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React Native is one of the leading cross-platform developing frameworks nowadays. Recent research shows that 38% of developers use React Native to create mobile, desktop, and other types of apps in 2021.
React Native is valuable because of the open-source, broad spectrum of features and application area it presents. In this article, we invite you to look under the hood of the framework and find out:
- What is React Native;
- How does React Native work?;
- React Native development process;
- React Native features;
- The future of React Native.
What is React Native
React Native was created in 2015 by Facebook. Developers wrote it in JavaScript after they faced the problem of rendering React web applications on mobile devices. It gained popularity very fast for its features and capabilities. Among the React Native applications are Instagram, Facebook, Tesla, Skype, UberEats, Walmart, and Shopify.
Initially, the Facebook team designed React Native to create natively rendering Android, and iOS mobile apps, using React JS library. Then, due to the open environment of the framework, developers from all over the world contributed to it and extended its capabilities. Now, it works with major mobile platforms and Linux, macOS, Windows, etc.
How does React Native work?
React Native architecture
The cross-platform capability of React Native becomes possible owing to its unique architecture.
The core element of React Native architecture is the Bridge. This system employs React library to render the application on a device. Simply put, the bridge transforms the JS code into the native components and vice versa. The bridge translates JavaScript into platform-specific components. It gets the JS call, leverages the APIs (Kotlin, Objective C, Java), which allows native rendering of an application. The process doesn’t affect user experience because these async calls take place apart from the main thread.
However, if your app employs multiple threads and large amounts of data, this structure can cause delays.
Development process
React Native is based on React and uses the single JavaScript codebase to reuse the code on various platforms. Unlike Ionic and many other cross-platform development frameworks, React Native renders native components by invoking platform-specific APIs. For instance, to render UI components on iOS, React Native uses either Objective C or Swift APIs. As for Android mobile applications, it will be Java or Kotlin. In fact, a developer doesn’t need to know Objective C or Java to create the apps.
The React Native development process happens in JavaScript, TypeScript, and JSX. The developers can reuse significant parts (up to 100%) of the code.
Another peculiarity of React Native is its commands for component creation. Instead of HTML components like <div> <span> <a> <p> etc. (React), RN has specific components that replace them:
Also, features like 3d party library support, hot reload, and vast UI libraries make the development process much more easy and productive for developers. When an application is ready, you can connect it with a cloud or local database to provide the storage capacity.
React Native features
Here, we will elaborate on React Native features that make the framework prominent.
NPM repository support
NPM (Node Package Manager) streamlines React Native apps development process. NPM is a repository of pre-made libraries that developers can use working with React Native framework. This feature makes the development process much faster, allowing React Native developers to upload the code patterns from the NPM libraries.
Code reusability
This is the core feature of any cross-platform development framework. However, the percentage of code you can reuse varies from platform to platform. In the case of React Native, you can use almost all the code throughout the different platforms. This feature saves plenty of time and reduces costs.
Flexible programming language
The programming language and its flexibility play a crucial part in the framework’s performance and success. The more common the core language of the cross-platform development framework, the faster and easier the learning process becomes. It means you won’t have any problems training your JS developers to work with React Native. However, if you want to create a unique app faster, it makes sense to hire experienced React Native developers.
Apart from that, React Native uses JavaScript as a base and supports TypeScript out-of-the-box. These peculiarities make the React Native platform accessible for a larger group of developers. According to the latest developer survey, JS is the most popular programming language, with around 70% of developers using it.
Strong developer community
React Native framework became popular among developers around the world almost instantly after its launch in 2015. Ever since, the community has been growing and contributing to the open-source framework, extending its functionality and making it faster. This characteristic secures the future of React Native cross-platform framework and makes it attractive for other developers.
3d party libraries support
Another feature that makes React Native stand out from the other cross-platform frameworks is the 3d party libraries’ support. Integration with 3d party libraries empowers developers with more out-of-the-box solutions and broadens the development opportunities.
High performance in mobile environments
React Native has been working with mobile platforms (iOS, Android) from the first day of its existence. No wonder it has excellent performance with mobile apps development. React Native developers can reuse more code in the mobile environment than in any other, making it the fastest cross-platform framework for mobile apps now.
Live & Hot reload
The HMR (Hot Module Replacement) facility allows React Native developers to change, add, and modify modules while the system is on the go. As a result, this feature streamlines the app development process in the following ways:
- Saves time by updating only the changed code;
- Retains application’s state (that’s lost during the full reload);
- Updates the browser as soon as modifications in the JS code are made.
