The ReactJS vs. React Native Dilemma: How to Make the Right Choice

The ReactJS vs. React Native Dilemma: How to 

Make the Right Choice 

React Native and React (also known as ReactJS), apart from owing their existence to 

Facebook have one more thing in common – JavaScript. Both pride themselves as the 

progressive technology that drives mobile and web respectively. 

React JS is a JavaScript Library that helps simplify the development process, build 

high-performing web apps and help deliver impeccable UIs. React Native on the other 

hand is a popular mobile app development framework used by mobile app developers 

to build Android and cross-platform applications. 

info@techtic.com www.techtic.com +1 201-793-8324

Also referred to as an extension of React JS, the main focus of the React Native 

framework is user interface, visual effects, and its immaculateness. React Native have in 

the past few years emerged as the most sought-after mobile application 

development framework by 1000s of businesses worldwide from Facebook, 

Instagram, Bloomberg, Skype, Soundcloud Pulse, Pinterest, and AirBnB to name a few. 


Let's Talk - Efficiency 

‘Both’ React Native or React JS Enhances Developer Efficiency 

Looking to build beautiful user interfaces for your business? ReactJS is the JavaScript 

library that does that for you. One of the unique features of ReactJS is that they can 

function together interoperable, i.e. it can perform on the client-side, while being 

rendered on the server-side. So, what do you get out of it? 

ReactJS not only helps you enhance developer efficiency, but also empowers them with 

added opportunity to utilize while making basic abstractions. Simply speaking, it is 

equally valuable for lower level parts like clickable buttons and higher-level parts 

like dropdowns. 


However, for React Native, a different approach is adopted to maximize developer 

efficiency. Components you would use in Android or iOS have counterparts right in 

ReactJS, so you will get the same look and feel. Reusable native components compile 

directly to native that form the building blocks in React Native. Here the app will have 

the look, speed, and functionality of a native mobile app that makes React Native unique 

and STAND OUT from other mobile app development frameworks. 

Moreover, the React Native framework also allows highly experienced engineers to add 

native codes (Java, Swift, Objective-C etc.) to the framework, so as to help achieve that 

custom look. 

The success and the future of React Native is very much secured with these simple 

words of realization from the Facebook founder – clearly giving direction to the many 

advantages of building mobile apps using React Native framework. 

Let's Talk - Feasibility 

Combine Technologies with React JS 

React or ReactJS combines technologies, where HTML and JavaScript, comes together 

continually. Now, it is also concluded that this is done mainly to include CSS, which 

rejects a bunch of issues identified with CSS development, such as worldwide 

namespace, and variable/scope isolation. 

Add Code with Any Existing App in React Native 

Are you looking to add more to your existing app, but not preferring to change the code 

of the whole app? React Native can help make it possible for your business. You can just 

add React Native components into your existing app’s code. And in case your current 

hybrid app was built with Ionic and Cordova, you can reuse that Cordova-based code 

effectively with just a plugin. 


Let's Talk - Capability and Prowess 

Boost SEO for Web App with React JS 

React JS is was designed keeping Search Engine Optimization (SEO) in mind, wherein it 

uses Node to render on the server of the user. Although there are similar tools to give 

this server viewpoint to rendering, they usually call for a ton of unstable hacks. This is 

apart from an extensive amount of developer support that is required for maintenance. 


Build Responsive UI with React Native 

React Native on the other hand, is exclusively dedicated to building a mobile UI. This 

means, besides being completely UI-centred React Native makes for more like a 

JavaScript library rather than a framework. Hereby, the resultant UI is remarkably 

responsive that delivers a much smoother feel to the apps along with speedier load 

times. 


Let's Talk - How it Works 

What works behind the scene for both of these amazing technologies – ReactJS and 

React Native is what everyone wants to know. While React Native makes use of native 

APIs to render UI parts that can be reused over and again on both iOS and Android 

platforms, ReactJS harnesses the power of the virtual DOM (Document Object Model) to 

create better UX. 

Virtual DOM for ReactJS 

DOM as you know, is about the logical structure of documents and the way it is accessed 

and manipulated. However, it takes time to build one and DOM trees nowadays are 

large. But, when you use React JS, it manages to accomplish this procedure faster and 


seamlessly by utilizing a virtual DOM that helps in making quick updates, while creating 

dynamic UIs. ReactJS does it by simply making use of an abstract copy of the Document 

Object Model, making the required changes to the ‘one component’ and that too sans 

influencing the rest of the UI. 

Native APIs for React Native 

On the other hand, React Native uses Objective-C APIs to write iOS components and 

Java APIs to render Android components. Thereafter, JavaScript is utilized to compose 

whatever remains of the code and customizing the app for every platform – ensuring 

maximum reusability of the components and shareability of codes. 

While ReactJS uses HTML and CSS, React Native does not. You will have to create stylesheets 

in JavaScript so as to style your ReactNative components, which even though may 

look similar to CSS, but are not closely the same. Similarly, ReactJS uses against 

in React Native, while in React is used instead offor React Native. 

Here is an example to show the same: 

For ReactJS 


For ReactNative 

Protip: To run your app built with React Native, you will need to have Android Studio 

(for Android) or Xcode (for iOS, on Mac only) installed on your computer. Thereafter, you 

can either decide to run it on a simulator/emulator of the platform of your choice or 

directly on your own devices. 

Over to you… 

It is great fun using both ReactJS and ReactNative tool. Developers who are adept at 

ReactJS have an edge, as they can also build great applications in React Native. React 

Native is damn fast and takes 33% less time than building an Android or iOS app 

natively. In fact, it allows you to build complex UI as quick as you would do with ReactJS 

that works quite well for both iOS and Android. Another great thing about working with 

ReactNative is that it allows the use of most developer tools (such as Chrome Dev Tools, 

Redux DevTools, etc) used with ReactJS. 

Are you looking to build web app using ReactJS or an impeccable mobile 

application using the React Native framework? Talk to our experts for 

suggestions and solutions. 


Related Blog: 

Why ReactJS is the Most Preferable for Your Next Development Project? 

What’s New in React 16.3(.0-alpha) 

React Native is the FUTURE – Know How to Get the Best of It 

How React Native Is The Future Of App Development? 

Socialize with us:

The ReactJS vs. React Native Dilemma: How to Make the Right Choice

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?