It is important to understand as a developer how to transfer data from a React Native application to other applications. After all, it is how third-party integrations will receive any information through the React Native app. 

React Native linking allows the developer to perform such an action on both iOS and Android Platforms. This is just one of the many things that linking in React Native permits the user to do.

There are quite a few more advantages, linking can contribute. We will try to decipher these benefits later on in this article. 

Let us first understand the importance of React Native Linking and its impact on iOS and Android platforms.

Importance of Linking Libraries for Cross-Platform Development

Libraries are nothing but existing code snippets and modules that help developers in various projects. They can be used across multiple projects and streamline and enhance the app development process. 

Designing the structure and code for a cross-platform app is done easily on React Native. 

However, you need to link libraries to add the platform-specific features on which the app is used. 

So for the most part React Native might do the job but the niche functionalities and features of the platform can only be accessed through native app development.

Linking Libraries helps the React Native bridge for both iOS and Android languages and leveraging the features of each platform. 

Without linking them, the app would lose features like third-party SDK integration, device sensors, or platform-specific UI components

Understanding Linking in React Native 

Before we can implement React Native, let us understand the roots of React Native and how linking sits with it. 

As mentioned above, React Native linking helps in linking libraries with the app on the specific platform and allows native components to be integrated into the program as well. 

However, there is much more to the story than just this. A few other actions that React Native is capable of doing are:

• Open other apps from your React Native app.
• Sharing content with other apps. 
• Receiving data from other apps. 
• Maintaining deep links in the React Native app.

See, the framework is a Jack of all trades! It can do more than just be a bridge connecting third-party apps with the React Native app.

Now that we understand what React Native is and can do, let us understand how it integrates with iOS and Android.

iOS Linking Mechanism

If you were ever transferred to another screen without manually going through the app browser by clicking on the link, you too have been a victim of universal linking in the iOS. 

Users are redirected to the specific website after clicking on the link in the mobile app without going through the main screen.  

Some other examples include opening a promotional link from a brand to redirect to a product page, sharing the YouTube/Amazon link with a friend, etc. 

In such cases universal linking steps up to the action where web linking is unable to with native mobile apps.

Android Linking Mechanism

Universal Linking is termed Deep Linking when it comes to Android. With no stark difference to iOS, linking in Android is solely used for app user retention, marketing campaigns, and other things. 

Installing an app of a shop and clicking on a link given would take you to the product’s screen where you can navigate it. 

For the ones curious about how it works- Uniform Resource Identifiers (URIs) or Custom URLs connect the web apps with the actions in the app. 

Adding deep linking in the apps enhances the user experience by facilitating easy access to desirable content, increasing engagement, and endorsing smooth transitions between native and web app environments.

Creating a Development Environment

Speaking of platforms, are the processes any different in building an app for iOS as it is from an Android? Let us understand how different these approaches are:

For iOS

React Native apps come in all forms and shapes. They can be built with multiple approaches. Building an app in the iOS platform through the React Native framework can be done efficiently.

All you have to do is follow the React Native CLI approach and you will be set on the path of creating a well-functioning app. 

Dependencies

• React Native CLI- React Native CLI is a type of dependency that is one of the many approaches to start building an app in iOS. It provides high flexibility and control in setting up your project and its configuration.

• Cocoapods- If you have Xcode pre-installed you can run the project on Xcode Command Line Tools and dependency manager Cocoapods.This dependency manages the app’s library as your projects are saved in a Podfile which is a text file.

For Android

Similar to iOS, there is not a single way to build an Android app from React Native. There are various ways of getting there. 

One of the best environments to build an Android app using the React Native framework is through Android Studio.  

Android Studio is the official integrated development environment (IDE) for Android app development. It provides multiple features that enhance the developers’ productivity. Some of these features include:

• A feature-rich app emulator that helps in testing different apps.
• It provides a wide range of testing tools.
• It has a flexible gradle-based build system.
• It supports C++ and NDK.
• It can implement changes in the resource code of the app without restarting the app.

Linking Libraries for iOS

A major credit for linking libraries goes to the native modules involved in React Native. 

What might these native modules be, you ask?

These native modules allow your React Native app to communicate with the native environment of the device. 

It is a set of code written in the native language of the platform like Objective-C and Swift for iOS. They are used when the required functionality is not available in React APIs or libraries. 

Using React Native Link For iOS

There are two different ways in which you can link libraries on React Native for iOS, Manual Linking and automatic linking with Cocoapods.

• Manual Linking- As the name suggests, you can manually configure your iOS project to add the required libraries into the app. You need to follow the guidelines of the library’s documentation to add the files and configurations to your Xcode project.

• Automatic Linking with Cocoapods- This dependency facilitates the integration of third-party libraries. With React Native, you can skip the manual steps and automatically link your Cocoapods libraries to your Xcode project. 

Linking Libraries for Android

Certainly not much different from iOS, Android goes through a similar rite of passage as native module integration done in iOS. 

It means you can achieve similar behavior on different platforms by switching things up a little. 

In iOS you can call the native module without a parameter while Android demands adding a parameter to the module. It’s that simple!

The two different approaches you can use in calling native module for Android in React Native are:

• Manual Configuration- Similar to iOS, you can freely adjust your Android project according to the required libraries. The library documentation will guide you to add the necessary files and configurations to your Android project just like in iOS. 

