Mobile First - 5 key learnings of using React Native

React Native, initially developed by Facebook, is increasingly being adopted by a number of businesses. In November 2018, we invited 3 technology experts to share their experience and insights on how and when to use React Native, and how it will evolve over time.

Red Badger Team

Jan 28, 2019

React Native, initially developed by Facebook, is increasingly being adopted by a number of businesses. In November 2018, we invited 3 technology experts - Rudi De Sousa, Director of Engineering and Architecture at News UK, Paul Clark, CTO at Tandem Bank and Jon Yardley, Tech Director here at Red Badger to share their experience and insights on how and when to use it, and what the future of React Native will look like.

Here’s what we learned:

Faster speed to market

The cost of getting an app to market is very expensive. If you’re willing to accept some minor compromises in performance, then it can get to market quicker and at a much lower price.

React Native is still evolving

React Native is constantly being developed with new features and UI components. Most recently, you can have one native code base that targets multiple platforms, such as Web. In the future it could be used to target other platforms such as VR, TV, watch or whatever device may be.

Make real-time iterations

Being able to iterate quicker is a huge bonus of using React Native. With React Native you can make real-time iterations, and therefore collaborate with your team more efficiently. The compile times with Native is jolty and makes it difficult to get into the rhythm - A huge time waster.

Choose the right tech for the job

As a business, we very much believe in tech agnosticism. It’s important to have engineers who are interested in solving complex problems with a range of tech, and not just using what’s familiar. If Flutter solves a problem you’re trying to solve better, then go with that.

React Native is not a silver bullet

It’s a relatively new technology. There’ll be problems along the way and it very much depends on the application you’re building. Essentially, it may not be the right fit and will need assessing on a case-by-case basis. Expanding on this, it can be an enabler for teams without much Native experience, ie: A group of javascript engineers could build a basic app without the expense of hiring a new team of Native engineers.

Thanks to everyone who attended. If you would like to find out more, please see our live recording of the event here.

Want to join our next event? Sign up now to stay informed

Mobile First - 5 key learnings of using React Native

Similar posts

Are you looking to build a digital capability?