React Native enables the development of native mobile applications for iOS and Android from a single JavaScript/TypeScript codebase. Created by Meta (Facebook), it's used by Instagram, Airbnb, Discord, and many others.
Why React Native? One team for both platforms (40-50% cost reduction), near-native performance, access to all device APIs, large community and rich library ecosystem, Hot Reload for rapid development.
Initial setup. Install Node.js (LTS), npm/yarn, and Expo CLI or React Native CLI. Expo is recommended for beginners - it simplifies configuration. React Native CLI offers more control but requires Xcode/Android Studio.
Project structure. Components are written in JSX (similar to HTML in JavaScript). Styling uses a CSS subset in JavaScript object format (StyleSheet). Navigation is done with React Navigation. State is managed with useState, Redux, or Zustand.
Important native components: View (container), Text (text), Image (images), ScrollView (scroll), FlatList (performant lists), TouchableOpacity (buttons), TextInput (inputs). These components translate to native iOS/Android controls.
Performance. Avoid unnecessary re-renders (useCallback, useMemo, React.memo). Use FlatList for long lists, not ScrollView. Optimize images. Minimize bridge communication (JS <-> Native). Monitor with React Native Performance Monitor.
Accessing native APIs. Camera: react-native-camera or expo-camera. Geolocation: react-native-geolocation-service. Push notifications: react-native-push-notification or OneSignal. Many APIs require permissions - configure in Info.plist (iOS) and AndroidManifest.xml.
Testing. Unit testing with Jest (included by default). Component testing with React Native Testing Library. E2E testing with Detox. Test on real devices, not just simulators - behavior differs.
App Store publishing. Create Apple Developer account ($99/year). Generate certificates and provisioning profiles. Archive the app in Xcode. Submit for review - can take 1-7 days. Follow App Store Guidelines to avoid rejection.
Google Play publishing. Create Google Play Developer account ($25 one-time). Generate APK or AAB (recommended). Complete listing with screenshots, description, category. Review takes a few hours to 3 days.
At Softsite, we develop performant and scalable React Native applications. From MVP to enterprise apps, we help you reach App Store and Google Play. Schedule a consultation for your project.