• Automatic Linking with Gradle- Gradle is a build automation tool for Android projects. Implementing the Gradle dependencies into your project remains the same as Cocoapods in iOS. It facilitates automatic linking of the library and reduces manually linking them into the project. 

Handling Platform-Specific Code

The thought of writing and managing code for two separate platforms can be overwhelming at first, but doing it is much simpler. 

If you can understand and identify the differences between the two platforms, you are set to deliver a successful product.

Since both iOS and Android are separate platforms, they will require separate lines of code. 

To execute the command successfully, you need to execute the code based on the specific APIs, design patterns, and frameworks. 

iOS requires features like push notifications, in-app purchases, and Apple Pay to be implemented. Android needs feature implementation like Google Maps integration, Firebase Analytics, or Google Sign-In. 

Utilizing Platform Modules for Better Functionality

You can improve the overall performance of your app with the help of native modules. 

This is because some operations and computations are better handled through native code due to low optimization levels and direct device resource access. 

Troubleshooting and Debugging

Getting to know the enemy is always better than not knowing it. This is why below are a few common issues mentioned that can help the developer take precautionary measures to avoid them. 

Troubleshooting and debugging come in as a developer’s guardian angel that protects their code from malfunctioning due to bugs and issues.

Common Linking Issues

• Import error- This error occurs when default and named imports get mixed up. It implies that the error is caused by a component that is imported into the app. Due to the mixing of imports, we are unable to tell which imports were imported improperly. 

• Auto Linking error- Using an old React Native library and expecting to not get an auto linking issue is sort of asinine. The old library might not support the auto-linking feature which is why make sure to use an updated version of it.

• Unrecognized Font Family Error- Such an error occurs when you try to add a custom font to a React Native project.

Debugging Linking Failures

Component Lifecycle Errors are issues that occur during the lifecycle of the React Native components. 

Using React Native debugging tools like the React Developer Tools extension for Chrome for debugging purposes can help you solve Component Lifecycle errors. 

These tools help in offering insights into the lifecycle events and the component’s state which in return, facilitates troubleshooting React Native errors. 

Best Strategies for React Native Linking

Since linking is part and parcel of an app’s success through the development phases, only the best practices must be in motion to make the linking process go smoothly. Some of these strategies include:

Updating Dependencies

• Make sure to use version control all the time. 
• Keep your code committed and make sure no changes are made to it.
• Develop a feature branch for the integration and see if it works. 
• Examine your code thoroughly for any stability and integration issues.
• Conduct the changes and connect the feature branch.

Verify Compatibility with React Native Versions

While working on an app through React Native, it is important to verify its compatibility with different React Native versions. Below are a few common approaches to checking the React Native version compatibility:

• Using info option
• Checking package.json file
• Using the CLI

Conclusion

It can be a superpower to understand how linking in React Native works. With the right resources and knowledge, issues regarding linking can be resolved in an instant. 

This article provides a budding developer with the opportunity to seize that superpower. Since linking in React Native is quite important, the information given above will be no less than a super pill!

Make sure you utilize this power to develop your app in the best way possible and find other information and knowledge as a learning developer. 

React Native can deliver you an app with much convenience and ease if you understand how and when to use it right. So make sure that you build a successful app using the right linking strategies for both iOS and Android.

Frequently Asked Question

1. Why is React Native Linkage important for Android and iOS?

You can integrate libraries and modules for both Android and iOS platforms. It also helps in leveraging platform-specific functionalities, improving the app’s capabilities, and having a consistent user experience across multiple devices.

2. How to handle platforms-specific code in React Native?

Make sure to identify platform differences, use platform modules for enhanced functionality, and write platform-specific code blocks. This is how easy it is to tackle platform-specific code in React Native.

3. Can third-party libraries be integrated with React Native linkage?

Yes, React Native permits third-party libraries to improve the app’s functionality. However, the right React Native version to be compatible and follow documentation guidelines for accurate integration.

4. What are a few issues encountered while React Native linking?

Some of the React Native linkage issues include:

• Dependency conflicts
• Compatibility issues with React Native versions
• Gradle or Cocoapods integration errors. 

Some debugging testing tools and testing on real devices can help in the elimination of issues in these devices.

The post Boost User Experience with Deep Linking in Your React Native App (iOS & Android) appeared first on 360 Degree Technosoft.

Picture this: Instagram, Facebook, and even Uber – all running seamlessly on your smartphone. But here’s the kicker: what if I told you that beneath the sleek interfaces and impressive functionalities lies a single technology driving them all? 

Drumroll, please. Enter React Native – the framework that is responsible for building thousands of seamless mobile apps.

Companies alluding to a popular user base to ones that barely survive in the market, all consider building mobile apps on React Native. 

This is because it provides developers with a powerful toolkit to craft cross-platform that function efficiently on all devices and platforms.

Which is why it has become an integral part of the world of app development. 

This article will help you understand React Native which is responsible for shaping apps like Uber, Facebook, and Instagram. 

The Importance of Choosing the Right Framework

Picking the right framework can get quite tiresome and toiling for an app developer. 

If you want to build an application that scales well, is efficient, and is easy to maintain, picking the right framework becomes crucial.

