React Native is one of the most popular frameworks to build cross-platform mobile applications. React Native allows you to write code only once and then deploy it on both iOS and Android. It can save you a lot of time and money compared to developing native apps for each platform separately.
There are some things that you should consider before creating your first React Native application. Here are some of the most important things to consider as you plan and create your React Native application:
1. Understanding Platform Differences
React Native abstracts much of the platform specific code but there are still differences between iOS and Android. As an example, the styling on iOS and Android is different. iOS uses Flexbox while Android relies on FlexboxLayout. Images, splash screens, and icons are also handled differently on each platform.
Understand where there are platform differences so that you can write specific code when needed. Most third-party libraries will also take care of cross-platform compatibility. It’s important to test on both iOS AND Android when developing.
2. Selecting the Right Development Environment
React Native allows you to build apps for macOS, Windows or Linux. The official supported setup is macOS for iOS and macOS, Windows or Linux for Android.
It is best to use a Mac for development if you plan on building for both platforms. Expo is a solution that can help you get around the limitation, but some native features may be lost.
Early on, decide which platforms you’d like to target so that you can set up the right development environment. For the best results, if you are targeting iOS, use a Mac running the latest version of Xcode with macOS.
3. Determine how “native” you want the app to feel
The “nativeness” of the app is a key factor. React Native provides building blocks such as native UI components, but it still has limitations compared to a native app. React Native is not suited for complex animations or multi-threaded operation.
The skill sets needed for React Native and native development are different. React Native apps will never feel native, but you can make them look and behave like one with a little extra effort. How much time and resources you allocate to match native behavior will depend on the goals of your app.
4. Integrating Native Code
Many apps require access to platform APIs such as calendars, contacts and cameras. React Native comes with many of these APIs built-in or accessible through libraries. You may need to use native code in order to access all the device’s features.
React Native offers a way to integrate custom native code through modules. JavaScript can call Objective-C code, Swift code, Java code, or Kotlin. You can create reusable modules that access any native functionality.
You can estimate the amount of native code modules you will need by determining what native APIs or system functionality is required. This can be avoided by using open-source modules that wrap native code.
5. Decide on navigation and architecture
Navigation is the way users navigate between screens within an app. React Native does not come with a navigation library, so you will need to select a solution. React Native Navigation, React Navigation and React Native Router are some of the most popular options.
You’ll also need to determine the overall architecture of your app. You’ll need to decide how you will structure files and folders, manage state, access APIs and more. You can choose from many different architectural patterns, such as Flux or Redux.
Early in the process, take time to consider navigation and state management. It will help you design the app in a way that allows for future maintenance and extension.
6. Optimizing Performance
React Native does not compile to native code optimized, unlike native apps. You need to be aware of performance issues. React Native applications can be plagued by issues like slow UIs, janky animated and poor scroll performance.
To optimize performance, you must understand how React functions. It is important to manage memory and minimize expensive operations such as creating new classes. You can also use InteractionManager, monitor FPS and leverage production builds.
Performance is important. Don’t leave it until the last minute. Optimize your code from the beginning. You will avoid painful refactorings later. As the app develops, expect that optimization will continue to be a process.
7. State Management: How to Handle it?
State management is the way you manage data flows and state changes within your app. React Native uses React’s “state” by default for component-level states. Redux or MobX are likely to be the best choice for global app state.
Redux, for example, provides centralized storage, action dispatching and predictable state management. Apollo Client, for example, integrates well with GraphQL-based backends. Consider the app’s requirements and developers’ knowledge when evaluating options.
It is best to plan your state management strategy early, as it can be difficult to refactor later. Choose a solution that is scalable and appropriate for your app’s complexity.
8. Determine Your Testing Strategy
Automated tests and a good testing strategy are essential for catching problems during development. Unit testing, integration tests, and end-toend testing are all useful React Native testing methods.
Test tools such as Jest, React Native Testing Library (React Native Testing Library), Detox and Cypress. Decide how you will integrate testing into your CI/CD process. Don’t forget to allocate time for manual testing and writing tests.
