The glitter of a bright framework future has not gone unnoticed by developers looking to make a name in the cross-platform world, with over 1.6k active contributors working to make React Native a success.
The demand for app development with React Native is not solely because the industry has matured to the point where it is now comparing Native and React Native modes of development. The constant updates that advance the framework drive demand as well.
This demand, however, has a limit. Developers will eventually have to learn their way around the development process on the ground level. Specifically, understanding and avoiding React native app development mistakes can ruin the users’ experience and skills.
We divided the article into four sections to make it easier to become acquainted with the errors encountered during React Native app development and to understand what it takes to become a developer who makes a few mistakes.
Why do Developers Love React Native?
- Because React Native uses JavaScript
JavaScript is one of the first languages that a developer learns. As a result, they bear a striking resemblance to the subject matter. Because React Native heavily relies on JavaScript, the learning curve is greatly reduced.
- They Get to Build Native Applications
Even though the developers work in JavaScript, they do not use the web view to render React Native components. You should use React Native because it renders true native elements, allowing developers to use platform-specific components such as activity indicators, giving the platform a recognizable, native-like feel.
- A Straightforward Installation Process
The installation method must always be straightforward, with no complicated steps. The React Native framework can be installed using the Node Package Manager, which is extremely simple for JavaScript developers. Even if you don’t understand JS, React Native will save you the trouble of downloading a binary from the source.
- Greater Productivity
The productivity levels of developers are the key to building apps faster. While the dependability of JavaScript already simplifies the process, it also includes a live reload feature and the ability to use any IDE or text editor of their choice.
- Strong Community Backing
Since its initial release in 2015, React Native has grown in popularity. Because of the numerous benefits it provides, developers and businesses worldwide and from all industries have chosen React Native.
This high demand has resulted in forming a strong, widespread community working on daily adjustments to the React Native pros and cons.
- It is Truly Cross-Platform
When we say React Native is a cross-platform app development framework, we don’t just mean that it can be used to create mobile apps. Developers can use React Native to expand their skills to smart TVs, watches, Windows devices, and even VR headsets.
Even with these and other unmentioned advantages of React Native development, some reactjs challenges come with React Native app development companies. Challenges that seasoned developers have learned to accept and overcome. To overcome reactjs challenges, it is best to hire a React Native App Development Company in the UK to build and develop custom react native apps with the most up-to-date features.
Challenges Associated with React Native App Development
- Dependency on Native App Developers
Given the nature of JavaScript, developers must occasionally rely on native developers, especially when heavy computational operations are required in the application. These apps force developers to offload computation to the app’s native part, which necessitates using a native developer.
- Limitations in Abstraction Layer
An abstraction layer is added to the native platform to add more functionality to React Native apps. Abstraction Layer has some persistent issues – the issues to avoid in React Native app development – such as:
- It is extremely difficult to identify bugs that occur in the abstraction layer.
- Dependence on third-party services and libraries is high.
- reliance on custom design implementation
- Zero Support for Multiprocessing or Parallel Threading
Because React Native only has one Javascript thread, developers may experience slow performance when running multiple processes in parallel. It is one of the most significant react-native limitations.
- iOS Deployment is Particularly Difficult
In the case of React Native, developers find it especially aggravating when they decide to test their iPhone app on services other than Apple’s Testflight, especially since they will have to deal with issues such as obtaining provisioning profiles and necessary certificates.
However, the process is not particularly difficult on Android, as testing and deploying Android apps is a breeze.
As previously stated, React Native, like any other framework, is not without difficulties, and it ultimately comes down to the developers’ experience. These challenges would be deal-breakers for a newbie or less skilled react native developer, but not for a skilled developer.
The only distinction between a skilled and unskilled React Native developer is understanding the mistakes that should be avoided to create an error-free React Native app.
Not only are the inherent framework limitations difficult for some, but so are the React Native app development mistakes that developers make unknowingly.
The 10 Common React Native App Development Mistakes
- Wrong Estimation
- Versions for iOS and Android – There will be reusable components, but there may also be different layouts. The structure of an application page can differ significantly between iOS and Android.
- Forms – you should also estimate the validation layout. You are expected to write more code when developing an app in React Native than when developing a Hybrid app in, say, Cordova.
- When developing a Web app, you should investigate all of the different endpoints provided by the backend. And, because you will be handling the logic in the app, it should all be properly coded. You must understand the database structure, how the entities are linked, and so on.