Being hasty and impulsive in picking a mobile app development framework can lead to the downfall of your app in the long run.

Hitting a brick wall while developing your dream app down the road due to a sloppy choice of picking the wrong framework sounds mortifying. 

Which is why React Native has become the ideal option for a majority of developers around the world.

According to Statista, 8.43% of developers around the world prefer React Native to other frameworks. So it is safe to say that this technology is in vogue and much demand.

Understanding React Native

React Native helps you natively build cross-platform apps that can be utilized on multiple platforms such as iOS and Android. With the help of the same codebase, you can build different apps for different platforms.

Since it is written in JavaScript and renowned as a ‘hybrid’ framework, its constitution makes it platform-independent.  This is what differentiates it from the other traditional apps written in languages like Java or Kotlin.

Another factor that contributes to its cause is React- a JavaScript library based on which it is built. 

Benefits of React Native

So you might be wondering, “How does any of this benefit the developer?”

To answer that question in regards to React Native and its impact on your mobile app, the following reasons should suffice:

Code Reusability

A single codebase that can be reused over and over is a dream come true for many developers around the world. This implies that apps can be run on multiple platforms.

This becomes a lucrative asset for many CEOs and companies as they can integrate 90% of the reusable code on both Android and iOS platforms. 

Another benefit of code reusability is that it can be used for both web and mobile application development if they are both made with React Native. 

It also reduces the development time due to the availability of pre-developed components that can be accessed from the open-source library.

Big Developers’ Community

The open-source JavaScript platform brings a large community of developers who share their knowledge about the framework’s development which is accessible to everyone. 

The community helps anyone who is at an impasse when it comes to app development. As a result, ‘the more the merrier’.

This not only brings the community together but also positively impacts the skills of the troubled developer. 

Cost-effective

The cost efficiency of React Native is also responsible for its popularity around the world. This is because developers can reuse the same code for both Android and iOS.

Hence, hiring two separate teams for two specific projects stops being the case. Apps built in React Native cost way cheaper than those built on a non-cross-platform app development framework. 

Simple UI

React Native uses React JavaScript to create the app’s interface making it more interactive with a quicker response and loading time. This enhances the user experience. 

The component-based approach and the reactive UI in React Native provide the blueprint for both simple and complex designs to build apps. 

Key Features of React Native

React Native is like the mother who takes care of both her family and her work. 

In other words, it multi-tasks a lot of things at once with simplicity and convenience. 

Here are a few features that help it develop apps with ease:

Hot Reloading

While making changes to the code, this feature allows developers to view the immediate results of it without restarting the app. 

How convenient is that!

Not just that, it also allows room for quicker feedback, increased productivity, and enhanced code iteration. 

Cross-Platforming

This feature is the essence of React Native. It’s what makes React Native so likable amongst the developers’ community.

Cross-platform development allows a single codebase to be run on different platforms and devices like iOS and Android. 

The need to program separate codebases for multiple platforms is no longer required which enhances the development speed and curtails time. 

Native Performance

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if a cross-platform framework offered native-like performance? React Native offers just that. 

The native components of React perform similarly to the native-built apps which brings out the native performance in the app. 

This is because the framework can interact with native modules, ensuring quick response time and smooth animation. 

Declarative Syntax

Do not be intimidated by the sound of this word since it allows the developers to reuse and maintain the code easily. 

Such an approach gives a general view to the developer of how the UI would look based on the current phase of its development and not the finished product.

It facilitates the development process and improves the code readability.

Reusable Components

This might be way down this list but is one of the best React Native features that allows the advent of cross-platform development.

This feature allows developers to build scalable and modular applications. Components are sometimes used in different parts of the app or projects entirely. 

It also allows streamlined development and consistent design and functionality. 

Successful Case Studies of React Native Apps

React Native has also walked the talk in many case studies around the world. Some of the most famous brands and companies utilize React Native.

Let us shine some light on their success stories and what makes them different from the rest of the crop:

1. Facebook

Facebook created React Native as it was the first app that came out of this framework. It remains one of the biggest names in the social media industry with a turnover of more than 134.9 billion USD. 

Don’t worry Meta owners, all is not lost!

React Native’s quick iteration and reusable code were quite lucrative in this case which is why Facebook now used it to revamp the app and make it operable in different platforms. 

Hence, it came to mobile too. The results were earthshaking since the app became two times faster. 

2. Facebook Ads

This was the first ever fully developed cross-platform app organized by Facebook with React Native. It oversees multiple ad formats, currencies, and time zones. 

Every minute, thousands of GBs worth of data goes through this app. 

This app also allowed a smooth and seamless, high-quality experience for its users available on both platforms. 

3. Walmart

It is only obvious that Facebook, one of the world’s biggest retail corporations is going to utilize React Native too. 

They enhance their user experience by integrating React Native into their existing app structure. 

They stood ahead of their competition by introducing better and more advanced technologies in their system. 

React Native allowed Walmart to share the same codebase with apps of both platforms. This enhanced both performance and experiences in a short duration.

4. Bloomberg

Bloomberg is considered a giant in the finance and business world. React Native helped them build apps for both platforms. 

The new app was a pioneer in an interactive experience acquiring personalized content across the Bloomberg media. 

