21 Dec, 2022 | React Native App Development

What Are The Pros and Cons of Using React Native For Android?

Struggling to choose the best technology for application and web solutions? We know it’s a real deal. Everything from the proper understanding, quality research, audience interests, and business needs require core focus before making a decision. It could have been a big deal, but not anymore! We are here to help. In our experience as a React Native Development Company, we have worked on many applications for Android that work on React Native. Our narrative directly comes from the experiences we’ve had with technology. While it comes with significant advantages, certain things cannot be overlooked. Hence, we have come up with this write-up to give clarity and the most accurate information about React Native, especially for the Android platform. So, if you’ve been looking for a simple guide, here it is! Let’s dive in! But first, let’s listen to what the facts and figures say about it. After all, numbers matter!

Important React Native Stats to Consider

React was developed for Facebook’s needs in 2013. It was never before 2015 that it was released into the market. Since then, it’s been widely used in the front-end development system. There are approximately 34 thousand mobile applications built on React Native, with a total number of downloads extending to more than 4.2 billion. The contribution of React Native in various applications and install has been precisely presented in the table below:

	Number of Apps	Number of Install
Overall Market Share	5%	3.81%
Top apps Market Share	6.90%	8.65%
New Apps MarketShare	6.24%	0.03%

React Native for Android

React Native is a cross-platform mobile application development software. Yes, it helps develop applications across multiple platforms, but what’s unique about the software for Android application development? There are 2 billion Android users worldwide, making it the most widely used operating system. When an Android Native application is built (Specific Android Users), it is made on Java and Kotlin coding languages. However, React Native develops applications for Android using only JavaScript. From Facebook, Instagram, Bloomberg, Pinterest, and Walmart, to Salesforce, thousands of applications run on React Native. Now, let’s see how React Native beneficial for Android users and what the challenges can be for all the Android apps running on React Native. Also Read: What are the benefits of hiring a React Native App developer

Advantages of Using React Native for Android

Advantages of using React Native are as follows:

1. Two Platforms for One Team

React Native is an excellent combination of native application features that has the best User interface JavaScript library that is built-in. While you target Android users, you can also reach out to iOS users without putting anything extra. Besides maintaining multiple platforms, everything is controlled by one codebase (JavaScript). One team of application developers can construct applications from scratch or by using built-in features in the JavaScript library. We intend to say here that your Android team of app developers can also work for other platform applications without actually working on other platforms. Did you get that? The Android and iOS application teams are one with React Native. The main advantage here is that you needn’t hire a special team for Android application construction.

2. 100%Native UI

The React Native JavaScript library used in building application interfaces is responsive and fast. The approach is component-based, and the ability to render makes it extremely easy for developers to create simple and complex User Interface designs. The mobile User Interface has a lot of significance in React Native. It appears more like a JavaScript library and not a framework when compared to the meteor JS and AngularJS frameworks. React Native builds an order sequence for Android mobile applications that is perfect. The feel of the application on Android phones is smooth, with much less load time. Thus, it has the most native User Interface in Android mobile applications. also read about react native vs angular mobile

3. Doesn’t Require App Store Approval for updates

Previously, developers were required to nudge the entire building process for every app separately to publish app updates. With React Native, the process has been streamlined, and now the apps on both platforms are updated simultaneously, making the process much faster and simpler. Another critical update feature is that developers now implement app updates and improvements while users are active on the apps. This is done via the OTA (Over-The-Air) updates. The recent update initiated by developers will be available to users the next time they open the app. The point to note here is the advantage we are talking about: users needn’t update the application manually or get it approved by Android (also iOS). This helps in saving a lot of time.

4. Hot Reloading

Hot Reloading To provide the best developer experience, React Native has taken the feedback loop of saving a file and seeing the changes in approximately a second. It is consecutive even if the app grows. Hot Reloading in React Native is the idea to keep the app’s sunning state constant while injecting newer file versions edited at runtime. This has helped keep the state closely packed, especially when you’re planning to tweak the UI. Hot Reloading is a feature in React Native that enables you to work and see the changes in real-time. Developers can fix the application, and the user using the app can see the changes through automatic reload. Hence, it makes up for the most significant advantage in the mobile application segment. Also Read: React Native Upgrade Helper : App Upgrades with Ease

5. Native-like Performance

If you have been overthinking or stressing that a codebase that works for multiple platforms might lack the native look and feel of the application, you’re misguided! The mapping components of React Native are in the ratio 1:1. This means that it combines the Native User Interface with its building JavaScript components that contribute to giving the application the most native-like feel. Another factor here is that the building blocks of iOS and Android are almost alike, so the application is bound to have a specific, precise, and native appearance. Thus, an Android application built on React Native will have a 100% native User Interface.

