Can We Develop Web Applications Using React Native?

Author : Cloud6 Infosyatems | Published On : 29 Jan 2024

What are the steps to start a new project or initiative? The tech stack is your first and most important choice. It is important to choose the platform where your audience will engage, whether you are developing a web app or a mobile app. A tech stack that is adaptable and scalable will be essential for the future expansion of your audience. React Native provides this flexibility. It is preferred by developers for creating high-end and scalable web apps. Developers can create superior web applications by leveraging React Native APIs.

 

React Native is becoming more popular. Over 37% of developers are using it for mobile app development. This post explores the benefits, limitations, basic principles, and more of React Native. Watch this space for more insights!

Can React Native also be used on the Web?

Why use React Native when React was designed for the web, you might ask? The trick is in the foundations that are different for mobile and web apps.

React uses the React DOM rendering engine and standard browser DOM APIs to create layouts using basic HTML5 elements. React Native, on the other hand, uses mobile OS APIs with its renderer in order to handle mobile app-specific components.

To bridge this gap, and to have a truly cross-platform framework for developers, they explore React Native web. It allows developers to use one codebase to develop mobile apps and web applications for different platforms.

Fundamentals of React Native for Web

You should first be familiar with the basics of React Native Web development.

  • Modern Web

The React Native framework uses native DOM APIs for specific functionality, which evolves in tandem with the Web platform. The shift from older project APIs to the newer, more widely used DOM APIs improves browser speed and accessibility.

  • Modern React

React Native for Web is compatible with ReactDOM apps because it uses Modern React APIs like functional components and Hooks. React Native is a framework that has been adopted by many major companies, including Flipkart, Twitter and Twitter. It aligns itself with React’s evolution to ensure compliance with new APIs.

  • Components of the React Native for Web

React Native provides essential components such as View, Image Text TextInput and ScrollView. Features like the advanced gesture response system enhance interaction. The documentation includes editable examples to help you get started.

  • Styles

React Native for Web uses JavaScript to convert styles into Native CSS. This innovative approach avoids the common problems associated with extensive CSS use, and provides a practical and efficient CSS that does not require specialized styling tools or additional parsing.

  • Tested, Trustworthy and Reliable

React Native Web has been extensively tested in unit and production environments. Significant enhancements will be released in canary versions to ensure smooth progress and collect valuable feedback from partners. Pull requests are used to closely monitor the changes made to each library module's compressed file size.

What are the advantages of React Native web?

1. Accessibility of tools

React Native for Web offers developers valuable tools such as accessibilityRole, accessibilityLabel and more. They offer the same benefits when building accessible applications.

2. Platform Execution Awareness

React Native for Web is preferred by developers because it executes platform-specific code on the web, which ensures 100% compatibility with existing platforms.

3. Support for Server Rendering

App Registry allows developers to hard code HTML document strings in React Native Web Apps, thus enabling server-side rendering support.

4. Expo Web Advantage

Expo Web for React Native Web allows you to launch one project on iOS, Web and desktop. Electron extensions will support progressive web applications.

5. Efficiency in Time and Effort

React Native is a web development tool that seamlessly integrates desktop and mobile devices with little effort, compared to React which requires rewriting code.

6. Productivity and Support

React Native Web supports CSS as JS. This provides a styling option that is productive for small applications, without the need for a separate UI Kit. Compatible with React Native's UI kits to enhance productivity and support.

What are the limitations to React Native Web?

1. Limited Web API Support

You may face some challenges when using React Native Web as it does not have access to all the APIs that are available in React Native. Some operations, such as the Image Editor, may require re-implementation due to browser limitations.

2. Compatibility Issues

React Native for Web does not fully support popular React Native libraries like React Native Google Autocomplete. This can lead to compatibility problems and possible workarounds.

3. The Essential Elements Are Missing

React Native Web lacks essential React Native components such as RefreshControl. React Native Web Refresh Control is a third-party alternative.

4. Styling Challenges

React Native for Web app development still has issues with styling, which was inherited from React Native. Web development is challenged by limitations such as styling child components, and selecting siblings.

Who can use React Native Web?

Who is React Native web for? It's simple. React Native is the solution if you want to convert a native application into a web-based app. React Native is also a good choice if you are looking for a web and mobile app that has similar features. If you want to add unique features that are not available in native mobile applications, then consider another option.

Ecommerce Website Development Dubai, Website Development Dubai, Website Design Company Dubai, Mobile App Development Companies in Dubai