Have you ever experienced two developers arguing about the use of react & react native? One is for web development and the other is for mobile app development. Those two are correct, they share a common lineage and name, but they serve entirely different purposes. Let’s dive into their unique roles, advantages, and when to use each.

What is React?

React, officially React.js, is a JavaScript library designed for building user interfaces, primarily for web applications. Developed by Meta (formerly Facebook), it focuses on creating seamless, interactive UIs with reusable components. Think of React as the go-to tool for building responsive, dynamic websites—like Instagram’s feed or Facebook’s web app.React simplifies UI development by breaking interfaces into components, each managing its own state. It allows developers to create highly dynamic experiences while optimising performance using its virtual DOM.

Key Features of React

• Declarative Syntax: React lets developers describe how the UI should look based on the application’s state, eliminating the need for manual DOM manipulation.
• Component-Based Architecture: Reusable, modular components mean cleaner code and faster development.
• Virtual DOM: A performance-focused approach to updating UI elements efficiently.

React is the cornerstone of modern web development, empowering developers to build high-performing web applications.

What is React Native?

React Native is a framework for building mobile applications using JavaScript. Like React, it was created by Meta (formerly Facebook), but its mission is distinct: bringing native-like performance and design to mobile platforms like iOS and Android, all from a single codebase.

Instead of building separate apps for each platform, React Native uses a bridge to translate JavaScript into native code. This means you get the look and feel of a native app without having to write in Swift or Java.

Key Features of React Native

• Cross-Platform Development: Write once, run on iOS and Android with minimal tweaks.
• Native Components: Instead of web elements like <div> or <button>, you use mobile-native elements like <View> and <Text>.
• Hot Reloading: See your changes instantly during development.

With React Native, developers can focus on building seamless mobile experiences while maintaining a single development workflow.

React vs. React Native: The Key Differences

Feature	React	React Native
Platform	Web applications	Mobile apps (iOS, Android)
Rendering	Uses the virtual DOM	Renders native components
Components	HTML-like (e.g., <div>, <button>)	Mobile-specific (e.g., <View>, <Text>)
Development Focus	UI for responsive websites	Cross-platform mobile app development

Both tools leverage JavaScript and React’s core principles but are optimised for different goals.

Which One Should You Use?

Choosing between React and React Native depends entirely on your project. Here’s a simple way to decide:

• Go with React if you’re building a website or a web app. It excels at creating dynamic, component-driven UIs that scale effortlessly across browsers.
• Use React Native when developing a mobile app that needs to perform natively on iOS and Android while sharing a single codebase.

For instance:

• A company creating an e-commerce platform might use React for its website and React Native for its mobile app.
• Developers working on research tools for the web might rely on React, while those targeting mobile gaming would choose React Native.

React powers some of the most engaging websites in the world—think of Facebook’s News Feed or Airbnb’s search interface. Meanwhile, React Native has been used to build apps like Instagram, Uber Eats, and Tesla, demonstrating its versatility and performance.

React and React Native are both groundbreaking technologies in the development ecosystem. While they share similarities in philosophy, their applications couldn’t be more different. Understanding their unique strengths helps ensure you choose the right tool for the job.