6. Development Process is Faster

React Native builds frameworks rather than building high-quality software! But, why? The idea behind working on Frameworks is to make the development process easier and faster while increasing productivity. Another factor that accelerates the development process is the flexibility in choosing code editors. With no restrictions in choosing code editors, developers can start working with code editors without issues. Further, IDEs and text editors make the work a lot easier. The features of the application and tools help with faster code writing. Some examples of the code are Sublime Text, Atom, and Visual Studio. Developers can reuse code in React Native, thus, developers needn’t write any code from scratch. For instance, programmers can develop navigation easily with Navigation experiments and React Navigation. Hence, everything has made the process faster, simpler, and more convenient.

Downsides of Using React Native for Android

Performance Hit

While living up to a lot of other expectations, React Native potential performance in comparison to a native app is still lagging. A native application’s capabilities and maximization of functionalities and delivering an ultimate experience is still a challenge in React Native app development services. To users, performance is the biggest concern. As per data and statistics, half the users expect the loading of applications to take place in less than 2 seconds. More than half the users blame the application for being slow and not their gadget. It doesn’t end here, four out of five users would not try loading the app more than 3 times. It’s mostly less than three. But, the re-architecture has been focusing a lot on increased RN performance. For that, a new JS engine is available called Hermes that helps applications run faster in older Android gadgets.

Native Developer Need

For all native OS features, React Native codes have the native codes within them (third-party services, push notifications, and cameras). We already know React Native applications are available on the App Store and Google Play Store. However, the problem here is in linking the libraries of the native modules with that of the React Native modules. Here is when the help of an Android developer for the React Native application running on the Android device becomes significant. Even with the process of app publishing, it is straightforward for a Native developer to do the job who’s already met the documentation and procedure of the task when compared to a React Native Developer. Hence, it would be tricky to say if a React developer would suffice for everything required, from developing and publishing to maintaining React Native apps.

Debugging and TroubleShooting

When compared to languages of Native applications (Java and Kotlin for Android), React Native’s codebase is JavaScript. In general, JS is a lenient coding language, and with this comes unexpected problems of functionalities and integrations either for an entire application or for particular platforms in general. React Native is living at a young age, making it more prone to problems that weren’t experienced before. Debugging such new problems might be a time-consuming activity. Though it’s not a clear disadvantage, a close prediction of one of the challenges that might come with React Native application development.

Dependency on Facebook and Third-Party Components

It is always a risk factor to have a dependency on a their-party technology that is open-source. While native code languages prioritise backward compatibility and maximum usability to users, React might lag there. An open-source product’s strength depends on its community’s strength, where you don’t get to see any such regular updates, which is why you can see a considerable gap in the launch of a new native feature and its inclusion in React Native. However, React Native’s community is soaring high. Netflix, Walmart, Shopify, UberEats, and other big names ship in React Native.

Few Third-Party Components and Limited APIs

In the context of functionality integration, native applications give much freedom to those third-party libraries and native APIs. React Native offers inserting native modules in its code, but doing that might not be the most fantastic thing to do as it can make it heavier, affecting the end-users performance. Also, applications that rely on native code insertion (bridging native codes in React Native) in React Native defeat the idea of using React Native. Also Read: Boost Your App Development With React Native UI Library

Should You Choose React Native?

So, the ultimate question is, should you use React Native for applications? Well, React Native is a relatively new concept that is still in its evolving phase. It was introduced in public only in 2015. While it has developed cross-platform applications with code-reusability, functional library, and other such advantages, there might be troubleshooting that would require a completely different solution approach. Below are a few pointers to consider while thinking of getting your applications developed with React Native from per business’s perspective:

You want to reach a wider audience with limited resources and time.
Your application needs no large OS-specific integrations or AR/VR functionalities.
You want a similar look and feel of the application on all platforms.

So, what’s the level of clarity you have after reading the blog? We tried having a very fair and constructive tone while discussing the benefits and challenges of using React Native for applications. The most important thing here is to be able to have an understanding of your needs and make a decision. At WEDOWEBAPPS LTD, we always strive to leverage the power of React Native to develop robust apps that can withstand the test of time. If you are looking for React Native App Development Services, let's chat and build something phenomenal together. also, get knowledge about a mobile app development framework

React Native Statistics

The popularity of React Native has been consistently increasing over the years, and recent statistics show that it is one of the top choices for mobile app development. According to Stack Overflow, React Native is one of the most loved frameworks, with 62.5% of developers using it for mobile app development. Furthermore, it has been predicted that the market for React Native will grow by around 22% annually from 2021 to 2026.

React Native App Development

React Native offers a plethora of advantages when it comes to app development. With its ability to use the same codebase for both iOS and Android, developers can save time and resources, which ultimately leads to faster development cycles and quicker deployment. Additionally, React Native offers a range of pre-built components that can be used to develop complex user interfaces with ease, enabling developers to focus on building unique features for their app.

Native Developers and React Native Community

React Native has a growing and active community of developers who are continuously working on improving the framework. The community offers valuable resources such as forums, tutorials, and open-source libraries that help developers build high-quality applications quickly and efficiently. The community also encourages collaboration among developers, making it easier for them to share ideas and best practices.

