You've decided to jump on the cross-platform app development “bandwagon” and to build an app that targets both Android and iOS users.
An app that works on multiple frameworks and caters to multiple audiences... at the same time.
Now, the question that arises is:
Why would you go for React Native? Over any other cross-platform app development framework?
Why not... Flutter or Xamarin? Or maybe Ionic?
What are the key benefits that, as a business owner, you'd reap from going for this particular framework?
I've piled together all the reasons why you'd want to use React Native to build your cross-platform app with, then I've narrowed down the long list to... 5 reasons.
The strongest ones.
Here they are:
But First: What Is Cross-Platform App Development More Precisely?
Compared to native app development, cross-platform mobile development refers to:
Building a custom app meant to work on several platforms. And to be compatible to multiple software environments.
In short: a versatile mobile app that works on both iOS and Android.
Having one codebase, one development team and just one app to test (and to maintain) translates into lower costs.
And it bubbles up to the user experience, as well.
Now, getting back to the best possible answers to your legitimate question:
“What are the advantages of React Native for cross-platform app development?”
… here are 5 key reasons why you'd lean towards this framework:
Reason #1: It's Cost-Effective
Why? It's pretty obvious:
- React Native allows you to code once and use the same codebase for any operating system; you get to (re)use the same code for both Android and iOS development
- it provides you with platform-specific UI elements
- there's only one JavaScript codebase to... test; fewer test cases for you to “juggle with” since you only need to fix all bugs and errors once
Reason #2: You Can Quickly Prototype an App
React Native accelerates your prototyping process, so you can:
- get a functional cross-platform app up and running in no time
- collect valuable user feedback much quicker
If you run a startup betting on a highly innovative app idea or a product company, the speed at which you manage to turn your idea into a prototype and to release it to the market is crucial.
Reason #3: Brand-Aligned and Consistent User Experience
“Why would I choose React Native as my cross-platform app development solution?”
Because it helps you keep consistency in your app's UI design.
Users get to interact with the same UI elements, irrespective of the platform that they use your mobile app on. Which instills a sense of familiarity and delivers them a uniform user experience...
Reason #4: You Expand Your Audience
And this is the first reason that you'd get in any “native app development vs cross-platform” debate.
As a cross-platform mobile app development framework, React Native enables you to widen your app's reach:
You build one app for both Android and iOS users.
Reason #5: You Build Your Mobile App Faster
Why go for React Native over other cross-platform app development frameworks?
Because it speeds up the development process:
Your development team can put together a mobile app faster thanks to the pre-built components that React Native provides them with.
Do they need to implement certain functionality into your cross-platform app? They stand high chances to find it, already coded by other React Native developers, and free to be deployed in your own app.
Reason #6: You'll Only Need One Development Team
A single team, that has hands-on experience working with a set of technologies.
Speaking of cost-effectiveness, right?
Moreover, by having a unique team handling all the stages of your project you avoid a scenario where too many teams risk to... sabotage one another. And to compromise the app project itself.
Final Word: React Native's the Right Cross-Platform App Development Solution for You If...
- you're a startup
- you're a small-medium company
- the time factor is critical for you and you need to prototype a mobile app in no time
- ... with as little resources as possible
Don't have a React developer in your team?
We've got you covered. There's a whole team of React Native developers here, at OPTASY, ready to help you.
Just drop us a line.
Tell us about that innovative mobile app idea of yours, the functionalities that it should incorporate, and... we'll get back to you with a draft plan.
Image by ijmaki from Pixabay
