Do you remember the early days of mobile app development when developers had to create separate codebases for each platform—iOS, Android, Windows, and more? This often led to increased development time, higher costs, and complex maintenance. As the industry evolved, the demand for cross-platform solutions grew, paving the way for frameworks that could simplify the process.

Today, cross-platform development frameworks like React Native have revolutionised the mobile app industry. According to a report by Statista, the global market for mobile applications is projected to generate over $935 billion in revenues by 2023. With the rise of frameworks like React Native, the future looks even more promising, as businesses seek efficient and cost-effective ways to develop high-quality apps.

What is React Native and How Does It Work?

React Native is an open-source framework created by Facebook that enables developers to build mobile applications using JavaScript and React. It allows for the development of natively rendered mobile apps for both iOS and Android with a single codebase. By leveraging the power of React, a popular JavaScript library for building user interfaces, React Native enables developers to create rich, mobile UIs from declarative components.

Why Choose React Native?

React Native offers numerous advantages that make it a popular choice for mobile app development:

Cross-Platform Development: Write once, run anywhere. React Native allows developers to use a single codebase for both iOS and Android, saving time and resources.
Performance: React Native components are compiled into native code, offering the performance of native apps.
Live Reload: Developers can see the results of the latest changes immediately, enhancing productivity and speeding up the development process.
Community and Ecosystem: With a large community and numerous libraries and tools available, React Native provides robust support for developers.

Best React Native Apps in the Industry

Many prominent companies have adopted React Native to build their mobile applications, showcasing its versatility and effectiveness:

Facebook: The framework was developed by Facebook, and naturally, the company uses it for its own app, as well as Instagram.
Airbnb: Before transitioning to a hybrid model, Airbnb used React Native extensively to improve developer productivity and app performance.
Uber Eats: Uber’s food delivery service app utilizes React Native for its smooth and efficient user experience.

Nordstone Build React Native applications:

1. Fitness	2. E-Commerce	3. Banking/Finance
4. Food/Restaurants	5. Healthcare	6. Travel/Hospitality
7. Real Estate	8. IoT	9. AR/VR

Other Development Platforms vs. React Native Coding

Feature	Traditional Native Development	React Native Development
Codebase	Separate codebases for iOS and Android	Single codebase for both iOS and Android
Development Time	Longer due to separate development processes	Shorter due to shared codebase
Performance	High, as apps are built using native components	Near-native performance with optimised components
Maintenance	More complex, and requires updates on both platforms separately	Simplified, updates can be made across both platforms simultaneously
Cost	Higher, due to dual development teams and processes	Lower, thanks to shared resources and faster development cycles

How to Develop a React Native App

Things to Consider

Choose the Right Development Tools: Utilize tools like Expo or React Native CLI to streamline the development process.
Component Reusability: Take advantage of reusable components to enhance code efficiency and consistency.
State Management: Implement effective state management using libraries like Redux or MobX.
Testing: Employ tools like Jest and Detox for comprehensive testing to ensure the app’s functionality and performance.

Steps to Migrate Existing Apps to React Native Apps

Migrating an existing app to React Native involves several key steps

Code Assessment: Evaluate the current codebase to understand the scope of migration.
Component Mapping: Identify reusable components and modules that can be adapted to React Native.
Incremental Migration: Start by migrating individual features or screens to minimise risk and ensure a smooth transition.
Testing and Optimization: Rigorously test the migrated components to ensure they function as expected across both platforms.

Cost to Develop a React Native Mobile App in London

The cost of developing a React Native mobile app varies based on several factors:

App Complexity: More complex apps with advanced features will require more development time and resources.
Design Requirements: Custom designs and user interfaces can increase development costs.
Testing and Maintenance: Comprehensive testing and ongoing maintenance contribute to the overall cost.

On average, developing a React Native mobile app can range from £20,000 to £100,000, depending on the project’s scope and requirements. For a precise estimate, it is recommended to consult with our professional React Native Mobile App Developers at Nordstone in London.

Developing with React Native teaches us the value of efficiency, adaptability, and community support in modern mobile app development. The ability to use a single codebase for multiple platforms reduces development time and costs, while the strong community and ecosystem provide robust support and resources. At Nordstone, a leading React Native Mobile App Developer in the UK, we leverage these benefits to deliver high-quality, cross-platform mobile apps that meet our client’s needs. Contact us to learn how we can help you build a powerful React Native app that stands out in today’s competitive market.