Firstly, technology is evolving at a rapid pace. Newer technologies are coming to replace the older ones and this has made coding and programming much easier and simpler. Particularly, newer frameworks are coming into the market that allows to do things in a much more feasible and easier way. In order to meet ever changing and demanding business needs, there are several technologies.  These technologies as well as platforms are out there that fulfill this issue or objective. In conclusion, we are here to discuss two new technologies that has changed the pace of mobile app development. These technologies are popular in their own spectrum and fields respectively. These technologies are React Native and Kotlin (React Native vs Kotlin).

React Native is the newest addition to the React family of frameworks. React native is a mixture of react framework and native javascript libraries that helps aid development efforts for mobile apps. This framework and language enable hybrid mobile app development that suits both Android as well as iOS applications. Kotlin is the second official language that is supported by Android applications as Google announced it in this decade. It is the only language to replace Java that was long being used as the main Android development language until now.

React Native vs Kotlin

React Native

React Native is a combination of React framework used to building web and mobile applications using JavaScript It includes Native declarations that is supported by JavaScript. Together they form React Native framework that is used to develop hybrid mobile apps that run using a combination of native technologies along with the React framework. React Native is a framework for coding and writing real native mobile applications for iOS as well as Android. It easily facilitates to reuse code across the web and mobile applications. This framework enabled programmers and developers to build truly native applications using their classic all time favourite javascript. They use this to build rich mobile UI components using declarative components.

In order to use React Native for mobile app development you need to use and install NodeJS and NPM(Node Package Manager). These tools are for installing React Native dependencies.  You also need to do further configurations to smoothly run the software package.
 

PROs of React Native

Faster to build

The biggest selling point that has an advantage for React Native is its shorter development time. Now here is the question that how is it faster that enables it to have shorter development time? So the main answer is that it uses reusable components that are easily ready to apply to code that results in time saving and can be reused. An example to this is FlatList: this is a component that is provided and included by react native. This component gives you the same functionality as Androids RecycleView or iOS TableView
 

One Code base, two platforms

This feature enable you to develop apps for two totally different platforms and that too using a single code base. This single code base works flawlessly with the development efforts of both Android and iOS platforms. React Native enables developers to build apps for both iOS and Android platforms all from the same framework. However, there are some functionalities that Native SDKs provide.  These are still to be implemented and written specifically for React Native.
 

Hot Reloading

There were times when multi platform app development required the developer to manually execute and compile the code in order to see the changes to the code. Now with react native, all the compilation is done automatically, and changes are seen in real time for the code base.  Compared to native app development where even a small minute change requires the entire application to be restarted and executed.
 

Smaller teams

Comparatively Native app development required two dedicated teams for both Android and iOS apps development. When you use React Native for app development, the team size decreases as they know javascript used for app development.
 

Migration for Web to Mobile

If a developer is thinking to migrate from web development to mobile development then it is easier for him, when using react native as the major or core framework remains the same. This results in an easier migration from web platform to mobile platform.

Also Read: Kotlin vs Java: What to Choose for Android Development

CONs of React Native

Prior Knowledge Required

The major drawback of react native app development is that it requires prior knowledge of Javascript. It is used to combine native code with that of hybrid apps. They will need to code their custom components the same way as it is done with Android apps using XML files
 

Less Secure

React native as it uses JavaScript for app development is known for being less secure as JavaScript itself being fragile.  For example mobile banking applications developed using react native can be less secure and susceptible to intruders and hackers.
 

Limited 3rd party libraries

When it comes to using third party libraries there are limited libraries that are available. In native app development you can use all APIs but when using react native you have limited access to APIs as they are not readily available.
 

Kotlin

Kotlin is a language that was developed by JetBrains and is used by Google to develop as an official language under Android application development. This is a newer programming language that runs under the JVM or java virtual machine thereby enabling development for android apps.
 

Pros of Kotlin

The code in kotlin provides exactly precise as well as concise compact code. It has fewer chances for making errors by the developer. It provides fewer lines of code for the same functionality as that written in Java for Android.
 

