React Native vs NativeScript: Top Differences

Cross-platform frameworks have become a game changer in this ever-changing world of mobile development. Through these frameworks, application developers can create mobile applications that run smoothly across various operating systems (OS) like Android and iOS using one set of codes only. Therefore, businesses can save a lot of time and resources, making it ideal for all sizes.

This in-depth analysis will explore two top contenders when it comes to cross-platform; React Native versus NativeScript. We will be looking at their main features, discuss their strengths and weaknesses, and give you enough information to choose the right framework for your next mobile project.

What is React Native?

React Native, backed by Facebook allows the introduction of native-like apps on Android and iOS platforms using JavaScript programming language. This declarative UI-oriented framework enables the developers to define how the interface should look while allowing the rendering part to be handled by the framework. Together with its extensive ecosystem of third-party libraries, hot reloading enabling instant code updates minimizes coding effort for persons already familiar with JavaScript/React languages.

Core Functionalities of React Native:

• Declaration-based UI: A declarative approach to UI is followed by React Native in which programmers only describe what they want the UI state to be and let the framework worry about rendering. This way, it makes development easier and improves code maintainability.
• Javascript Bridges: To connect JavaScript with the native code, React Native uses a JavaScript Core (iOS) or JSI (Android) runtime environment that allows developers to access device features such as camera and GPS through JavaScript APIs.
• Third-Party Libraries: The functionality of React Native can be enhanced using many third-party libraries. Developers can save time by utilizing ready-made components for user interfaces, navigation libraries, or other useful tools while developing applications.
• Hot Reloading: One of the most significant benefits of React Native is hot reloading. As a result, this development technique saves time since you cannot witness changes being made on your mobile screen.

What is NativeScript?

NativeScript, led by Progress, has a different approach. It does not compile only UI components, but the whole code base into native code unlike React Native (Java/Kotlin for Android and Swift/Objective-C for iOS). This makes it possible to achieve performance that is close to natively compiled one as well as to access all device APIs. NativeScript also supports development in Angular or Vue.js frameworks which are very popular among web developers.

Core Functionalities of NativeScript:

• Near-Native Performance: By compiling directly to native code, NativeScript applications deliver performance that closely resembles native apps. This is crucial for applications that require smooth animations, complex user interactions, or leverage device-specific functionalities.
• Full Access to Native APIs: NativeScript grants developers direct access to the full spectrum of native APIs available on each platform. This enables building feature-rich applications that integrate seamlessly with device capabilities.
• Angular or Vue.js Compatibility: With NativeScript, developers can count on compatibility with such popular frameworks like Angular and Vue.js, so they will be able to use their existing skills when creating mobile applications.
• Flexibility with Native Modules: Although JavaScript is the programming language used in building apps with NativeScript, it still allows Java/Kotlin(Android) or Swift/Objective-C(iOS) languages to be employed in developing custom native modules for features requiring direct interaction with the underlying system.

React Native vs NativeScript: Top Differences

Here are the detailed differences to consider when choosing between React Native and NativeScript for your next mobile app development project:

1. Performance

React Native:

• React Native offers good performance for most applications.
• It might experience slight performance drawbacks compared to native apps in specific scenarios, particularly for:
  • Graphically intensive applications with complex animations.
  • Applications requiring real-time responsiveness for critical user interactions.
• Relies on a JavaScript bridge for communication between the UI layer and native functionalities, which can introduce some overhead.

NativeScript:

• NativeScript delivers near-native performance due to direct compilation of the entire codebase, including UI components, to native code (Java/Kotlin for Android and Swift/Objective-C for iOS).
• Ideal for applications where smooth user experience, responsiveness, and seamless integration with device-specific features are crucial.

2. Development Speed

React Native:

• React Native is a framework that simplifies the development by using declarative UI paradigm so as to help developers in defining the desired UI state.
• The extensive third-party library ecosystem provides pre-built UI components, navigation tools, and other facilities allowing for easier development and less boilerplate code.
• Hot reloading makes it possible to view your app’s changes immediately after modifying your codes hence accelerating the process of developing iterations.
• Large and active developer community provides readily available resources and tutorials, further streamlining the learning process.

NativeScript:

• Development speed can be comparable to React Native for experienced Angular or Vue.js developers who can leverage their existing framework knowledge.
• Direct access to native APIs eliminates the need for a JavaScript bridge, potentially reducing development time for functionalities that heavily interact with native features.
• Ability to create custom native modules written in Java/Kotlin (Android) or Swift/Objective-C (iOS) provides granular control for specific functionalities, but might introduce additional development overhead.
• Smaller community compared to React Native, but still offers helpful resources and tutorials.

3. Learning Curve

React Native:

• Relatively easier learning curve for developers with a background in JavaScript and React due to its reliance on these technologies.
• Large and active community translates to ample online resources, tutorials, and forums for troubleshooting and support.

