Creating a custom mobile app comes with a host of challenges. Company owners frequently get staggered by the never-ending array of choices involved in app development – choosing the right features, designing the perfect UX/UI, navigating the intricate technical requirements, and the list goes on and on…

However, some decisions help to simplify and cheapen app development. In this article, we’ll dive into how React Native app development services can be helpful for business owners planning to create a bespoke app.

What is React Native?

React Native is a framework for developing cross-platform apps. Apart from native development, cross-platform software building is aimed at simplifying the workscope by sharing a codebase for several platforms. In the case of RN, it’s targeted at iOS and Android devices.

Advantages of React Native for app development

React Native’s strengths can be grouped into three categories: cost, development duration, and simplicity of app building.

1. Benefits regarding price

• Single codebase. You can write one codebase for both iOS and Android, reducing the need for separate teams and lowering labour costs.
• Code reusability. IT specialists reuse up to 90% of the code across platforms for maintenance and updates.
• Open-source framework. The absence of licensing fees and access to a vast library of free components contribute to React Native development cost-effectiveness.
• Streamlined updates. You can efficiently deploy updates across platforms with a shared codebase.

2. Strong sides regarding the duration of development

• Rich ecosystem. Access to numerous libraries and pre-built components accelerates development.
• Unified UI design. You can use the same UI components for both platforms, reducing design time.

• Integrated testing tools. Tools like Jest for unit testing and Detox for end-to-end testing streamline the testing process.
• Pre-built libraries. Common functionalities available as open-source libraries reduce the need for custom development.

3. Advantages regarding the simplicity of app building

• Familiar language. RN uses JavaScript, which is familiar to many developers, reducing the learning curve.
• Declarative programming. This makes the code more predictable and easier to debug.
• Native code flexibility. React Native communicates with native platform components to render its user interfaces. It helps achieve excellent performance levels comparable to native apps.
• Automated testing. RN supports frameworks like Jest for unit testing and Detox for end-to-end testing.
• Integrated debugging tools. Tools like React Developer Tools provide seamless debugging.
• Modular architecture. RN allows for the separation of the software parts into independent modules, enhancing the maintainability and scalability of React Native apps.

What are RN services?

As “service” is a polysemantic term itself, we can consider it from two sides:

1. Services that are provided by development companies when working with clients.
2. Services of RN,which help create different aspects of the app. By this, we mean tools and third-party libraries used by developers.

What services do React Native development companies provide?

From a business perspective, IT agencies provide several key options when working with clients:

Consulting

At the start, companies focus on understanding the client’s product vision and requirements. This phase involves detailed discussions to grasp the project workscope and craft a strategic plan that aligns with the client’s business goals and timelines.

Expert consultants analyse these inputs to propose the best pathways for application development.

If a client is budget-constrained, IT agencies offer MVP development, which means creating an app with only essential features included.

Design and development

The app building starts with the creation of visually appealing designs, complemented by a user-friendly experience. Once the design is approved, seasoned developers transform these designs into fully functional cross-platform apps that maintain high performance across both iOS and Android platforms.

React Native migration

React Native migration services are designed to transition existing mobile apps to the React Native platform, rejuvenating them with a modern, native look and feel. This service ensures that apps remain relevant with improved performance and new features.

Support and maintenance

For any mobile application to be successful over the long run, constant support is essential. React Native development companies frequently offer post-launch maintenance to make sure the app functions properly, stays up-to-date with OS changes, and adds new features as needed.

The main branches of React Native services to create an app

In terms of development, React Native services are third-party libraries filled with pre-made code pieces. They number more than 100 libraries.

With RN, you can create a bespoke app for any company sector since the framework has a variety of tools and frameworks for creating adaptable applications.

Let’s study the most important branches (the list is far from complete):

Navigation services. React Native provides libraries like React Navigation and React Router for handling in-app navigation, which is crucial for creating a seamless user experience in multi-page apps.

User interface solutions. RN offers components and libraries, such as NativeBase, UI Kitten, and Shoutem, that provide ready-to-use UI elements. These services help build aesthetically pleasing interfaces quickly and efficiently.

Push notifications. Tools like Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM) can be integrated with React Native to handle both in-app and push notifications, which are essential for user engagement.

Offline data handling. Libraries like Redux Persist enable the app to handle offline data effectively, ensuring that it can function even without an Internet connection.

Accessibility features. This framework contains features that make apps more accessible to individuals with impairments, such as screen readers and keyboard accessibility, which correspond with inclusive design best practices.

Security features. React Native offers a variety of techniques to improve mobile app security, such as safe storage options and secure communication protocols for critical data.

In-app purchases. React Native supports in-app purchases through libraries like react-native-iap. This service helps in handling transactions, validating purchases, and managing user subscriptions, providing a robust solution for monetising mobile applications.

Performance optimisation tools. RN developers can use performance optimisation tools like Flipper and Reactotron. Flipper offers network and layout inspection, while Reactotron provides insights into Redux actions, API requests, and app performance metrics. These tools help debug, track performance issues, and ensure smooth app operation across devices.

Wrapping up

Creating bespoke apps is simpler and more cost-effective with frameworks from both the developers’ and business’ perspectives. When it comes to choosing a framework, cross-platform app development with React Native is the optimal choice for building scalable applications for every type of business, be it SMBs or large enterprises.

If you are planning to invest in custom software, then RN is the way to go!