What is React Native?

What is React Native?

Mobile application developers rely on frameworks such as React Native to create native Android and iOS interfaces. React Native is one of the best frameworks for hybrid app development, which is quickly becoming a favored type of development process. This particular framework is actually a JavaScript library owned by Facebook, otherwise referred to as Meta. 

You may not realize it, but a number of popular mobile apps were created from a React Native framework. These include Walmart, Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook Messenger, Airbnb, Uber Eats, Wix, and Tinder.

React Native also has applications in retail, education, travel, artificial intelligence, healthcare, and logistics. This cross-platform framework proves to be continually useful in both Android and iOS mobile app development. 

React Native is used by a number of companies to both provide a brand-new mobile application, as well as improve on existing applications. The same developers that create websites can also use React Native to create a partner mobile app, allowing a company to spend less on two different yet related needs, oftentimes by partnering with a single provider. 

There are many benefits to implementing React Native frameworks for mobile application development, such as the following:

• Native code rendering
• Code reuse 
• Efficient bug identification
• Integration with Node Packet Manager (NPM)
• Ability to reload page instantly to see updates/changes

These characteristics make React Native a popular choice, even though it’s still evolving and some features aren’t supported yet.

As a cost-effective, intuitive, and fast solution for mobile app development, React Native also has a large community upon which developers can draw in order to tackle real-world challenges they may face in mobile app development procedures and processes. 

Outlook For React Native 

Due to the increasing popularity of the mobile app across industries and continents, many new programming languages are popping up to meet the needs of this booming industry.

This requires software developers and mobile application developers to learn multiple programming languages, as well as gain experience in a number of frameworks like React Native. 

Here are some of the positions you can apply for with a degree and experience in React Native:

• Full Stack Developer 
• Mobile App Developer
• Web Developer
• Software Developer
• Web Administrator
• Web Designer
• Frontend Developer
• Webmaster
• Database Administrator 
• Web Programmer
• Web Application Developer
• Backend Developer 
• Web Interface Designer
• Web Publisher
• UX/UI Designer/Developer 

The job outlook for mobile app developers well-versed in React Native, and related frameworks, continues to improve. In fact, smartphone users number nearly 4 billion worldwide, and app downloads continue to be a lucrative revenue source for both Google Play and the App Store. 

Think about it: we use apps for everything from budgeting and working out to social media, investing, and even meal planning.

The average salary for a React Native developer is roughly $62 per hour, or $120K annually. Common job duties include:

• Working in a team environment
• Creating, building, and maintaining apps
• Ensuring a smooth user experience
• Working within native modules
• Communicating effectively with clients
• Contributing as a part of the larger community of mobile app frameworks

Coding experience is critical, along with a collaborative approach and the dedication to work through issues as they arise.

How Do I Learn React Native

Similar frameworks to React Native include PhoneGap, Ionic, Flutter, NativeScript, Sencha Touch 2, Mobile Angular UI, and Vue.js Mobile Hybrid. While they may accomplish similar tasks, there are certain characteristics that set React Native apart. 

For example, here are some of the common fundamentals of React Native:

• Component: function component and class component
• JSX: coding syntax
• Properties: ability to customize components
• State: personal data storage

Components can be further broken down into the following: 

• View supports layout, including touch and accessibility
• Text works with strings of text to display them, along with styles
• Image displays images
• Scrollview contains many components and views 
• Textinput provides the ability to enter text 

As you can see, though React Native is considered to be one of the more intuitive frameworks to work with, there are still many complex concepts that require a certain level of skill. These skills can certainly stand out on a resume, especially when it comes to applied experience in React Native that demonstrates your proficiency. 

Online resources for learning React Native include this React Native Tutorial for Beginners by Toptal, as well as an Ultimate Tutorial by Simplilearn. Meta provides a tutorial as well, but you can also check out the “Learn React Native” course by Codecademy. This Medium post with 10 additional resources can be a great way to build a foundation in React Native, too. 

At the same time, putting down that you’ve learned about React Native online for free and demonstrating your advanced experience with a degree from an accredited university could mean the difference between getting passed over and receiving an interview request. Choose your learning resources wisely. 

How to Land a Position in React Native

The California Institute of Arts & Technology (CIAT) provides a number of classes, certifications, and degree paths for students interested in React Native. For example, an Applied Bachelor’s Degree in Software Development offers concentration in Mobile App Development to provide you the tools necessary to design, structure, and program mobile applications for Android and iOS.  

Points of instruction include programming languages such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, React Native, Python, and iOS and Android platforms. Students will create a coding portfolio as they learn.

CIAT also provides personalized career support and hands-on learning to supplement classroom instruction. With this specialized training, you’ll be ready to create and publish mobile applications of your own. 

Developing a mobile app from scratch, or even building on the foundation of an existing app, is the prime function of a mobile app developer who implements React Native to get the job done right.

Experience in software development can help candidates stand out from the crowd, along with certifications and degrees earned from CIAT. If you’d like to learn more about how you can be successful in mobile app development, contact us to speak with one of our knowledgeable advisors.