React Native Developers

Businesses looking to develop apps using React Native will find that there is no shortage of skilled developers available. The demand for React Native developers is high, and there are many talented professionals with experience in this area. Hiring a React Native developer can ensure that a business's app is developed using best practices and provides an optimal user experience. In summary, React Native is a powerful framework for mobile app development, and its popularity is only set to grow. With its ability to use the same codebase for both iOS and Android, its range of pre-built components, and its active community of developers, React Native offers numerous benefits to businesses looking to develop mobile applications. Furthermore, the availability of skilled React Native developers ensures that businesses can build high-quality apps that meet the needs of their users. Read more about Top React Tools & Libraries and know about A Beginner’s Guide to Mobile App Development Tutorials.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the advantages of using React Native for Android app development?

React Native is a popular framework for developing cross-platform mobile applications, and it has several advantages for Android app development. Firstly, it uses a single codebase for both iOS and Android, which saves on development time and cost. Additionally, React Native apps have faster performance and provide a native look and feel, thanks to its integration with native components. It also has a strong and active community, with many helpful libraries and plugins available, making development even easier. Finally, React Native provides easy debugging and code testing, which makes it a preferred choice for many developers.

2. How does React Native simplify the Android app development process?

React Native simplifies the Android app development process by allowing developers to write code once, and run it on multiple platforms such as iOS and Android. This means that developers don't need to write separate codebases for different platforms, and can instead use a single codebase for both platforms. Additionally, React Native offers a simplified development process through pre-built components and a live reload feature, which allows developers to see changes to their code in real-time. This saves developers time and effort, and allows them to focus on other important aspects of app development.

3. What are the performance benefits of using React Native for Android apps?

React Native provides a number of performance benefits for Android apps. One of the key advantages is that it allows for faster development and deployment times, as developers can use a single codebase for both iOS and Android platforms. Additionally, React Native uses a virtual DOM, which means that updates to the app can be made more efficiently with fewer resource-intensive redraws. This can result in better app performance, particularly on low-end or older Android devices. React Native also includes a number of built-in performance optimization tools, such as the ability to lazy load components, to further improve the user experience.

4. What are the limitations of using React Native for Android app development?

While React Native is a useful tool for building cross-platform mobile apps, there are some limitations when it comes to developing specifically for Android. One limitation is that React Native uses an abstraction layer to bridge the gap between the app code and the underlying platform, which can make it harder to customize features for Android-specific functionality. Additionally, React Native may not support all of the latest Android APIs, which can limit your ability to take advantage of new features in the Android operating system. Finally, performance can be a concern on Android devices, as React Native may not be as optimized for the platform as it is for iOS. However, most of the limitations can be addressed by leveraging third-party libraries and tools or by writing native code when needed.

5. How does React Native compare to other Android app development frameworks?

React Native offers some unique advantages over traditional Android app development frameworks. First and foremost, React Native allows for the creation of cross-platform apps, meaning developers can create apps for both Android and iOS simultaneously. Additionally, React Native allows for the development of apps using familiar web development languages and tools, such as JavaScript and CSS. This can make it easier for developers to get started with React Native and can save time and resources compared to using traditional Android development frameworks. Finally, React Native offers improved performance and faster development times compared to other frameworks. Overall, React Native can be a great choice for developers looking to create high-quality Android apps quickly and efficiently.

6. What are the cost advantages of using React Native for Android app development?

React Native offers numerous cost advantages for Android app development. Firstly, it allows for the development of cross-platform apps, which means that one codebase can be used for both Android and iOS, thereby reducing development costs. Second, it offers a hot reloading feature that allows developers to see changes in real-time, increasing development speed and reducing costs. Third, it has a large and active community, which means that there are plenty of resources, such as documentation, tutorials, and open-source libraries, available for free. Fourth, it allows for agile development, which means that changes can be made quickly and cost-effectively, making it easier to respond to changes in user requirements. Finally, React Native offers excellent performance, which means that apps developed with it are less likely to require costly and time-consuming maintenance and updates.

7. Is React Native good For Android Development?

If you want to build an application specific to Android devices, it would be suggestive to you to use the Native codes. However, React Native will help you make the application for Android and iOS at once and saves almost 95% of the coding time. It's best to outsource the development to an experienced React Native Development Company, as they have the knowledge to leverage Framework to its highest potential.

8. Which is Better: React Native or Android?

React Native lets you build mobile applications that work similarly on Android and iOS devices. Its features, like in-built libraries and components, make the development process much more manageable. On the other hand, android native codes like Java and Kotlin help you build applications that only run on Android devices. It’s not about what’s better, it’s about your needs! Both have pros and cons

9. What are the Advantages of Using React Native?

The most significant advantage of React Native is building an application for cross-platform use in real-time. Further, it reduces the time load by 95% and also features an in-built component library of its own. Developers can help code from the library or build the application from scratch.

Written by Alice

Alice is a Digital Marketer at WEDOWEBAPPS. She has rich experience in SEM, SEO, social media, and other Digital Media verticals She also has been a consultant for a variety of industries, enterprises & startups. She enjoys reading & writing about digital marketing.