The developers in Bloomberg developed the entire app within 5 months. This was due to React Native and its efficiency in app development. Bloomberg today is thriving better than any other financial agency in the world.

5. Instagram

What can we say about this one that has not already been said? One of the biggest names in the social media industry, Instagram owes a lot of its success to React Native. 

It added React Native to its existing native app to let the developers deliver the app quicker than expected. This increased the performance and user experience of the app. 

Read: Why Top Brands Prefer React Native for Hybrid App Development

Future Trends of React Native

Does the future look bright for React Native and its community? 

It does! The following trends will highlight the future of this technology:

Integration with Advanced Technologies

React Native is set to one day seamlessly function with advanced technologies like AR (Augmented Reality), VR (Virtual Reality), and Artificial Intelligence (AI). 

Such technologies help in developing better and more immersive ways providing enhanced user experiences. 

Fabric

No, it’s not the wear-to-work kind of fabric but rather something new that React Native is coming up with. 

It is a rendering system used to recreate the rendering layer of React Native. It will make the framework more responsive and will blend with the hybrid JavaScript-based infrastructure.

Some of the important changes that Fabric will bring to the framework are:

• New Threading Model- Developers can call all at once into JavaScript on any thread instead of working the UI/UX update on three different threads.

• Async Rendering- This will allow React Native to utilize async rendering abilities. 

• Simplified Bridge- A new and sophisticated path will allow React Native to improve direct calling between itself and JavaScript.

Going Serverless

It is highly rumored that in 2024, many React Native developers will adopt the serverless approach to app development. 

This is because maintaining complex server management and coding at the same time is cumbersome.

Additionally, Azure Functions and AWS Lambda facilitate coding and make it cost-efficient at the same time. This would result in highly scalable applications that work seamlessly. 

Suspenseful Data Fetching

The app performance can take a hit while fetching data. React Suspense eliminates this quandary. It helps load apps smoothly. 

With this feature in React Native, the speed and performance of the apps built in this framework may be enhanced. 

Expanded Compatibility

Wearable devices like smartwatches, robust support for VR, and the Internet of Things (IoT) are rapidly overtaking the world of technology.

People are demanding more apps to be built for these devices which is why the future of React Native looks brighter than ever.   

Developers are keen on providing wearable apps utilizing the React Native framework to such third-party devices. 

Hence, this framework is in great demand in the world as it is going to be one of the reasons for the next technological advancements of the world. 

Conclusion

It is undeniable that React Native is one of the most famous and impactful cross-platform frameworks in the world. Now that you understand its power, make sure to always consider the requirements of your app before building one.

Implementing React Native for the sake of its popularity is a novice mistake. 

Evidence shows that if used correctly, React Native can create apps that can revolutionize and change the world for the better (Facebook, Instagram, and Walmart).

This implies that your business can turn into something big and powerful if the framework is used correctly. 

So make sure to understand its pros and cons and accordingly consider it in your business strategy. 

Frequently Asked Question

1. Is React Native the right choice for building all kinds of mobile applications?

React Native can build the majority of social media apps, e-commerce platforms, and productivity tools. It is one of the best technologies that require building apps for multiple platforms. However, it cannot handle complex UI interactions and custom UI designs. These require native development.

2.  How is React Native and native app development different?

You can develop apps using separate codebases for specific platforms like Java and Kotlin for Android and Swift for iOS. React Native on the other hand, utilizes a single codebase for multiple platforms. 

3. Can existing code be integrated with React Native?

Yes, existing code can be integrated seamlessly with React Native in their applications. This capability is quite useful in migrating existing apps to React Native or when specific functionalities are better executed using native code. 

4. Can React Native be used for large-scale applications?

Apps like Airbnb, Facebook, and Instagram have already been built using the React Native framework. Hence it is safe to say that it can certainly be used for building large-scale apps. All it requires is the right architecture, best practices, and optimization to build a large-scale application. 

The post Build Apps Faster & Smarter: The Power of React Native Development appeared first on 360 Degree Technosoft.

React Native & its Significance in Mobile App Development

Creating an app that is compatible with every platform it is utilized on is difficult to build however not quite when React Native is in the equation.

The JavaScript-based mobile app framework was released by Facebook in 2015 as an open-source project.

It allows you to develop apps that are rendered natively for both iOS and Android. With the help of a single codebase, you can develop an app that is functional on multiple platforms.

React Native is considered to be one of the most preferred development frameworks in 2023 by 40.58% of the respondents according to the Stack Overflow Annual Developer Survey.

A huge part of its success is due to its single codebase that can be reused on multiple platforms. This helps in building different cross-platform apps that work effortlessly and seamlessly well on different screens and devices.

It also saves much time and resources on the developers’ part. 

It is also reported that 14.85% of all applications downloaded amongst the top 500 in the United States were developed through React Native including both the Google Play Store and Apple’s App Store.  

As of February 2023, React Native’s UI library has 355,832 results This is a boost from the preceding year wherein the numbers touched 232,168.  

React Native view hierarchy and its importance in building UI components

View hierarchy is the basic structure in which the app is displayed which is why it is important to understand how it develops to build an app.

The most fundamental elements include its straightforwardness towards the relationship between structure, and components, flexibility in the component library, individual component functionality, and communication flow.

