React Native vs Swift: Comparison for Building the iOS App

In this era of advanced technology, web development tools, platforms, frameworks have played a vital role in web development. With these tools and platforms, we are equipped with tested libraries to intensify the workflow that develops smooth and responsive web designs.

When it comes to equalling React Native and Swift, we must say that they are both new technologies that support the mobile app development for iOS devices. React Native is a framework for JavaScript, and Swift is a newbie programming language. Thus, choosing the right one is a tough assignment for the developers.

Now, iOS-enabled devices have become one of the most commonly used operating systems in the world. As per the report, at the end of 2017, 78 percent of US teens maintained an iPhone, and 80percent demanded iOS-based smartphone for the next time. In iOS development, a developer must study those factors that make his iOS the best.

Let’s have a look for the basic ideas about React Native and Swift.

React Native is an open-source framework that follows JavaScript and enables you to build cross-platform mobile applications. It also allows users to share the code among different platforms; including Android, iOS, and web apps; and build a mobile application with a native look and feel. With React Native, it is possible to share around 80% of the codes between the apps; this will reduce the time taken in mobile app development.

Swift is an alternate option of the Objective-C language from Apple. Swift is based on the modern programming language, renders a compact syntax to use, which is ready for your next iOS-based projects and the subsequent ecosystem. The language is currently distributed on Apache License which makes it available for the community to employ. It designs an app in such a way that they can run also on macOS, watchOS, tvOS, and surprisingly on z/OS, that is powering IBM Mainframe computers.

Why should we compare React Native and Swift?

Smartphones and their app is not only a tool/ device for calling and messaging. Smartphones are ahead of messaging and calling, which sets a connection with the user. Therefore, it should be necessary to develop an outstanding app, which is a sum of many features and fulfill the users’ requirement as well as the needs of both iPhone and Android-powered devices effectively. Building a cross-platform app with cutting edge features is a costly business. So companies are always trying to find such a software solution that will work on required platforms and accomplishing the required task. Thus, to build an effective iOS app, we need to compare both the technologies (React Native & Swift) and expand its possibilities.

Competitive Factors between React Native and Swift

User Interface

Being the iOS native language, swift apps can easily be integrated into the iOS design. But building an app with Swift is like coding a native app with scratches, which requires separately handles each element. On the other hand, React Native uses JavaScript as a power behind the apps and take advantage of the internal APIs to run native elements. Also, due to JavaScript, the React Native apps have no issues with being displayed on various screen sizes.

Application Development Time

Both React Native and Swift have almost similar development process, but the major difference is lying on the order of performing the tasks and the time required for the development. As per the studies, the fact is revealed that using React Native, the efficiencies of development of cost and time is increased by 30%.

Design Layout

React Native uses hot reloading that keeping the apps running while injecting of new versions of files at the same time. This feature helps developers who work on the UI.

Performance

Performance is one of the most considerations in mobile app development. Three factors Usage of CPU, memory allocation, and energy impact for the different tasks are responsible for app selection. React Native performs similar to Swift in CPU usage but not good in memory allocation and energy impact. React Native tends to allocate more memory as compared to Swift.

Stability

Though React Native is the prominent programming language but not producing the pure native app. To make the app work, it takes the help of APIs and libraries between the code and the platform.

On the other hand, Swift produces a pure native app.

Cost

App development with React Native is comparatively more cost-effective than Swift for mobile app development.

Community & Support

Due to the community support from Facebook and the popularity of JavaScript, React Native has huge community supports in contrast to Swift.

Documentation

React Native is supported by Facebook, and Swift came from Apple. Thus, they have a huge tech community behind them. So, both projects are well-documented and organized.

Closing Thoughts

Picking the right technology for your iOS application plays an important role in app success. Here I stated many thoughts and facts against React Native vs. Swift. Facts conclude that React Native is better than Swift, but if you want a pure native code for your iOS application, you must go for Swift. Many proficient app development companies in India are efficiently working on the React Native and Swift projects. You require to hire the best mobile app development company according to your requirements.