native project are hack development, JavaScript development, remote development, built-in debugging, task runner, and working sets.

Bit.dev

Bit.dev is a platform with which you can host & organize the components required to build your mobile app & push them in your local project. Leveraging this tool, your team of developers can document, render, and install/import the components and keep track of their dependencies based on version changes with a single code. The reusable source codes of different components fasten development and enable testing in an isolated environment.

Expo

Expo is meant for the development of universal native apps from the javascript codebase. It comes with its own CLI. Provided with the development tools, community forums & slack community, Expo is known to implement and publish updates quickly. Also Read: React Native Tutorials — Learn to Build Native Mobile Apps with React

ESLint

The developer's community adores ESLint for the transparency of the tool and customizable built-in plugins. This open-source tool uses JS and JSX languages to detect errors in the existing source based on the ESLint rules.

Redux

Call it a time-travelling debugger as it offers live code editing & testing. Teams deploy Redux to create eye-catching responsive applications that can run without any hassles in all kinds of environments like the client, server, and native.

React Native CLI

When you opt to work on the CLI, the official React Native CLI counts to be the first. It supports custom configuration and automates tasks like linking, packaging, building, etc. In addition to the official CLI, you can opt to work on Ignite. Ignite is a CLI designed by InfiniteRed for React Native, especially when you want to start with awesome boilerplates, generate screens, etc.

Visual Studio Code

Visual Studio Code comes distinctly for the React Native package, and when you are using the full pack extension, your worries of using different tools will be resolved at once. Also Read: Boost Your App Development with a High-Quality React Native UI Library

XCode

If you are a bit biased towards your Apple users, then you will definitely adore Xcode. It is Apple's development environment tool which is known to create React-native apps for iOS. Moreover, it helps in debugging, installation of iOS packages, and customization of the build configuration. also read about Which Mobile App Development Framework Is Right For You?

Android Studio

We all know there are more Android fans in general, so we can't leave a vent for such users. Android studio is the 'Xcode version' of Android. It enables the building & debugging of React Native apps. When UI toolkits help React Native developers design stunning UI, the component libraries will get you easy access to numerous designing elements that can fasten your task & minimize your troubles. Here are the popular React Native component libraries that developers often count on:

Native Base
React Native Components
Shoutem
UI Kitten
React Native Material UI
React Native Material Kit
Nachos UI
React Native UI Library
React Native Paper
React Native Vector Icons
Teaset

Explore the libraries, and don't forget to check the compatibility with the versions of tools you are using. Some of them could be customized to every possible extent, while others couldn't be. also read more about React Native App Creation Step By Step Using Expo CLI Or React Native CLI and React Native Upgrade Helper: Streamline Your App Upgrades with Ease.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the top React tools and libraries for React Native development?

Some top React tools and libraries for React Native development include Redux (for managing app state), React Navigation (for building navigation in your app), React Native Vector Icons (providing a wide range of pre-built icons), and React Native Elements (a UI toolkit that provides easily customizable components). Other notable tools and libraries include Expo (a toolkit that simplifies the process of building React Native apps), React Native Debugger (a debugging tool), and Jest (for testing your React Native app). As with any technology, it's important to keep up with updates and new releases in order to ensure you're using the most effective and efficient tools available.

2. How do these tools and libraries enhance productivity and efficiency in app development?

Tools and libraries can greatly enhance productivity and efficiency in app development by providing developers with pre-built components, which can be used to speed up the app development process. These libraries and tools can include things like UI kits, code templates, and pre-built functions, which can save developers a significant amount of time and effort. Additionally, these tools often come with comprehensive documentation and community support, which means developers can quickly and easily find answers to their questions and get help when they need it. By using these tools and libraries, developers can focus more on the unique features of their app, rather than re-inventing the wheel and spending hours on tasks that have already been solved by others. This can lead to a more streamlined app development process, resulting in faster time-to-market and better quality overall.

3. What are the benefits of using popular libraries like Redux, React Navigation, and Axios in React Native apps?

There are many benefits to using popular libraries like Redux, React Navigation, and Axios in React Native apps. For starters, these libraries can help streamline your development process by providing you with pre-built components and a variety of useful, time-saving features. Additionally, using these libraries can help you stay current with updates and bug fixes, as their communities are often very active and engaged. Overall, by leveraging the power of these popular libraries, you can create more efficient, scalable, and feature-rich React Native apps that are better able to meet the needs of your users.

4. How can businesses benefit from the use of these React tools and libraries in their mobile app projects?

React tools and libraries can greatly benefit businesses in their mobile app projects by providing a more efficient and streamlined development process. The React framework allows for the creation of reusable components, reducing the amount of code and time needed to develop and update the app. This in turn can lead to cost savings for the business. Additionally, React allows for faster rendering of the UI, improving the user experience and potentially increasing engagement with the app. The availability of a large community and pre-built libraries also increases the speed of development and the likelihood of finding solutions to any issues that arise. Overall, incorporating React in mobile app development can result in a more efficient and successful project for businesses.

5. How do React Native developers stay updated on the latest developments in React tooling and libraries?

React Native developers can stay updated on the latest developments in React tooling and libraries by regularly following blogs, social media accounts, and websites related to React Native development. They can also join online communities and forums where they can interact with other developers and share knowledge and expertise. Attend conferences and events to learn from industry professionals and network with other developers. Additionally, developers should be actively involved in experimenting with new tools and libraries in their own projects to keep themselves up-to-date on the latest developments in the field.

6. How do React Native developers leverage tools like Expo, Reactotron, and CodePush for app development?

React Native developers can leverage tools like Expo, Reactotron, and CodePush in various ways for app development. For instance, Expo provides a suite of tools and services that help developers manage the entire app development process, including code sharing, building, deploying, and testing. Reactotron is a desktop app that helps developers debug and inspect their React Native apps with features like state tracking, network logs, and errors reporting. CodePush, on the other hand, allows developers to update their app on-the-fly without the need for an app store release by pushing updates directly to the user's device. By utilizing these tools, React Native developers can streamline their app development process and create better-quality apps in less time.

Written by Tarun Modi

Tarun Modi is a Project Leader at WEDOWEBAPPS . He has knowledge about both project management and time management. His expertise includes analyzing the technical needs of the clients, proposing effective solutions and delivering large-scale projects on time.