Such words might seem too fancy but you will understand them clearly by the end of this article. 

Integration of a flow diagram depicting the hierarchical structure of React Native components.
The diagram visually represents the relationships between parent and child components, showcasing how they contribute to the overall UI layout.

The role of the View component in UI development

The view component is considered to be the most basic component in UI development. This component supports layout with style, accessibility, flexbox, and some touch handling. The view component redirects to the native view counterpart on the platform that React Native is functioning on. 

In Android or iOS, the view is a rectangular block that is displayed on the screen used to view text, images or even answers to the user input. The smallest and most diminutive elements seen on the screen can be considered as a view such as a line of text or buttons. Some views also incorporate other views.  

iOS utilizes Swift & Objective-C while Android uses Kotlin or Java. React Native integrates these views of both such platforms with JavaScript using React components.

During runtime, React Native builds views for the corresponding platforms either Android or iOS. The look and feel of the apps made by React Native are similar to both Android and iOS since they are supported by similar views like that of Android and iOS.

Such platform-backed components are called Native Components. 

Introduction To The Virtual DOM Concept

DOM in other words is known as ‘Document Object Model’ which refers to the structural hierarchy of the HTML elements that are visible on a webpage or even a web app.

The entire UI of your application is represented through DOM. It is displayed in the form of a tree data structure. There is a node available for every UI element inside the document.

This is a beneficial attribute since it permits developers to ameliorate content via JavaScript. The structural format facilitates target picking and coding becomes convenient. 

Virtual DOM Role In React Native

The Virtual DOM in React Native operates as an in-memory counterpart to the traditional DOM, mirroring its structure without directly impacting the rendered output. While the Virtual DOM closely resembles the real DOM, it offers significant advantages in terms of performance and responsiveness.

Unlike direct manipulation of the real DOM, which can be cumbersome and slow, React Native’s Virtual DOM allows for rapid updates and rendering. By maintaining a lightweight copy of the UI hierarchy, changes can be applied swiftly and efficiently without immediate impact on the user interface.

The use of the Virtual DOM in React Native is particularly beneficial for handling dynamic content and state changes.

When updates occur within the application, React Native compares the Virtual DOM with the previous state, identifying the specific changes needed to update the real DOM.

This process, known as reconciliation, ensures that only the necessary components are re-rendered, resulting in optimized performance and improved user experience.

In summary, the Virtual DOM in React Native plays a crucial role in managing the structure and functionality of UI components. By leveraging this innovative approach, developers can create responsive and high-performance mobile applications that meet the demands of modern users.

The obvious question here is, why use it at all then?

Manipulating real DOM can be slow while virtual DOM manipulation is quick as nothing is drawn on the screen. Hence, every time a change of state happens in the app, the virtual DOM is updated first before the real DOM.

Virtual DOM makes things more convenient than the real DOM which is why developers prefer it to the real thing.

Efficient UI Updates through Reconciliation

The use of the Virtual DOM in React Native is particularly beneficial for handling dynamic content and state changes.

When updates occur within the application, React Native compares the Virtual DOM with the previous state, identifying the specific changes needed to update the real DOM.

This process, known as reconciliation, ensures that only the necessary components are re-rendered, resulting in optimized performance and improved user experience.

Advantages of the Virtual DOM

The Virtual DOM in React Native offers significant advantages over direct manipulation of the real DOM. Manipulating real DOM can be slow, while virtual DOM manipulation is quick, as nothing is drawn on the screen.

Hence, every time a change of state happens in the app, the virtual DOM is updated first before the real DOM. This approach makes things more convenient than the real DOM, which is why developers prefer it.

React Native View Hierarchy

Since React is a component-based framework, each React app will constitute a root component which is developed by one or more components that are nested with other components at any stage. 

Components nested together assist in developing complex UIs by using modular components. Hence, it is significant to understand when and how to nest components, in the correct way in React.

If components aren’t nested a certain way, your code can get complex and confusing.

Nested Components

Any child component linked with a parent component is a nested component. It requires more composition than inheritance to develop a relationship like this between a child and a parent component.

This implies that instead of inheriting one component from another, every component is developed by collecting smaller ones. 

Component nesting aids in structuring your code efficiently. More importantly, if you fail to align component nesting correctly in your code, the results can be more complex with a less efficient code.

Contributions to UI Structure

Component nesting aids in structuring your code efficiently. More importantly, if you fail to align component nesting correctly in your code, the results can be more complex with a less efficient code.

Significance of the Flexbox Layout System

One of the most significant features of React Native is to develop complicated layouts with the help of a flexbox layout system.

Flexbox itself is a layout system that helps in creating responsive and flexible layouts. It operates by utilizing a series of containers and items that can be aligned and positioned according to certain rules.

This system is made up of two components: flex items and flex containers. 

There are multiple benefits to implementing the Flexbox layout system in your code. Some of them are listed below:

• Flex makes the screen design responsive.
  
  
• Dynamic and adaptive UI designs can be easily shrunk, wrapped, or expanded through flex. 
  
  
• Elements can be positioned vertically or horizontally, precisely organized, or even aligned at the beginning, middle, or end of the container. 
  
  
• Restructuring the components helps in changing the position of the react native UI elements without impacting the component hierarchy behind them.
  
