Deciding between Native and React Native for your mobile apps

React Native and native development are both popular options for building mobile applications, but they have some key differences.

React Native is a framework for building mobile apps using JavaScript and React. It allows developers to build cross-platform apps that can run on both iOS and Android, using the same codebase. This can save time and resources compared to developing separate apps for each platform. This enables your business to hire one team that is able to release features across web desktop and mobile apps instead of multiple teams recreating the same experience. React Native also uses a virtual DOM, which allows for faster rendering and better performance than traditional web-based apps.

On the other hand, native development refers to building mobile apps using the native programming languages for each platform, such as Swift for iOS and Kotlin for Android. These apps are typically faster and more responsive than cross-platform apps, as they are built specifically for the platform they run on. They also have access to all of the platform's features and APIs, which can provide a more seamless user experience. However, developing separate apps for each platform can take more time and resources than using a cross-platform framework like React Native.

In terms of performance, native development is generally considered to be faster and more responsive than React Native. However, React Native has improved significantly in recent years, and the performance gap between the two has been reduced. Where you will really see a difference is when using functionality such as AR, 3d images and animation-heavy elements. Additionally, React Native allows for faster development and iteration, as well as the ability to reuse code across platforms.

Ultimately, the choice between React Native and native development will depend on the specific needs and goals of your business. If you're looking to build a fast and responsive app that takes full advantage of the latest platform features, native development may be the way to go. But if you're looking to save time and resources, or if you have a web development background, React Native may be a better choice.

If you do decide to go down the route of React Native our composable commerce accelerator is built to support fast rollout of your native mobile apps.