When building a cross-platform application, the two popular choices are Ionic React and React Native. Both are powerful frameworks for developing cross-platform mobile apps and are part of React technology. As both are part of the React ecosystem, one may think they can use either for developing high-quality mobile apps.
Not exactly, it is necessary to weigh several factors to choose the best app development framework for the project. Read this React Native vs. Ionic comparison to find which fits your business needs.
Also, Read Here – Flutter Vs. React Native: Find The Best Framework In 2023
What is React Native?
Developed and released in 2015, React Native is a globally popular open-source UI software framework. The Meta Platforms have created it. Leveraging React framework along with the native platform capabilities, you can use it for building cross-platform applications that run on Android, Android TV, iOS, macOS, tvOS, Web, Windows, and UWP.
Features of React Native
- Open Source & Cost-Effective Option
- Developed and Maintained by Facebook
- Modular Structure and Intuitive
- Faster Development Cycles
- Maximises Code Reusability
- Live Reload Capabilities
Apps Developed with React Native
- Facebook Ads
- Walmart
- Bloomberg
What is Ionic React?
Ionic React belongs to the React ecosystem and has been basically developed as the React version of the Ionic framework. It is open-source and has cross-platform UI components with native capabilities for creating mobile apps that run on iOS, Android, Electron, etc.
Features of Ionic React
- Open Source UI
- Simple Learning Curve
- Web Standards-based
- Cordova Plugin API
- Command Line Interface Tool
- Lazy Loading
Companies using Ionic React
- Test Kitchen
- Schneider
- Yara International
React Native vs Ionic – Comparison Begins
There are several differences between the two app development frameworks. The following are the critical factors you should consider when analyzing Ionic vs React Native for the programming project.
Understanding the Differences Between Web vs Native Approach
React Native leverages an abstraction through React. The framework deploys the standard iOS and Android controls, facilitating higher mobile app performance in diverse cases. This makes the apps developed with React Native hard to distinguish from the iOS or Android-specific platforms. Hiring React Native developers allows you to create seamless mobile apps with high performance.
In contrast, the Ionic React follows the web-first approach. The result is the implementation of the native Android and iOS platforms with standard web technologies. The framework does not directly leverage the platform-specific UI controls, which may result in poor performance in specific cases.
React Native vs Ionic- Which one will likely continue compatibility with the React library?
Two primary DOMs are deployed in React – the react-dom on npm and React Native react-native on npm. These two DOMs lack compatibility. As per statistics, the React DOM is several times more widely used than the React Native DOM.
This makes the Ionic React a compatible choice as it deploys the React DOM library, which several libraries explicitly support. In contrast, when using the React Native DOM, you need to find specific libraries that are compatible and support it.
Ionic vs React Native- Support for developing PWAs
Progressive web apps have become a top technology trend in 2023. Global brands, SMEs, and simple startups opt for PWA development to create engaging web apps. The progressive web apps are cost-effective as they are simple websites but functions like native mobile apps.
React Native does not offer any kind of official support for developing PWAs. On the other hand, Ionic React comes with first-class support for building progressive web apps. This makes Ionic a preferred option for creating web apps.
How does the Native & Ionic UI differ in Cross-Platform Support?
React Native provides official support for iOS, Android, and Windows only. So, you can create cross-platform mobile apps with it when targeting users of these platforms. On the other hand, Ionic React offers official support for Android, Electron, iOS, and the web via the Progressive Web App technology.
With React Native, developers must build separate UIs for Android and iOS. In contrast, the apps built using Ionic React can run the same UI on all major platforms. It works by leveraging responsive web designs, CSS, and platform-detection capabilities.
Although this saves development time and helps with a faster time-to-market of the application idea, it leads to compromised UI. Developing platform-specific UI with React Native helps to build a rich user experience for mobile apps.
Wrapping Up – React Native vs. Ionic
Analyzing what you want to achieve with the mobile application is essential. If you are testing a new idea and want to launch the mobile app instantly, it’s wise to go with Ionic React. But that is not the only thing to consider. You do not want to create a mobile application that lacks performance.
It’s essential to create mobile apps that offer seamless performance to the users. React Native Development Company can customize platform-specific UIs that enrich user experience.