A testing culture will help improve the quality of your code and reduce regressions. Debugging and troubleshooting React Native is also important, since tests cannot catch all issues.
9. Selecting Third-Party Library Required
Open source libraries created by the React Native community are a great resource. These libraries will help you save on time for common functionality such as authentication, theming, storage and more.
You should be cautious about installing all libraries you find. Each dependency has a price in terms of app size, build time, and performance. Select only those third-party libraries that offer the best value.
Try to find libraries that are compatible with both iOS and Android. Avoid outdated libraries and pay attention to the maintenance status. Install only dependencies that your app needs. Also, make sure they are of high quality.
10. Plan for Growth and Maintenance
Maintenance and growth are the next challenges after your React Native application is launched. The initial architecture of your app should be flexible because it is likely to evolve. Think about things like the ease of adding/removing dependencies, implementing new screens, or refactoring core code.
Make sure that your team is familiar with React Native best practices and idioms. Define processes for managing tickets, prioritization and project management. Invest in documentation and knowledge-sharing on the codebase.
Early planning is key to long-term maintenance success. Maintain a low tech debt, encourage collaboration and incrementally improve your app over time. Plan ahead to ensure your team and app continue to grow.
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The Key Takeaways
Consider these key points when developing your first React Native application:
- Learn the differences between iOS and Android
- Select the best development environment to meet your needs
- Choose how “native-looking” you want your app to be
- How much native code integration will be required?
- Select navigation, state management and architecture carefully
- Monitor FPS and optimize performance.
- Automated testing and debugging techniques
- Add only essential third-party libraries
- Plan for app growth and maintenance over the long-term
To build a quality React Native application, you need to plan and think ahead. Making smart decisions with these factors in mind early on can help you set up your project for success. React Native is great for cross-platform reuse of code, but don’t forget the areas that require native development skills.
How to Hire React Native Developers
Finding and hiring React Native developers is the next step after you decide to use React Native for your mobile app. Here are some tips for hiring the best React Native talent to work on your project.
Understanding the Roles you Need
Consider the roles that you will need on your team – this could include a React Native Architect, full-stack Developers, iOS/Android specialists, QA Specialists, Designers, etc. Define the roles and responsibilities of each position so that you can find candidates who are well-suited to them.
Both mobile and web experience is important
React Native is a hybrid of mobile and web app development. Therefore, you should look for developers who have experience with both. JavaScript developers who are full stack can work well with React due to the overlap.
Assess React Native Specific Skill
Candidates should have experience with React Native. You should look for candidates who have experience with React Native concepts such as FlatList, StyleSheet and Platform Module. Ask them about the third-party libraries that they have used for navigation, states management, etc.
Assess soft skills and cultural fit
Evaluation of communication, problem-solving, and collaboration skills are equally important as technical skills. Make sure that the developer can thrive in your company’s culture and environment. Soft skills are important for remote hires.
Discover their React Native apps and contributions
You can ask to see React Native applications that candidates have built and shipped. Check out their contributions to open source on GitHub. You can get a good idea of their coding skills and experience by looking at their open source contributions on GitHub.
Consider Native Platforms and Their Knowledge
It is important to have a good understanding of native platforms, even if you are using React Native. Check if the candidate has experience outside of React Native with Xcode/Android Studio, Java/Kotlin/Swift, Objective-C/Swift, or Java/Kotlin.
Check Attention to Detail & Quality
Attention to detail is essential when building user-friendly and polished React Native applications. You can tell if someone has taken care with the design, animations and end-user experience.
Review Communication and Collaboration Skills
Communication skills are essential for React Native projects, as they require collaboration with designers, managers and other developers. Test for responsiveness, clarity and teamwork.
You can create a React Native team that is effective by evaluating both soft and technical skills. This will allow you to build a mobile app development team capable of delivering exemplary experiences. Use technical screenings and code samples as well as in-person interviews to thoroughly vet candidates.
