Introduction to React Native - Cross-platform mobile applications

React Native is an open-source framework developed by Meta that allows developers to build cross-platform mobile applications using JavaScript and React. With a single codebase, you can create apps for both Android and iOS platforms.

It focuses on performance, code reusability, and faster development, making it a popular choice for modern mobile apps.

What is React Native?

React Native enables developers to write mobile applications using React concepts while rendering native UI components instead of web views.

🔸 Uses JavaScript and JSX
🔸 Renders real native components
🔸 Supports Android and iOS
🔸 Strong community support

Why Choose React Native?

React Native is preferred for faster development and reduced costs.

🔸 Single codebase for multiple platforms
🔸 Faster development with hot reload
🔸 Near-native performance
🔸 Large ecosystem of libraries
🔸 Backed by Meta

React Native Architecture

React Native follows a bridge-based architecture that connects JavaScript code with native modules.

🔸 JavaScript thread handles logic
🔸 Native thread renders UI
🔸 Bridge enables communication
🔸 Optimized for performance

Setting Up React Native Environment

Before development, the environment must be configured properly.

🔸 Install Node.js and npm
🔸 Setup Android Studio
🔸 Setup Xcode (for macOS users)
🔸 Choose between CLI and Expo

React Native Project Structure

Understanding folder structure helps maintain clean code.

🔸 android – Android native code
🔸 ios – iOS native code
🔸 node_modules – dependencies
🔸 App.js – main entry file
🔸 package.json – project configuration

Core Concepts in React Native

React Native is built on core React principles.

🔸 Components
🔸 JSX syntax
🔸 Props
🔸 State
🔸 Hooks

Components in React Native

Components are the building blocks of UI.

🔸 Functional components
🔸 Reusable UI elements
🔸 Easy to maintain
🔸 Encourages modular design

Styling in React Native

Styling is done using JavaScript-based styles.

🔸 StyleSheet API
🔸 Flexbox layout system
🔸 Inline and external styles
🔸 Responsive design support

Core UI Components

React Native provides essential built-in components.

🔸 View – container component
🔸 Text – display text
🔸 Image – display images
🔸 ScrollView – scrollable content
🔸 Touchable components – handle user actions

Handling User Input

User interaction is handled using input components.

🔸 TextInput for forms
🔸 Button and Pressable
🔸 Keyboard handling
🔸 Input validation basics

Navigation in React Native

Navigation helps move between screens.

🔸 Stack navigation
🔸 Tab navigation
🔸 Drawer navigation
🔸 Passing data between screens

State Management

State controls dynamic data in applications.

🔸 useState hook
🔸 useEffect hook
🔸 Context API
🔸 Global state concepts

API Integration in React Native

React Native easily integrates with backend APIs.

🔸 Fetch API
🔸 Axios library
🔸 REST API communication
🔸 Handling loading and errors

Local Storage in React Native

Local storage is used to save data on the device.

🔸 AsyncStorage
🔸 Secure token storage
🔸 Caching API responses
🔸 Session management

Performance Optimization

Optimizing performance ensures smooth apps.

🔸 FlatList for large data
🔸 Avoid unnecessary re-renders
🔸 Image optimization
🔸 Proper state handling

Security in React Native Apps

Security is essential for production apps.

🔸 Secure API calls
🔸 Token management
🔸 Encrypted storage
🔸 Avoid sensitive data exposure

Testing React Native Applications

Testing improves app stability.

🔸 Unit testing
🔸 Component testing
🔸 Debugging tools
🔸 Error tracking

Build and Deployment

Final steps to make the app live.

🔸 Android APK/AAB generation
🔸 iOS IPA build
🔸 Environment configuration
🔸 Release builds

Publishing React Native Apps

Publishing requires platform guidelines.

🔸 Google Play Store policies
🔸 Apple App Store policies
🔸 App signing
🔸 Versioning and updates

Advantages of React Native

🔸 Faster development
🔸 Cross-platform support
🔸 Strong ecosystem
🔸 Cost-effective solution
🔸 Large community