The live reload feature of React Native allows you to see the changes on your screen as soon as you change them. This feature is especially useful for mobile apps development.
Rich UI capabilities
React Native framework is the go-to option if you give much attention to the UI of your application. The framework has exceptional rendering capabilities along with numerous UI libraries for all types of applications.
The future of React Native
The Facebook team, along with all the contributors from the developer community, continue upgrading the React Native environment. They add new features, widen the functionality of React Native, and expand its cross-platform capacity.
There is no doubt that with the high performance and the dedicated developer community behind it, React Native is here to stay and will continue to emerge. Currently, React Native framework emerges in the following directions:
Streaming model upgrade
Currently, React Native community is bringing to life the Fabric project that should change the existing mechanism once and for all. It will allow developers to invoke JavaScript synchronously on a given thread. This feature will reduce the main thread load time without hindering the response.
Moving towards platform-agnosticism
Platform-agnosticism is a certain app development philosophy that aims to create totally cross-platform applications. According to the concept, the ideal app is the one you can create once and use on every platform without any additional code manipulations. Although it’s not easy to achieve, the React Native community strives to make the framework capable of creating perfectly cross-platform applications.
Bridge simplification
The next development direction React Native community is moving towards is bridge simplification. This will enhance direct invocation between native and JavaScript and allow the creation of new debugging tools.
Extension of Async capabilities
Async upgrade is aiming to enhance the asynchronous rendering of React Native framework. This, in its turn, will streamline asynchronous data handling and rendering.
Conclusion
Taking into account all the technologies and features React Native represents, we can say for sure that it is a top cross-platform development framework. Developer community recognition, thousands of outstanding applications with billiards of users prove it. With the support of Facebook and thousands of contributors, React Native will definitely evolve and make the app development process easier, faster, and more enjoyable.
By the way, the Akveo developers’ team is proud to add value to the React Native community with the free and open-source UI Kitten based on the Eva Design system. Many developers saved their time, and money, using it. You can try the Kitten and see all the benefits for yourself.
Above that, we never stop generating fresh ideas and creating custom React Native applications for our customers. If you’d like to create your own app or get professional advice, contact us. We’ll use all the power of our expertise and enthusiasm to assist you.
Lead Generation Tool to Reduce Manual Work
Our client, Afore Capital, a venture capital firm focused on pre-seed investments, aimed to automate their lead generation processes but struggled with existing out-of-the-box solutions. To tackle this challenge, they sought assistance from our team of Akveo Retool experts.
The scope of work
The client needed a tailored solution to log and track inbound deals effectively. They required an application that could facilitate the addition, viewing, and editing of company and founder information, ensuring data integrity and preventing duplicates. Additionally, Afore Capital aimed to integrate external tools like PhantomBuster and LinkedIn to streamline data collection.
The result
By developing a custom Retool application, we streamlined the lead generation process, significantly reducing manual data entry. The application enabled employees to manage inbound deals efficiently while automated workflows for email parsing, notifications, and dynamic reporting enhanced operational efficiency. This allowed Afore Capital's team to focus more on building relationships with potential founders rather than on administrative tasks.
Learn more about the case
Retool CMS Application for EdTech Startup
Our client, CutTime, a leading fine arts education management platform, needed a scalable CMS application to improve vendor product management and user experience.
The scope of work
We developed a Retool application that allows vendors to easily upload and manage product listings, handle inventory, and set shipping options. The challenge was to integrate the app with the client’s system, enabling smooth authentication and product management for program directors.
The result
Our solution streamlined product management, reducing manual work for vendors, and significantly improving operational efficiency.
Building Reconciliation Tool for e-commerce company
Our client was in need of streamlining and simplifying its monthly accounting reconciliation process – preferably automatically. But with a lack of time and low budget for a custom build, development of a comprehensive software wasn’t in the picture. After going through the case and customer’s needs, we decided to implement Retool. And that was the right choice.
The scope of work
Our team developed a custom reconciliation tool designed specifically for the needs of high-volume transaction environments. It automated the processes and provided a comprehensive dashboard for monitoring discrepancies and anomalies in real-time.
The implementation of Retool significantly reduced manual effort, as well as fostered a more efficient and time-saving reconciliation process.
Creating Retool Mobile App for a Wine Seller
A leading spirits and wine seller in Europe required the development of an internal mobile app for private client managers and administrators. The project was supposed to be done in 1,5 months. Considering urgency and the scope of work, our developers decided to use Retool for swift and effective development.