Top React Native App Development Companies
Finding a qualified company to develop your React Native app is the next step after you decide to create one. Consider these top React Native apps development companies:
TechGropse is a leading React Native app developer with over 150 successful apps developed. Deep React Native expertise plus full stack JS capabilities.
Ramotion – Award-winning full-cycle React Native agency, known for its well-crafted UX/UI designs.
Infinite Red is a well-known React/React Native consultant and developer. Creator of React Native Radio, React Native Ignite and React Native Radio.
Formidable is a prominent React Native development and consulting shop. Open source contributor.
Callstack is the company behind React Native Elements and React Native Paper.
Akvelon is a developer of enterprise React Native applications. Cross-platform experience.
Altoros is a React Native expert who trains corporate teams in React Native best practice.
Appandflow React Native consulting and staff augmentation. Built React Native blueprint course. Experts in React Native app design, strategy, QA and DevOps.
Apptension is a React Native shop based in Europe that works with startups and businesses.
The list below represents the top React Native teams in the world today. All of them offer design, development and QA capabilities as well as ongoing support for React Native applications on iOS and Android.
Evaluation of firms: Key factors
When researching and evaluating React Native developers, here are some key factors to take into consideration:
- Ask about the complexity of their React Native apps. You can ask about the complexity of React Native applications they have built.
- Design Skills – A strong firm’s design capabilities go beyond development. This will ensure quality UX/UI and a great user experience.
- Look at their client portfolio. They may have developed apps for different clients and industries. Look for portfolio diversity.
- Cross Platform Experience: The team must have deep experience in both iOS platforms and Android to develop cross-platform apps.
- Communication is key, particularly for remote teams. Assess your communication style and skills.
- Development Process – Ask them about the entire process of development, from conception to launch. Check if the product meets your expectations and needs.
- Budget & Timeline – Compare budgets and timelines by comparing proposals from different firms. Beware of very cheap options.
- Culture Fit – Make sure that the work styles and culture match. This will lead to a smoother collaboration.
Due diligence can help you identify the right React Native partner to meet your needs. Concentrate on companies that have a proven track record of delivering real-world React Native apps.
Why Hire React Native Developers Dedicated to the Job?
Hiring React Native App developers in USA as full-time employees or as a part of a larger dev team has several benefits.
Domain expertise
Devoted React Native developers allow for deep institutional knowledge rather than relying on solely freelancers. They are familiar with the codebase, tools and processes, as well as the architecture.
Better Quality
Developers who are dedicated to a product will invest more in it than contractors that change projects. This results in higher code quality and a lower defect rate.
Collaboration Enhanced
Due to their involvement in the product’s direction, full-time React Native developers are better able to collaborate cross-functionally. They are better communicators with product, design and QA teams.
Increased output
Over time, dedicated developers become experts in the codebase, allowing for much faster development. More features are delivered because contractors take less time to ramp up.
Reduced Risk
Reduced developer turnover reduces the risk of code instability and loss in accumulated knowledge. There is no need to train new developers on a regular basis.
Cost Efficiency
Over time, dedicated developers reduce costs by reducing hiring and onboarding. Total costs are often lower.
Hiring dedicated developers makes sense for React Native apps that are expected to grow in the future. This will enable them to deliver features faster, with higher quality and at lower costs.
The Key Takeaways
- Define roles and responsibilities clearly for each React Native employee
- Both mobile and web experience is required
- Assess React Native skills beyond React
- Communication, collaboration and cultural fit are all important factors to consider
- React Native and Open Source Contributions: Previous React Native Apps
- Native platform knowledge is important for iOS/Android
- Pay attention to the UI/UX details
- Communication and collaboration skills
- Top React Native developers offer research experience
- Compare the project budget, timeline and process
- Collaboration is smoother when you focus on the cultural fit
- Hire React Native developers to improve quality and output
It takes some time to find talented React Native developers in USA, but it is well worth the effort. A successful app is a result of partnering with an experienced React Native developer team.