  
• You can also develop multi-faceted UI structures into normal UI structures with nested designs provided by the Flexbox layout system of React Native.

Flexbox Layout System Simplifying UI Element Positioning

One of the key advantages of the Flexbox layout system is its intuitive and straightforward syntax for controlling the alignment, ordering, and sizing of UI elements.

Developers understand the item arrangement through Flexbox. This includes their alignment along the main and cross axes.

This simplifies the process of creating complex UI layouts and reduces the need for manual positioning and alignment adjustments.

Inspecting View Hierarchy in Real Projects

Following the hierarchy structuring of the program, it is time to understand the tools that will help in debugging bugs and fixes in your code.

Debugging is a cornerstone of seamless programming. Setting up an ecosystem to debug your written code is as important as any of the previous steps executed. 

The React team has created an extension called React Dev Tools. This extension allows developers to debug the code inside their Developer tools. Additional features that this extension allows developers are:

A component’s props and state- 

It is difficult to render React components during planning. This can be either due to a missing prop or the incorrect updation of the component’s state. 

As a result, React DevTools aids in visualizing the prop components and verifying their state updates in real-time as you engage with the components in your app.

Analyzing context values

Besides component prop and state, this feature also lets you use the current context utilized in nested components to ensure that your global state is rightfully shared with them.

Considering Performance Issues

There are a few React components in your framework that could be slow and underwhelming. This is a case of unnecessary rendering occurring due to large lists and dropdowns.

React DevTools provides intel on rendering components and the delayed ones.

Case Studies of View Hierarchy in React Native

Due to its immaculate structuring and hierarchy, there have been quite a few apps using this framework that made it big. To name a few of these apps:

Facebook Ads Manager

Facebook Ads Manager was the first holistic app built by React Native.

Its framework can easily hold the differences in multiple ad formats, time zones, date formats, and currencies.

An intuitive UX, clean interface, and seamless navigation allows users in experiencing optimized user experience.  

Bloomberg

This is a famous global finance app that offers news around the world.

Before the injunction with React Native cross-platform mobile app development, the company wasted high resources on first developing the iOS and Android versions of the app.

Following that, Bloomberg then went for React Native as a prototype experiment. 

AirBnB

Airbnb, another prominent application developed using React Native, boasts a team of 60 active members dedicated to its development.

The developer team favors React Native for its reusable code system architecture, which simplifies the process of refactoring and maintaining the app.

The framework’s flexibility and efficiency have contributed to Airbnb’s success in providing a seamless booking experience for millions of users worldwide.

Optimizing View Hierarchy for Performance

Yes, tools can debug programs but what about the performance of the application?

What happens when the user faces issues regarding the operational speed of the application?

Certain strategies can help in solving issues regarding performance. To name a few:

Strategies for Optimizing Performance

Minimize Re-Renders with Memorization- 

There can be unnecessary re-rendering of the React components, feeding on resources, hindering performance, or even developing glitches in the UI that are observed in the front end.

• Caching calculations between re-renders utilizing the useMemo hook, re-renders can be prevented when the state or props haven’t changed.  
  
  

• Utilize Virtualized Lists- For selective rendering items visible only on the screen use Virtualized Lists like FlatList and SectionList over the traditional ListView. This renders performance and optimizes memory usage specifically for long lists. 

• Image Optimization- It is rather important to understand the notion of image optimization and how significant it is for your mobile app’s performance.
• Expo-image or react-native-fast-image are a few libraries that allow optimized image loading and caching for seamless user experiences. 
  
  Make sure to use the image with the precise dimensions needed by your app. Ensure to not use images with dimensions more than required since it wastes bandwidth and halts rendering. 
  
  

• Debounce Expensive Operations- Inordinate calls to functions like search and network requests are debounced to enhance app performance. This is implemented by addressing a debounce delay’ before outputting a function.
  
  
• It is highly resourceful in moments when you want to wait for a pause from user input before acting. The balance between efficiency and responsiveness removes heavy tasks without over-utilizing the server. 
  
  

Conclusion

Although not completely, we hope you have a general understanding of the View Hierarchy of React Native, its impact, and case studies that are out in the world.

Understanding the structure and functionality of the framework might not be an easy task however, it is one of the most popular frameworks in the world as it is convenient and simple to understand. 

React Native is widely popular and implements cutting-edge functionalities and features. Code reusability and maintainability sparked interest amongst the developers and has shaped multiple multi-million dollar companies today in the world.

Hence, make sure to understand the structure and benefits of your app before implementing it into your business strategy. 

Frequently Asked Question’s (FAQ’s)

1. How does the React Native View Hierarchy differ from traditional web development?

React Native allows mobile developers to utilize native components unlike during web development. The View Hierarchy imitates the native views of every platform offering a constant user-interface along with maintaining platform-specific performance optimizations.

2. Can I customize View Hierarchy to suit my app’s specific needs?

Yes, you can customize extensively through React Native the styling and layout properties. You can re-align the behavior and appearance of components to adapt to your app’s design as well as functionality requirements. 

3. What are the key components of the View Hierarchy?

It consists of different components like Text, Image, View, ScrollView, and much more. For an effective layout design and user-responsive interface, every component must be in the right place in your code. Understand their functionalities to precisely place them in your code.  