The scope of work
Our developers built a mobile application tailored to the needs of the company's sales force: with a comprehensive overview of client interactions, facilitated order processing, and enabled access to sales history and performance metrics. It was user-friendly, with real-time updates, seamlessly integrated with existing customer databases.
The result? Increase in productivity of the sales team and improved decision-making process. But most importantly, positive feedback from the customers themselves.
Developing PoC with Low Code for a Tour Operator
To efficiently gather, centralize, and manage data is a challenge for any tour operator. Our client was not an exception. The company was seeking to get an internal software that will source information from third-party APIs and automate the travel itinerary creation process. Preferably, cost- and user-friendly tool.
The scope of work
Our experts ensured the client that all the requirements could be covered by Retool. And just in 40 hours a new software was launched. The tool had a flexible and easy-to-use interface with user authentication and an access management system panel – all the company needed. At the end, Retool was considered the main tool to replace the existing system.
Testing New Generation of Lead Management Tool with Retool
Our client, a venture fund, had challenges with managing lead generation and client acquisition. As the company grew, it aimed to attract more clients and scale faster, as well as automate the processes to save time, improve efficiency and minimize human error. The idea was to craft an internal lead generation tool that will cover all the needs. We’ve agreed that Retool will be a perfect tool for this.
The scope of work
The project initially began as a proof of concept, but soon enough, with each new feature delivered, the company experienced increased engagement and value.
We developed a web tool that integrates seamlessly with Phantombuster for data extraction and LinkedIn for social outreach. Now, the company has a platform that elevates the efficiency of their lead generation activities and provides deep insights into potential client bases.
Building an Advanced Admin Portal for Streamlined Operations
Confronted with the need for more sophisticated internal tools, an owner of IP Licensing marketplace turned to Retool to utilize its administrative functions. The primary goal was to construct an advanced admin portal that could support complex, multi-layered processes efficiently.
The scope of work
Our client needed help with updating filters and tables for its internal platform. In just 30 hours we've been able to update and create about 6 pages. Following features were introduced: add complex filtering and search, delete records, styling application with custom CSS.
Together, we have increased performance on most heavy pages and fixed circular dependency issues.
Creating MVP Dashboard for Google Cloud Users
Facing the challenge of unoptimized cloud resource management, a technology firm working with Google Cloud users was looking for a solution to make its operations more efficient. The main idea of the project was to create an MVP for e-commerce shops to test some client hypotheses. Traditional cloud management tools fell short.
The scope of work
Determined to break through limitations, our team of developers turned Retool. We decided to craft an MVP Dashboard specifically for Google Cloud users. This wasn't just about bringing data into view; but about reshaping how teams interact with their cloud environment.
We designed a dashboard that turned complex cloud data into a clear, strategic asset thanks to comprehensive analytics, tailored metrics, and an intuitive interface, that Retool provides. As the results, an increase in operational efficiency, significant improvement in cost management and resource optimization.
Elevating CRM with Custom HubSpot Sales Dashboard
Our other client, a SaaS startup, that offers collaborative tools for design and engineering teams, was on a quest to supercharge their sales efforts. Traditional CRM systems were limited and not customizable enough. The company sought a solution that could tailor HubSpot to their workflow and analytics needs.
The scope of work
Charged with the task of going beyond standard CRM functions, our team turned to Retool. We wanted to redefine how sales teams interact with their CRM.
By integrating advanced analytics, custom metrics, and a user-friendly interface, our developers provided a solution that transformed data into a strategic asset.
In 40 hours, three informative dashboards were developed, containing the most sensitive data related to sales activities. These dashboards enable our customer to analyze sales and lead generation performance from a different perspective and establish the appropriate KPIs.
Building a PDF Editor with Low-Code
Our client, a leading digital credential IT startup, needed a lot of internal processes to be optimized. But the experience with low-code tools wasn’t sufficient. That’s why the company decided to hire professionals. And our team of developers joined the project.
The scope of work
The client has a program that designs and prints custom badges for customers. The badges need to be “mail-merged” with a person’s info and turned into a PDF to print. But what is the best way to do it?
Our developers decided to use Retool as a core tool. Using custom components and JavaScript, we developed a program that reduced employees' time for designing, putting the data, verifying, and printing PDF badges in one application.
As a result, the new approach significantly reduces the time required by the internal team to organize all the necessary staff for the conference, including badge creation.