- Wrong Redux Store Planning
When we get an innovative project, we focus more on the app layout and less on the data handling portion of it. Redux assists in correctly storing data and managing debugging app states. It can be a powerful tool for managing app data when properly planned. When it is not, it can cause a slew of problems.
Another thing to remember about Redux app development is that it is not ideal for small projects, and even minor changes will necessitate lengthy lines of code. As a result, it is preferable to use it for large-scale applications and avoid it when choosing React Native for startups.
- Not Reading External Modules’ Codes
Our developers frequently use external modules to save time, making things easier and faster, especially since documentation is included. However, modules frequently break or fail to function as expected. This is why developers should read the code and consider step one of the React Native best practices. It helps to understand what is wrong with the module and how to fix it.
- Mutation of State Inside Renders Function
The image above shows how the Datastore and View are linked. The datastore in the component contains all of your data, and the view is rendered based on state. Then it reads a new state from the data store and displays it on the screen.
To accomplish this, React has a setState() function that takes the new object state and compares it to the previous state. Finally, a new state is added and sent to the state datastore after merging with the previous state.
When developing an application in React Native, this cycle is available throughout the component’s lifetime. If you directly mutate the state, the lifecycle is thrown off, and all previous states are corrupted. This causes apps to behave abnormally or even crash. This will also cause you to lose track of the states across components, forcing you to write custom code in place of React. Furthermore, you will end up with unmanageable code and a large app.
- Left “console.log” Statements
Console log statements are very useful and even assist with debugging app execution. But what happens if the log statements are left in the app?
This can be a serious problem if you keep the render methods and logic inside, especially if they are asynchronous because they can cause a bottleneck in the JavaScript thread. All of this eventually causes the application to slow down.
- Using Stateless Components for Gaining React Native Performance
Some developers continue to believe that what was true before React 16 is still true today. The term “stateless component” refers to a component that does not extend classes. It uses the argument in the DOM as a display and props. It has the following advantages:
- Simple testing ability
- Quick implementation
- Does not make use of state or local variables.
With time, developers are now more prudent to use pure components when creating React Native apps. This is why:
- Performs shallow comparison – This is a big win for complex UI apps because it reduces render operations. This is because it includes a life cycle method called shouldComponentUpdate, which performs a shallow comparison and then determines whether a re-render is required. When the parent component re-renders, the stateless component re-renders. However, in the case of a pure component, re-rendering occurs only when a change in the states or props is detected.
- Performs side effects – Developers can send AJAX requests or perform other DOM operations within componentDidmount.
- Not Optimizing React Native Images
Optimizing the images in apps built with React Native should be a high-priority task. It helps to resize the images locally and then upload them to cloud storage like the s3 by the server and get the CDN link which can then be returned using API. Following this process helps make the image loading process fast.
- Avoid Writing a Unit Test
Working without unit tests is a common mistake in React Native app development, and this is because the developed app can still function whether or not testing units are written. However, it is a gamble in which you will only learn the outcome once your app is available to customers. Rather than leaving your app’s fate in the hands of users, it is better to test its functionality before releasing it to the public.
Writing unit tests will reduce the unnecessary drama during the app launch. This not only speeds up the development process but also boosts your app’s reputation. A well-documented unit test will allow developers to independently access various parts of the apps. To ensure trouble-free operation, always test each element at the appropriate stage. App developers can detect and correct errors early on without disrupting the entire development process.
- Not Paying Heed to Protocols
Failure to follow the fundamental protocols of React App development could prove to be a costly error for you. As a result, developers and designers must always adhere to best practices. React Native provides the react-native best practices that developers must adhere to. When developers deviate from standard protocols, the overall development process suffers. As a result, developers and designers must always adhere to the standard protocols.
- Ignoring The Project Structure
The project structure must never be overlooked or ignored by developers. They should spend more time learning about the project in general. If they do not do this, it may have negative consequences in the long run. As a result, having a well-organized project framework is critical. Developers can aspire to integrate good project structures with React Native development.
While these are only ten, there may be several others. Your ultimate goal as a developer should be to make as few mistakes as possible.
Let us wrap up this article by discussing what it takes to become a developer who does not make these React Native app development mistakes.
Conclusion
Knowing the mistakes that can ruin a user’s experience is a good place for developers who take their job seriously. Another good place to start is to work with a mobile app development company that understands how mistakes are part of the learning process and can help you grow.
If you are looking for a React Native App Development Company in the UK, please contact applify.co. Our mobile app development experts will walk you through the process and make it as simple as possible.