4. What are some tools that can help in visualizing the React Native View Hierarchy during development?

Tools like React DevTools and Native Debugger can help in visualizing View Hierarchy while app development. These tools allow developers to analyze components, debug issues, and monitor layout changes related to the UI structure. 

The post Exploring React Native View Hierarchy: Structure & Functionality appeared first on 360 Degree Technosoft.

But what does it all mean?

React Native App development is in the form of a single codebase for different platforms. You can easily reuse different components, and hence it might even sound tempting.

In the case of React Native, it is like learning once and writing anywhere. 

Suppose if you want to use a certain application on both android and iOS devices, then you might even include different platform modules as you need. For the masters in JavaScript and React, they can quickly begin with developing an application from the time itself.

The framework has now changed quite a lot since its inception. Working as a novice developer you might also acquire a lot of experience through React Native. 

However, from the perspective of a JavaScript developer and as a business owner, you need to understand various pros and cons of reactive native app development.

Should you pick React Native for the next application?

You need to first think of what the audiences want. Know what users want to use and what they find comfort in it.

What platform do the users work upon?

Is it Android, iOS, or web?

But before you start with it, you need to keep up with developers, and other designers for the latest trends. It will surely form a good idea about react-native.

What are Business Perspectives Regarding React Native Apps?

With the advancements, surely React Native has helped in developing many businesses from scratch. Usually, the trends have been followed in the front-end for businesses. You can take one such example of react-native development services on Netflix.

But why do people usually prefer using React Native in business?

The primary reason behind this is you can quickly extend components using it. 

Building a team with React Native

You need not have knowledge regarding Android and Swift for iOS. React can work you in minutes.

If you have some brief knowledge in React Native, UI elements, and some other platforms, then this will work for you. Hence it is a complete game-changer where you need not put extra effort into it. However, you can take help from JS developers for some time.

The reason behind this is exchanging knowledge, code review, and code understanding to become easy with it.

Thus it brings up an easy way for web development, cross-platform development, and thus brings native results to you.

Pros and Cons of Reactive Native in Business

Pros of React Native in Business

• Time and cost-efficient results
• As a team for different platforms
• High-grade performance for apps
• One codebase for multiple platforms like Android, iOS, and web
• Native apps

Cons of React Native in Business

• You may need help from the experts for the development of platform modules.
• React Native is not completely a cross-platform but a single codebase approach.

What is the perspective on Reactive Native by developers?

As you will start with React, you might face some challenges. The most blunders faced are in spending time on having the right bundling modules.

However, React Native app development services are different in such perspectives. It works only with sitting and writing your code. React Native has a feature called Hot/Live reload.

This feature will allow you to see the preview of an application even if you have not built it properly. Thus you need not keep a check on the results as you move ahead.

What more, this has saved a lot of time and hence even boosts your productivity to work on it.

If you are into performing some basic tasks which include buttons, animations, scrolling, and text inputs, there could be nothing better than using React Native. Hence it helps developers to perform their tasks.

Thus the usage of components has been simplified with it.

Adding modules could be challenging enough

React Native apps might work efficiently for android and iOS but not for other platforms. There are other platforms and components on which you need to spend a lot of time.

Sometimes, you might find a need for a native programmer when it comes to push notifications and device sensors. You need some efficient solutions that a native programmer can provide you. For many developers, React Native is not their cup of tea.

Pros and Cons of React Native for developers

Pros of React Native

• You can work as both mobile and web developers.
• It helps in improving your productivity
• Helped developers for easy set-up
• Quickly use some styling components
• Hot/live feature for reloading

Cons of React Native

• You need the help of native programmers at one moment
• Documents need an upgrade with time

Different Pros and Cons of React Native

Fast to build

The best reason why people prefer React Native app development is due to its fast access in building apps and short development time.

In this framework, you can apply different components that can help in accelerating the process in a small-time. No doubt it might lack some solutions, but it is all based on JS that lets you work on the large platform packages.

Thus it helps in saving your time. As you master in React Native, you will become a fast developer with time.

The community of RN is growing day by day. You will come across different components for its solution.

RN lets you work on cross-platform with the same codebase. Thus you can work within a few hours and hence save your money and time.

Single Framework for Multiple Platforms

You can quickly use the same codebase for different platforms. Usually, people are for Android and iOS users. To some extent, you can use it for full cross-platform development.

However, it all depends upon the number of modules that you are using in the application. Some such features are also available with npm packages.

The RN community supports this framework, and hence you can add new tools to such an open platform.

JS helps you with the sharing of the codebase. You can share codebase to React Web applications too and not only for Mobile. Thus there is an active development of the React Native Web tool which helps you work on the web and mobile applications.

Also, there is a possibility that you can share the non-UI code for benefits. Besides this, there is consistency in business logic using React Native.

Hot Reloading

The hot Reloading feature can be the main reason why people love RN. Your application keeps running even if there are new updates available for it.

Developers need not rebuild the entire application again once they make instant changes at a go.

Hot reloading is a developer feature to reduce their work and load. Not only this but also it saves your time as you keep updating React Native apps.

Thus it also improves the productivity of the business application.

Fast Applications

Usually, people have formed a point of view that RN affects the working of an application. Also, they believe, JS does not work efficiently as native code.

