What is the difference between React Native and React?

React and React Native share the same DNA but serve different purposes. React (a.k.a. React.js) is a JavaScript library for building modern web interfaces, while React Native is a framework for creating native mobile applications for iOS and Android using JavaScript. Below, we’ll dive into what sets them apart, how each is used, and why they are both powerful tools in a modern developer’s toolkit.

1. Purpose and Platforms

React (React.js)

• Focus: Building interactive and dynamic user interfaces for the web.
• Platforms: Works in modern web browsers.
• Rendering: Renders to the DOM (Document Object Model).
• Usage: Often used for single-page applications (SPAs), dashboards, and any web-based app needing state-driven UI updates.

React Native

• Focus: Building truly native mobile apps for iOS and Android.
• Platforms: iOS, Android, and even Windows through community projects.
• Rendering: Creates native mobile UI components using JavaScript, making apps feel “native,” not just mobile-optimized web views.
• Usage: Ideal for cross-platform mobile development where you want code reuse between iOS and Android, while still maintaining near-native performance.

2. Rendering Mechanisms

React DOM Rendering

In React (web), the library re-renders components into the DOM as state or props change. It relies on a virtual DOM to optimize updates, making it efficient for building responsive, interactive websites.

Native Components

In React Native, the framework translates React components into native widgets. For example, View in React Native can become a UIView on iOS and a View on Android. This approach means you get the look and performance of a native mobile app rather than a web-based “wrapper” or hybrid solution.

3. Development Process

Web Tooling (React)

• Styling: Typically uses CSS (in files or via styled-components, CSS Modules, etc.).
• Navigation: Router libraries like React Router to handle URL-based navigation in single-page apps.
• Packaging: Bundled with webpack, Vite, or similar bundlers.
• Deployment: Deployed on hosting platforms for web apps (e.g., AWS S3, Netlify, Vercel).

Mobile Tooling (React Native)

• Styling: Uses a style system similar to CSS, but not all CSS properties are supported. React Native has its own style objects.
• Navigation: Libraries such as React Navigation or React Native Navigation for screen-based navigation.
• Packaging: Compiled into native binaries (iOS .ipa, Android .apk/.aab).
• Deployment: Published to mobile app stores like Apple App Store and Google Play.

4. Code Sharing and Ecosystem

Shared Logic, Different UIs

Both React and React Native can often share business logic—like state management or data fetching. However, UI components differ because you can’t reuse HTML or DOM-specific elements in React Native. You’ll also rely on platform-specific APIs or bridging if you need deeper mobile hardware integration (camera, Bluetooth, etc.).

Ecosystem

• React: Has an enormous ecosystem with libraries for state management (Redux, MobX, Zustand), routing (React Router), UI components (Material-UI, Chakra UI), and more.
• React Native: A vibrant ecosystem of open-source libraries for mobile UI, animations (React Native Reanimated), and device APIs (React Native Camera, Geolocation). Many solutions cater to cross-platform issues and performance optimizations.

5. Performance Considerations

React (Web)

• Performance is typically tied to browser capabilities. React’s virtual DOM and diffing algorithm minimize unnecessary re-renders, leading to fast and interactive web experiences.

React Native (Mobile)

• Renders using native components, giving near-native performance out of the box. However, bridging heavy computational tasks from JavaScript to native can sometimes introduce performance overhead. For specialized performance needs, developers might opt for native modules or optimize with libraries like Reanimated for smooth animations.

6. Use Cases and Typical Scenarios

When to Use React

1. Web Applications: Any project that runs in a browser—marketing sites, dashboards, or complex SPAs.
2. SEO-Friendly: Paired with frameworks like Next.js for server-side rendering to optimize for SEO.
3. Desktop-Like Experience: If you want fast, dynamic, desktop-like UIs in the browser.

When to Use React Native

1. Cross-Platform Mobile Apps: Build for iOS and Android with significant code reuse.
2. Near-Native Performance: If you need a native feel, not just a mobile-responsive website.
3. Smaller Dev Teams: One codebase for two major platforms, reducing engineering overhead.

7. Choosing the Right Tool

If your primary target is the web, React is the natural choice. You’ll leverage existing web standards, easily handle SEO needs, and integrate with the vast NPM ecosystem for front-end development.

If your product must reach mobile users with minimal compromises on performance or UI, React Native can be a great solution. You’ll still use JavaScript and React concepts while delivering native features across platforms.

Many organizations use both: a React-based web app and a React Native mobile app, sharing as much business logic (e.g., Redux actions, utility functions) as possible while maintaining separate code for UI.

8. Leveling Up Your Skills

Whether you’re a React web developer branching into React Native or a mobile developer exploring React’s ecosystem, a strong foundation in JavaScript and React patterns is key. To truly excel:

• Grokking JavaScript Fundamentals: Build a solid foundation in JavaScript, helping you write cleaner, more efficient code in React or React Native.
• Grokking the Coding Interview: Patterns for Coding Questions: Perfect for honing your problem-solving skills, data structures, and algorithmic thinking—critical for high-level interviews and daily coding.

For a practical boost, check out Coding Mock Interviews from DesignGurus.io. You’ll receive personalized feedback from ex-FAANG engineers, polishing your technical and communication skills for real-world challenges.

Conclusion

React and React Native share the same philosophy: building modular, reusable UI components in JavaScript. However, they target different platforms and use different rendering engines—DOM for web in React, native components on mobile for React Native. Understanding these distinctions helps you choose the right tool for each project and potentially reuse logic across web and mobile. With a solid grasp of JavaScript and React patterns, you can confidently develop high-performance, user-friendly apps, no matter the platform. Happy coding!