React Native vs React: What’s the Difference & Which One Should You Choose?
In this growing world of web and mobile app development, React and React native are two popular technologies developed by Facebook (Now Meta). Both share similar names and underlying principles, but they serve different purposes.
In this blog, we’ll break down React Vs React native, what they are, how they differ, and which one you should choose depending on your goals.
What is React?
React (also known as React.js or ReactJS) is an open-source JavaScript library used for building user interfaces, particularly for websites and web applications.
It follows component-based development, which means you can build reusable UI components (such as buttons, headers, and forms), making your development more modular and efficient.
Used for: Building modern, interactive web apps.
Platform: Web browsers.
Core Features:
- Virtual DOM for fast rendering
- Reusable components
- Powerful ecosystem (React Router, Redux, Next.js)
- Strong developer community
Example Use Cases:
- SaaS dashboards
- E-commerce websites
- Admin panels
- Portfolios or company websites
What Is React Native?
React native is an open-source JavaScript framework used for building native mobile applications for iOS and Android.
It extends the principles of React, a JavaScript library for building user interfaces, to mobile development.
Used for: Building cross-platform mobile apps.
Platform: iOS and Android.
Core Features:
- Shared codebase for Android & iOS
- Native performance via JavaScript bridge
- Access to device features (camera, GPS, etc.)
- Fast development with Hot Reloading
Example Use Cases:
- Social media apps
- Delivery or ride-sharing apps
- Mobile startups
- MVPs (minimum viable products)
React vs React Native: Key Differences
| Feature | React | React Native |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | Web (Desktop & Mobile) | Mobile (iOS & Android) |
| Output | HTML, CSS, JS | Native UI Components |
| Styling | CSS, SCSS, Styled-components | StyleSheet API |
| Navigation | React Router | React Navigation |
| DOM Interaction | Virtual DOM | Native APIs via Bridge |
| Performance | Optimized for Web | Near-Native Performance |
| Code Reusability | Web Only | Mobile (with optional web via React Native Web) |
Which One Should You Choose?
| Goal | Recommended Technology |
|---|---|
| Build a web application | React.js |
| Build a mobile application | React Native |
| Need both web and mobile |
Use React for web, React Native for mobile Or try Expo, Next.js + React Native Web |
| Quick MVP for a startup | React Native |
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Looking to build your next mobile app or integrate a scalable backend?
Let’s turn your idea into reality. Contact us today.