However, you may not find such differences. For your clarification, you can run a test that is written in RN and Swift. Both will surely give similar results for no doubt.

Some of the differences were common but necessary that an average user will find them out. RN will never create a big issue in the working of an application and its performance.

Simple UI

If you want to create a mobile UI, then there could be no other better option than React Native. This helps in creating the sequence of actions.

RN works on declarative programming. Hence you can quickly spot the problems faced and take the right path as preferable.

Small Teams

In the Native Development, you might need separate teams for iOS and Android. Also, it can even raise communication problems which further slows the entire process.

But for the Native Team, they work on different projects in the case of Android and iOS. Thus it might have variable speeds of development.

But that might affect the development of an application. There is no such case with RN development services. JS developers will work on it, and you will never face such problems ever. The team is small but brings effective results in a small time.

Hindered working of smooth navigation

Most of the developers have tested RN in the production environment. It might include giants like Skype, Facebook, or Bloomberg. However, it is in the beta phase.

It hinders the smooth functioning of navigation. Developers have faced many debugging severe issues, failures with hot reloading, and also the compatibility of the packages.

Thus it slows down the functioning of an application.

Lack of Custom Modules

RN still lacks components even if it is developing day by day. However, you might not face big issues with it as it is properly documented and works efficiently. But for a while, you might need to build up your solutions. For a single component, you need to develop with three different codebases.

Each codebase might show differences in performance, behavior, and appearance. You may have issues with the shadow’s work while working with React Native apps.

Native Developers are Still required

If you are implementing the native features, you must have detailed information on it. Thus you lack support for the development of RN Apps and hence problems with React Native app development. You need support from the Native Developers to assist you in the efficient working of your application.

However, still, you need advanced features for your help. It depends upon the complexity of your application with its working. Small teams surely face this problem. However, there are many React Native App Development Companies for your support.

What are the other alternatives to using React Native?

Native

Developing applications separately for two different platforms could be the only way alternative to RN. Here you will need two big teams of developers to work efficiently on different platforms.

Hence your application becomes inconsistent with it. You might face problems in updating as you cannot use the same code again. Go with better documentation and wide availability of developers under Native.

Flutter

Usually, people prefer Flutter other than RN. Google is the developer of Flutter for mobile applications. It works on Dart Language that implements cross-platform applications. These are the best alternatives with efficient results in the performance. Flutter is new and hence people still prefer RN over it, especially those who have deep RN experience. Dart language is easy for Java and C# masters.

Best Backend Services for React Native

Now that you understand the different alternatives for React Native, it is time to stand for the framework and learn about the backend services that benefit it. 

Some of these services include:

1. Back4app

With features like open-source, relational queries, and real-time database support, it is clear that Back4app is here to support React Native. 

This cloud-based service can create, host, and deploy mobile and web applications with acute flexibility which makes it perfect for React Native.

2. Firebase

Google created Firebase as a BaaS providing multiple backend services for iOS, Android, and Web applications. 

This backend can create MVPs, business, messaging, and real-time apps with the React Native framework. 

If you are a novice backend developer and are complying to proceed with a free-to-use backend for your application, Firebase is the perfect match for you.   

3. Supabase

Another BaaS for React Native applications with Postgres database, authentication, row-level security, and auto-generated APIs, Supabase is another one in the works for React developers.

This was released in 2020 although it is losing its touch as of lately. 

Some of its key traits include open-source nature, storage, authentication, and edge functions.   

Successful Companies using React Native

There are multiple companies relying on this framework that drives thousands of metrics of traffic on their website or app. 

Some of these companies include:

1. Facebook

The infamous messaging app Facebook was developed in React Native. 

Honestly, it would be hypocritical of them to not use this framework for their own applications. 

An offshoot of Facebook is Facebook Ads Manager that provides room for individuals and businesses to maintain ads for their products is built on React Native.

2. Discord

This is a classic example of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) at work. This feature allows users to communicate digitally through the internet. 

Friends and communities can more frequently communicate through voice, text, and video across the internet.

3. Skype

Speaking of VoIP, a video chat-style of communication is what Skype is. You can also send and receive voice messages and calls through the internet.

Created by Microsoft, this app is ideally used on mobile devices for video calling for both professional and personal means. 

4. Salesforce

This is a Customer Relationship Management software (CRM) designed specifically for sales teams. 

Businesses utilize this app for marketing, sales, service, as well as eCommerce. 

Einstein is an app builder developed by Salesforce thanks to React Native and its features.  

5. Walmart

Walmart is a superstore that you can find almost in every state in the USA. You can find everything from home goods to clothes and even grocery items based on the location.

The leaders at Walmart state that 95% of their app’s codebase is shared between Android and iOS. 

What is the Overall experience with React Native?

RN is adopted by most of the people, but some have the best, and others have wrong results. However, in all, feedback is positive. Even many believe that RN is a great opportunity to start their career. It is important to consider the above pros and cons of React Native apps before you kick it off.

It is the best and efficient mobile application development on cross-platforms. The best advantage is the requirement of a small team to develop an application in the least period. The platform is still under development, and hence you must be aware of the new updates coming every new day.

The post Why Should you Pick React-Native for your Next Application? appeared first on 360 Degree Technosoft.