What is the difference between React Native and React?

What is the difference between Host objects and Native objects ?

In modern web and mobile application development, two technologies have been making waves: React and React Native. Both are open-source frameworks developed by Facebook, designed to streamline and enhance the process of building user interfaces. But what sets them apart? This article will tell the key differences between React, primarily used for web development, and React Native, a framework for building cross-platform mobile applications.

Basic Introduction of React or ReactJS:

React, also known as ReactJS, is an open-source JavaScript library developed by Facebook, designed to create superior user interfaces and efficient Document Object Model (DOM) manipulation. The main thing in React is its innovative virtual DOM concept. When data is received from the server, the virtual DOM updates accordingly. This updated virtual DOM is then compared with the real DOM using a complex algorithm, and only the sections of the real DOM that differ from the virtual DOM are updated. This approach ensures optimal performance and a smooth user experience.

ReactJS

React is used for creating websites, web apps, SPAs etc.
React is a Javascript library used for creating UI hierarchy.
It is responsible for rendering of UI components, It is considered as V part Of MVC framework.
React’s virtual DOM is faster than the conventional full refresh model, since the virtual DOM refreshes only parts of the page, Thus decreasing the page refresh time.
React uses components as basic unit of UI which can be reused this saves coding time.
Simple and easy to learn.

React sample code

javascript

import React, { Component } from 'react';
import ReactDOM from 'react-dom';

// every component is created by 
// extending the React Component class. 
class Clock extends React.Component { 
  constructor(props) {
    super(props);
    // constructor creates an instance of this class.
    this.state = {date: new Date()};
  }

  componentDidMount() {
  // this function is called immediately 
  // after component is mounted on DOM.
    this.timerID = setInterval(
      () => this.tick(),
      1000
    );
  }

  componentWillUnmount() {
  // called before component will unmount from DOM.
    clearInterval(this.timerID);
  }

  tick() {
  // this function is used to update the 
  // state of Clock component.
    this.setState({
      date: new Date()
    });
  }

  render() {
    return (
      <div>
        <h1>Today Date and Time</h1>
        <h2>It is {this.state.date.toLocaleTimeString()}.</h2>
      </div>
    );
  }
}
// code will not run needs specific environment setup
ReactDOM.render(
  <Clock />,
  document.getElementById('root')
);

Basic Introduction Of React Native:

React Native is a powerful tool that enables developers to create genuine and engaging mobile applications using just JavaScript. It supports both Android and iOS platform devices. With React Native, you write your code once, and your apps will be available on both iOS and Android platforms. This cross-platform compatibility significantly reduces development time. React Native, also a creation of Facebook, has gained immense popularity and boasts a robust community support today. Built on top of ReactJS, React Native is a compelling alternative to AngularJS. Despite their shared origins, there are notable similarities and differences between React Native and ReactJS, which we will explore in this article.

React Native

React Native is a framework that is used to create cross-platform Native apps. It means you can create native apps and the same app will run on Android and ios.
React native have all the benefits of ReactJS
React native allows developers to create native apps in web-style approach.
Front end developer can become mobile developer easily.

Sample React Native code

javascript

import React, { Component } from 'react';
import { Text, View } from 'react-native';

class ReactNative extends Component {
  render() {
    return (
      // it is a container, layout support with flexbox think 
      // of it like a div with a container class.
      <View>
        <Text>// A react component for displaying text.
          If you like React on the web, you'll like React Native.
        </Text>
        <Text>
          You just use native components like 'View' and 'Text',
          instead of web components like 'div' and 'span'.
        </Text>
      </View>
    );
  }
}

Difference Between React Native and React

Feature	React Native	ReactJS (React)
Platform	Primarily for mobile app development.	Primarily for web app development.
Development Environment	Requires installation of mobile SDKs.	Requires only a web browser.
User Interface	Native components for UI rendering.	DOM-based rendering for UI.
Language	Uses JavaScript or TypeScript.	Uses JavaScript or TypeScript.
Components	Different set of components for mobile.	Comprehensive set for web development.
Styling	Uses Flexbox layout for styling.	Supports CSS for styling components.
Navigation	Navigation handled with Navigator API.	Routing handled with React Router.
Performance	Compiled to native code for performance.	Relies on browser’s rendering engine.
Access to Device APIs	Direct access to device APIs.	Limited access, requires libraries.
Debugging	Debugging through IDE or Chrome DevTools.	Debugging through browser’s DevTools.

These are some of the fundamental differences between React Native, which is used for mobile app development, and ReactJS (or React), which is used for web app development. Each has its own strengths and is suited for specific types of projects.

Tags:

#Difference Between #ReactJS #Web Technologies