Reliable Maintenance and Support

Kotin is developed by the great IDE development company JetBrains, which provides many popular tools for IDEs including Android Studio, and other tools. Therefore there is no doubt that it will provide impeccable support for Kotlin as well. Major releases and updates are provided on time and in regular intervals.
 

Less Code

There is one major rule that the less you code for the same functionality the minimal chances for you as a developer to make errors and bugs. Therefore kotlin is well known to provide the same functionality as that of Java to perform the same task or operation.
 

Reliable Language

Kotlin has been undergone extensive testing before being releases. Therefore it is well known for its reliability and efficiency.
 

Compatibility with existing code

If you have a native app developed under using java language then you can use the feature of interoperability where kotlin code works in tandem with java code. The code is easily interoperable as it executes under JVM.
 

CONs of Kotlin

Learning Curve

There is some amount of learning curve involved when learing Kotlin as there are some subtle differences in syntax and the usage of the language.
 

Smaller Community

Kotlin community is small and not as developed as React natives, this is because the language was just released in this decade and will take time to reach its maturity stage.

Read more: Flutter vs Xamarin vs React Native: Which cross-platform Mobile App Development framework to choose in 2021?

Conclusion

So we have discussed the various differences and similarities of Kotlin and React Native (React Native vs Kotlin). If you are looking to hire react native developers or hire Kotlin developers then contact us at enquiy@nimapinfotech.com with your requirements.

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Can you spot a difference between a mobile app and a high-performing mobile app?

There are many and millions of apps available. These apps are used by the majority of the people on this planet to transform everyday tasks into pleasurable experiences. Mobile apps have changed the way one thinks and executes routine functions right from commuting to cooking.

You might have noticed that only high-performing apps are downloaded and used by users among thousands of apps. If your app does not perform well or they find unpleasant experiences, then your users will choose to abandon it and find another alternative. Unfortunately, it also affects your overall impression and you may end up losing your valuable customer.

Performance includes many factors such as speed, network, device, responsiveness, execution, faster loading time, and user experience. The performance of a mobile app is ‘critically’ important to grow your user base.

Cross-platform Mobile App Development is the way forward.

And here in this post, we will be comparing the top three best cross-platform mobile app development frameworks, React Native vs. Ionic vs, Flutter.

We know that native app development has its own advantage of superior performance but you can’t overlook the power of cross-platform apps to create flawless apps in fewer resources, reduced time, and noticeably less cost.

React Native, Ionic, and Flutter are considered as top choices for next-gen, modern app development and each of these frameworks has a fair share of benefits over others.

We are starting with a little introduction to each open-source framework:

React Native:

Backed by Facebook, React Native is a mobile app development tool to build cross-platform apps on iOS, Android, and UWP platforms with an ability to deliver native-like performance.

This technology and language is used by many tech giants such as Instagram, Facebook, Airbnb, Walmart, Tesla, UberEats, and so on.

Ionic:

A Cross-platform app is an app that can be used on multiple platforms using a single code base.

As ‘cross-platform’ and ‘hybrid’ apps are almost similar accept several structure and technologies differences, we are referring here Ionic as a cross-development app development tool. This is because, using Ionic you can build cross-platform hybrid apps(refer official website here) for web, native iOS, and Android platforms.

Flutter:

Again, powered by Google, Flutter is a power player when it comes to delivering first-rate native experiences on Android and iOS platforms. Flutter is growing in popularity and often compared with React Native and other best cross-platform app development tools.

It uses Dart, a programming language developed by Google and also uses many advanced features of popular programming languages.

Core Differences: React Native vs Ionic vs Flutter

When we talk about differences, we generally consider below-mentioned factors in mind:

Programming language:

React Native uses React library and JavaScript to deliver a native experience on iOS and Android. While Ionic makes the best use of web technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript and requires a Cordova plugin to wrap the applications in native containers.

