7 Advantages and Disadvantages of React Native | Limitations & Benefits of React Native

React Native is a open source which allows to build Android and iOS apps. It is based on the JavaScript extension. Facebook is the most popular social media platform built using the React Native framework. In fact, it is created by Facebook in the year 2015. 

Before the usage of React Native, Facebook relied on other programming language HTML5. The app received overwhelming negative responses due to its constant crashing. This is when React Native came into existence. Ever since the usage of React Native, the Facebook app has considerably better data retrieval rate and stability. Other than that, React Native is a great choice for the projects because of its enhanced user experience and native application features. 

Due to the cross platform development, there is a rise in the usage of React Native. This platform targets many platforms as possible with one single code base. Even though there are many developers who choose React Native as their development framework, but its not suitable for every single project. Developing an app using React Native comes with certain benefits and drawbacks. You must analyze both the pros and cons, before opting for this framework.

In this article, I will be exploring about the 7 Advantages and Disadvantages of React Native | Limitations & Benefits of React Native. By analyzing the pros and cons, you will know how to use this platform at the right time.

Let's get started,

Advantages of React Native

1. Cost

React Native  allows you to create one single app for multiple platforms. There is only one development team involved in creating the application. So the entire project can be managed through a smaller team. Therefore, the cost of developing two separate apps are eliminated. Having one single team not only ensures cost savings but also minimal errors and easy management. However, the team must be composed of the JavaScript developers. 

2. Consistency

When an application is created for two or more platforms, it should maintain consistency levels. Consistency across different platforms in terms of user experience and features. Even though React Native is built using the cross platform approach still the working process is similar to that of a native app. The interface used in a React Native app will be able to support native components.

3. Development Speed

React Native is based on the cross platform code base. Meaning that, two or more operating systems are targeted with a single code base. Thus, a lot of time is saved which is used to build the app. So if there is any deadlines given for a project, the team can create them on time. In addition to that, certain components of React Native are ready to use. It does not require you to design the code from the scratch.

4. Code Reusability

The code used in React Native ensures maximum reusability. Almost 90% of the code can be integrated for different platforms. The developers are required to write the code only once, then they are free to reuse it many times. Apart from the mobile apps, the same feature can be seen in web development as well.

5. Reloading Feature

React Native comes with two different reloading features. Which is the Hot and Live reloading. Hot reloading is feature which allows you to see instant changes of the code. Similar to a line preview. There is no time wastage here since the results are shown immediately. On the other hand, Live reloading automatically detects the changes made to the file and reloads the entire app. At the same time new file is created. 

6. Stability

Set of components used in React Native determines how its going to be shown in a platform. Therefore, developers are free from the task of researching about the platform. Meanwhile, they could utilize this time in developing the apps. This will overall ensure that the app will attain stable growth by means of features and upgrades.

7. Community Support

Community support is another advantage of a React Native platform. Due to the fact that, React Native  is based on open source framework, the developers can share their knowledge with others. This platform is continuously backed by the development community. The development community is composed with a team of people who are technically strong in the field of coding. Once a developer faces any issues, these people are ready to provide support until the issue is resolved.

Disadvantages of React Native

1. Performance

React Native apps are not able to deliver expected quality and performance as that of a native app. The framework used in native app is based on JavaScript which is known to compromise speed. This is because the new JS engine needs to be linked with the native world. However, the performance degrade is not prominent unless it is a graphics intensive app. Otherwise, the difference isn't barely noticeable.

2. Security

Some of the applications related to banking and finance handles confidential information. Maintaining security in React Native is challenging in React Native again because of the fact that it is open source framework. Always the JavaScript frameworks offer lowest levels of security. So in cases where app needs to be highly secure, a React Native framework should not be used.

3. Technical Expertise

Due to the face that React Native is built using the cross platform approach, the developers should be with adequate knowledge on native and web technologies. Such people must be also expert in Android and iOS mobile app developing. And a separate native developer is required for the management. Now it is not an easy task to find an experienced developers with in depth knowledge in app development.

4. Learning Curve

Creating an app in JavaScript syntax is a difficult process. Especially, for the freshers in the field of programming. Therefore, users must spend some time learning about React Native. And since a React Native app is targeted for two or more platforms, developers should expertise in all of them. Otherwise, it can be quite difficult to fix inconsistencies in different platforms. 

5. Functionality Limitations

The components used in React Native perform differently on each platform. React Native depends on JavaScript library which uses APIs for controlling app functions. The API cannot be unified to support different platforms. Hence, the apps created with React Native reduces some levels of interactions, animations and gestures.

6. Debugging Facility

The programming language behind React Native are Java, C++, JavaScript and Objective-C. Thus, for the process of debugging, you should have a fair knowledge on the native language. If not, debugging can be tough. That is the reason why React Native developers have integrated their platform with Flipper. From this kind of integration, the debugging process is made more easier.

7. Custom Modules

React Native applications are included with custom modules which defines the app functioning and appearance. Normally these modules are optimized to work properly. However, there can be instances to build components from the scratch. If you try to add custom modules, you may end up contradicting with the existing ones. As a result, you will have two or more codebases each with unique appearance and functions.