React Native Vs NativeScript: A Comparative Analysis


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Released around 2015, both React Native and Nativescript frameworks are Javascript-based and open-source mobile app development frameworks. While both frameworks assist developers to build applications for Android and iOS, they differ in terms of the rendering engine, performance, native user experience, and more. 

These aren’t the only similarities and dissimilarities between the two platforms and this blog will help you with a comprehensive analysis of them. Then, you can hire dedicated react native developers or Native script developers, as suitable for your project. 

A Brief Introduction of React Native & NativeScript 

React Native

Developed by Facebook and communities, React Native is an open-source mobile app development framework that is used to create apps for Windows, Android, iOS, web, macOS, TvOS, etc. 

The cross-platform mobile app framework is written in Javascript and XML, alternatively known as JSX. It is used by many leading brands for their mobile apps, such as – Soundcloud, Walmart, Wix, Instagram, Facebook, Bloomberg, etc. 

Best uses of React Native – 

  • Cross-platform mobile apps. 
  • Simple UI apps. 
  • Applications that need reusable components. 
  • Quick prototype apps. 
  • MVP. 
  • Native-like apps. 
  • Apps that are operable with synchronous APIs. 

NativeScript

Written in typescript and Javascript, the NativeScript framework adheres to the ‘Code once run everywhere’ concept. Even so, it allows developers to design components exclusively for native platforms. The rendering engine of NativeScript further enables one to create native-like features and functionalities for the app. 

Some of the popular applications built with NativeScript are – Airbnb designer, Puma, Sennheiser, SAP, PNP (Portable north pole), MS Bootstrap, etc. 

Best uses of NativeScript – 

  • Real-time apps. 
  • Geolocation mobile apps. 
  • Video or music streaming applications. 
  • Casual gaming apps. 
  • Apps requiring huge server connectivity. 
  • Mobile apps that work seamlessly with the device’s default apps. 

Now that we have briefed you about the basic concepts of these technologies, let’s look at the differences to decide which one would suit your needs better.  

React Native Vs NativeScript 

Here, we will discuss the differences between the two frameworks on the basis of multiple factors. 

Performance

Irrespective of your app size and audience, performance is a key metric for any business. The app’s performance has to be optimal so that audience can use it conveniently. While smaller projects may not focus entirely on performance, it is extremely important for larger and complex projects. 

React Native programmers are often seen to struggle with optimizing the performance of the app. The primary reason for this is that the framework works with native and JS threads along with a bridge that connects the two. 

The JS thread is particularly responsible for all complex operations. Unfortunately, there’s a limited number of tasks that it can process at a given time. So, if this limit is exhausted, your app can start to lag. Nevertheless, if you hire react native app developers from reputed organizations, you can overcome these challenges effortlessly. 

When you compare the performance of the NativeScript framework with other cross-platform frameworks, its performance is on par. Developers can create animations that work seamlessly at 60 FPS and ensure balanced speed and frontend performance. 

App Architecture 

The kind of architecture a mobile app development framework uses tells a lot about the flexibility and development approach one can adopt for their project. As we already know that React Native uses a bridge to work between the native and JS threads. In iOS applications, JS core works separately for executing codes. Whereas, the JS core is bundled inside the android app only. Such practices can help build native-like applications, but the app size may increase substantially. 

Unlike React Native, Nativescript relies on the MVVL or MVC architecture using plugins, modules, and command line interface. The framework comprises numerous modules like page module, root module, etc. Combining these two, the application module is created which works seamlessly because of its MVC architecture support. 

Testing ease 

Testing is a critical part of any software development project as your developed product has to undergo many tests to ensure its usability and performance. So, which platform provides easier facilities to test your mobile app? Let’s learn! 

React Native relies on third-party tools for testing bugs and issues in the application. There is no official support for UI-level testing or unit testing. Thus, react native experts are on their own to test and deploy applications for iOS and Android platforms. 

However, NativeSccript provides its own QA workflow which developers can follow to test the applications accordingly. This feature was introduced with NativeScript version 2.5. With this, the framework CLI supports unit testing with the help of tools such as Mocha, Jasmine, QUnit, etc. It also utilizes Karma for unit testing. 

User experience 

It is one significant factor that decides which framework to use for your mobile app development project. It can help you with brand visibility, assist in earning loyal customers, and more. 

The native platforms are constantly changing their UX requirements and it is difficult for technologies to match the pace and evolve with them. That’s one of the biggest challenges React Native faces oftentimes. And its UI toolkits such as Shoutem, Ant Design, React Virgin, etc. makes it even more of a struggle to create consistent designs. 

Despite the drawbacks, there are certain components like pagination, modal components, Scrollview fixed header, snap carousels, etc. that make it easier for React Native developers to create unique user experiences. 

NativeScript framework is capable of helping create enterprise-level apps with custom user experiences. The professional UI elements are completely customizable. Powered by native functionalities and control, such apps are meant to provide an improved user experience. The framework also provides you with unique methods such as getFrameById, navigation context, Frame, etc. to elevate the user experience. 

These are some basic differences you would witness between the two app development frameworks. If we look into the statistics, React Native is preferred by more developers than NativeScript. In a Statista 2021 survey, it was seen that about 38% of respondents chose React Native as their preferred framework while NativeScript was chosen by 5%. 

Even so, it is no metric for comparison and businesses have to consider multiple factors as mentioned above to determine which technology suit their needs best. Once decided, they can hire React Native app developers or Nativescript developers and custom create their mobile apps conveniently. 

Summary

Mobile apps are very popular nowadays and there are multiple technologies to support them. React Native and NativeScript are two technologies that we will discuss here along with the similarities, dissimilarities, and complete analysis. 

Author Bio

Maulik Shah is the CEO of BiztechCS, a development company. He often takes the front seat in the company’s development projects, because he enjoys solving problems through technology. When it comes to writing for any blog, his contribution is priceless. Maulik ensures that his interaction with development is frequent enough, and his industry knowledge is ever-evolving so that he can share it. Despite his packed days, Maulik’s door is always open and he is generous with sharing this knowledge and experience.


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Kamal Pandey