If you’re new to web or mobile development, you might hear two similar-sounding terms: React and React Native. While they’re related, they are not the same thing.
What is React?
React (also called ReactJS) is a JavaScript library used to build user interfaces for websites. It was created by Facebook and is one of the most popular tools for front-end development.
With React, developers can build fast, interactive, and dynamic web apps using reusable components. It works in the browser and is mostly used for building single-page applications (SPAs).
What is React Native?
React Native is a framework also made by Facebook that allows you to build mobile apps for iOS and Android using the same React principles.
Instead of running in the browser like ReactJS, React Native apps are installed like regular mobile apps and use native components, which means they look and feel like real mobile apps.
Key Differences Between React and React Native
| Feature | React (ReactJS) | React Native |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | Web browsers | Mobile (Android & iOS) |
| Rendered using | HTML + CSS | Native mobile UI components |
| Styling | CSS | StyleSheets (like inline CSS) |
| Access to device | Limited (via browser APIs) | Full access (camera, GPS, etc.) |
| Output | Website | Mobile app |
| Code Sharing | Web-only | Cross-platform (iOS + Android) |
Similarities
Even though they are different tools, React and React Native share a lot of concepts:
- Both use JavaScript
- Both are component-based
- Both use props, state, and hooks
- Both can use third-party libraries
- Learning one makes it easier to learn the other
Final Thoughts
React and React Native are like cousins they come from the same family, share the same style of development, but they serve different platforms.
- React is for the web.
- React Native is for mobile apps.
If you are starting with web development, go for React first. Once you are comfortable, learning React Native will feel much easier.
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