NativeScript:

• Steeper learning curve for developers unfamiliar with Angular or Vue.js, as these frameworks form the core development environment for NativeScript.
• Smaller community compared to React Native, so finding specific resources or troubleshooting support might require more effort.

4. Community & Support

React Native:

• Boasts a massive and active developer community.
• Extensive online resources, tutorials, and forums readily available for troubleshooting and support.
• Large pool of experienced React Native developers available for hire.

NativeScript:

• Smaller, but still active, developer community compared to React Native.
• Resources and tutorials might be more limited compared to React Native.
• Finding experienced NativeScript developers for hire might be more challenging.

5. Platform Support

React Native:

• Supports a wide range of platforms such as Android, iOS, macOS, Windows as well as the web (via React Native Web).
• These broad platform support allows for code sharing between different platforms which could decrease development time and maintenance efforts.

NativeScript:

• Primarily targets mobile platforms, including Android and iOS.
• Limited support for other platforms like web or desktop.
• Focus on mobile development ensures deep integration with native mobile capabilities.

6. App Size

React Native:

• App size can be slightly larger compared to NativeScript due to the presence of the JavaScript bridge and reliance on third-party libraries.
• However, optimization techniques and code-splitting strategies can help mitigate app size concerns.

NativeScript:

• Generally produces smaller app sizes due to direct compilation to native code.
• This can be beneficial for applications with limited storage space requirements.

7. Security

React Native:

• Security considerations are similar to web development practices.
• Developers need to be mindful of potential security vulnerabilities in JavaScript code and third-party libraries.

NativeScript:

• Leverages the security features of native platforms (Android and iOS).
• This can offer a potential security advantage, as native code is generally considered more secure than JavaScript.

8. Testing

React Native:

• Wide variety of testing tools available due to its connection to the React ecosystem.
• Popular options include Jest and Detox for unit and integration testing, respectively.

NativeScript:

• Offers native testing capabilities for both Android and iOS platforms.
• NativeScript integrates seamlessly with popular testing frameworks like Jasmine and Mocha, allowing developers to leverage their experience with these tools for unit and integration testing.

When to Choose React Native

• Prioritizing Development Speed: React Native’s declarative UI and vast library ecosystem accelerate development, especially for teams with JavaScript and React expertise.
• Large and Active Community: Extensive online resources, tutorials, and a massive developer pool simplify troubleshooting and finding qualified developers.
• Cross-Platform Compatibility: React Native supports a wide range of platforms beyond mobile, including web and desktop (through React Native Web), enabling broader code reusability.
• Focus on UI and User Experience: This means that React Native is best suited for applications where UI plays an important role because it produces beautiful looking user interfaces with many interactions.

When to Choose NativeScript

• Demanding Performance Requirements: NativeScript’s direct compilation to native code delivers near-native performance, ideal for graphics-intensive applications or those requiring real-time responsiveness.
• Deep Native Integration: NativeScript grants full access to native APIs, allowing for seamless integration with device-specific features and functionalities.
• Existing Angular or Vue.js Expertise: Developers familiar with these frameworks can leverage their knowledge for faster development in NativeScript.
• Smaller App Size: NativeScript applications generally have a smaller footprint compared to React Native, making them suitable for devices with limited storage.

React Native vs NativeScript – Comparison Table

Aspects	React Native	NativeScript
Language	JavaScript, React	JavaScript, TypeScript, Angular, Vue
UI Components	Uses React components (View, Text, Image, etc.)	Uses NativeScript UI components (Button, Label, etc.)
Development	Hot Reloading, Fast Refresh	LiveSync, Hot Module Replacement
Performance	Generally good, but can be slower for complex UI	Generally good, similar to native performance
Code Reusability	High, can reuse code for web with React Native Web	High, can reuse code for web with NativeScript-Vue or Angular
Community	Large community, active ecosystem	Active community, growing ecosystem
Native Access	Direct access to native APIs	Direct access to native APIs
Learning Curve	Moderate, especially if new to React	Moderate, especially if new to Angular or Vue
Tooling	Good tooling with React DevTools, Expo	Good tooling with NativeScript Sidekick
Debugging	Chrome DevTools, React Native Debugger	Chrome DevTools, NativeScript CLI
Popularity	Widely used, backed by Facebook	Growing in popularity, backed by Progress

Conclusion

Both React Native and NativeScript reign supreme. Choosing the champion for your project hinges on your specific priorities. For rapid development, extensive community support, and broad platform compatibility, React Native shines. JavaScript proficiency and a focus on UI make it a breeze to use. However, if your app demands peak performance, deep native integration, or a smaller footprint, NativeScript takes the crown. Its direct compilation and native API access cater to those seeking a truly native experience. Ultimately, the ideal framework aligns perfectly with your project’s requirements. Evaluate your needs, leverage this in-depth comparison, and embark on your mobile app development journey with the perfect cross-platform partner.