FAQ: React vs ReactJS vs React Native

Since we don’t have a “Frequently Asked Questions” section, we’ll use this section to answer questions that tend to come up among potential clients. Today we’ll take a look at React vs React.js vs React Native, since these technologies tend to come up a lot.

What Are The Differences Between React, ReactJS, and React Native?

The terms “React” and “ReactJS” are often used interchangeably, but there is a clear distinction between “React,” “ReactJS,” and “React Native.” Here’s a breakdown of these terms:

React or ReactJS:

1. Type: JavaScript library.
2. Purpose: Building user interfaces, specifically for web applications.
3. Platform: Web browsers.
4. Main Features: It uses a virtual DOM for efficient updates and rendering. Developers can create reusable UI components, which is one of the main advantages of using React.
5. Usage: Employed for building the front-end of web applications. Developers utilize React to create web components, manage the state, and handle the application’s lifecycle.

React Native:

1. Type: Framework.
2. Purpose: Building native mobile applications for iOS and Android platforms.
3. Platform: Mobile (iOS, Android, and more recently, other platforms like Windows with community support).
4. Main Features: Allows developers to write their app’s UI as React components. Under the hood, native platform components render these components. This means a React Native app will have the look, feel, and performance characteristics of a native mobile application.
5. Usage: Employed for creating mobile applications that run on multiple platforms but need performance and access to platform-specific features that are close to native apps. When direct access to device functionality (such as the camera) is necessary, React Native leverages native modules.

Sometimes, when people refer to “React” in the context of React Native, they are talking about the core principles and methodologies of React (like component-based architecture, state management, lifecycle methods, etc.) that they appy within the React Native environment.

What Is Your Track Record as a React Native and ReactJS Development Company?

Our developers have extensive experience in ReactJS and React Native. As a matter of fact, we chose to use React as the front-end technology for our own products.

Here are a few examples of recent projects that involve React:

• React (or ReactJS):
  • Ella (Education Technology)
  • FileString (File Sharing)
  • Bionex (Aquaculture)
• React Native
  • KnowledgeDesk (Knowledge Management)

Should I Use ReactJS In My New App?

The component-based architecture and efficient rendering of React.js have contributed to its significant popularity and widespread use in various applications. If you’re building an app in one of these areas, then React.js is probably a good choice:

• Single Page Applications (SPAs): React’s ability to efficiently update and render components makes it an ideal choice for SPAs, where content is loaded dynamically without full page reloads.
• E-commerce Platforms: Companies like Shopify and Magento have leveraged React to build interactive and efficient e-commerce platforms.
• Interactive Dashboards: React’s component-based structure makes it easy to build interactive dashboards with reusable components.
• Social Networks: Both Facebook and Instagram, for instance, utilize React in various parts of their platforms.
• Real-time Apps: React’s efficient update and re-render mechanism make it apt for real-time applications like chat applications or live sports scores.
• Progressive Web Apps (PWAs): You can use React with service workers and other PWA technologies to build apps with offline capabilities and native-like performance.
• Server-Side Rendered Applications: Using frameworks like Next.js, React can be rendered on the server side, allowing for better SEO and faster initial page loads.
• Entertainment Platforms: Netflix uses React for its user interface due to its performance and modularity.
• Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality: With libraries like React 360, developers can create immersive VR and AR experiences.
• Educational Platforms: React’s interactive nature can make educational content more engaging.

React’s flexibility and community support have enabled it to be utilized across various applications. Its component-driven approach simplifies the development process, making it a popular choice among developers.

And as always, if you’d like to discuss further, please feel free to contact us.