Flutter is a bit different here as it uses Dart language which is developed by Google. Dart is a modern, multi-paradigm, and objected-oriented programming language used for building apps for web, mobile, and desktop apps.

Community:

React Native and Ionic are having strong community support compared to Flutter. Flutter is relatively new in the battle of mobile app development tools, making it less mature than Ionic and React Native. As Ionic is built on AngularJS, almost 6 years ago, resulting in very strong community support in provisions of the quick solution of errors and constant updates.

However, Flutter has made its space and attracted developers to learn Dart which, in turn, helps developers to build high-performing native apps with support from Google community.

All of these frameworks seem to be having a bright future as all three are backed by the strongest tech communities from Google and Facebook.

Recommended Read: Flutter vs Xamarin vs React Native

Performance:

This is one of the deciding factors to choose the best framework.

Although, performance depends on many factors including developers’ efficiency in writing code but, here we are considering it from the runtime perspective.

React Native lets you build an application that provides native look-and-feel by invoking native APIs and components.

Ionic is different than other frameworks as it uses web technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to create hybrid cross-platform apps. It needs plugins and third-party packages to wrap your application in native cover.

React Native and Ionic both deliver superior performance but Flutter goes a step ahead because there is no native transition or some bridges to connect with the native environment.

Flutter uses Dart which is still new and requires learning Dart to create an application. It is gradually improving and has many to-dos to accomplish.

If we talk about user interface design or front-end environment of these frameworks, they offer high-quality, native-like experiences which are loved by the developer’s community.

Platforms And Popularity:

Going straightforward, React Native is more popular than the other two as many tech giants are using it in their production environment including Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Skype, Tesla, Uber, Walmart, Salesforce, Vogue, and so on.

On the other side, Ionic is very popular among web and mobile app developers due to its easy learning curve. It is used by MarketWatch, Pacifica, Sworkit, Nationwide, and many more.

Flutter has just entered the market but grown in popularity in very little time. It is used by Alibaba, Hamilton Musical, Greentea, Google Ads, and so on.

These frameworks are popular in their respective realms and having future plans of enhancement, too.

Architecture And Execution Of Code:

React Native:

Learn once, write everywhere. This is the main principle that saves a lot of time and cost as there is no need to build a separate app for different platforms.

Native UI components and features like Hot Reloading make it one of the best cross-platform app development tools available in the market. One of the architectural advantages of React Native app development is JavaScript. React Native offers native capabilities through React and JavaScript to build better apps, quickly.

Ionic:

One codebase, any platform, this gives developers a significant benefit of code reusability. Ionic’s powerful features and strong community support help developers to build highly-interactive apps in no time. You can also use Ionic with Angular, React, Vue, or JavaScript.

Flutter:

Flutter comparatively offers high performance as it uses Dart language which is advanced, compatible and comprehensive language.

Flutter’s engine connects with platform-specific SDKs which gives developers a modern, reactive, and a rich set of features that can be leveraged to create beautiful mobile experiences.

We almost covered the major differences between these 3 frameworks in detail. Now, here is the quick comparison table of React Native, Ionic, and Flutter.

Also Read: Flutter vs Xamarin: A Developer’s Perspective

React Native vs Flutter vs Ionic

Which Framework Is Best, When, And Why?

Ionic is popular for its easy learning curve due to web technologies. While Flutter requires developers to learn Dart to build apps. Also, Ionic is not a preferable choice for intense graphical apps or game development. This is because of wrapper plugins that cause performance issues sometimes. Flutter is new and gradually growing with the support from the best developers of Google and the community.

But, let us say that all these frameworks are best on their own. While choosing a framework for your cross-platform app development. You need to analyze many factors like budget, time, application size, platforms, and so on.

Read More: 10 Challenges in Building Mobile Applications

Conclusion:

We have shared with you the main characteristics of each framework, Ionic, Flutter and React Native (React Native vs Flutter vs Ionic). If you are looking to hire any of these framework developers then do contact us at enquiry@nimapinfotech.com with your requirements. We have expert developers ready to onboard your project and deliver it swiftly.